People v. Wesson CA5

STATEMENT OF THE CASE

On March 8, 2022, an information was filed in Kern County Superior Court charging Wesson with felony arson (§ 451, subd. (d); count 1); felony possession or use of a flammable or combustible substance (§ 453, subd. (a); count 2); misdemeanor failure to register as an arson offender (§ 457.1; count 3); and misdemeanor resisting a peace officer (§ 148, subd. (a)(1); count 4). It was alleged in counts 1 and 2 that Wesson had previously suffered a serious felony conviction within the meaning of section 667, subdivisions (c)-(j) and section 1170.12, subdivisions (a) through (e). It was alleged in count 1 that Wesson had previously suffered an arson conviction within the meaning of section 451.1, subdivision (a)(1). It was also alleged in count 1 that Wesson had previously suffered a serious felony conviction within the meaning of section 667, subdivision (a). He pleaded not guilty to the charges and denied the allegations on March 14, 2022. On March 1, 2023, Wesson exercised his right to represent himself at trial. Wesson’s jury trial commenced on August 17, 2023. During trial, Wesson called no witnesses and chose not to testify on his own behalf. At the outset…