The opinion
Filed 5/20/21
CERTIFIED FOR PARTIAL PUBLICATION*
IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
FIRST APPELLATE DISTRICT
DIVISION THREE
THE PEOPLE,
Plaintiff and Respondent, A159284
v.
DONALD ALEXANDER WATSON, (Solano County
Defendant and Appellant. Super. Ct. No. FC23784)
In 1988, defendant Donald Watson was convicted by plea of second
degree murder (Pen. Code, §§ 187, subd. (a), 189, subd. (b))1 and sentenced to
15 years to life in prison.2 In 2019, Watson moved to vacate his murder
conviction and obtain resentencing under section 1170.95, which was enacted
as part of Senate Bill No. 1437 (2017–2018 Reg. Sess.) and took effect
January 1, 2019. (Stats. 2018, ch. 1015, § 4.) The intent of the legislation
was to limit application of the felony-murder rule and murder based on the
Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rules 8.1105(b) and 8.1110, this
*
opinion is certified for publication with the exception of parts III–V of the
discussion.
1 All further undesignated statutory references are to the Penal Code.
2 We grant Watson’s request for us to take judicial notice of (1) the
information filed on December 31, 1987; (2) the reporter’s transcript
documenting his guilty plea from June 13, 1988; (3) the abstract of judgment
filed July 1, 1988; and (4) his “Offender Restitution Payment History” from
the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. (Evid. Code, §§ 452, subd.
(d)(1), 459, subd. (a).)
1
natural and probable consequences doctrine by modifying the mens rea
element for murder under those theories. (Stats. 2018, ch. 1015, § 1, subds.
(f), (g).) The legislation also created a procedure by which a defendant
previously convicted of murder under either of those theories can file a
petition for resentencing. (§ 1170.95, subd. (d)(1)–(3).)
As pertinent here, the statute provides that where murder was charged
generically and the underlying felony was not charged, the trial court
redesignates the vacated murder conviction as the “underlying felony for
resentencing purposes.” (§ 1170.95, subd. (e).) Additionally, it states, “A
person who is resentenced pursuant to this section shall be given credit for
time served. The judge may order the petitioner to be subject to parole
supervision for up to three years following the completion of the sentence.”
(§ 1170.95, subd. (g).)
The trial court found Watson was entitled to relief under section
1170.95, vacated his murder conviction, and redesignated that conviction as
two offenses: first degree burglary and first degree robbery. The court
sentenced Watson on the burglary conviction to six years in prison. It also
imposed but stayed execution of a sentence on the robbery conviction
pursuant to section 654. The court placed Watson on parole supervision and
ordered that he pay a $1,800 restitution fine (§ 1202.4, subd. (b)) and a
matching parole revocation restitution fine (§ 1202.45).
Watson appeals. He argues the plain language of section 1170.95
permits a court to designate only one underlying felony and, therefore, his
sentence for both burglary and robbery is unauthorized. Watson also seeks
immediate release from parole supervision, contending the court erroneously
failed to apply his excess custody credits to eliminate the parole period.
2
Watson further challenges, primarily on constitutional grounds, the
imposition of the restitution and parole revocation restitution fines.
In the published portion of the opinion, we conclude the trial court
properly redesignated the murder conviction as both burglary and robbery.
In the unpublished portion of the opinion (discussion parts III–V, post), we
remand to permit the court to specify the duration of Watson’s parole period,
to modify the judgment to show the restitution fine is satisfied in full, and to
strike the parole revocation fine. We reject Watson’s remaining challenges.
FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
I. Murder Conviction and Initial Sentence
In 1987, Watson was charged with the murder of Alan (Jon) Aaron
Castle (§ 187, subd. (a)). In 1988, Watson pleaded guilty to second degree
murder (§§ 187, subd. (a), 189, subd. (b)). The court accepted the plea and
sentenced Watson to 15 years to life in prison. The court ordered that
Watson pay a restitution fine in the amount of $300.
II. Section 1170.95 Petition
On January 14, 2019, after the enactment of Senate Bill No. 1437,
Watson filed a petition to vacate his murder conviction and obtain
resentencing pursuant to section 1170.95. In the petition, Watson stated that
he, along with his “crime partners,” Timothy Garland and Robert James,
“devised a plan to rob Mr. Jon Castle. [Watson] grabbed Mr. Castle while
[Garland and James] rifled through his pockets. Mr. Castle began to kick his
feet and struck Timothy Garland. Garland pulled a knife and began to stab
Mr. Castle. [Watson] released Mr. Castle immediately. [Watson] had no
intention of Mr. Castle being murdered.”
Based on these facts, Watson contended he was entitled to relief under
section 1170.95, asserting he “was not the actual perpetrator and acted as
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a [sic] Aider and Abettor to the robbery”; “accepted a plea agreement
WITHOUT any special circumstances or allegations”; “possessed NO specific
intent to murder Mr. Castle”; and had “NO intent to plan, devise or
encourage to take the life of Mr. Castle.”
On May 13, 2019, the People filed an opposition to the petition on the
grounds that Senate Bill No. 1437 is unconstitutional. The People did not
address Watson’s eligibility for relief under section 1170.95.
On July 15, 2019, Watson filed a reply to the People’s opposition,
addressing the People’s constitutional arguments and reiterating that his
petition stated a prima facie case for relief under section 1170.95.
On October 15, 2019, the court conducted a hearing on Watson’s
petition. Watson testified about the night of the incident in detail as follows.
Watson met with James, who rented a hotel room that he would share with
Watson. Watson met Castle in the hotel parking lot. Castle stated to Watson
he wanted to buy drugs. Based on this, Watson assumed Castle had some
money. However, Castle later changed his mind and told Watson he no
longer wanted to buy drugs.
Subsequently, James devised a plan to rob Castle and Watson agreed to
the plan. Specifically, they agreed to go to Castle’s hotel room and take his
money. Watson and James left their hotel room and headed to Castle’s room.
