The modern-day implications of California’s 1994 “three strikes” law were highlighted in an arraignment of an elderly, wheelchair-bound man facing two new charges, demonstrating the racial disparities and outdated nature of the law.
Judge Linda Clark granted an informal deferred entry of judgment for a man facing felony and misdemeanor drug-related charges, allowing him to enter a diversion program and have his other charges dropped if he completes it.
Yolo County leaders have issued a joint statement expressing support for survivors of sexual abuse and calling for accountability in the wake of allegations against Cesar Chavez, following a New York Times investigation that revealed multiple women accusing Chavez of grooming, sexual abuse and coercion.
The Sacramento Superior Court judge denied the defense’s request for a continuance of the trial proceedings, despite the defense arguing she lacked sufficient time to prepare a mental health diversion petition for the accused.
Judge Hernandez denied a request for a public defender and set bail during an arraignment for an accused facing multiple felony charges, citing the accused’s financial information and criminal history as factors.
More than 130 members of Yolo County’s interfaith community gathered at the Woodland Mosque & Islamic Center to raise $2,342 for Joshua House, a hospice program serving unhoused individuals, in the annual Celebration of Abraham.
Judge Harry M. Dorfman granted the prosecution’s motion to consolidate two defendants into a single case, despite defense arguments that one of the accused was also an alleged victim and should be tried separately.
A Sacramento County Superior Court judge denied a motion to reduce a felony possession charge, citing the accused’s criminal history and obligations to the community.
Judge Richard E. Pacheco acknowledged the accused’s financial hardship during a court hearing and allowed the payment arrangement to remain in effect, emphasizing that the accused only has to pay as much as can be afforded.
During a racial justice hearing in Yolo County Superior Court, a law professor testified that the prosecutor used dehumanizing and racially charged language when describing the events of an alleged gang-related killing of a man, including using animal imagery and the N-word over 100 times.
Judge Whitney L. Bokosky ruled that there was sufficient evidence to hold a man for trial on felony methamphetamine possession and related charges, after a preliminary hearing at the Westminster West Justice Center.
The accused was sentenced to 60 days in jail for possession of a controlled substance and 120 days for a probation violation, with the remaining custodial time to be served in residential drug treatment once a bed becomes available.
Judge Catherine Rayhill approved a defense request to modify the conditions of an accused man’s OR release, removing a months-long alcohol monitoring requirement and adding a requirement that he attend three AA meetings per week.
The Yolo County Pride Democratic Club has endorsed Eric Jones for Congress in California’s 4th Congressional District, citing his alignment with the club’s values of LGBTQ+ equality, social justice and progressive policy priorities.
Judge Lianne M. Dumas denied a motion to reduce the felony charge to a misdemeanor, despite arguments highlighting the nonviolent nature of the accused’s past criminal history, and held the accused to answer to Count I for second-degree burglary and Count II for possession of tools with the intent to break into a vehicle.
After hearing closing arguments, a jury in Orange County Superior Court began deliberations to determine if the accused was driving while mentally impaired and with an illegal blood alcohol content.
At the preliminary hearing of Yolo County farmer and Yuba Community College District Trustee Jose L. Garcia, questions were raised about the impartiality of the investigation due to the close personal relationship between the lead investigator and a key witness, as well as the handling of funds belonging to Garcia’s mother.
Commissioner Joseph Dane sentenced several individuals to serve time for unlawful camping, while studies show that criminalizing homelessness is costly to taxpayers and fails to address the underlying causes of homelessness.
A Yolo County Superior Court judge tentatively found an accused eligible and suitable for mental health diversion despite objections from the prosecution, who cited the accused’s decade-old convictions and current allegations of combative conduct.
Judge Derek G. Johnson reduced bail for a defendant facing multiple financial-related felony charges, but questions remain about whether the accused can afford release despite the reduction.