People v. Williams

These are two separate appeals from convictions for similar offenses which, on our own motion, we herewith consolidate. In both cases, appellant’s counsel has filed opening briefs in which he raises no issues and asks this court for an independent review of the record as required by People v. Wende (1979) 25 Cal.3d 436 [ 158 Cal.Rptr. 839 , 600 P.2d 1071 ] (Wende).

In appeal No. A079143, Solano and Contra Costa Counties narcotics officers received information that appellant and another person were manufacturing methamphetamine at the latter person’s residence in Vallejo. Police attempted to serve an outstanding warrant on the second person on March 7, 1996, at which time both appellant and he attempted to flee through the backyard. The police apprehended both and, in so doing, noted (a) that both were wearing latex gloves and (b) a strong chemical odor, which they recognized as one associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine. Both persons were arrested and a search warrant secured. Within the residence, the police found equipment and chemicals commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine as well as a small quantity of finished methamphetamine and three…