While on the way, Watson saw Garland, with whom James discussed the
plan to rob Castle.
When Watson reached Castle’s hotel room, he knocked on the door and
Castle let him in. Watson walked into the room, grabbed Castle from behind,
and held him in order “[t]o subdue him . . . .” Garland and James then
entered the room, at which point Castle started kicking and attempting to
4
fight back. Garland began punching Castle. Watson then saw some blood
shoot out, realized something was wrong, and let Castle go.
Watson testified Garland then started “swinging his arm at [Castle]
crazy.” Watson realized Garland had a knife. Watson saw that Castle was
still alive and tried to prop him up, but he just collapsed. Garland then
rushed back toward Castle and stabbed him in the throat and chest. Watson,
Garland, and James then left the room. James had Castle’s wallet after the
incident.
The next morning, Watson went to a bail bonds company and told its
staff he had “witnessed a murder” and “somebody get stabbed,” as well as the
person “who did it.” Watson also called the hotel and “told them that
someone was in the room.”
In addition to taking Watson’s testimony, the court admitted into
evidence a transcript of a June 26, 2013 parole consideration hearing that
contained similar testimony from Watson and was attached to his petition.
After hearing Watson’s testimony, the court heard the parties’
arguments whether Watson was entitled to relief under section 1170.95. The
court took the matter under submission and continued the hearing.
III. Resentencing
On October 23, 2019, the court conducted another hearing on Watson’s
petition. The court found that while Watson “was a major participant in the
crime,” “he was not acting with knowing and reckless indifference to human
life.” Accordingly, the court granted the petition.
The court then determined Watson’s new sentence. It stated, “My
belief was that subject to these crimes—and I’m supposed to figure out what
he would’ve been convicted for is robbery.” In response, the prosecutor
stated, “I can make an argument to maybe a first-degree burg[lary].” The
5
court then stated, “That’s a fair point. I hadn’t thought of that. She’s
probably right on that, first-degree burg[lary]. And the robbery would be in
the first-degree, as well. . . .” Watson’s counsel waived arraignment on the
burglary charge and confirmed that there was not “[a]ny legal cause why he
can’t be sentenced at this time[.]”
The court found Watson guilty of both first degree burglary (§§ 459,
460, subd. (a)) and first degree robbery (§§ 211, 212.5, subd. (a)). It sentenced
him to the upper term of six years for first degree burglary (§ 461, subd. (a)).
The court also sentenced Watson on the robbery conviction to five years in
prison, which the court believed was the upper term for first degree robbery
(§ 213, subd. (a)(1)).3 The court stayed the sentence on the robbery conviction
pursuant to section 654.
With respect to parole, the court stated, “Sir, I believe you’re still
subject to a term of parole for this violation. You may be released today or
tomorrow. If you are, I’m ordering you go to parole within 48 hours if they
don’t contact you ahead of time.”
The court ordered that Watson pay a restitution fine (§ 1202.4) and a
parole revocation restitution fine (§ 1202.45) and reserved jurisdiction over
the amounts of the fines. It also imposed a $30 criminal conviction
3 The People correctly note that in 1987 the upper term on a first
degree robbery conviction was six years. (Former § 213, subd. (a)(1); see
Stats. 1986, ch. 1428, § 3.) The clerk’s minute order from the sentencing
hearing and the original and amended abstracts of judgment reflect the
imposition of a six-year upper term on the first degree robbery conviction. To
the extent the reporter’s and clerk’s transcripts are in conflict, we find that
the recitals in the clerk’s minutes should prevail. (People v. Smith (1983) 33
Cal.3d 596, 599; In re D.H. (2016) 4 Cal.App.5th 722, 725.) It is clear the
court intended to impose the upper term on the first degree robbery
conviction, and we may infer that the court misspoke in calculating the term
as five, rather than six, years.
6
assessment and a $40 court operations assessment. The court awarded
Watson credit for time served in custody, reserving jurisdiction over the
number of credits.
The court ordered Watson’s release from custody that day. It then set a
further hearing for a determination of the total of Watson’s custody credits.
On October 23, 2019, the clerk filed an abstract of judgment reflecting
that Watson was convicted of second degree burglary and second degree
robbery. The clerk wrote “TBD” for the number of credits for time served.
On October 29, 2019, Watson filed a petition with the court, notifying it
that he had not yet been released from custody. He requested that the court
vacate the upcoming hearing and amend the abstract of judgment to state he
had served 11,714 actual days (32 years) in custody as of October 23, 2019. A
couple of days later, the court conducted a hearing on Watson’s October 29
petition and awarded him a total of 11,714 custody credits. The court again
ordered the sheriff to release Watson from custody.
The prosecutor then requested a ruling on the constitutional arguments
raised in opposition to Watson’s section 1170.95 petition. The court rejected
the arguments, finding the statute to be constitutional.
On that same day, the court filed a minute order and an amended
abstract of judgment. The minute order noted that Watson was resentenced
under section 1170.95, that his murder conviction (§ 187) was vacated, and
that he was ordered released. The amended abstract of judgment noted
Watson was (1) convicted of first degree burglary and first degree robbery;
(2) sentenced to six years in prison for first degree burglary; (3) sentenced on
the first degree robbery conviction to six years in prison, which was stayed;
(4) ordered to pay a $1,800 restitution fine (§ 1202.4, subd. (b)), as well as a
7
$1,800 parole revocation restitution fine (§ 1202.45); and (5) awarded a total
of 11,714 days of custody credit as of October 23, 2019.
The People appealed from the court’s order granting Watson’s section
1170.95 petition. (People v. Watson, A158923, app. dism. Mar. 4, 2020.)
