Can a judge rely on a probation report to determine the factual basis for a finding of criminal intent?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Harvey, C081702 (Cal. App. 2017):

1. The parties stipulated the trial court could use the probation report for the factual basis. There are two supplemental probation reports contained in the record on appeal, both dated February 4, 2016. Neither contains the facts underlying the convictions. It appears from the reporter's transcript and one of the supplemental probation reports that there is at least one earlier probation report dated September 17, 2015; there is also reference to a supplemental probation report filed on January 6, 2016. Neither the September 2015 nor January 2016 probation reports are contained in the record on appeal. We contacted the trial court in an effort to obtain these reports and were advised the trial court could not find these reports or any additional references to them.

2. People v. Harvey (1979) 25 Cal.3d 754.

3. Under Lent, "A condition of probation will not be held invalid unless it '(1) has no relationship to the crime of which the offender was convicted, (2) relates to conduct which is not in itself criminal, and (3) requires or forbids conduct which is not reasonably related to future criminality . . . .' [Citation.] Conversely, a condition of probation which requires or forbids conduct which is not itself criminal is valid if that conduct is reasonably related to the crime of which the defendant was convicted or to future criminality." (People v. Lent (1975) 15 Cal.3d 481, 486.)

Other Questions


When a factual determination is challenged by an appellate court on the grounds that there is no substantial evidence to sustain it, does the appellate court have power to substitute its factual determination for that factual determination? (California, United States of America)
Does a finding that defendant harbored criminal intent separate and distinct from that of receiving stolen property constitute a separate criminal intent? (California, United States of America)
When a probation officer reports that a defendant has committed a criminal offence under a probation search warrant, does the probation officer have the authority to order an electronic search? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for determining whether there is sufficient evidence to support the specific intent prong of a finding of criminal intent? (California, United States of America)
Can a probation officer's report be used to determine the sentence of a defendant who has not received a probation report? (California, United States of America)
Does section 669 of the California Criminal Code apply to determine whether a determinate or determinate sentence should run concurrently with an indeterminate sentence? (California, United States of America)
Is a defendant entitled to an updated probation report because the probation officer mistakenly believed that he was ineligible for probation? (California, United States of America)
Is a probation condition of probation valid if it prohibits a defendant from engaging in sexual acts while on probation that is not in itself criminal? (California, United States of America)
In re-examining a finding that a probation officer's social study report prejudiced a hearing, how have the courts interpreted the social studies reports? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for a finding of intent to promote, further or assist in any criminal conduct by members of a criminal gang? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.