People v. Walton CA1/1

INTRODUCTION

In this case, appellate counsel made an independent review of the proceedings below and concluded the record reflects no meritorious claims for appeal. He has advised defendant of his conclusion and advised defendant he may file a supplemental brief raising issues he believes merit appellate review. Defendant has not filed any such pleadings. Pursuant to People v. Kelly (2006) 40 Cal.4th 106, 118-119, counsel asks this court to conduct an independent review of the record. We have done so and find no issues meriting further appellate consideration.

PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

On December 20, 2013 in Lake County, defendant Dow Edwin Walton entered a no contest plea to one felony count of driving under the influence (DUI) causing great bodily injury (Veh. Code, § 23153, subd. (a)) and admitted he personally inflicted great bodily injury (GBI) upon Andy Hopper (Pen. Code, § 12022.7, subd. (a)). Before entering his plea, the court admonished defendant of his maximum exposure of six years in prison. Defendant acknowledged his rights and waived them pursuant to Boykin v.

1 Alabama (1969) 395 U.S. 238 and In re Tahl (1969) 1 Cal.3d 122. His counsel stipulated there was a…