Watson then filed this cross-appeal. Subsequently, we dismissed the People’s
appeal after they filed a notice of abandonment.4
DISCUSSION
I. Statutory Framework
Senate Bill No. 1437 amended the felony-murder rule and murder
under the natural and probable consequences doctrine “to ensure that
murder liability is not imposed on a person who is not the actual killer, did
not act with the intent to kill, or was not a major participant in the
underlying felony who acted with reckless indifference to human life.” (Stats.
2018, ch. 1015, § 1, subd. (f).) Senate Bill No. 1437 also expressly stated,
“Reform is needed in California to limit convictions and subsequent
sentencing so that the law of California fairly addresses the culpability of the
individual and assists in the reduction of prison overcrowding, which
partially results from lengthy sentences that are not commensurate with the
culpability of the individual.” (Stats. 2018, ch. 1015, § 1, subd. (e).) To
effectuate these goals, Senate Bill No. 1437 amended sections 188 and 189,
the statutory provisions pertaining to malice and the degrees of murder,
respectively. (Stats. 2018, ch. 1015, §§ 2–3.) “Section 1170.95 has been
described as providing ‘ameliorative benefits’ [citation] and as ‘an act of
lenity.’ [Citation.] The statute does not ‘categorically provide a lesser
4 Watson also requests that we take judicial notice of the file in the
People’s dismissed appeal. We deny the request as unnecessary since the
record in the dismissed appeal contains essentially the same documents that
are included in the record in this appeal.
8
punishment must apply in all cases.’ [Citation.]” (People v. Howard (2020)
50 Cal.App.5th 727, 735 (Howard).)
Senate Bill No. 1437 also added section 1170.95, which allows a
defendant convicted of felony murder to file a petition with the sentencing
court to have the murder conviction vacated and to be resentenced.
(§ 1170.95, subd. (a).) A petitioner is entitled to relief under section 1170.95
if three conditions are met: (1) the prosecution proceeded under a felony-
murder theory; (2) the petitioner was convicted of first or second degree
murder following a trial or an accepted plea; and (3) the petitioner could not
be convicted of first degree murder because of changes to section 188 or 189
made by Senate Bill No. 1437. (§ 1170.95, subd. (a)(1)–(3).)
The trial court reviews the petition to determine whether the petitioner
has made a prima facie showing he or she is entitled to relief. (§ 1170.95,
subd. (c).) If the petitioner makes such a showing, the court must hold a
hearing “to determine whether to vacate the murder conviction and to recall
the sentence and resentence the petitioner on any remaining counts in the
same manner as if the petitioner had not been previously been [sic]
sentenced, provided that the new sentence, if any, is not greater than the
initial sentence.” (§ 1170.95, subd. (d)(1).)
“If [the] petitioner is entitled to relief pursuant to this section, murder
was charged generically, and the target offense was not charged, the
petitioner’s conviction shall be redesignated as the target offense or
underlying felony for resentencing purposes. Any applicable statute of
limitations shall not be a bar to the court’s redesignation of the offense for
this purpose.” (§ 1170.95, subd. (e).)
Finally, “[a] person who is resentenced pursuant to this section shall be
given credit for time served. The judge may order the petitioner to be subject
9
to parole supervision for up to three years following the completion of the
sentence.” (§ 1170.95, subd. (g).)
II. Designation of Murder Conviction as More Than One Felony
The parties agree that Watson was entitled to have the murder
conviction vacated pursuant to section 1170.95. They also agree that Watson
was convicted of murder under a felony-murder theory. They further agree
that burglary and robbery are offenses that underly Watson’s felony-murder
liability. The parties, however, disagree on whether the court was authorized
under section 1170.95, subdivision (e) to designate the conviction as both of
those felonies. Watson raises a textual argument—that the plain language of
section 1170.95, subdivision (e) requires a court “to select one felony as the
designated underlying offense, and sentence him only as to that one.”
Consequently, Watson says “[t]he court exceeded its authority by imposing
two felony convictions that had not been charged against him” and thus the
robbery conviction should be stricken.
The People argue that Watson forfeited his right to assert these
challenges on appeal by failing to assert them before the trial court.
However, they contend that, in any event, designating more than one
underlying felony was proper under section 1170.95, subdivision (e) because
doing so furthers the purpose of the statute to ensure that punishment is
calibrated to culpability.
We first address the People’s forfeiture argument. Assuming Watson
forfeited his right to appellate review of the court’s designation of two
underlying felonies, reviewing courts generally have discretion to consider on
the merits issues a party has not preserved for review. (People v. Yarbrough
(2008) 169 Cal.App.4th 303, 310, citing In re Sheena K. (2007) 40 Cal.4th 875,
880–881, 887–888.) Here, we choose to exercise that discretion to confront
10
the issue since “it involves ‘a pure question of law which is presented by
undisputed facts’ ” (People v. Hines (1997) 15 Cal.4th 997, 1061), and to avert
any claim of inadequate assistance of counsel (People v. Yarbrough, supra,
169 Cal.App.4th at p. 310).
We now turn to the question before us: whether, as Watson contends,
section 1170.95 requires a trial court to designate a vacated murder
conviction as one and only one underlying felony. In the discussion that
follows, we explore the language of section 1170.95, subdivision (e); its
statutory context; and the legislative purposes and history of Senate Bill No.
1437. We conclude that section 1170.95 was not intended to restrict the trial
court’s discretion in the manner advanced by Watson when designating the
underlying felony for resentencing purposes.
A. Standard of Review and Statutory Interpretation
Principles
The proper construction of section 1170.95, subdivision (e) presents an
issue of statutory interpretation that is subject to our de novo review. (People
v. Gonzalez (2017) 2 Cal.5th 1138, 1141.) “[W]hen construing statutes, our
goal is ‘ “ ‘to ascertain the intent of the enacting legislative body so that we
may adopt the construction that best effectuates the purpose of the law.’ ” ’
[Citation.] ‘We first examine the words of the statute, “giving them their
ordinary and usual meaning and viewing them in their statutory context,
because the statutory language is usually the most reliable indicator of
legislative intent.” ’ [Citation.]” (People v. Albillar (2010) 51 Cal.4th 47, 54–
55.) “If the language is clear, courts must generally follow its plain meaning
unless a literal interpretation would result in absurd consequences the
Legislature did not intend. If the statutory language permits more than one
reasonable interpretation, courts may consider other aids, such as the
statute’s purpose, legislative history, and public policy.” (Coalition of
11
Concerned Communities, Inc. v. City of Los Angeles (2004) 34 Cal.4th 733,
737.)
B. The court properly designated the conviction as both
burglary and robbery under section 1170.95,
subdivision (e).
1. Language of the Statute
In applying the rules of construction set forth ante, we begin by looking
at the words of the statute. The pertinent provision is section 1170.95,
subdivision (e), which states: “If petitioner is entitled to relief pursuant to
this section, murder was charged generically, and the target offense was not
charged, the petitioner’s conviction shall be redesignated as the target offense
or underlying felony for resentencing purposes. Any applicable statute of
limitations shall not be a bar to the court’s redesignation of the offense for
this purpose.”
At issue here is the proper interpretation of the phrase “underlying
felony” in section 1170.95, subdivision (e).5 The provision does not define
“underlying felony” or specify the process by which the court designates the
felony. As explained in Howard, supra, 50 Cal.App.5th 727, “[i]n the felony-
5The other phrase that appears in section 1170.95, subdivision (e),
“target offense,” is typically used in the context of murder liability under the
natural and probable consequences doctrine, which “operates independently
of the . . . felony-murder rule.” (People v. Culuko (2000) 78 Cal.App.4th 307,
322; see People v. Chiu (2014) 59 Cal.4th 155, 166 [“An aider and abettor’s
liability for murder under the natural and probable consequences doctrine
operates independently of the felony-murder rule”], superseded by statute on
other grounds as stated in People v. Lopez (2019) 38 Cal.App.5th 1087, 1103,
review granted Nov. 13, 2019, S258175; see also People v. Culuko, supra, 78
Cal.App.4th at p. 322 [the doctrine “allows an aider and abettor to be
convicted of murder, without malice, even where the target offense is not an
inherently dangerous felony”].) As the parties do not dispute that Watson
was convicted of murder under a felony-murder theory, we focus on the
phrase “underlying felony.”
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murder context, the phrase ‘underlying felony’ means the offense that was
the basis for felony-murder liability at trial.” (Id. at p. 737, citing People v.
Clark (2016) 63 Cal.4th 522, 615 [“The statutory definition of first degree
felony murder is . . . ‘ . . . murder . . . committed in the perpetration of, or
attempt to perpetuate [certain enumerated felonies including robbery and
burglary]’ ”].) The parties apparently do not dispute this definition of what
constitutes an underlying felony within the felony-murder context. The
parties, however, debate whether “underlying felony” as used in
subdivision (e) is singular or plural.
Watson contends that “underlying felony,” on its face, is singular and,
therefore, means one felony. At first glance, it appears the language of Penal
Code section 1170.95, subdivision (e) supports Watson’s interpretation.
However, Watson overlooks Penal Code section 7, which provides that when
construing words and phrases throughout the Penal Code, “the singular
number includes the plural, and the plural the singular.” (See Evid. Code,
§ 10 [same].) “The rule of construction enunciated in [Penal Code] section 7 is
no mere rubric—it is the law.” (People v. Jones (1988) 46 Cal.3d 585, 593.)
Further, the statute’s use of “the,” a grammatical article which qualifies
“underlying felony,” does not mandate the singular. (See Minish v. Hanuman
Fellowship (2013) 214 Cal.App.4th 437, 464–465 [assuming that statute
directing “ ‘[t]he singular number includes the plural’ ” [Lab. Code, § 13]
applies to grammatical articles].) Applying the rule in Penal Code section 7
here supports the conclusion that “underlying felony” is susceptible of either
singular or plural meaning depending on context. Viewed in this way, the
Legislature’s use of the singular form was not necessarily intended to restrict
courts to designating only one underlying felony under Penal Code section
1170.95, subdivision (e).
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Applying section 7’s rule makes sense in this context, when considering
that multiple felonies can and do form the basis for felony-murder liability in
certain cases. It is true that proof of the commission of one of the
enumerated felonies would be sufficient to support felony-murder liability
(§ 189), and thus it is often the case that only one underlying felony is
involved. However, as the People note, “in some cases a killing occurs during
the perpetration of more than one enumerated felony.” (See, e.g., People v.
Lewis (2001) 25 Cal.4th 610, 623, 642–644, 678 (Lewis) [finding sufficient
evidence that defendant had requisite mental state for robbery and burglary
to sustain conviction of first degree felony murder; affirming special
circumstances of robbery murder and burglary murder, as well as convictions
on separately charged burglary and robbery counts]; People v. Horning (2004)
34 Cal.4th 871, 903 [upholding felony-murder conviction based on evidence
“that defendant entered the house with the intent to commit theft, i.e., that
he committed burglary [citation], and that he killed the victim during the
course of a robbery”]; People v. Osband (1996) 13 Cal.4th 622, 653–655, 657–
658, 691 [holding “a rational trier of fact could surely have found beyond a
reasonable doubt that defendant perpetrated felony murder and committed
all three underlying felonies [of burglary, robbery, and rape] charged”].)
In addition, CALCRIM No. 540A, the jury instruction listing the
elements of first degree felony murder, contemplates that multiple felonies
may underlie a felony-murder conviction. In relevant part, it states: “To
prove that the defendant is guilty of first degree murder under this theory [of
felony murder], the People must prove that: [¶] 1. The defendant committed
[or attempted to commit] _____ <insert felony or felonies from Pen. Code,
§ 189>; [¶] 2. The defendant intended to commit _____ <insert felony or
felonies from Pen. Code, § 189>; [¶] AND [¶] 3. While committing [or
14
attempting to commit], _____ <insert felony or felonies from Pen. Code, § 189>
the defendant caused the death of another person.” (CALCRIM No. 540A,
first bracketed insertion added.)
The facts here present another example of a case in which the basis for
felony-murder liability is more than one felony. As discussed ante, Watson
testified he and his two accomplices entered Castle’s hotel room with the
specific intent to grab him and steal money from him. This evidence
establishes beyond a reasonable doubt that Watson aided and abetted both a
burglary and a robbery prior to Castle’s killing.6 (See Lewis, supra, 25
Cal.4th at p. 642 [felony-murder robbery requires intent “to steal the victim’s
property before or during the fatal assault”; felony-murder burglary requires
proof of entry into a “residence with the intent to commit a felony or theft”];
People v. Melton (1988) 44 Cal.3d 713, 767 [“Robbery involves an assaultive
invasion of personal integrity; burglary a separate invasion of the sanctity of
the [dwelling]”]; see also People v. Villalobos (2006) 145 Cal.App.4th 310, 321
[hotel or motel room being used for habitation, regardless of duration, is an
inhabited dwelling for purposes of first degree robbery and burglary].)
Watson does not contend otherwise. Indeed, he does not argue that he could
not have been charged with both burglary and robbery at the outset of his
case.
The cases discussed ante, as well as the facts in this case, clearly
illustrate that felony-murder liability may be predicated on more than one
In his reply brief, Watson states, “There was no trial and the factual
6
basis upon which the Superior Court appeared to be acting in re-sentencing
was a short statement contained in the petition itself.” This is inaccurate.
The evidence included Watson’s testimony at the October 23, 2019 hearing on
his section 1170.95 petition and a transcript of a June 2013 parole
consideration hearing. The parties do not dispute that the court was
permitted to consider such evidence.
15
felony. Viewed in this context, it is reasonable to apply section 7’s rule here
and construe “underlying felony” in section 1170.95, subdivision (e) to include
a plural meaning. The plain language of the statute thus confirms that the
Legislature did not intend to require courts to designate only one felony in all
cases.
We are mindful that the Supreme Court has said section 7’s rule would
be a “slim reed” upon which to resolve statutory questions where it leads to
an interpretation that “ ‘depart[s] [from] our criminal jurisprudence,’ ” results
in an absurd consequence, or “runs counter to” the legislative purpose and
history. (People v. Navarro (2007) 40 Cal.4th 668, 680.) However, these
concerns are not present here, as explained in our discussion post on the
legislative purpose and history of section 1170.95. Nonetheless, we put aside
the general rule in section 7 and look to another rule of construction that
requires us to view the overall statutory context: “Rules of statutory
construction obligate us to read a statute, and its various subdivisions, as a
cohesive whole.” (People v. Marcus (2020) 45 Cal.App.5th 201, 213–214.) We
therefore interpret subdivision (e) in light of section 1170.95’s other
subdivisions. Applying this rule supports the conclusion that section
1170.95, subdivision (e) should not be read as narrowly as Watson proposes.
Howard is instructive on this point. In that case, Howard was
convicted of first degree felony murder with a felony-murder special
circumstance that he was engaged in the commission of a residential
burglary. (Howard, supra, 50 Cal.App.5th at p. 732.) He was sentenced to
life without the possibility of parole. (Ibid.) Howard was not separately
charged with burglary, and at trial the jury was only instructed on the
general law of burglary without reference to degree. (Id. at pp. 731, 732.) On
appeal, the appellate court found sufficient evidence that Howard aided and
16
abetted a residential burglary but reversed the felony-murder-burglary
circumstance and resentenced him to 25 years to life. (Id. at pp. 732–733.)
On remand, Howard petitioned to vacate his murder conviction and for
resentencing under section 1170.95. (Howard, supra, 50 Cal.App.5th at p.
733.) The parties agreed the murder conviction should be vacated, and the
court granted the petition and vacated the conviction. (Ibid.) The parties
also agreed that the underlying felony for resentencing purposes was
burglary but disagreed on its degree. (Id. at pp.733–734, 736.) Because
Howard was not charged with or convicted of residential burglary, the
defense argued the underlying felony could only be second degree burglary.
(Id. at pp. 733–734.) The court rejected the argument and designated the
underlying felony as first degree burglary. (Id. at p. 734.) Howard again
appealed, arguing that the sentence for first degree burglary was
unauthorized because it, among other things, contravened the plain language
of section 1170.95. (Id. at p. 730.)
The appellate court affirmed. (Howard, supra, 50 Cal.App.5th at p.
730.) The court first noted that the evidence at trial was uncontroverted that
the burglarized building was a residence and therefore the offense underlying
Howard’s felony-murder conviction was first degree burglary. (Id. at p. 738.)
It then explained that nothing in subdivision (e) “direct[s] the court to impose
the lesser degree of the felony offense. Had the Legislature intended to
dictate such a result, ‘it easily could have done so.’ [Citation.]” (Ibid.) The
court therefore rejected Howard’s argument that “section 1170.95
subdivision (e) requires the trial court to designate the lesser degree of the
underlying felony—even when the evidence at trial shows the commission of
the greater degree . . . .” (Ibid.)
17
The court also read subdivision (e) of section 1170.95 in relation to
subdivision (d)(3), which concerns the determination of the petitioner’s
eligibility for statutory relief. (Howard, supra, 50 Cal.App.5th at p. 739.)
