People v. Bisel CA5

Filed 8/10/16 P. v. Bisel CA5

NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL REPORTS
California Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for
publication or ordered published, except as specified by rule 8.1115(b). This opinion has not been certified for publication
or ordered published for purposes of rule 8.1115.

IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT

THE PEOPLE,
F069380
Plaintiff and Respondent,
(Fresno Super. Ct. No. F12905849)
v.

GREGORY EUGENE BISEL, OPINION
Defendant and Appellant.

APPEAL from a judgment of the Superior Court of Fresno County. James
Petrucelli, Judge.
Jennifer A. Mannix, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Defendant and
Appellant.
Kamala D. Harris, Attorney General, Gerald A. Engler, Chief Assistant Attorney
General, Michael P. Farrell, Assistant Attorney General, Carlos A. Martinez and Kari
Ricci Mueller, Deputy Attorneys General, for Plaintiff and Respondent.
-ooOoo-
INTRODUCTION
Appellant/defendant Gregory Eugene Bisel, a registered sex offender with two
prior convictions, was charged and convicted of two counts of annoying or molesting two
boys under the age of 18 years, based on two separate incidents: 16-year-old A.G. in July
2012 (count II) and 14-year-old T.H. in August 2012 (count I). (Pen. Code, § 647.6,
subd. (c)(2).)1 He was sentenced to the second strike term of 15 years 8 months.
On appeal, defendant argues the court abused its discretion when it denied his
motion for a mistrial based on a discovery violation, when the investigating officer
revealed at trial that he recorded his interview with A.G., the victim in count II, and he
failed to previously disclose its existence or turn it over to either the prosecution or
defense. After the disclosure, the recording was immediately turned over to the defense,
but defendant argued the belated disclosure was prejudicial. Defendant also argues the
court abused its discretion when it denied his motion at the sentencing hearing to
represent himself pursuant to Faretta v. California (1975) 422 U.S. 806 (Faretta). We
affirm.
FACTS
At trial, it was stipulated that on January 23, 1997, defendant was convicted of
committing a lewd act on D. a child under the age of 14 years (§ 288, subd. (a)); and
annoying or molesting S., a child under the age of 18 years (§ 647.6). At the time of the
offenses in this case, defendant was on parole, he was a registered sex offender, and he
knew he was restricted from being with anyone under the age of 18 years.
Defendant and A.G. at the Apartment Complex (Count II)
On July 4, 2012, Lidia Dominguez lived in the same apartment complex as
defendant. She knew he was a registered sex offender. On that day, Dominquez saw
defendant take a boy into his apartment. Dominquez believed the boy was about 12 years
old. The boy was smoking, and defendant was carrying a bag with beverages.
Dominquez reported the observation to the apartment manager. The apartment manager
called the police department.

1 All further statutory citations are to the Penal Code unless otherwise indicated.

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 On July 5, 2012, Fresno Police Officer Jose Jauregui received an email about
defendant being involved in a suspicious incident. Jauregui and Detective Shawn Bishop
responded to the apartment complex and contacted the manager. They knocked on
defendant’s apartment door, but no one answered.
As they waited at the apartment, Detective Bishop saw defendant drive into the
complex with a boy in his car. The officers went to the carport and approached
defendant’s parked car. The officers asked defendant to get out of the car and escorted
him away from the boy, later identified as 16-year-old, A.G.
Officer Jauregui asked defendant about the boy. Defendant shouted, “[H]e’s my
nephew, he’s my nephew.” Jauregui asked defendant to identify the boy’s parents.
Defendant did not immediately respond. He then gave a woman’s name and said she
lived in Mendota. Jauregui asked defendant about his relationship with the boy.
Defendant said the boy was only visiting, and he was not staying with him.
Officer Jauregui testified defendant appeared to have been drinking. He had
bloodshot, watery eyes, and there was the odor of alcohol on his breath. Jauregui tried to
ask more questions, but defendant became uncooperative and would not answer.
Officer Jauregui interviewed A.G. at the scene, and advised him that a concerned
citizen had seen them together the previous day. He wanted to make sure A.G. was
okay.2 Jauregui testified A.G. was quiet, upset, embarrassed, and reluctant to answer any
questions. A.G. told Jauregui that he met defendant two months earlier while he was

2 As we will discuss in issue I, post, Officer Jauregui revealed for the first time
during his trial testimony that he tape-recorded his interview with A.G.; neither the
prosecutor nor defense counsel knew about or had been given the recording prior to trial.
Jauregui provided the recording to both parties that same day. Defense counsel
subsequently used the tape to impeach portions of Jauregui’s previous testimony about
the length and certain portions of the interview. Defense counsel later moved for a
mistrial because of the discovery violation. The court denied the mistrial motion but
instructed the jury about the discovery violation. On appeal, defendant argues the court
abused its discretion when it denied the mistrial motion.

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hanging out in front of a drug store. They became friends and were together about 10
times. They went to lunch and drove around on these occasions.
Officer Jauregui testified that A.G. said defendant brought him to his apartment
the previous day, July 4, 2012. They had been driving around, and defendant said he
needed to do his laundry. A.G. said they were just “kicking back” that day and nothing
sexual happened. However, A.G. also said that defendant tried to touch his crotch area.
A.G. hit his hand away. A.G. said defendant offered money so he could touch him. A.G.
told defendant he would take the money, but defendant could not touch him anywhere
because he didn’t “roll the dice like that.”
Officer Jauregui testified he asked A.G. what they were doing just before the
officers contacted them at the apartment’s carport. A.G. said he had been trying to get to
his mother’s house in Mendota. He was hanging out on the street and saw defendant,
who offered him a ride. A.G. got into the car, and defendant said he had to stop at his
house first to do some chores.
A.G.’s Trial Testimony
At trial, A.G. testified he was living at a group home when he met defendant. He
was hanging out with friends at a drug store when defendant drove in the parking lot.
Defendant said his name was “Gary.” A.G. testified he did not know defendant’s real
first name was “Gregory.” Defendant asked A.G. to get in his car. A.G. testified he
could not remember if he got into defendant’s car that day. A.G. testified defendant
bought him food. A.G. went to defendant’s apartment “at the most” twice.
A.G. testified that on July 5, 2012, he was hanging around the same drug store.
Defendant drove by and they talked. A.G. said he wanted to get to his mother’s house in
Mendota and he had missed the bus. Defendant offered to drive him to Mendota and
A.G. accepted. Defendant said he had to stop by his apartment first and do the laundry.
A.G. got into the car. A.G. testified he saw defendant drinking Bud Light beer in the car.
He thought defendant was drunk because he could not handle the steering wheel.

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 A.G. testified that as defendant pulled into his apartment complex, defendant tried
to touch A.G.’s crotch over his clothes. A.G. testified he “whacked his hand away.”
Defendant offered money to A.G. He believed defendant offered him money for sex:
“… I was told by everyone I know that nobody just offers you money just for the heck of
it.” A.G. refused the money and told defendant, “ ‘That’s not how I roll the dice when I
go to the casino.’ ” A.G. wanted defendant to know that he liked girls.
A.G. testified the police stopped defendant’s car shortly after defendant tried to
touch him. Defendant told A.G. to say that he was defendant’s 18-year-old nephew.
When defendant talked to the police, he falsely claimed he was A.G.’s uncle. Defendant
called out to A.G., “ ‘Tell them that you’re my 18-year-old nephew.’ ”
A.G. testified he spoke to the officers at the apartment complex and gave a
statement. He told the police that defendant was lying about being his uncle. A.G.
learned defendant’s true name, and that he was a registered sex offender.
A.G. testified defendant offered money to him on more than one occasion. These
offers occurred when A.G. was in defendant’s car, but A.G. could not remember when
the incidents happened. A.G. testified defendant offered him money to “do some kind of
sexual actions and I said, ‘No, but I’ll take your money, though.’ ”
Defendant and T.H. at the Mall (Count I)
The second incident charged against defendant occurred on August 5, 2012, at
Sierra Vista Mall in Clovis. Tanya Romero (Romero) was working at “Hot Dog On A
Stick,” a fast food restaurant at the mall. She had been in the back of the store and
returned to the front counter to take a customer’s order.
Defendant was the customer who was waiting at the counter.3 Romero testified
defendant asked her what she had been doing. Romero said she had been working in the

3 The record reflects that defendant was not taken into custody during the
investigation into the incident with A.G. on July 5, 2012.

