NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — An Orange County Superior Court judge granted a continuance Monday after an accused man failed to appear for a scheduled pretrial hearing at the Harbor Justice Center because he was reportedly hospitalized with heart problems.
Judge Derek G. Johnson approved the defense’s request to postpone the hearing until Nov. 30 after the accused’s attorney informed the court that she had received a telephone call from his mother earlier that morning explaining his absence.
The accused faces charges stemming from an alleged driving incident involving drugs and injuries. According to court records, he pleaded not guilty in September 2025 to driving under the influence of drugs causing injury and driving with a suspended or revoked license.
He also denied a great bodily injury enhancement allegation. Court records additionally referenced an allegation involving refusal to submit to chemical testing.
The accused’s defense attorney appeared on his behalf under California Penal Code Section 977, which permits attorneys to represent defendants at certain proceedings without requiring their personal appearance, subject to applicable legal requirements.
During the hearing, the attorney explained that the accused’s mother had contacted her that morning to report that her son was experiencing heart problems and had been hospitalized.
The attorney acknowledged that she had not yet received written medical documentation confirming the hospitalization.
Despite the absence of written verification, the defense requested that the hearing be continued to allow the accused an opportunity to recover and attend a future court appearance.
Johnson granted the request and rescheduled the pretrial hearing for Nov. 30.
The accused’s reported medical emergency illustrates how unexpected health problems can affect scheduled court appearances, requiring judges to balance the need to move cases forward with circumstances that may prevent defendants from attending.
The court did not make any findings about the accused’s medical condition during the hearing, and no additional details about the reported hospitalization were provided.
The case is scheduled to return to Orange County Superior Court on Nov. 30.
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