The court explained: “Subdivision (d)(3) contains express language regarding
the prosecutor’s burden to prove the petitioner is not entitled to relief. It also
identifies the evidence the court may consider when making an eligibility
determination. (§ 1170.95, subd. (d)(3).) Subdivision (e) contains no such
language. Reading subdivisions (d)(3) and (e) together suggests the
Legislature knew how to circumscribe the court’s redesignation
decisionmaking power and declined to do so. Comparing these provisions
supports our conclusion that the Legislature intended to grant the trial court
flexibility when identifying the underlying felony for resentencing under
subdivision (e).” (Ibid.)
We agree with the Howard court’s reasoning that reading section
1170.95, subdivisions (d)(3) and (e) together reflects a legislative intent to
grant trial courts flexibility in designating the underlying offense for
resentencing purposes. Watson’s contention that subdivision (e) requires a
court to redesignate a vacated murder conviction as only one underlying
felony—even when the evidence shows beyond dispute the commission of
more than one underlying felony—would run directly contrary to this
principle.
Watson then points us to section 1170.95, subdivision (d)(1) to suggest
that construing subdivision (e) to allow courts to designate multiple felonies
would create an internal conflict within the statute. Subdivision (d)(1)
provides that “the court shall hold a hearing to determine whether to vacate
the murder conviction and to recall the sentence and resentence the
petitioner on any remaining counts in the same manner as if the petitioner
18
had not been previously been [sic] sentenced, provided that the new sentence,
if any, is not greater than the initial sentence.” (Italics added.) Watson
contends, “By finding [him] guilty of both burglary and robbery, the court
imposed the additional consequence that [he] now has two prior strike
convictions” within the meaning of the Three Strikes law (§§ 667, subds. (b)–
(j), 1170.12). According to Watson, “the imposition of this additional
consequence after granting the petition violates subdivision (d)(1) . . . .”
To the extent Watson contends the court’s designation of two felony
convictions in this case implicates the Three Strikes law, it is prematurely
raised and we do not consider it on the merits. The instant convictions could
only affect Watson if he were to commit a third offense and if the prosecutor
then seeks to use his prior convictions as a basis for sentence enhancement in
a future, unrelated criminal action. Only then would Watson be vulnerable
to increased punishment for the subsequent offense under the Three Strikes
law. At this juncture, these issues are not ripe for decision. Deciding
whether the present offenses qualify as serious felonies for purposes of the
Three Strikes law would constitute an advisory opinion relating to the
hypothetical use of the current felony conviction to enhance punishment for a
future offense. Such a ruling would violate the well-settled rule that courts
should “avoid advisory opinions on abstract propositions of law. [Citations.]”
(In re William M. (1970) 3 Cal.3d 16, 23, fn. 14; see Pacific Legal Foundation
v. California Coastal Com. (1982) 33 Cal.3d 158, 170.)
In any event, a decision as to whether a prior offense qualifies as a
“strike” is not made as of the date of the conviction on that offense, but rather
at the time of the conviction on the future offense. (See People v. Green (1995)
36 Cal.App.4th 280, 283 [under § 667, subd. (d)(1) “the court is presently
required to look backward to see if, at the time of the conviction of the past
19
offense, such past offense qualified as a serious or violent offense under [the
Three Strikes law]”]; accord, People v. James (2001) 91 Cal.App.4th 1147,
1150.) Further, even in the event of a future conviction, sentencing under the
Three Strikes law is not a certainty. “Under the Three Strikes law a
qualifying prior conviction must, in the current case, be pleaded and proved
[citation], beyond a reasonable doubt [citations], and the defendant has a
statutory right to a jury trial, at least on the issue whether the defendant
suffered the prior conviction [citations].” (People v. Bowden (2002) 102
Cal.App.4th 387, 393.) Moreover, whether Watson’s convictions after
resentencing under section 1170.95 will then qualify to enhance the future
sentence is also speculative in that the trial court retains discretion to strike
prior conviction allegations in the interests of justice, pursuant to section
1385 and People v. Superior Court (Romero) (1996) 13 Cal.4th 497, 527–528.7
For all these reasons, we express no view on Watson’s claim that the court’s
designation of two felonies implicates the Three Strikes law.
Accordingly, we conclude that the language of subdivision (e), viewed in
context with the other subdivisions of section 1170.95, does not support
Watson’s construction that the court was required to designate only one
underlying felony.
7 Although we are not faced with that question in the present case, we
note that section 1385 authorizes a trial court to strike a prior felony
conviction and that our Supreme Court has “left open the possibility that
‘there are some circumstances in which two prior felony convictions are so
closely connected . . . that a trial court would abuse its discretion under
section 1385 if it failed to strike one of the priors.’ ” (People v. Sanchez (2001)
24 Cal.4th 983, 993, citing People v. Benson (1998) 18 Cal.4th 24, 36 & fn. 8;
see, e.g., People v. Burgos (2004) 117 Cal.App.4th 1209, 1216–1217 [finding
abuse of discretion in failing to dismiss a strike allegation where prior
convictions for attempted carjacking and attempted robbery arose “from the
same single act”].)
20
2. Legislative Purpose and History
Assuming that the language of the statute does not inexorably compel
this conclusion, we may look to extrinsic aids, such as the statute’s purpose
and legislative history. (Coalition of Concerned Communities, Inc. v. City of
Los Angeles, supra, 34 Cal.4th at p. 737.)
“In considering the purpose of legislation, statements of the intent of
the enacting body contained in a preamble, while not conclusive, are entitled
to consideration.” (People v. Canty (2004) 32 Cal.4th 1266, 1280.) In an
uncodified section of Senate Bill No. 1437, the Legislature declared, “Reform
is needed in California to limit convictions and subsequent sentencing so that
the law of California fairly addresses the culpability of the individual and
assists in the reduction of prison overcrowding, which partially results from
lengthy sentences that are not commensurate with the culpability of the
individual.” (Stats. 2018, ch. 1015, § 1, subd. (e).) The new law was
“necessary to amend the felony murder rule and the natural and probable
consequences doctrine, as it relates to murder, to ensure that murder liability
is not imposed on a person who is not the actual killer, did not act with the
intent to kill, or was not a major participant in the underlying felony who
acted with reckless indifference to human life.” (Stats. 2018, ch. 1015, § 1,
subd. (f).)
