CA Court of Appeal Opinions

People v. Valencia - California Court of Appeal Opinion

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a conviction for murder and other felonies in People v. Valencia. The court held that exigent circumstances justified the warrantless entry into the defendant's apartment and that police did not need to seek a warrant once inside. The court also ordered sentencing errors to be corrected on remand.

Lahar v. Jaiswal - Malicious Prosecution Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three, affirmed a lower court's denial of anti-SLAPP motions in the case of Lahar v. Jaiswal. The court also denied a motion for sanctions.

Kuigoua v. Sacks - Appeal of Order Denying Motion to Set Aside Dismissal

The California Court of Appeal affirmed an order denying a motion to set aside the dismissal of a case. The appellant alleged extrinsic fraud and lack of attorney authority regarding a settlement and dismissal filed by his previous attorney.

Shariapanahi v. City of Los Angeles - Negligence and Dangerous Condition

The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, affirmed a lower court's judgment in favor of the City of Los Angeles in a case involving a pedestrian accident. The court found no triable issues of material fact regarding the City's liability for design immunity, duty to light a crosswalk, or failure to warn of a dangerous condition.

People v. Rodriguez - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Six, affirmed the judgment against Crystal Cortes Rodriguez. The defendant pleaded guilty to felony and misdemeanor charges related to theft, identity theft, forgery, and battery. The court found no arguable issues on appeal.

People v. Rodriguez - Criminal Sentencing Appeal

The California Court of Appeal filed an opinion in the case of People v. Rodriguez on March 9, 2026. This appeal concerns the resentencing of defendant Angel Michael Rodriguez following a prior habeas corpus petition that led to the striking of certain enhancements based on a prior conviction. The court affirmed the resulting judgment after directing a mathematical correction to the calculation of credits.

People v. Green - Sentencing Appeal

The California Court of Appeal reviewed an order recalling a defendant's sentence and holding a resentencing hearing. The court affirmed the trial court's decision to dismiss a prior prison term enhancement but otherwise decline further sentence reduction, addressing the defendant's request to represent himself.

People v. Paez - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal modified a criminal judgment, striking a condition that allowed warrantless searches of electronic devices as invalid under People v. Lent. The court upheld other probation conditions, including mandatory participation in a sex offender treatment program.

People v. Rufo - Murder Conviction Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District, filed an opinion in the case of People v. Rufo. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder and a firearm enhancement, but the enhancement was dismissed in the interest of justice. The appellate court affirmed the judgment.

In re L.C. - Parental Rights Termination Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District, filed an opinion in the case In re L.C. on March 6, 2026. The court affirmed the juvenile court's order terminating mother K.M.'s parental rights, finding no abuse of discretion in denying her petition to reinstate reunification services.