People v. Lopez CA4/1

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

Daniel Jimenez Lopez pleaded guilty to importing over one kilogram of

methamphetamine into California (Health & Saf. Code, §§ 11379, subd. (a), 11370.4, subd. (b)(1)). As the factual basis for his plea, he acknowledged he "unlawfully imported

into this state or offered to import into this state a controlled substance, that being

methamphetamine, and its weight exceeded one kilogram." The trial court imposed a

stipulated sentence of six years in jail. The court later denied his request for a certificate

of probable cause.

DISCUSSION

Lopez appeals. His notice of appeal limits the issues on appeal to sentencing or

other matters occurring after the plea that do not affect the plea's validity (Cal. Rules of

Court, rule 8.304(b)(4)).

Appointed appellate counsel filed a brief summarizing the facts and proceedings

below. Counsel presented no argument for reversal and instead requested we

independently review the record for error as mandated by People v. Wende (1979)

Cal.3d 436, 441-442. To aid our review, counsel identified one possible issue (see

Anders v. California (1967) 386 U.S. 738, 744): whether the court correctly sentenced

Lopez…