Christian

Ron Dupries Christian and Dishon Jackson appeal their convictions, following a joint jury trial, of several offenses related to the robbery of a Taco Bell restaurant. Christian’s counsel filed an opening brief in which he raised no issues and asked this court for an independent review of the record pursuant to People v. Wende (1979) 25 Cal.3d 436 [ 158 Cal.Rptr. 839 , 600 P.2d 1071 ]. Jackson contends the trial court erred in permitting the Contra Costa County Public Defender’s Office (PD) to represent codefendant Christian and the alternate defender office (ADO) to represent Jackson. According to Jackson, because both offices are under the supervision of Public Defender Charles James, they are not separate entities for conflict of interest purposes, and the joint representation of Jackson and his codefendant denied Jackson the right to conflict-free and independent counsel.

Statement of the Case and Facts

On March 10, 1994, Jackson and Christian approached the counter at a Taco Bell restaurant in Richmond, California. As Jackson ordered some food, Christian pulled a gun on Rudolfo Gomez, who was working behind the counter. Jackson demanded money from Gomez, who gave…