In a motion for a new trial in a sexual assault case brought by Dimas, who is remanded on remand pending a retrial, what factors will the court consider in deciding whether to grant or deny the motion?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. DIMAS, B223795, Super. Ct. No. SA068055 (Cal. App. 2011):

Finally, we reject the People's argument that the application of a wrong standard, in the event this occurred, was harmless error. (Cf. People v. Braxton, supra, 34 Cal.4th at p. 820 [a trial court's refusal to hear a new trial motion is harmless error if the record on appeal allows the reviewing court to determine as a matter of law that the motion for new trial lacked merit or that the trial court would properly have exercised its discretion to deny the motion].) Because the trial court made comments that it had questions about the victim's testimony, we cannot say as a matter of law that the court would have, had it acted in the role of a 13 th juror, denied Dimas's new trial motion. We may not at this point express any view regarding the trial court's assessment of the victim's credibility, nor is anything in this opinion reflective of our view on whether the trial court should grant or deny the new trial motion upon remand. We hold only that the trial court must reconsider the new trial motion in light of the proper standard of review. If after such review, the trial court determines the motion for new trial should be granted, it should retry the case. If after such review the trial court determines the motion should be denied, the court should reinstate the judgment.

Page 18

Other Questions


Does a motion for a new trial have to be granted because the trial court refused to grant a motion to sever? (California, United States of America)
For the purposes of section 1108.2(1) of the California Criminal Code, is there any constitutional error in a trial court's decision to instruct the jury in a sexual assault case to consider the use of sexual assault evidence admitted under Section 1108? (California, United States of America)
What factors are considered by the trial court in granting a motion to delay the trial of a defendant? (California, United States of America)
Is there any case law where the trial court would have exercised its discretion not to award a motion for damages even if the trial judge was aware of the fact that the motion was being brought before the court? (California, United States of America)
Does a motion for a new trial have to be granted because the trial court refused to grant a motion to sever? (California, United States of America)
Does a motion for a new trial have to be granted because the trial court refused to grant a motion to sever? (California, United States of America)
In arguing that the trial court abused its power to deny a motion to sever an indecent exposure charge from a sexual assault charge, does defendant rely on Earle v Earle to argue that the motion was abused? (California, United States of America)
In a sexual assault case, how have the courts dealt with claims that the trial court abused its discretion in excluding evidence of the victim's other sexual conduct? (California, United States of America)
Does the Court of Appeal have the power to overturn a conviction for sexual assault on the grounds that the trial court improperly instructed the jury to consider the issue of venue? (California, United States of America)
What factors will a judge consider in determining whether to grant probation to a young offender who sexually assaulted his victim? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.