Court Watch: Unjust Bench Warrant Amount Set for Transient Defendant
A defendant failed to appear on a charge of arson of property belonging to another and a $30,000 bench warrant was issued for his return to court on July 17, 2025.
Court Watch: Despite Praise for Recovery Efforts, Accused Ordered to Serve Full 90-Day Program
An accused who was charged after a high-speed police chase and alleged robbery was commended for his progress in a 90-day court-mandated residential treatment center, but was ultimately ordered to complete the full term.
Court Watch: Judge Denies Bail for Man Charged with Domestic Violence and Drug Offenses
A man was charged with domestic violence, drug possession, and other offenses in San Francisco Superior Court and was ordered back to jail by Judge Gerardo Sandoval, despite the man’s emotional plea to be released due to illness.
Court Watch: Judge Spares Accused a Life Sentence in Santa Clara
The accused was sentenced to 16 years in state prison for his role in a fatal DUI crash, with no life sentence due to his expression of remorse and youth at the time of the offense.
Court Watch: Judge Denies Motion to Downgrade Felony Theft Charge Despite Weak Evidence
The accused in a felony theft case was denied a motion to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor due to a lack of evidence and the fact that the offense is often charged as a misdemeanor.
Court Watch: Man Claims No Intent to Harm the Victim – He Just Wanted to Protect His Sister
WOODLAND, CA – In a preliminary hearing presided over by Judge Sonia Cortés, the judge reviewed a…
Court Watch: San Francisco Court Grapples with Cultural Dialect Translation Challenges
A man missed his preliminary hearing in San Francisco Superior Court due to a lack of proper translation services, and the court decided to continue the matter, with the next hearing scheduled for July 23, 2025.
Court Watch: Victim’s Inability to Identify Suspect Raises Doubts in San Francisco Case
A 6-foot-4 Black street performer was arraigned in San Francisco Superior Court for allegedly committing a first-degree robbery, despite the victim not being able to identify the perpetrator, due to surveillance footage and investigative findings.
COURT WATCH: Homeless San Francisco Man Given Stay-Away Order for Attempting to Use Hotel Bathroom
A homeless San Francisco man was given a five-month diversion period after being accused of trespassing in a Hilton hotel, with the condition that he must avoid new arrests and stay out of the hotel.
Court Watch: San Francisco Court Reduces Assault Charges from Felony to Misdemeanor
Judge Simon Frankel approved a motion to reduce the charges of a young man accused of assault with a deadly weapon from felony to misdemeanor, citing his understanding of the seriousness of the situation, compliance with pretrial release conditions, strong community ties, and willingness to make amends.
Court Watch: Judge Denies Defense’s Pitchess Motion for Officer’s Records
Judge Sonia Cortes of the Yolo County Superior Court denied a request by Privately Appointed Defense Attorney Melody Yasuda for a Pitchess motion to access Officer Hawkinson’s personnel records, citing the officer’s limited role in the investigation and the defense’s lack of documentation.
Court Watch: Man Held for Two Years Awaiting Trial in San Francisco Armed Auto Burglary Case
A man accused of armed auto burglary has been held in San Francisco County Jail for over two years, awaiting trial, with his jury trial scheduled for July 14, 2025.
Court Watch: Transient Defendant Denied ACM Program, Kept in Custody with $25,000 Bail
Judge Kenneth Wine denied the defense motion to refer the defendant to ACM, instead setting bail at $25,000 and keeping the defendant in custody until their preliminary hearing on August 19, 2025.
Court Watch: Judge Rules to Proceed with Auto Theft Case Despite Lack of Eyewitness
The accused was found with a stolen vehicle key fob and methamphetamine, but was not seen driving the vehicle, and the judge ruled that there was sufficient evidence for him to be held on both charges.
Court Watch: Stolen Property Sentencing Continued; Unjust Bench Warrant
A judge in San Francisco Superior Court denied a request to release a man convicted of felony possession of stolen property, increased his level of supervision, and continued the hearing to July 3, 2025.
COURT WATCH: Unclear DNA Evidence Leaves Man in Custody After Mass Police Sweep at Jefferson Park
On Feb. 26, 2025, the San Francisco Police Department conducted a mass operation in Jefferson Square Park, detaining approximately 70 people for loitering, and the accused was charged with possession of narcotics after a preliminary hearing on July 1, 2025.
Court Watch: Officers’ Inconsistent Testimony Raises Doubts in DUI Trial
A man was arrested for driving under the influence after being pulled over by California Highway Patrol Officer Jonathan Briggs, who admitted to being flustered and confused in his testimony, and failed to inform the driver that participation in field sobriety tests was voluntary.
Court Watch: Unhoused Woman Gets Chance for Diversion in San Francisco Court Case
San Francisco County Superior Court Judge Brian J. Stretch granted misdemeanor diversion to a 29-year-old woman accused of breaking into a vacant apartment, despite objections from the Deputy District Attorney, citing her criminal history.
Court Watch: Judge Remands Accused Grieving Death in His Family, Takes Him into Custody
A man was ordered into custody after violating the terms of his supervised release program and failing to check in with pretrial services, despite his claim that he was grieving the loss of his brother and needed to support his diabetic mother.
Court Watch: San Francisco Man to Attend NA Classes in $20 Grocery Theft Case
A San Francisco man was granted a two-month diversion period, including a stay-away order from a local Whole Foods and attendance at Narcotics Anonymous classes, after pleading not guilty to petty theft and possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia.