Ringo

The trial court convicted defendant and appellant Cary Ringo of dissuading a witness by force or threat (Pen. Code, § 136.1, subd. (c)(1)), felon in possession of a firearm (§ 12021, subd. (a)(1)), and first degree residential burglary (§ 459). The trial court found that defendant had suffered two prior strike convictions within the meaning of section 667, subdivisions (b) through (i) and section 1170.12, subdivisions (a) through (d) and two prior serious felony convictions within the meaning of section 667, subdivision (a). The trial court also found defendant had served two prior prison terms within the meaning of section 667.5, subdivision (b). Pursuant to an agreement to limit punishment to 18 years in prison if defendant agreed to a court trial, defendant was sentenced to a prison term of 16 years, calculated by doubling the sentences for the substantive offenses under the “Three Strikes” law and imposing two 5-year enhancements for the serious felonies.

In this timely appeal, defendant contends he was denied his right to meaningful access to the courts, the trial court failed to obtain a waiver of advisory counsel’s conflict of interest, substantial evidence does…