People v. Williams

Appellant Thomas R. Williams was found guilty of receiving stolen property and sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 25 years to life under the “Three Strikes” law. We reverse the sentence and remand the matter for further consideration under People v. Superior Court (Romero) (1996) 13 Cal.4th 497 [ 53 Cal.Rptr.2d 789 , 917 P.2d 628 ], and affirm the judgment in all other respects.

Relevant Procedural Background

On October 14,1994, a one-count information was filed against appellant Thomas R. Williams, charging him with robbery, a violation of Penal Code section 211. The information alleged that appellant had been convicted of two prior burglaries within the meaning of section 667. It further alleged that appellant had been sentenced for these and two other convictions of burglary, as well as two convictions of receiving stolen property, within the meaning of section 667.5, subdivision (b). Appellant pleaded not guilty and denied the prior conviction allegations.

Trial by jury commenced on February 2, 1995. The main witnesses were two children, Jermaine and Jasmine Stanley. On February 10, 1995, the trial court declared a mistrial after the jury was unable to reach a…