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back. Defendant asked Romero if she had been smoking crack. Romero testified
defendant was rude and very strange. He seemed very angry and he made her
uncomfortable. Romero thought defendant could have been drunk or intoxicated based
on his movements, because he did not seem completely aware of everything.
Romero did not reply to defendant’s question about drugs and took his order.
Defendant bought a hot dog and sat at a table in front of the restaurant.
Around the same time, 14-year-old T.H. arrived at the mall. T.H. sat at a table in
front of “Hot Dot On a Stick” and waited to meet some friends.
T.H. testified defendant moved from his table and sat at T.H.’s table. Defendant
asked T.H. if he wanted to be his friend. T.H. testified he did not know defendant and
thought he might be mentally unstable. T.H. replied, “[S]ure,” because he did not want to
be rude.
T.H. testified defendant got up from the table. Defendant told T.H.: “ ‘Come on,
let’s go.’ ” T.H. refused and said he was waiting for his friends. T.H. testified he was
uncomfortable with defendant, and afraid that he wanted to kidnap or sexually assault
him. T.H. testified defendant became flustered and angry when T.H. refused to go with
him. Defendant again sat down at T.H.’s table and asked him, “Well, do you not want to
be with me?” T.H. said, “ ‘It’s not that I don’t want to be with you. It’s that I’m waiting
for my friends.’ ” Defendant replied, “Well, then, what the f[**]k?”
T.H. testified defendant calmed down. Defendant produced a pen and paper, and
asked T.H. for his name and telephone number. T.H. wrote down a fake name and
number, and identified himself as “Lucas.” Defendant took the paper and left.
Romero, the restaurant employee, had watched the encounter between defendant
and T.H. Romero was concerned that defendant was talking to a young boy, and believed
T.H. looked very uncomfortable. Romero testified defendant had been rude to her, but he
acted “sort of too nice” to T.H. Romero called mall security while defendant was still
talking to T.H. After defendant left, Romero told T.H. that she had seen the incident and

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called security. Romero testified the mall’s security guards followed defendant as he left
the area.
Clovis Police Officer Dave Roseno responded to the call from the mall’s security
guards about a suspicious older male talking to a young male. The security guards
advised dispatch about defendant’s location in the parking lot. Roseno followed their
directions and contacted defendant in the parking lot.
Officer Roseno testified defendant smelled like alcohol and acted incoherent, but
he was not under the influence. Defendant was belligerent and refused to answer
Roseno’s questions. Defendant acted like he had a hard time pulling out his
identification from his pocket. Roseno believed defendant “was playing some sort of
game with me.” Roseno placed defendant in handcuffs and in his patrol car for safety
reasons.
Officer Roseno went into the mall and spoke with T.H. Roseno then returned to
the parking lot and searched defendant’s car. He found one empty 24-ounce can of Bud
Light, and two closed Bud Lights, which were cold to the touch. A roll of industrial-
strength packing tape was in the trunk. Roseno searched defendant and found the paper
with the name “Lucas” and a telephone number.
Officer Roseno asked defendant about Lucas and what happened in the mall.
Defendant said he did not know what Roseno was talking about. Defendant denied that
anything inappropriate happened inside the mall.
DEFENDANT’S TRIAL TESTIMONY
A.G. (Count II)
Defendant testified he did not engage in any inappropriate conduct with T.H. or
A.G. He described A.G. as “a local urchin” who sat at the street corner, wore ragged
clothes, asked for change, and said he was hungry. Defendant gave him a few dollars for
food. Defendant regularly saw A.G. at the same corner. He seemed like “a pretty nice

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kid.” Defendant took him to fast food restaurants, and A.G. thought “I was Daddy
Warbucks.”
Defendant testified he took A.G. with him on errands because A.G. wanted to
spend time with him. Defendant took A.G. to his apartment twice when he had to do
chores. There was no sexual activity between them. Defendant testified he was not
sexually attracted to A.G., and he never tried to grab A.G.’s body in any way. Defendant
never offered money for sex and only gave him money for food.
Defendant testified that on July 5, 2012, he was driving by A.G.’s regular corner
and A.G. flagged him down. A.G. said he needed a ride to Mendota. Defendant agreed
to take him to another bus stop where he could get on the right bus. Defendant first went
to his apartment to do the laundry, and the police were there.
Defendant admitted that he falsely told the police that A.G. was his 18-year-old
nephew. He made the statement in a loud voice so A.G. would hear him. Defendant
knew he was on parole “for a nonsexual crime,” and he was restricted from being with
anyone under the age of 18 years. A.G. had told defendant that he was 16 years old.
Defendant admitted it was not smart for him to hang out with a teenager, and he was
worried his parole agent would find out.
T.H. (Count I)
Defendant also testified about the mall incident with T.H. He went to the mall to
see a movie by himself. He had been drinking beer that day. He went to the hot dog
stand to get something to eat, but the employee was not there. He was annoyed that he
had to wait. When the clerk finally appeared at the counter, defendant asked if she had
been smoking pot because he knew of an incident where the staff had done that at another
fast food restaurant. Defendant testified he might have acted a little “authoritarian” when
he spoke to the clerk, and he wanted to “harass her, as an authoritarian with fast-food
experience” because he used to work at fast food restaurants.

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 Defendant testified he noticed a teenage boy, later identified as T.H., who was
sitting at a nearby table. He did not know T.H. but described him as “probably a local
mall rat.” T.H. was looking at the female restaurant clerk. Defendant thought T.H. might
have a crush on her. Defendant testified he decided to talk to T.H. because defendant
was “gregarious” and “a busybody sometimes.” Defendant intended to “find out about
what’s the deal with this girl … who won’t wait on her customers, what’s her attitude all
about and all that.”
Defendant testified he sat down with T.H. and was surprised that the boy looked
sad. Defendant asked him about the restaurant clerk. Defendant admitted he was
intoxicated at the time. Defendant denied having any sexual interest in T.H. He might
have asked T.H. if he wanted to be his friend. He did not ask T.H. to leave with him.
Defendant asked for the boy’s telephone number because he thought T.H. wanted to talk
to someone. Defendant wanted to help him because “I’m a big helper.” Defendant gave
him a card and a pen. T.H. wrote something and gave the card back to him. Defendant
told T.H. that he might call him sometime.
Defendant testified he walked away and did not know that he was being followed
by mall security. He felt intoxicated. He went into the parking lot and walked around,
and the police stopped him.
Defendant testified he did not exercise very good judgment on both occasions with
T.H. and A.G. because he had consumed alcohol, which resulted in poor decision
making. Defendant admitted he did not learn his lesson between the two incidents on
July 5, and August 5, 2012.
Defendant’s Prior Convictions
Defendant testified he had prior convictions in 1997 that were the result of plea
bargains and not a jury trial. Defendant admitted both victims in the prior convictions
were teenage boys, but he denied having any sexual interest in teenage boys. Defendant

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also admitted that he intended to “help” one of the teenage victims in the prior case, and
he was convicted of committing a sexual act against him.
Defendant admitted that as part of one prior conviction, he was accused of lying in
bed, under the covers with a young boy, while rubbing his back with his pants down. He
was also accused of touching a young boy’s penis and rubbing his buttocks. Defendant
denied committing such acts but admitted he entered into a plea bargain for the charges.
Defendant admitted he wrote a “love” letter to a 16-year-old boy in 1994, and said
that he loved the boy more than he loved himself. Defendant denied having a romantic
relationship with the boy, and claimed he “loved” him as part of loving the boy’s entire
family.
Charges, Verdict, and Sentence
On August 5, 2012, defendant was arrested after the incident at the mall.
Defendant remained in custody for the entirety of the proceedings. Deputy Public
Defender Scott Baly was appointed to represent defendant.
On May 23, 2013, defendant made a motion pursuant to People v. Marsden (1970)
2 Cal.3d 118 (Marsden) to discharge Mr. Baly, but subsequently withdrew the motion.4
On July 9, 2013, the court granted defendant’s motion to represent himself pursuant to
Faretta, immediately prior to the preliminary hearing. On February 18, 2014, defendant
requested reappointment of counsel. The court granted the motion and Mr. Baly resumed
representation of defendant throughout the remainder of the criminal proceedings.
On April 1, 2014, defendant’s jury trial began. On April 10, 2014, defendant was
convicted as charged of counts I and II, annoying or molesting a child under the age of 18
with two prior felony convictions based on, respectively, the encounters with T.H. and

4We will extensively discuss the procedural history of defendant’s Marsden and
Faretta motions in issue II, post.

