By Yuanqi Ivy Zhou
SACRAMENTO – A pregnant defendant charged with bodily injury, drawing a deadly weapon, and trespassing on private property, sought early release from custody to care for her two other children when she appeared here in Sacramento County Superior Court.
Judge Scott Tedman held Antoinette Rodriguez on two separate crimes—first for inflicting bodily injury and drawing a deadly weapon on her mother, and second for trespassing upon a posted property.
Rodriguez is pregnant and still holds the responsibility of caring for her two other children, she said through her attorney, Assistant Public Defender Sameera Sana Ali.
Deputy District Attorney Rona Filippini is the prosecutor and said that Rodriguez punched her mother in the lip and put her in a chokehold, preventing her from breathing. At the same time, Rodriguez threatened to stab her mother with a knife while holding one up to her chest.
Rodriguez was charged for trespassing on private property and being a burglar under California Penal Code section 602. Rodriguez was involved in a burglary at a residence with another suspect. During a round of questioning, the homeowner answered that he did know the people who broke into his home.
For the gravity of these two crimes, Filippini argued that Rodriguez’s conduct is dangerous and she should not be granted release on her own recognizance just yet. Filippini also said, “According to her mother, Rodriguez was going to kill her. Rodriguez presents a danger to both her mother and the community.”
However, Ali argued that Rodriguez should be released despite these crimes. Ali argued that Rodriguez is a 35-year-old pregnant woman living in Sacramento with her 12- and 17-year-old children, and not only does she need to take care of her own pregnant body, but she also needs to support her two children at home.
Ali noted that Rodriguez has good job prospects and has a place to stay with her ex-husband. In the future, Rodriguez vows to stay far away from her mother and live peacefully as a law-abiding citizen.
Judge Scott Tedman declared that both crimes are considered misdemeanors, and refused to release Rodriguez. The case will be heard later in June.
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