People v. Sison CA5

STATEMENT OF THE CASE

On November 29, 2022, Sison was charged by felony amended complaint with vandalism of a religious facility (§ 594.3, subd. (b); count 1); vandalism causing damage in the amount of $400 or more (§ 594, subd. (b)(1); count 2); and misdemeanor defacement or property in interference with the free exercise of a constitutional right (§ 422.6, subd. (b); count 3). As to counts 1 and 2, the complaint further alleged an enhancement allegation for conduct amounting to a “hate crime” (§ 422.75, subd. (a)). On January 10, 2023,2 proceedings were suspended for purposes of a competency evaluation and determination pursuant to sections 1367 and 1368. On February 7, the trial court found Sison competent to proceed based on a sealed medical report. Sison waived his right to a preliminary hearing on February 21, after which the court bound over all charges and enhancements. The information was filed on March 1, and Sison was arraigned on March 2. On June 12, the trial court indicated it would consider imposing, in exchange for Sison’s no contest plea to all counts, a term of four years. The court agreed to provide Sison the opportunity to make sentencing arguments and to move…