CA Court of Appeal Opinions

S.O. v. Bonita Unified School District - Childhood Sexual Assault Claims

The California Court of Appeal reversed a lower court's decision, holding that Assembly Bill No. 218's retroactive waiver of the claim presentation requirement for childhood sexual assault claims does not violate the California Constitution. This ruling allows plaintiffs to bring claims that would otherwise be time-barred.

Fisher v. Fisher - Wrongful Death Appeal

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a judgment in a wrongful death case. The court found that the defendants' tortious conduct was the legal cause of the decedent's relapse and subsequent death, upholding jury awards totaling approximately $9.4 million plus punitive damages.

People v. Lopez - Child Molestation Sentencing Appeal

The California Court of Appeal reversed and remanded a judgment against Antonio Martinez Lopez, who was convicted of child molestation. The court found that the trial court erred by imposing an upper term sentence based on aggravating factors not stipulated to by the defendant or proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Villa v. Modica - Appeal of Employment Discharge

The California Court of Appeal reversed a trial court's decision regarding the discharge of a police detective, Salvador Villa. The appellate court directed the trial court to order the Civil Service Commission to reconsider the penalty for Villa's employment discharge based on remaining charges.

People v. Acosta - Criminal Conviction Appeal

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a judgment against Marlon Acosta, who was found guilty of multiple sexual offenses and kidnapping. Acosta appealed, raising issues of insufficient evidence, witness impeachment, admission of uncharged acts, and prosecutorial misconduct. The court found no merit in his contentions.

People v. Patterson - California Court of Appeal Opinion

The California Court of Appeal issued an opinion in People v. Patterson, concerning a murder conviction. The court reversed and remanded the case with directions, indicating a significant change in the legal status of the defendant's conviction.

People v. Adams - Criminal Threat Conviction Affirmed

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a conviction for making a criminal threat against Christopher Larry Adams. The court found that Adams forfeited his argument for reducing the felony to a misdemeanor by failing to raise it at the sentencing hearing and that the argument also failed on its merits.

People v. Velazquezhuar - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three, filed an opinion affirming a judgment against Omar Velazquezhuar, who was convicted of murdering his domestic partner. The court found no grounds for reversal regarding the admission of prior uncharged crimes evidence, jury instructions, or alleged jury coercion.

People v. Sylvester - Criminal Sentencing Appeal

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a resentencing decision in People v. Sylvester, holding that trial courts retain discretion to strike multiple sentencing enhancements. The court found no abuse of discretion in the trial court's decision not to strike additional enhancements.

People v. Fonseca - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District, filed an opinion in the case of People v. Fonseca. The defendant was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 75 years to life. The appeal addresses issues including jury instructions, prosecutorial misconduct, and evidentiary rulings.