By Aria Jalan
WOODLAND, CA – Judge Catherine Hohenwarter in Yolo County Superior Court Monday denied a defense plea for the release of a forklift operator and father of four in court to be arraigned on firearm possession charges.
Despite Deputy Public Defender Danielle Craig’s argument the accused poses no threat to the community and has a stable job to provide for his family, the accused was still denied release after the prosecution argued the accused was a safety risk with access to a loaded gun.
The prosecution, Deputy District Attorney Ashley Harvey, charged the accused’s recent behavior, including resisting arrest with a loaded gun nearby, marked him as a public safety risk.
The accused, a Black man with prior convictions, was not under supervision at the time of his arrest. The defense stressed his clean record since those convictions and his need to provide for his children.
The defense requested the accused be released under supervision, highlighting his stable employment and responsibility toward his family, emphasizing “these charges are solely for possession” and that he deserved a chance to support his family.
However, DDA Harvey maintained the presence of the loaded gun and his resistance to law enforcement warranted continued detention, insisting the accused’s “actions pose a clear danger to the community and law enforcement.”
DPD Craig proposed alternatives, including supervised release without the restrictive conditions, but the court emphasized the seriousness of the charges.
The accused’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 17. The court will consider whether he can be released under supervision at that time.
