People v. Sango CA5

BACKGROUND

Charges The Fresno County District Attorney charged Sango with two crimes, felony domestic violence (Pen. Code,1 § 273.5, subd. (a); Count 1) and felony assault (§ 245, subd. (a)(4); Count 2). The charges included enhancements for great bodily injury (§ 12022.7) and various prior convictions (§§ 667, subds. (b)-(i), 1170.12, subds. (a)-(d), & 667, subd. (a).) Trial Evidence The victim testified she was involved in a friendly, sometimes sexual, relationship with Sango. Late one evening, Sango arrived at the victim’s apartment. An altercation occurred and Sango “punched” the victim “in [the] face” with “full force.” She suffered a broken jaw. Sango testified and admitted striking the victim. He claimed, however, he merely “slapped” her in an attempt to “get her out [of] the way.”2 He denied hitting her forcefully. Verdict and Sentence Sango was acquitted of felony domestic violence (Count 1) and found guilty of battery3 and assault with force likely to cause bodily injury (Count 2). The jury found true the great bodily injury enhancement, and the court later found true the prior convictions. Sango was sentenced to serve 16 years in state prison.

Undesignated…