Taylor
People v. Taylor
Opinion
Opinion
This is an appeal from a judgment sentencing defendant Oliver Taylor to state prison after a jury found him guilty of possessing heroin for sale (Health & Saf. Code, § 11351).
Defendant’s contention that the trial court erred in basing its sentence in part on facts relating to him, as opposed to the crime, is rejected in light of People v. Cheatham (1979) 23 Cal.3d 829 , [ 153 Cal.Rptr. 585 , 591 P.2d 1237 ].
The argument that the court erred in aggravating defendant’s sentence in part on the basis of his arrest record is likewise rejected. Penal Code section 1170, subdivision (b), states that in determining whether aggravating or mitigating circumstances exist, the court “may” consider the record in the case and the probation officer’s report. These materials traditionally contain arrest data; thus, the statute contemplates such usage. We emphasize, however, that arrests not factually supported should be excluded from such materials (see People v. Chi Ko Wong (1976) 18 Cal.3d 698, 719 [ 135 Cal.Rptr. 392 , 557 P.2d 976 ]; § 12.5(a)(1), Standards Jud. Admin.).
Additionally, California Rules of Court, rule 408, states that criteria “reasonably related” to the decision…