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A.G. The court found the prior conviction allegations true, that he had one prior strike
conviction and served two prior prison terms.
On May 9, 2014, defendant was sentenced to an aggregate term of 15 years 8
months: for count I, the second strike upper term of 12 years; for count II, a consecutive
term of two years eight months (double one-third the midterm), plus one year for a prior
prison term enhancement.
DISCUSSION
I. Denial of Defendant’s Motion for Mistrial
As set forth above, Officer Jauregui testified on direct examination about his
interview with A.G. at defendant’s apartment complex. On cross-examination, Jauregui
revealed for the first time that he had recorded his interview with A.G.; he failed to
mention the recording in his report; he failed to turn it over to the prosecutor; and he still
had the recording in his possession. Neither the prosecutor nor defense counsel knew
about the recording. Jauregui provided the recording to the parties later that day.
Defense counsel later used the recording to impeach portions of Jauregui’s previous
testimony about A.G.’s statements. Defendant subsequently moved for a mistrial and
argued he did not have sufficient time to prepare a transcript that he could have used for
impeachment. The court denied the motion but instructed the jury about the belated
discovery.
On appeal, defendant contends the court abused its discretion when it denied his
motion for mistrial because of the discovery violation. Defendant argues the belated
disclosure of the recording violated his federal due process rights to a fair trial, present a
defense, and confront and cross-examine both Officer Jauregui and A.G. about the
charges against him. Defendant acknowledges that the recording was provided to his
attorney in the midst of trial, but asserts the discovery violation was prejudicial because
counsel did not have sufficient time to have the interview transcribed and play the
recording to the jury.

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 As we will explain, the court did not abuse its discretion when it denied
defendant’s motion for mistrial because the belated disclosure did not result in prejudice.
A. Discovery
We begin with the People’s “constitutional and [] statutory duty to disclose
information to the defense. [Citations.] The constitutional duty arises under the due
process clause of the United States Constitution and requires the prosecution to disclose
any material evidence exculpatory of the defendant irrespective of the good faith or bad
faith of the prosecutor. [Citations.]” (People v. Bowles (2011) 198 Cal.App.4th 318, 325
(Bowles), citing Brady v. Maryland (1963) 373 U.S. 83, 87 (Brady).)5
“There are three components of a Brady violation: (1) the evidence must be
favorable to the accused, meaning it is exculpatory, or impeaching; (2) the evidence must
have been willfully or inadvertently suppressed by the State; and (3) prejudice must have
ensued because the evidence was material to the issue of guilt and innocence of the
accused by establishing a reasonable probability of a different result. [Citation.]”
(Bowles, supra, 198 Cal.App.4th at p. 325.)
“The duty of disclosure exists regardless of good or bad faith, and regardless of
whether the defense has requested the materials. [Citations.] The obligation is not
limited to evidence the prosecutor’s office itself actually knows or possesses, but includes
‘evidence known to the others acting on the government’s behalf in the case, including
the police.’ [Citation.]” (People v. Zambrano (2007) 41 Cal.4th 1082, 1132,
disapproved on other grounds by People v. Doolin (2009) 45 Cal.4th 390.)
“The California statutory discovery scheme (§ 1054 et seq.) requires that the
prosecution disclose specified information to the defense, including any ‘exculpatory

5 The People contend that defendant has not argued that the belated disclosure of
the tape violated Brady. On appeal, however, defendant has renewed the argument he
made at trial, that the belated disclosure violated both his federal due process rights to a
fair trial and to present a defense, and the statutory reciprocal discovery provisions.

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evidence,’ …. [Citations.] Absent good cause, such evidence must be disclosed at least
30 days prior to trial, or immediately if discovered or obtained within 30 days of trial.
[Citation.]” (Bowles, supra, 198 Cal.App.4th at p. 325.) Exculpatory evidence for
purposes of the statute includes significant impeachment evidence. (People v. Zambrano,
supra, 41 Cal.4th at p. 1164.)
The statutory duty to disclose extends to information “if it is in the possession of
the prosecuting attorney or if the prosecuting attorney knows it to be in the possession of
the investigating agencies.” (§ 1054.1.) This has been interpreted to mean that materials
not literally in the prosecution’s hands but “ ‘reasonably accessible’ ” through
investigating agencies must be produced. (In re Littlefield (1993) 5 Cal.4th 122, 135.)
“Section 1054.1 concisely lists six specific items that the prosecution must disclose to the
defendant or his or her attorney, and, consistent with the stated purposes of discovery
provisions of [section 1054 et seq.], the prosecution has a duty to inquire in order to
satisfy these requirements.” (People v. Little (1997) 59 Cal.App.4th 426, 432–433.) One
of these statutorily-defined items includes “[r]elevant written or recorded statements of
witnesses or reports of the statements of witnesses whom the prosecutor intends to call at
the trial ….” (§ 1054.1, subd. (f), italics added.)
“The trial court has broad discretion to fashion a remedy in the event of a
discovery abuse to ensure that the defendant receives a fair trial. [Citation.] The trial
court may enforce the discovery statutes by ordering ‘immediate disclosure, contempt
proceedings, delaying or prohibiting the testimony of a witness or the presentation of real
evidence, continuance of the matter, or any other lawful order.’ [Citation.] If these
sanctions have been exhausted, the trial court may also prohibit the testimony of a
witness. [Citation.] Finally, if required to do so by the Constitution of the United States,
the trial court can dismiss a charge. [Citation.]” (Bowles, supra, 198 Cal.App.4th at
pp. 325–326.)

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 A ruling on a motion for mistrial is reviewed for an abuse of discretion, as is the
determination of what, if any, remedy is required for a discovery violation. (People v.
Ayala (2000) 23 Cal.4th 225, 282; People v. Wimberly (1992) 5 Cal.App.4th 773, 792.)
With these standards in mind, we turn to the procedural background of the belated
disclosure of Officer Jauregui’s tape-recorded interview with A.G., defense counsel’s use
of that recording during trial, and defendant’s motion for mistrial.
B. A.G.’s Trial Testimony
On April 1, 2014, defendant’s jury trial began. He was represented by Mr. Baly, a
deputy public defender.
On April 3, 2014, A.G. testified as a prosecution witness, as set forth above. The
prosecutor asked A.G. on direct examination if he made certain statements to the police
about the details of his visits to defendant’s apartment. A.G. said he did not recall what
he told the police about his prior visits to the apartment.
On cross-examination, defense counsel asked A.G. if he read over police reports
before he testified to refresh his recollection. A.G. said no. Defense counsel asked A.G.
if he “read anything out in the hall.” A.G. said: “A little bit, but I don’t remember it. It’s
just mainly what was in my head that I had told you – told him actually [referring to the
prosecutor].” On further cross-examination, A.G. testified the district attorney’s
investigator had shown him a piece of paper before he testified “about the police report
and about all the details and stuff like that.”
Defense counsel asked A.G. for details about when defendant offered him money
for sex. A.G. said he could barely remember what happened because “my brain is like
cloudy sometimes. I can’t remember all the things at once. I try to, but I can’t.” Defense
counsel asked A.G. if he had a problem with his memory. A.G. said he sometimes
thought so, and “[t]hat’s why I had to look over that paper real quick, but it helped a little
bit, but like it just comes in pieces, though, because the way I was looking at it it just
came late some of it and some of it came early to my head.”

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 Defense counsel asked A.G. how much of his testimony was based on his memory
as opposed to what he read “on paper” in the hallway that morning. A.G. said
“[p]robably like half of it. But just because … that I don’t remember it, though, doesn’t
mean it didn’t happen.”
A.G. was excused subject to recall.
C. Officer Jauregui Testifies About the Recording
On Friday, April 4, 2014, Officer Jauregui testified as a prosecution witness about
his investigation into defendant’s contact with A.G. Jauregui testified he interviewed
A.G. at defendant’s apartment complex, and the interview lasted 40 to 45 minutes.
During cross-examination, Officer Jauregui again testified he spoke to A.G. for
about 45 minutes. Jauregui also revealed for the first time that he tape-recorded his
interview with A.G.

“[DEFENSE COUNSEL]: Where in your report did you document
that you tape-recorded the interview with [A.G.]?

“A. I did not, sir.

“Q. Do you have that tape-recording?

“A. I believe I still do. [¶] … [¶]

“Q. When you take a recorded statement from a minor in a sexual assault
case, do you typically book the interview recorded into evidence.

“A. I believe so, yes.

“Q. In your interview in this case, did you book it into evidence?

“A. I don’t recall, sir.

“Q. Do you know where it is?

“A. What, the recording?

“Q. Yes.

“A. I believe I still have it, yes.”

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 Officer Jauregui testified the tape recording was in his office.
The court had a side-bar conference with the parties, and then continued with
another witness. After that, the court released the jury for the weekend.
D. Discussions About the Recording
After the jury was excused, the court asked the parties to address Officer
Jauregui’s revelation about the recording of his interview with A.G. Mr. Baly, defense
counsel, said the tape recording was newly discovered evidence. He wanted to listen to
the tape recording and then he would make certain motions. The court agreed and called
a recess until Monday morning.
It is undisputed by the parties that Officer Jauregui retrieved the tape recording of
A.G.’s interview that Friday afternoon, and it was provided to both the prosecution and
defense.
E. Cross-Examination of Officer Jauregui About the Recording
On Monday morning, April 7, 2014, the court reconvened and defense counsel
recalled Officer Jauregui to the stand.
Defense counsel asked Officer Jauregui about what happened on Friday afternoon
after he disclosed the existence of the tape recording of A.G.’s interview. Jauregui
testified the prosecutor and defense counsel asked him to go to his office and get it.
Jauregui drove to his office and determined the recording was “on an audio recorder,” a
small portable device that was in his desk drawer. The interview was saved as a file. He
plugged the recorder into the computer and retrieved the recording of the interview. He
provided the audio recorder to the prosecutor’s investigator, who produced CDs of the
recorded interview for both parties.
Defense counsel did not play the recorded interview in the jury’s presence.
Instead, he asked Officer Jauregui to listen to certain portions of the interview with
headphones, and then questioned Jauregui about conflicts between his previous trial
testimony and A.G.’s recorded statements.

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 Officer Jauregui testified he did not tell A.G. that he was recording the interview.
Defense counsel reminded Jauregui that he previously testified that his interview with
A.G. lasted 45 minutes. Jauregui conceded the tape recording of the interview was only
15 minutes, and he had mistakenly given a round approximation. Jauregui agreed that he
previously testified that A.G. said he only knew defendant as “Gary.” The recorded
interview revealed that A.G. said “he knew [defendant] as Gary but his name was
Gregory but he should be called Gary,” and this statement was not in his report.
Defense counsel asked Officer Jauregui if he repeatedly asked A.G. whether he
was a runaway from a group home. Jauregui testified A.G. said he was on a permitted
leave, and Jauregui told A.G. that he would find out the truth if he was a runaway.
Jauregui could not recall if A.G. was frightened, or if Jauregui told A.G. that he was “no
rookie cop,” and he was going to call his mother. Defense counsel asked Jauregui to
listen to another portion of the taped interview through his headphones. After listening,
Jauregui agreed that he told A.G. that he was not a rookie cop, and that he had been
around for a while.
Officer Jauregui testified he asked A.G. if defendant asked him to do anything,
and if he touched A.G. A.G. initially said no. Defense counsel asked Jauregui if A.G.
became emotional, and if he asked to search A.G.’s backpack. Jauregui said he could not
remember. Defense counsel asked Jauregui to listen to another portion of the recording
on his headphones. After doing so, Jauregui testified he asked A.G. to show him what
was in his backpack, and A.G. opened it for him. Jauregui also testified A.G. was tearing
up and emotional while he looked through the backpack.
Defense counsel asked Officer Jauregui if A.G. wanted to know whether “he” was
going to jail. Jauregui testified his interpretation of A.G.’s question was that A.G. asked
if defendant was going to jail, and Jauregui told him not to worry about that.
In response to further cross-examination about the recording, Officer Jauregui
testified that at the end of the recorded interview, A.G. said defendant tried to touch his

17.
private area, and he slapped his hand away. Jauregui asked A.G. how it happened. A.G.
said he could not remember, but he slapped defendant’s hand away. A.G. said defendant
bought him food, but did not give him alcohol or drugs.
Officer Jauregui was excused subject to recall. The prosecution continued with its
witnesses about the mall incident with T.H.
Officer Jauregui’s tape-recorded interview with A.G. was not played for the jury
or marked for evidence.
F. Motion for Mistrial
After the prosecution rested, defense counsel moved for a mistrial based on the
late discovery and disclosure of Officer Jauregui’s recorded interview with A.G. Defense
counsel complained the recording should have been booked into evidence and provided
to the defense during the initial discovery period. Defense counsel reminded the court
that he initially represented defendant until the court granted defendant’s Faretta motion.
Defense counsel further stated that defendant made an informal motion for discovery
when he represented himself. When Mr. Baly was reappointed to represent defendant, he
sent an e-mail to the prosecution to ensure he had received all discovery. He did not
receive the tape recording. Instead, the recording was “secreted and hidden from
counsel” where it could not be found, and it was not mentioned in Jauregui’s report.
Defense counsel argued the prosecution’s failure to turn over the recording
violated defendant’s rights to due process, equal protection and a fair trial. The delayed
discovery lasted for over one year, and included the period where defendant represented
himself while in custody. The belated disclosure of the recording was prejudicial and a
mistrial should be granted.
The prosecutor conceded there was an obligation to turn over the recording, but
stated that he did not learn about the existence of the recording until Officer Jauregui
testified, which was the same time that defense counsel heard about it. The prosecutor
confirmed that defense counsel sent an e-mail for informal discovery on March 26, 2014,

18.
just before trial started, and the tape recording was turned over on April 4, 2014. The
prosecutor argued sanctions could not be imposed unless a 15-day period had been
violated after a formal discovery motion. The prosecutor also argued the defense had the
weekend to review the tape recording, and the interview was incriminating against
defendant.
Defense counsel replied the delayed discovery was prejudicial because there were
inconsistencies between Officer Jauregui’s report and the recording, and there was no
time to prepare a transcript. Defense counsel argued:

“Without the benefit of a specific transcript, we’ve tried to
accommodate refreshing [Officer Jauregui’s] memory by the use of
headphones in the courtroom during cross-examination.

“Also, taking a substantial break where the officer listened to the
entire interview again to refresh his memory is not as good as having a
transcript. A transcript for a 15-minute interview is not easy to produce.
Normally the Rules of Court would require that the transcript be provided
weeks before trial to be shared and agreed upon between parties before the
trial.

“There are disagreements of the statements made in this recording
that are left only to be the disagreement of opinion as to whether or not
[A.G.] made certain statements. And under the circumstances, that’s the
best I can do.

“This statement should have been provided early on. It should have
been identified in the police report. It should have been booked into
evidence, which would have been the appropriate departmental procedure
to follow. I don’t think there’s any denial of that. I don’t think there’s any
question that it’s inappropriate for an officer to record a statement of a
witness and then not to book it, instead to keep it in his desk drawer where,
at the last minute in trial, he comes up with it at the last minute.

“This has made defending [defendant], as it relates to the statement,
more difficult. And that’s the prejudice that I think exists in this case.”

19.
 G. The Court’s Denial of the Motion for Mistrial
The court accepted defendant’s representation that he made an informal discovery
request when he represented himself. The court rejected the prosecutor’s statement that
sanctions could not be imposed without a formal discovery motion.
The court found there was no prosecutorial misconduct and agreed that the
prosecutor and defense counsel learned about the tape recording for the first time when
Officer Jauregui testified the previous Friday: “I think the look on [the prosecutor’s] face
was probably as shocking as the look on [defense counsel’s] face,” when Jauregui
testified about the recording.6
The court denied defendant’s motion for mistrial:

“This was a police officer error, an oversight. No different than
officers that generally will destroy their notes after they’ve made their
report, this officer probably forgot to destroy the tape. I don’t know that
anybody asked him specifically previously; he certainly didn’t volunteer it
or check it into evidence. And everything [defense counsel] said is correct.
Absolutely everything was correct. It should have been booked into
evidence. I think because it was an oversight, and not only wasn’t booked
into evidence but probably forgotten about on the recorder because there
was some problems recovering it, I think that that’s why it was never told
to the People. And clearly from the testimony that I received, I wasn’t even
sure that this officer knew if he still had it or not, and as it turned out,
apparently with some effort, it could be recovered somewhat.

“With regard to the evidence, clearly the law states that the motion
should be granted only if there is prejudice, first of all, and that that
prejudice cannot be cured by instruction or by jury admonition. [People v.
Jenkins (2000) 22 Cal.4th 900, 985.]

“I don’t see the prejudice. While there is [sic] some inconsistencies
– and certainly as pointed out by the People, I gave [defense counsel] about
as much time as the Court could or felt necessary. It was a short interview.

6On appeal, defendant has not raised any claims of prosecutorial misconduct or
challenged the trial court’s finding that the prosecutor did not know about the recording’s
existence until Officer Jauregui revealed the information during his testimony. (See, e.g.,
People v. Gatlin (1989) 209 Cal.App.3d 31, 38.)

20.
 And while I certainly recognize that everybody is understaffed, there
certainly was time, if the decision was to be made, to have it transcribed
over the weekend.

