What is the test for determining aggravating circumstances in a sexual assault case?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Alvisar, F064413 (Cal. App. 2013):

"[I]n assessing factors in aggravation or in mitigation the sentencing court not only may but must examine all of the circumstances of the crime. [Citations.] '[T]he "circumstances" the sentencing judge may look to in aggravation or in mitigation of the crime include "attendant facts," "the surroundings at the commission of an act." [Citation.] "Circumstances" include "practically everything which has a legitimate bearing" on the matter in issue. [Citations.]' [Citation.]" (People v. Blade (1991) 229 Cal.App.3d 1541, 1544.)

As this court has explained, because "[n]either section 1170 nor the California Rules of Court attempt to provide an inclusive list of aggravating circumstances ... a trial court is free to base an upper term sentence upon any aggravating circumstance that (1) the court deems significant and (2) is reasonably related to the decision being made. [Citations.]" (People v. Moberly (2009) 176 Cal.App.4th 1191, 1196.) In this respect, "'[t]he essence of "aggravation" relates to the effect of a particular fact in making the offense distinctively worse than the ordinary.' [Citation.]" (People v. Rodriguez (1993) 21 Cal.App.4th 232, 241; accord, People v. Black (2007) 41 Cal.4th 799, 817.)

Other Questions


What is the relevant case law regarding allegations of sexual assault made against appellant in a sexual assault case? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for determining whether there is an aggravating circumstance in a sexual assault case? (California, United States of America)
Does the fact that a greater number of aggravating than mitigating circumstances may be established in aggravating circumstances determine whether a lower term is justified? (California, United States of America)
In a motor vehicle accident case, in what circumstances will a jury consider whether there is an aggravating or mitigating circumstance in determining which of the two most serious penalties apply? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for admitting prior sexual assault evidence in a sexual assault case? (California, United States of America)
In a sexual assault case, is it possible for a defendant to sexually assault two women by touching their genitals? (California, United States of America)
How have the cases of two separate sexual assault cases been determined to be cross-admissible under section 1101 of the Criminal Code? (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)
Does the term "substantial" in the definition of an aggravating circumstance in a murder case apply to determine whether the accused has a history of serious assaultive criminal convictions? (California, United States of America)
Is there any reason to exclude evidence of sexual assault prior to the trial of defendant in his sexual assault case? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.