Lopez

People v. Lopez

Good Law
242 Cal. Rptr. 3d 451·31 Cal. App. 5th 55
Court of Appeal of CaliforniaJanuary 9, 2019B282867California4,685 words

Opinion

Lead Opinion

Collins, J.

*453 *57 INTRODUCTION

While driving under the influence of alcohol, appellant Lauro Lopez made a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle, hitting and killing the rider. A *58 jury convicted appellant of second degree murder and felony hit and run driving resulting in death or serious injury.

Appellant challenges his conviction in several ways. First, he argues that the trial court erred by admitting evidence of the advisement he received after a prior conviction for driving under the influence. Second, appellant raises several claims of error related to the jury instructions. Third, he contends his conviction on both counts must be overturned due to his counsel's concession at trial that appellant committed the hit and run, coupled with the absence of affirmative evidence that he knowingly waived his constitutional trial rights. Finally, he asserts cumulative error and sentencing error.

In our previous opinion, we reversed the conviction on the hit and run charge based on appellant's argument regarding his counsel's concession. We otherwise affirmed. We then granted respondent's petition for rehearing and received additional briefing on the issue of the concession. Upon…

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.