“But more importantly, I think that there’s very little prejudice
which attaches to that late discovery evidence. But in an abundance of
caution, the only sanction that I will impose is that the Court will, in its
own discretion, give [CALCRIM No.] 306, untimely disclosure of
evidence. I think that that’s appropriate. And the Court will include that in
the jury instructions, but that will be the only sanction.”
The court found the instruction was “more than sufficient to cure any perceived
prejudice, because I don’t see the prejudice involved, but any perceived prejudice that the
jury may determine. [T]he instruction is to evaluate the weight and significance of any
evidence and consider the effect, if any, on the late disclosure. So I think that would be
appropriate pursuant to the case law.”
H. The Cautionary Instruction
During the instructional phase, the court gave CALCRIM No. 306 regarding the
discovery violation:

“Both the People and the defense must disclose their evidence to the other
side before trial within the time limits set by law. Failure to follow this rule
may deny the other side the chance to produce all relevant evidence to
counter opposing evidence or to receive a fair trial. The attorney for the
People failed to disclose the audio recording of [A.G.’s] statement within
the legal time period. In evaluating the weight and significance of that
evidence, you may consider the effect, if any, on the late disclosure.”
I. Analysis
Defendant contends the court abused its discretion when it denied his motion for
mistrial because the belated disclosure of the recording violated Brady and section
1054.1, et seq. Defendant acknowledges that the recording was provided to his attorney
in the midst of trial, but asserts the discovery violation was prejudicial because the
recording would have impeached the trial testimony of Officer Jauregui and A.G.
Defendant argues he did not have sufficient time to have the interview transcribed, reach

21.
an agreement with the prosecutor on a corrected transcript, and play all or portion of the
recording to the jury.
Evidence tending to impeach the credibility of a prosecution witness may be
deemed favorable to the defense under Brady, but defendant has the burden to show
prejudice from late discovery. (People v. Ashraf (2007) 151 Cal.App.4th 1205, 1214;
People v. Gatlin, supra, 209 Cal.App.3d at p. 38.) The late disclosure must be “so
serious that there is a reasonable probability that the suppressed evidence would have
produced a different verdict.” (Strickler v. Greene (1999) 527 U.S. 263, 281–282; People
v. Salazar (2005) 35 Cal.4th 1031, 1043.)
Defendant has failed to show prejudice. First, it is undisputed that defendant
received a copy of the recording on Friday, April 4, 2014, just hours after Officer
Jauregui revealed its existence during his trial testimony. This satisfied the statutory
requirement of “immediate disclosure of materials that become known during trial.
[Citations.]” (People v. Verdugo (2010) 50 Cal.4th 263, 287.) In addition, under Brady
“evidence that is presented at trial is not considered suppressed, regardless of whether or
not it had previously been disclosed during discovery. [Citations.]” (People v. Morrison
(2004) 34 Cal.4th 698, 715.) Defense counsel used the recording when the court
reconvened on Monday, April 7, 2014, to extensively impeach Jauregui’s prior testimony
by having him listen to the recording through headphones, and eliciting his admissions
that he had misstated certain aspects of A.G.’s statement.
Despite conducting a lengthy cross-examination of Officer Jauregui, defense
counsel moved for a mistrial that day. He complained that he did not have sufficient time
over the weekend to obtain a transcript, as a prerequisite for playing the entire recording
to the jury. Defendant repeats this argument on appeal. However, there is no evidence
defendant tried to have the 15-minute recording transcribed over the weekend. While
counsel said it was difficult to have a transcription prepared in a short period of time,
there is no evidence that he attempted to start the process on Friday afternoon or Monday

22.
morning. Defense counsel made the motion for mistrial on Monday, but he never asked
for a continuance to obtain a transcription.
Defendant also complains that the belated disclosure of the recording occurred
after A.G. testified and thus prevented him from impeaching A.G. with prior inconsistent
statements. He fails to note that A.G. was excused subject to recall. There is no evidence
defendant attempted to recall A.G., that he asked for continuance to locate A.G., or that
he was unable to do so.
As for the recording itself, defendant never made an offer of proof to the court that
the recording contained any exculpatory evidence, or additional impeachment evidence
aside from the portions used to cross-examine Officer Jauregui. While defendant
complained he lacked sufficient time to obtain a transcript over the weekend, he could
have used the nearly 30-day period between the verdict and the sentencing hearing to
obtain a transcript as the basis for a new trial motion, which might have demonstrated
whether the entirety of the recording aided the defense case.
In the absence of such a transcript or offer of proof, we are left to speculate as to
the contents of the recording, and whether it contained any additional material that would
have further assisted in the cross-examination of Officer Jauregui or undermined A.G.’s
accusations against defendant. “[M]ere speculation that there might have been something
useful for impeachment purposes … is not sufficient to demonstrate a Brady violation.
[Citation.]” (People v. Ashraf, supra, 151 Cal.App.4th at p. 1214, italics in original.)
A motion for mistrial “supposes error plus incurable prejudice.” (People v. Gatlin,
supra, 209 Cal.App.3d at p. 38.) A motion based on a discovery violation should be
granted only when a party’s chances of receiving a fair trial have been irreparably
damaged. (People v. Ayala, supra, 23 Cal.4th at p. 283.) “It is defendant’s burden to
show that the failure to timely comply with any discovery order is prejudicial, and that a
continuance would not have cured the harm. [Citation.]” (People v. Pinholster (1992) 1
Cal.4th 865, 941.)

23.
 While the officer’s late disclosure was unfortunate and inexcusable, we conclude
that defendant has failed to meet this burden, and the belated disclosure of the recording
was not prejudicial under the circumstances and did not undermine the reliability of the
proceedings. Defense counsel ably used the recording to cross-examine Officer Jauregui,
who admitted there were inconsistencies between his prior testimony and the recorded
interview. The jury was well aware of inconsistencies in A.G.’s statements based on his
own trial testimony. However, there is no evidence that the recording contained any
exculpatory evidence, or evidence that would have further impeached the testimony of
Jauregui and A.G. about the charged offense in count II. Defendant did not request a
continuance to recall A.G. as a witness, make an offer of proof as to the contents of the
recording, or obtain a transcript of the 15-minute interview to preserve appellate review.
II. Denial of Faretta Motion at Sentencing Hearing
Just before the preliminary hearing, the superior court granted defendant’s motion
to represent himself pursuant to Faretta. Defendant later requested reappointment of
counsel prior to trial. At the beginning of the sentencing hearing, defendant again
requested to represent himself. The court denied the motion and found his request was
made to delay and/or disrupt the proceedings.
Defendant contends the court committed reversible error when it denied his
postverdict Faretta motion to represent himself at the sentencing hearing. Defendant
claims he was ready to represent himself at the hearing, and there is no evidence that he
made the motion to delay or disrupt the proceedings.
We review the lengthy procedural history of this case, which refutes defendant’s
contentions. The record shows that defendant’s previous Marsden and Faretta motions,
and his disruptive conduct, support the trial court’s denial of his postverdict Faretta
motion.

24.
 A. Faretta Motions
We begin with the applicable legal principles. “A trial court must grant a
defendant’s request for self-representation if the defendant knowingly and intelligently
makes an unequivocal and timely request after having been apprised of its dangers.
[Citations.]” (People v. Valdez (2004) 32 Cal.4th 73, 97–98.) A motion for self-
representation at sentencing must be made within a reasonable time prior to the
commencement of the sentencing hearing. (People v. Mayfield (1997) 14 Cal.4th 668,
810, reversed on other grounds in People v. Scott (2015) 61 Cal.4th 363, 390, fn. 2;
People v. Miller (2007) 153 Cal.App.4th 1015, 1024.) The erroneous denial of a timely
and unequivocal Faretta request is reversible error per se. (People v. Valdez, supra, 32
Cal.4th at p. 98.)
However, Faretta and later cases “have made clear that the right of self-
representation is not absolute. [Citations.]” (Indiana v. Edwards (2008) 554 U.S. 164,
171.) A Faretta motion may be denied “if the defendant is not competent to represent
himself [citation], is disruptive in the courtroom or engages in misconduct outside the
courtroom that ‘seriously threatens the core integrity of the trial’ [citations], or the motion
is made for purpose of delay [citation].” (People v. Lynch (2010) 50 Cal.4th 693, 722,
abrogated on other grounds by People v. McKinnon (2011) 52 Cal.4th 610, 636–643.)
A Faretta motion “made in passing anger or frustration, an ambivalent motion, or
one made for the purpose of delay or to frustrate the orderly administration of justice” is
not unequivocal and may be denied. (People v. Marshall (1997) 15 Cal.4th 1, 23.) The
“court possesses much discretion” to decide “whether a defendant is and will remain so
disruptive, obstreperous, disobedient, disrespectful or obstructionist in his or her actions
or words as to preclude the exercise of the right to self-representation.” (People v. Welch
(1999) 20 Cal.4th 701, 735.) The court’s exercise of discretion will not be disturbed in
the absence of a clear abuse. (Ibid.)

