People v. Gentry CA3

BACKGROUND

On September 12, 2019, defendant was stopped by a police officer for failing to stop at a stop sign. After learning defendant was on probation, as well as a documented gang member, the officer searched defendant’s car. The officer found a loaded handgun

1 in between the driver’s seat and center console and a pill bottle containing ammunition. Defendant was arrested and charged with unlawful firearm activity and possession of ammunition in Butte County Superior Court case No. 19CF05900 (case No. 900). On October 2, 2019, defendant pleaded no contest to both charges; he was released on his own recognizance. On November 13, 2019, while out on his own recognizance, defendant was again stopped for a traffic violation. The officer conducted a patdown search of defendant and found a fixed-blade knife, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Defendant was arrested and charged in Butte County Superior Court case No. 19CF07403 with a single felony, carrying a dirk or dagger, and two drug-related misdemeanors. The People also alleged defendant committed the felony offense while released on his own recognizance in case No. 900. On February 5, 2020, following an unsuccessful…