What is the basis for a conviction under section 654 of the California Criminal Code where a jury found a defendant guilty of two separate crimes, one of which was unlawful threat to kill, and the other of the crimes involved separate acts?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Trimino, F075988 (Cal. App. 2019):

On the question of whether the crimes involved separate acts, we note that it is unclear which unlawful threat the jury based its verdict on as to count 3. None of the charging documents, jury instructions, prosecutor's argument, or verdict forms indicates the basis for the conviction. However, where there are multiple bases on which the jury could find a defendant guilty of a specific crime, the trial court may impose punishment without knowing, for purposes of section 654, which particular basis or bases jurors agreed upon. (People v. McCoy (2012) 208 Cal.App.4th 1333, 1340.) "[I]n the absence of some circumstance 'foreclosing' its sentencing discretion ..., a trial court may base its discretion under section 654 on any of the facts that are in evidence at trial, without regard to the verdicts." (Ibid.) Indeed, the trial court "may even rely on facts underlying verdicts of acquittal in making sentencing choices." (Ibid.)

Other Questions


Can a self-represented defendant be found guilty of a criminal act against a criminal defendant under section 352 of the California Criminal Code? (California, United States of America)
Can a defendant be found to have committed a single physical act for purposes of section 654 of the California Criminal Code, Section 215 of the Code of Civil Procedure, Section 422 of the Criminal Code for carjacking? (California, United States of America)
Does a convicted felon who has completed his sentence for a conviction for a felonies conviction under Proposition 47 of the California Criminal Code, who would have been convicted of a misdemeanor under this act if this act had not been in effect? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for Section 654 of the California Criminal Code when a defendant is found guilty of a breach of section 654 or section 744 of the Code of Civil Procedure? (California, United States of America)
Can a defendant who commits the crime of grand theft auto in violation of section 487, subdivision (d) of section 666.5 of the California Criminal Code, be convicted of the crime? (California, United States of America)
What is the effect of Section 969a of the California Criminal Code when a jury has found a defendant not guilty of a charge of assault but found him guilty of the same charge? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for an enhancement to a conviction under section 186.22(b)(1) of the California Criminal Code when a defendant is convicted of a criminal street crime committed for the benefit of a street gang? (California, United States of America)
When a convicted criminal has completed his sentence for a conviction for a crime committed under section 1170.18, subdivision (f) of the California Criminal Code, can the conviction be reduced to a misdemeanor? (California, United States of America)
Does section 27 of the California Criminal Code, section 778a, subdivision (a)(1) of the Criminal Code of California apply to a defendant who is charged with a charge of conspiracy to commit a crime committed outside of the state? (California, United States of America)
When a defendant is charged with a crime or public offense under section 15 of the California Criminal Code, can he be found guilty of a crime committed at any time? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.