25.
 B. Appointment of the Public Defender
On August 5, 2012, defendant was arrested and booked into jail after the incident
at the mall. His bail was set at $145,000. On August 7, 2012, the felony complaint was
filed. On August 8, 2012, defendant appeared with the public defender and pleaded not
guilty. Deputy Public Defender Scott Baly represented defendant.
On May 9, 2013, Mr. Baly filed a motion to reduce defendant’s bail.
C. First Marsden Motion
On May 23, 2013, Judge Sarkisian convened the scheduled preliminary hearing.
Defendant appeared with Mr. Baly, who said defendant wanted to make a Marsden
motion.
1. Marsden Hearing
At the Marsden hearing, defendant extensively complained that Mr. Baly refused
to subpoena witnesses and conduct a full evidentiary hearing at the preliminary hearing.
Defendant also complained that his previous public defender tried to force him to accept
a plea bargain of eight years for “talking to a Corn Dog On A Stick girl.” Defendant also
said that he heard Mr. Baly “is the best that is available frankly.” Defendant demanded
that the court conduct the bail reduction hearing immediately.
The court explained to defendant that it was hearing his Marsden motion and not
the bail reduction motion. The court also explained that if it granted his Marsden motion,
it would relieve Mr. Baly and appoint another public defender. Defendant said he would
withdraw his Marsden motion if that was the case.
2. Continuance of Preliminary Hearing
After the Marsden hearing, the court advised the prosecutor that defendant
withdrew his Marsden motion. The court asked the prosecutor to call his first witness for
the preliminary hearing. Defendant interrupted and said he was not feeling well because
he suffered a fall at the jail the previous day. Mr. Baly confirmed that defendant had
suffered an injury. Defendant wanted the court to conduct the bail reduction hearing first,

26.
and he was willing to waive time to continue the preliminary hearing. The prosecutor
objected because the witnesses had been subpoenaed.
The court asked the parties to confer, and they agreed to continue both the bail
reduction and preliminary hearings. Defendant again interrupted and asked the court to
conduct the bail reduction hearing immediately.
The court decided to transfer the bail reduction hearing to another department and
continued both hearings.
D. First Faretta Motion
On July 9, 2013, Judge Ellison convened the preliminary hearing. At the
beginning of the hearing, defendant requested to discharge Mr. Baly and represent
himself pursuant to Faretta. Defendant filled out the Faretta questionnaire. The court
conducted a hearing, granted the Faretta motion, and relieved Mr. Baly.
E. The Preliminary Hearing
Also on July 9, 2013, immediately after it granted defendant’s Faretta motion, the
court turned to the matter of the preliminary hearing. Defendant said he was prepared to
represent himself at the preliminary hearing that day. As the court addressed evidentiary
matters, defendant repeatedly interrupted and demanded to subpoena witnesses. The
court denied the request.
Thereafter, the court conducted the preliminary hearing. As Officer Rosano
testified about the mall incident with T.H., defendant interrupted and said he was being
“[s]teamrolled” and forced to proceed without any rights. The court reminded defendant
that he said he was ready to proceed. Defendant said he assumed his attorney had made
certain preparations based on his earlier requests to subpoena witnesses for a full
evidentiary preliminary hearing. The court directed defendant to stop interrupting and
continued with the hearing.
As the witness testified, defendant again interrupted and complained “this is not
Joseph Stalin’s Russia. This is over.” The court replied: “[U]nder the circumstances

27.
here, I think I have no choice really but to revoke [defendant’s] right to represent himself.
I know that’s somewhat problematic since we’ve begun this preliminary hearing, and
they have the witnesses here. [¶] Do you want to attempt to see if we can get Mr. Baly
over here to complete the preliminary examination?” The prosecutor said he could try,
but also requested to continue the preliminary hearing.
The court decided to continue the hearing and allow defendant to represent
himself, despite his behavior.

“You can just stay there and be quiet. I’ll let you ask questions once
counsel is finished if you want to. If you don’t, you don’t have to. But
we’re going ahead since the witness is on the stand, and we are in the midst
of this preliminary hearing. And I have no reason to believe that Mr. Baly
is available right now to conduct the preliminary hearing, which he was
prepared to do … as you well know.”
Defendant said Mr. Baly was not prepared. The court advised defendant that it
would conduct the hearing in defendant’s absence if he continued to disrupt the
proceedings. The court stated:

“I would prefer not to because I prefer you to have an opportunity to ask
this officer questions. The Court is acceding to that understanding that you
have chosen to be your own lawyer here, and you’re entitled to ask him
questions. If you want to forego that and continue to behave in this fashion,
we’ll do the preliminary hearing without you, sir. That’s your choice.
You’ll be making it, not me. [¶] So if you’d like to ask questions of this
officer when [Mr. Lacy] is done, I’ll let [you do] that and stay and behave
appropriately. If not, I’ll have you removed.”
After hearing the witnesses, the court held defendant to answer.
F. Pretrial Motions
On July 12, 2013, the information was filed. On July 24, 2013, defendant pleaded
not guilty; he continued to represent himself.

28.
 On September 19, 2013, defendant filed a motion to reduce bail, and for
production of transcripts and discovery.7 Defendant asserted he had not received any
discovery from Mr. Baly. Defendant complained the public defender’s office “love[d]
the thrill of trial” and failed to perform the hard work required to represent clients.
Defendant also complained that the public defender’s office failed to defend his interests
when he was charged and convicted of the previous offenses.
On October 3, 2013, Judge Fain granted defendant’s motion for transcripts of
previous hearings, and denied his motion to reduce bail; defendant remained in custody
for the entirety of the proceedings. The court granted defendant’s motion to continue the
trial date. The trial date was subsequently continued again at defendant’s request.
On January 23, 2014, Judge Gaab convened a settlement conference and trial
confirmation hearing. The court asked defendant if he was prepared to start trial on
February 3, 2014. Defendant said the state had raised “roadblocks” which made it
impossible for him to go to trial. Defendant moved to dismiss his case because the
“state” had denied his due process rights and interfered with his ability to hire an outside
investigator. The court denied his motion to dismiss.
The court advised defendant that he had two choices: to declare he was prepared
for trial or ask for a continuance, and the court would grant one more continuance.
Defendant replied that the court was going to “muzzle” him and he was not “a complete
idiot.” Defendant said he was not going to “sit there in jail” where “people are dying of
H1N1 flu virus.”
The court confirmed the trial date since defendant did not ask for a continuance.
Defendant said his due process rights were being violated, revoked his general time
waiver, and asked for a new investigator and a new paralegal.

7As noted in issue I, post, defendant’s discovery request did not result in
disclosure of the recording of A.G.’s interview.

29.
 At this point, the reporter’s transcript states that “defendant was removed from the
courtroom.” Defendant said: “Stop it. Let me have my stuff.” The hearing ended.
G. Reappointment of Counsel
On February 18, 2014, defendant’s trial was scheduled to begin before Judge
Petrucelli. Defendant still represented himself. The court and the prosecutor discussed
whether an amended information was going to be filed to correct certain dates.
Defendant objected to the use of “inflammatory capitalization and repetition of these
charges” in the information.
The court explained the jury would not see the charging document. Defendant
interrupted the court and complained the prosecutor had called him a liar at a previous
hearing. The court told defendant to stop and advised him of “the ground rules” of
representing himself. The court would ensure his constitutional rights were observed, but
it would not tolerate any disruptions in front of the jury.
Defendant complained that his court-appointed investigator and paralegal had not
done anything to prepare his case, the prosecutor was going to unfairly introduce
evidence about his prior convictions, he did not timely receive discovery from Mr. Baly,
and his previous motions for discovery and other matters had been ignored by other
judges. Defendant also asked for the media to investigate alleged corruption by the
sheriff’s department in controlling which investigators would help defendants who
represented themselves.
The prosecutor believed defendant was trying to delay the trial. The prosecutor
explained that defendant had been fully advised of the perils of representing himself; he
had received timely and complete discovery; refuted defendant’s due process assertions;
and explained defendant made the same claims in the midst of the preliminary hearing in
an attempt to disrupt the proceeding.

