Is a trial court's error in omitting specific intent and knowledge element of the crime in a sexual assault case harmless?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Staten, E053566, Super.Ct.No. RIF145391 (Cal. App. 2012):

The trial court's error in omitting the specific intent and knowledge element of the crime was harmless, since "it appears 'beyond a reasonable doubt that the error complained of did not contribute to the verdict obtained.' [Citations.]" (People v. Harris (1994) 9 Cal.4th 407, 424.)

The judgment is affirmed.

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