By Caleb Silver
WOODLAND, CA – A homeless accused in Yolo County Superior Court this week was facing going back to jail for violating parole despite the defense argument the accused is unhoused and had communication troubles that made it difficult for him to attend probation meetings.
The court ultimately agreed with the defense, and did not send the accused to jail.
The accused is facing prior felony charges of organized retail theft.
The prehearing conference matters were originally scheduled for May 29, but were moved back several times to this week because the accused was sick and the prosecution had a missing witness.
Judge Sonia Cortés began Thursday morning’s hearing by listening to the prosecution who argued the accused be put in county jail for violation of parole.
Deputy Public Defender Courtney Leavitt then argued the accused was unhoused, and insisted the accused should receive a little acknowledgement for showing up to all of their court dates despite his living and economic situation.
The prosecution and the probation officer in the case remained in steady opposition regardless of DPD Leavitt’s arguments, and insisted the unhoused still violated probation and should receive the necessary consequences.
DPD Leavitt said the accused’s living situation is problematic, stating the accused doesn’t have reliable service to call or even a reliable cell phone.
DPD Leavitt added, “He (the accused) often calls me from different numbers” using it as an example of both the accused’s non stable environment and his attempts to still follow protocol regardless.
Judge Cortés ruled the accused will not go back into custody, but must report to the probation office right after the day’s hearing.