30.
 The court noted defendant had previously said he would be ready for trial on that
date and found no grounds to grant another continuance. The court said it would begin
jury selection.
Defendant interrupted and said he was making a motion for reappointment of
counsel. The court took the motion under advisement and called for a recess. After the
recess, the court asked defendant to clarify whether he wanted counsel to represent him,
or advisory standby counsel to assist him. The court said it would try to determine if Mr.
Baly was still available to represent him, if that was agreeable to defendant, because he
was familiar with the case and a very competent attorney.
Defendant agreed Mr. Baly was a very capable attorney, and said he would be
“very much in better hands, certainly, with Mr. Baly as my attorney in trial.” Defendant
said he wanted to have Mr. Baly represent him again. The prosecutor objected and said
defendant was just trying to “work the system” and delay the trial.
The court acknowledged that another continuance would be prejudicial to the
witnesses, but it recognized defendant’s constitutional right to counsel. The court
intended to contact the public defender’s office to determine if Mr. Baly was available.
The court reminded defendant that his case was going to time out, and asked whether he
would waive time. Defendant said yes.
After another brief recess, the court advised the parties that Mr. Baly was present
and agreed to resume representation of defendant. The court and the parties agreed on a
continued trial date, and defendant entered a general time waiver.
H. First Day of Trial; Second Marsden Motion
On April 1, 2014, defendant’s jury trial was set to begin before Judge Petrucelli.
Defendant appeared with Mr. Baly, who advised the court that defendant wanted to make
another Marsden motion.
At this Marsden hearing, defendant gave a lengthy narrative about the history of
his case, the failure of his investigator to help when he represented himself, complained

31.
about the public defender’s office in general, and claimed Mr. Baly failed to conduct any
trial preparation or contact witnesses. He added that Mr. Baly was a “defeatist” and a
“saboteur” for the state. Defendant also said Mr. Baly was “very good at what he does.”
Defendant said he was having a hard time getting his thoughts together and asked for a
recess.
The court reminded defendant that he asked for Mr. Baly’s reappointment after he
withdrew his pro. per. status, and the court “bent over backwards” to grant defendant’s
request. Defendant again launched into a lengthy history of his case, and complained Mr.
Baly investigated the wrong witnesses and failed to contact his suggested witness list.
Mr. Baly said he had met with defendant and went over the discovery materials
before defendant was granted pro. per. status. He provided the discovery documents to
defendant. After he was reappointed, he made another discovery request to the district
attorney’s office to make sure he had everything.8 He reviewed the materials and told
defendant that he was ready for trial. Defendant gave him a list of family members for
character witnesses. Mr. Baly sent his investigator to contact these people, but he was
concerned these witnesses were going to “open the door to his character.” Defendant
replied they were not ready for trial and the proceedings were a “travesty.”
The court denied defendant’s Marsden motion and found Mr. Baly’s account of
his trial preparation more credible than defendant’s statements. The court also found
defendant was responsible for “any deterioration” in their relationship “by your willfully
recalcitrant and defiant attitude,” and the Marsden motion was “another delay tactic …
and it’s not going to work in this court.”

As we discussed in issue I, ante, defense counsel’s request for discovery did not
8
result in disclosure of Officer Jauregui’s recording of A.G.’s interview.

32.
 I. Defendant’s Motion to Recuse
After the Marsden hearing, the court resumed the proceedings and addressed the
parties’ evidentiary motions.
Mr. Baly said defendant wanted him to make a motion to recuse the court. The
court advised defendant that the staff heard him say that he was not going to start the trial
that day. The court was suspicious about a recusal motion being made on the first day of
trial given the numerous continuances.
Defendant accused the court of misrepresenting whatever efforts it made to have
Mr. Baly reappointed to represent him. Defendant said the court exaggerated what it did,
and he doubted the court’s veracity. The court replied that it did not misrepresent
anything, and it was unusual to reappoint the same public defender.
The court advised defendant that it had done everything in its power to make sure
he received “supreme representation” and a fair trial. Defendant replied that he was not
able to review his notes during the Marsden hearing because he was shackled. Defendant
also complained that Mr. Baly had “squandered” the last continuance, and he was still not
ready for trial.
The court said it was “becoming more and more evident” that defendant was
trying to delay the trial. Defendant said the court was cooperating with the “state’s
program” to “steamroll” him, prevent him from filing various motions, and place him on
“a conveyor belt to [the] Wasco [prison].”
The court denied defendant’s motion to recuse, explained the motion was not
timely, and there was no basis for the motion.
The court and defendant then had an extended discussion about whether defendant
would wear the red jail jumpsuit or dress out for the trial. Defendant said he wanted to
wear the jumpsuit instead of regular clothes, but he might consider changing if his family
brought clothes.

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 J. Defendant’s Continued Complaints
On April 2, 2014, the second scheduled day of trial, defendant tried to give a letter
to the court. The court refused to accept it and conducted jury selection.
On April 3, 2014, the court was about to begin the presentation of evidence.
Defendant appeared in civilian clothes and claimed the jail mistreated him when he was
“dressing out” that morning. The prosecutor objected. The court said it would allow
defendant to make his statement.
Defendant said he was fortunate to have Judge Petrucelli hear the trial and Mr.
Baly represent him. However, he felt the jail staff mistreated him after he withdrew his
pro. per. status. Defendant said he was making a motion to dismiss his case because of
how he was treated that morning. He also moved to reduce his bail and for release on his
own recognizance. The court denied the motions and the evidentiary portion of the trial
began.
K. Defendant’s Trial Testimony
When defendant was cross-examined by the prosecutor, he repeatedly interrupted
the prosecutor’s questions, lodged his own “objections” and refused to answer certain
questions. The court advised defendant not to make any comments and to allow his
attorney to make objections. Defendant ignored the court’s admonition and continued to
make his own objections as the prosecutor cross-examined him. The court advised
defendant that his remarks would not be tolerated “very much longer.” Defendant
apologized and said he understood.
Despite the admonition, defendant continued to make his own objections and
refused to answer questions. The court called a recess and excused the jury. The court
then instructed defense counsel to talk to defendant about his conduct. After the recess,
defendant returned to the stand. He continued to give narrative answers and make
inappropriate comments during cross-examination.

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 L. Defendant’s Statements to the Court
After both parties rested, and just before the court instructed the jury, defendant
asked to address the court. He said he wanted to preserve his appellate rights and the
rights of all “pro. pers. in the future.” Defendant made a lengthy statement, and
complained the jail staff was mistreating him and would not let him use the restroom.
M. Defendant’s Postverdict Statements
Defendant waived his right to a jury trial on the prior conviction allegations prior
to the verdicts.
On April 10, 2014, the jury found defendant guilty of both counts. The court
dismissed the jury, and then asked defendant if he wanted to admit the prior conviction
allegations or have a bench trial. Defendant said he never had a chance to fully discuss
the matter with his defense attorney and wanted more time to decide. The court replied
defense counsel said that they had discussed the decision at length, and that defendant
was going to admit the prior conviction. The court said defendant could have a bench
trial but admonished defendant not to “misrepresent the facts as you’ve done
continuously with this Court from the beginning.”
Defendant agreed to a bench trial. However, he interrupted witnesses, declared he
was “appalled” by the court’s conduct, accused his defense counsel of misconduct, and
claimed he was too ill for the hearing to continue. Defendant went on a lengthy narrative
and said a tragedy was about to happen, he loved his country and the Constitution, he
admired the men who wrote the Declaration of Independence, and he had to do what was
right. Defendant accused the court of suppressing him for months and his attorney of
being sleazy, forcing him to waive his rights, and not discovering the tape recording of
Officer Jauregui’s interview with A.G.
The court repeatedly asked defendant to stop. Defendant kept talking. The court
advised defendant that the deputy would restrain or gag him if he continued and asked
what he wanted. Defendant said he wanted another continuance and for the court “not to

35.
finalize the verdict.” The court refused and said he could appeal, and believed defendant
was just trying to drag out the hearing.
The court added:

“[Y]ou’re not helping your record much. You realize that, don’t you?
Everything you’ve said is on the record, and an appellate court … is going
to review this, and a lot of the things that you’re doing are not enamoring or
showing the appellate court that you’re thinking straight.”
After another recess, the hearing resumed and the court found the prior conviction
allegations true. Defendant again interrupted and said he had physical and mental
problems. The court instructed the deputy to tell the jail that defendant needed an
examination and his medication. Defendant said he still had more things to say. The
court suggested that he wait for the sentencing hearing. Defendant refused and went into
another lengthy statement. He complained about his defense attorney and claimed
everyone had conspired against him. The court adjourned.
N. The Sentencing Hearing
We now reach the sentencing hearing, which is the subject of defendant’s
appellate argument that the court committed reversible error when it denied his Faretta
motion.
1. Second Faretta Motion
As soon as the court convened the sentencing hearing, defendant made a Faretta
motion to represent himself, and complained about both the public defender’s office and
Mr. Baly.
The court acknowledged that prior to trial, defendant was found competent to
represent himself and his Faretta motion was granted. Defendant then asked for the
court to reappoint counsel, and the court made sure defendant got Mr. Baly again, as he
requested.
The court denied defendant’s Faretta motion for the sentencing hearing based on
his conduct during trial, stating: “[Y]our incompetence has shown throughout this entire

36.
process [and] your obstreperous manner, your inability to understand the legal concepts
that Mr. Baly has tried to convince you of.”

