Martinez

People v. Martinez

Caution
19 Cal. App. 5th 853·228 Cal. Rptr. 3d 271
Court of Appeal of CaliforniaJanuary 23, 2018E066299California3,487 words

Opinion

lead Opinion

Miller, J.

*855 A jury found defendant and appellant Hector Martinez guilty of (1) driving or taking a vehicle valued at over $950, without the owner's consent ( Veh. Code, § 10851, subd. (a) ); and (2) possessing burglary tools ( Pen. Code, § 466 ). In regard to the vehicle offense, the jury found true the allegation that the crime was committed in association with a criminal street gang. ( Pen. Code, § 186.22, subd. (b)(1)(A).) The court found true the allegation that defendant suffered a prior conviction for driving or taking a vehicle without the owner's consent ( Veh. Code, § 10851, subd. (a) ). ( Pen. Code, § 666.5, subd. (a).) The trial court also found true the allegations that defendant suffered three prior convictions for which he served prison terms. ( Pen. Code, § 667.5, subd. (b).) The trial court sentenced defendant to prison for a term of eight years.

Defendant contends the gang enhancement should be reversed due to the gang *274 expert's reliance on testimonial hearsay and case-specific hearsay. The People concede the gang expert's testimony included inadmissible hearsay, but assert the errors were harmless. We reverse the judgment in part.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL…

Sign in to read the full opinion

Create a free account to read the complete opinion text, citation history, and good-law status for this case.