People v. Coronado CA2/4

INTRODUCTION

Dennis Kevin Coronado appeals from a judgment and sentence, following his convictions for oral copulation with and committing lewd acts upon a child. Appellant contends his convictions should be reversed, as he was denied his right to counsel of choice. He argues (1) that the trial court erred in denying his motion to substitute new trial counsel, which he made on the eve of trial; and (2) that the court erred in denying his motion for a new trial. For the reasons stated below, we affirm.

PROCEDURAL HISTORY

In an information filed May 1, 2012 by the Los Angeles County District Attorney, appellant was charged with three counts of forcible lewd acts upon a 1 child (Pen. Code, § 288, subd. (b)(1); counts 1, 3, & 4), and three counts of oral copulation/sexual penetration with a child under the age of 10 (§ 288.7, subd. (b); counts 2, 5, & 6). Appellant pleaded not guilty. Appellant was represented by deputy public defender Lizandro Salas at his preliminary hearing. Deputy public defender Tammy L. Landeros later became appellant’s attorney of record. On November 21, 2012, appellant orally requested new counsel pursuant to People v. Marsden (1970) 2 Cal.3d 118 (Marsden).…