The legislative history of Senate Bill No. 1437 echoes these purposes.
An analysis of Senate Bill No. 1437 conducted by the Senate Committee on
Public Safety states, “According to the author: [¶] SB 1437 seeks to restore
proportional responsibility in the application of California’s murder statute
reserving the harshest punishments for those who intentionally planned or
actually committed the killing.” (Sen. Com. on Public Safety, Analysis of Sen.
Bill No. 1437 (2017–2018 Reg. Sess.) as amended Feb. 16, 2018, p. 3.) An
21
analysis by the Assembly Committee on Public Safety also states, “ ‘The
felony-murder doctrine is unnecessary and in many cases, unjust in that it
violates the basic premise of individual moral culpability upon which our
criminal law is based.’ ” (Assem. Com. on Public Safety, Analysis of Sen. Bill.
No. 1437 (2017–2018 Reg. Sess.) as amended May 25, 2018, p. 5; Assem.
Com. on Appropriations, Analysis of Sen. Bill No. 1437 (2017–2018 Reg.
Sess.) as amended May 25, 2018, p. 1 [same].)
In addition, the legislative history of Senate Bill No. 1437 includes
reference to People v. Dillon (1983) 34 Cal.3d 441, in which our Supreme
Court referred to the felony-murder rule as “ ‘ “barbaric” ’ ” and found that
“ ‘in almost all cases in which it is applied it is unnecessary’ and ‘it erodes the
relation between criminal liability and moral culpability’ [citation].” (Id. at p.
463, italics added; Assem. Com. on Public Safety, Analysis of Sen. Bill. No.
1437 (2017–2018 Reg. Sess.) as amended May 25, 2018, p. 5.) Additional
analyses quote People v. Cavitt (2004) 33 Cal.4th 187, which explained:
“ ‘The Legislature has said in effect that this deterrent purpose outweighs the
normal legislative policy of examining the individual state of mind of each
person causing an unlawful killing to determine whether the killing was with
or without malice, deliberate or accidental, and calibrating our treatment of
the person accordingly. Once a person perpetrates or attempts to perpetrate
one of the enumerated felonies, then in the judgment of the Legislature, he
[or she] is no longer entitled to such fine judicial calibration, but will be
deemed guilty of first degree murder for any homicide committed in the
course thereof.’ ” (Id. at p. 197, italics and bracketed insertion added; Sen.
Com. on Public Safety, Analysis of Sen. Bill No. 1437 (2017–2018 Reg. Sess.)
as amended Feb. 16, 2018, pp. 6, 7; Sen. Rules Com., Off. of Sen. Floor
22
Analyses, 3d reading analysis of Sen. Bill No. 1437 (2017–2018 Reg. Sess.) as
amended May 25, 2018, pp. 3, 4, 6.)
Further, in evaluating the bill’s fiscal impact, the Department of
Finance noted, “It is difficult for the California Department of Corrections
and Rehabilitation to estimate potential savings associated with the bill as it
is dependent upon judicial discretion.” (Dept. Finance, Enrolled Bill Rep. on
Sen. Bill No. 1437 (2017–2018 Reg. Sess.) Sept. 6, 2018, p. 1.)
The statements of the preamble and the legislative history of Senate
Bill No. 1437 confirm the Legislature’s intent to restore, within the context of
felony-murder liability, the “ ‘normal legislative policy of examining the
individual state of mind’ ” and affording defendants convicted of murder “fine
judicial calibration” with respect to punishment. (People v. Cavitt, supra, 33
Cal.4th at p. 197.) Watson’s interpretation of section 1170.95, subdivision (e)
would thwart these goals. A construction that is more aligned with the
statute’s purpose and history is one that does not eliminate the discretion of
the courts to designate more than one felony when necessary to “calibrate” a
defendant’s punishment to his or her culpability.
Howard is again instructive. There, the court considered the expressed
purposes of Senate Bill No. 1437, which supported the trial court’s decision to
designate Howard’s murder conviction as first degree burglary, rather than
second degree burglary. (Howard, supra, 50 Cal.App.5th at p. 739.) The
court explained: “[O]ur conclusion that section 1170.95 subdivision (e) did
not require the trial court to redesignate Howard’s conviction as second
degree burglary is consistent with the statute’s stated purpose, which is to
‘eliminat[e] lengthy sentences which have been declared incommensurate
with the culpability of defendants such as [Howard],’ and instead punish a
defendant according to his ‘ “own level of individual culpability” ’ [Citation.]”
23
(Ibid., first bracketed insertion added.) Thus, “[b]y vacating Howard’s
murder conviction and designating that conviction as first degree burglary,
the court calibrated Howard’s punishment to his culpability for aiding and
abetting a residential burglary. [Citation.]” (Ibid.)
We reach the same conclusion here. As explained in the preceding
part, the evidence establishes beyond dispute that Watson aided and abetted
both a burglary and a robbery before his accomplice fatally stabbed Castle.
Accordingly, we agree with the People that by vacating Watson’s murder
conviction and designating that conviction as first degree burglary and
robbery, the court, as in Howard, calibrated Watson’s punishment to his
culpability for committing both of those crimes. To prohibit the court from
doing so on the facts of this case would run contrary to the express purposes
of the statute. Further, adopting Watson’s interpretation of subdivision (e)
would bestow a windfall on Watson, who has already been afforded the
“ ‘ameliorative benefits’ ” of the statute. (Howard, supra, 50 Cal.App.5th at p.
735.)
In sum, we conclude the trial court did not err in designating Watson’s
vacated murder conviction as both first degree burglary and first degree
robbery pursuant to section 1170.95, subdivision (e).