“The record is full of references to where you are not going to proceed on
this case, you are not going to trial, you are not going to be sentenced, you
are not going to cooperate with the Court in any manner. [¶] All right.
Now, I believe that this is another opportunity for you to delay the
proceedings.”
2. Third Marsden Motion
Once the court denied defendant’s final Faretta motion, defendant immediately
asked to discharge Mr. Baly and for another public defender. The court said it would
conduct a Marsden hearing, but it believed the request was part of his “continued efforts
to delay the proceedings, your continued efforts to overcome the Court’s direction, and it
appears that this is once again another opportunity for you to delay the proceedings.”
At the final Marsden hearing, defendant gave another lengthy narrative about the
history of his case, claimed he was prevented from reviewing or accepting a previous
plea offer that would have released him on “parole,” discussed grievances he had filed
with the jail, claimed the charges would have been dismissed if Mr. Baly followed his
instructions about the preliminary hearing, and asserted Mr. Baly refused to consider a
newly-issued federal court opinion which would reduce his sentence. Defendant said Mr.
Baly failed to discover perjury by prosecution witnesses, refused to introduce the late-
discovered tape recording into evidence, and declared he was going to place the court, the
prosecutor, and Mr. Baly under citizen’s arrest. Defendant said he never tried to stall, but
asked to postpone the sentencing hearing for one week.
The court replied that defendant failed to state a legitimate reason to discharge Mr.
Baly, and he was just trying to delay the proceedings again. Defendant said he had been
bullied, his trial was not fair, everyone conspired against him, and the court was going to
“crank up the conveyor belt to Wasco” prison.

37.
 Mr. Baly said he visited defendant in jail numerous times during the trial. He
asked defendant if he had any specific questions for the trial witnesses; he gave defendant
a copy of the probation report for sentencing; he looked at the federal court opinion about
jail overcrowding; and he advised defendant that the previous plea bargain was no longer
relevant.
Defendant told the court that “a real judge would have stopped this farce. I’m
afraid it’s going to suck you down the pipe too. You people are swirling the drain and
you know it.”
The court denied defendant’s Marsden motion:

“To the extent there are conflicts between statements made during
this hearing, I believe Mr. Baly for the following reasons: I have – and the
record will reflect all of this – but I have previously reappointed Mr. Baly
at [defendant’s] request. I have observed Mr. Baly represent [defendant] in
a[n] unbelievably tolerant manner. I have seen Mr. Baly tolerate
[defendant’s] constant interruptions, misrepresentations, and
misunderstandings of the law that Mr. Baly has competently tried to explain
to him. I have observed Mr. Baly’s patience with [defendant], which has
been incredible, even in light of the Court’s patience with [defendant].

“I find that Mr. Baly certainly has properly represented and will
continue to represent [defendant]. I find that there has not been a
breakdown in the relationship between Mr. Baly and [defendant] that would
make it impossible for Mr. Baly to continue to effectively represent
[defendant]. And, more importantly, I find that any deterioration in that
relationship has been caused continually by the willfully recalcitrant and
defiant and delaying attitude of [defendant], and there is absolutely no
reason why in the future [defendant] cannot be effectively represented by
Mr. Baly.”
3. Sentencing
After the court denied the Marsden motion, it tried to resume the sentencing
hearing, but defendant again asked to make another lengthy statement. Defendant
complained his attorney did not follow his directions, he was mistreated in jail, and he
had new evidence that A.G. was not a minor and he was really 18 years old. The court

38.
allowed defendant to speak without interruption until defendant said he was “out of gas.”
Thereafter, the court sentenced defendant to 15 years 8 months.
O. Analysis
Defendant contends his postverdict Faretta motion should have been granted
because it was knowing, intelligent and unequivocal. However, “[e]quivocation of the
right of self-representation may occur where the defendant tries to manipulate the
proceedings by switching between requests for counsel and for self-representation ....”
(People v. Lewis and Oliver (2006) 39 Cal.4th 970, 1002.) “ ‘Trial courts are not
required to engage in game playing with cunning defendants who would present
Hobson’s choices.’ Faretta ... held generally that a defendant may represent himself. It
did not establish a game in which a defendant can engage in a series of machinations,
with one misstep by the court resulting in reversal of an otherwise fair trial.” (People v.
Clark (1992) 3 Cal.4th 41, 115, overruled on other grounds in People v. Pearson (2013)
56 Cal.4th 393, 462.) “[B]y juggling his Faretta rights with his right to counsel
interspersed with Marsden motions,” a court may reasonably conclude the defendant was
“playing ‘the Faretta game’ ” to delay the proceedings. (People v. Williams (1990) 220
Cal.App.3d 1165, 1170.)
Defendant disputes the court’s finding that his Faretta motion was brought to
delay the trial. He notes that his first Faretta motion was granted after he was found
competent to represent himself. Defendant asserts that he was an “incredibly active
participant in the trial and the presentation of the defense,” he “closely followed all of the
events in his case,” he was “well-versed” in the legal principles, and he took an “active
part” in questioning witnesses and making objections. Defendant further asserts his
postverdict Faretta motion was made in “good faith” and not for “purposes of delay or
‘to frustrate the orderly administration of justice.’ ” Defendant declares he was ready to
proceed with the sentencing hearing; he had the absolute constitutional right to represent

39.
himself; he was dissatisfied with Mr. Baly’s representation; and he never asked for a
continuance.
Defendant’s characterization of his conduct is refuted by the entirety of the record.
As we have extensively set forth above, defendant repeatedly engaged in conduct to delay
every aspect of the criminal proceedings, except perhaps for his insistence on an
immediate bail hearing. Defendant made several Marsden, Faretta, continuance, and
substitution motions throughout the proceedings. His comments belie his alleged “good
faith” in making these motions, and instead demonstrate his intent to continue and delay
the trial. Despite earlier promises to maintain decorum, defendant displayed belligerent
and disruptive conduct, launched into lengthy narratives claiming misconduct by the
“state,” and timed his outbursts to occur on the scheduled start of critical hearings, such
as the preliminary hearing and the initial trial dates. While defendant eventually asked
for reappointment of counsel, he did so on the scheduled trial date and again delayed the
trial. During his trial, he disrupted the proceedings by lodging his own objections when
he was being cross-examined by the prosecutor. After the verdict was returned,
defendant disrupted the bench trial on his prior convictions demanding that the court not
“finalize the verdict.”
When the court convened the sentencing hearing, defendant again engaged in
delaying tactics by making Faretta and Marsden motions, and declared he was going to
place the court, the prosecutor, and Mr. Baly under “citizen’s arrest.”
The court acted well within its discretion when it denied defendant’s Faretta
motion at the sentencing hearing. Defendant’s conduct showed that his Faretta motion
was part of his renewed efforts to interfere with the court’s process and conclusion of his
trial. (See, e.g., People v. Howze (2001) 85 Cal.App.4th 1380, 1398.)

“ ‘The right of self-representation is not a license to abuse the dignity of the
courtroom. Neither is it a license not to comply with relevant rules of
procedural and substantive law.’ [Citation.] ‘[A]n accused has a Sixth
Amendment right to conduct his own defense, provided only that he

40.
 knowingly and intelligently forgoes his right to counsel and that he is able
and willing to abide by rules of procedure and courtroom protocol.’
[Citation.] This rule is obviously critical to the viable functioning of the
courtroom. A constantly disruptive defendant who represents himself, and
who therefore cannot be removed from the trial proceedings as a sanction
against disruption, would have the capacity to bring his trial to a standstill.”
(People v. Welch, supra, 20 Cal.4th at p. 734, italics added in original.)
While witnesses and a jury were not going to be affected by a continued
sentencing hearing, the court was not obliged to permit defendant to further delay matters
and take control of the hearing, as he attempted to do throughout the criminal
proceedings in this case:

“The judges of our courts are entitled to conduct their proceedings in an
orderly and just fashion, and are not required to place their dockets and
courtrooms at the mercy of obstreperous and unruly defendants with long
track records of disruptive behavior. Such defendants, may not thwart the
functioning of the criminal justice system in this state by making
manipulative motions designed to result in the disruption of serious court
proceedings for the perceived benefit of the defendant. Just as defendants
have certain rights in court, so do courts have the power to preserve their
dignity and their basic ability to function. In this case the court acted
properly in denying the motion for self-representation and no abuse of
discretion occurred.” (People v. Howze, supra, 85 Cal.App.4th at
pp. 1398–1399.)

DISPOSITION
The judgment is affirmed.

_____________________
POOCHIGIAN, J.
WE CONCUR:

______________________
LEVY, Acting P.J.

______________________
PEÑA, J.

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