People v. Latham CA3

FACTS

Underlying Offense On or about October 9, 2013, John S. reported his car stolen. A California Highway Patrol officer saw defendant driving the stolen car and executed a traffic stop. During the traffic stop, defendant identified herself as Stefanie Nicole Sears (defendant’s sister). Officers found marijuana in defendant’s purse. Defendant told the officers she bought the car for $500 but could not produce a bill of sale. She also told the officers she had recently moved to California and did not yet have a California driver’s license. Defendant was taken into custody; at the county jail officers discovered her true identity. Defendant was later charged with falsely personating another person (Pen. Code, § 529, subd. (a)(3)), driving on a suspended license (Veh. Code, § 14601.2, subd. (a)), and unlawfully taking or driving a vehicle without the owner’s consent (Veh. Code, § 10851, subd. (a)). On October 30, 2013, defendant entered into an “open plea,” pursuant to which she pleaded no contest to false personation. In exchange, the People agreed to dismiss the charge of driving on a suspended license and dismiss with a Harvey waiver the charge of driving a vehicle without the…