III. Parole Supervision
Watson also challenges his placement on parole supervision,
contending that section 1170.95, subdivision (g) required the court to apply
his excess custody credits to eliminate any imposed period of parole. The
People counter that the court had discretion under the statute to place
Watson on parole. However, the People agree with Watson that because the
court did not specify a duration of parole, we should remand for that limited
24
purpose.8 We agree with the People that the court did not err in placing
Watson on parole. However, we will remand to permit the court to specify a
parole period.
A. The court did not err by placing Watson on parole
supervision under section 1170.95, subdivision (g).
The proper construction of section 1170.95, subdivision (g) presents an
issue of statutory interpretation, which, as noted ante, is subject to de novo
review. (People v. Gonzalez, supra, 2 Cal.5th at p. 1141.) In interpreting
section 1170.95, subdivision (g), we do not write on a blank slate. This court
in People v. Wilson (2020) 53 Cal.App.5th 42 (Wilson) addressed the issue
presented here—whether a court must apply the excess custody credits of a
person who is resentenced under Senate Bill No. 1437 to reduce or eliminate
the person’s parole supervision period pursuant to section 1170.95,
subdivision (g). Wilson determined the answer to this question is “no.”
Like Watson, the defendant in Wilson argued that the court erred in
failing to apply the general rule that, in the ordinary situation of original
sentencing, excess presentence credits can reduce a period of parole. (Wilson,
supra, 53 Cal.App.5th at pp. 47–48.) That rule is reflected in sections 2900.5,
subdivision (c) and 1170, subdivision (d)(3). (See §§ 2900.5, subd. (c) [“For the
8 Watson contends that his failure to object to his placement on parole
does not forfeit the issue on appeal. The People concede the point. The
forfeiture rule applies to sentencing errors. (People v. Trujillo (2015) 60
Cal.4th 850, 856.) However, where a court imposes an “unauthorized
sentence,” the forfeiture rule does not apply. (People v. Smith (2001) 24
Cal.4th 849, 852 [exception to forfeiture rule for “ ‘unauthorized sentences,’ ”
which are ones that “ ‘could not lawfully be imposed under any circumstance
in the particular case’ ”].) Both parties assert that the court’s failure to
specify a period of parole supervision amounted to a failure to exercise
“informed discretion.” (See People v. Belmontes (1983) 34 Cal.3d 335, 348, fn.
8.)
25
purposes of this section, ‘term of imprisonment’ includes any period of
imprisonment . . . ordered by a court . . . and also includes . . . any period of
imprisonment and parole, prior to discharge” (italics added)], 1170, subd.
(a)(3) [providing that the entire sentence shall be deemed to have been served
where the precustody credit exceeds the imposed sentence and that the
defendant “shall serve an applicable period of parole . . . unless the in-custody
credits equal the total sentence, including both confinement time and the
period of parole” (italics added)].)
Based on the language of section 1170.95, subdivision (g), as well as the
provision’s legislative history, the Wilson court “conclude[d] that these
general principles regarding the applicability of custody credits towards
parole periods do not apply to resentencing under section 1170.95.” (Wilson,
supra, 53 Cal.App.5th at p. 48.) Thus, it held that a “court is not required to
mechanically apply excess custody credits to reduce or eliminate the parole
period imposed at a resentencing pursuant section 1170.95 [sic]. Instead, and
notwithstanding excess custody credits, the court may exercise its discretion
when deciding whether to order a period of parole.” (Id. at p. 46.)
On the interpretation question, the Wilson court analogized section
1170.95, subdivision (g) to section 1170.18, a resentencing provision enacted
as part of Proposition 47. (See Wilson, supra, 53 Cal.App.5th at pp. 48–50.)
The Proposition 47 statute, which resembled subdivision (g), reduced certain
nonserious, nonviolent crimes from felonies to misdemeanors, and allowed
persons with a felony sentence to petition for a misdemeanor sentence. (See
ibid.) The Wilson court cited the Supreme Court’s decision in People v.
Morales (2016) 63 Cal.4th 399 (Morales), which in turn interpreted the
Proposition 47 statute. (Wilson, at pp. 48–50.) Applying principles of
statutory interpretation, the Morales court concluded that credit for time
26
served does not reduce a parole period imposed at resentencing under
Proposition 47. (Morales, supra, 63 Cal.4th at p. 403.)
The Morales court observed that although “section 2900.5 states two
things . . . : (1) the person is entitled to credit for time served, and (2) the
credit can reduce or eliminate the period of parole,” the Proposition 47
statute “states the first of these but not the second.” (Morales, supra, 63
Cal.4th at p. 406.) The Proposition 47 statute “[i]nstead . . . states the person
is to receive credit for time served and is subject to parole.” (Morales, at p.
406.) The court explained that the Proposition 47 statute thus establishes a
“seemingly mandatory parole requirement (subject to the court’s
discretion) . . . .” (Id. at p. 405.) Further, because the Proposition 47 statute
says nothing about applying excess credit for time served to reduce the period
of parole, the court had “no reason . . . to assume the voters believed . . .
credit for time served could reduce the period of parole” when they enacted
Proposition 47. (Id. at p. 406.)
Just as the Morales court concluded the Proposition 47 statute does not
require using excess credit to reduce or eliminate the parole period, the
Wilson court concluded that the words “credit for time served” in section
1170.95, subdivision (g) do not require a court to apply excess credit against a
person’s parole supervision period. (Wilson, supra, 53 Cal.App.5th at p. 50.)
The Wilson court explained that section 1170.95, subdivision (g)—like the
Proposition 47 statute—“states that (1) the person is entitled to credit for
time served and (2) the court may order a parole period.” (Wilson, at p. 50.)
Section 1170.95, subdivision (g), however, “does not state—as section 2900.5
states—that the credit may be used to reduce or eliminate any parole period
the court may impose.” (Wilson, at p. 50.) To do so would require the court to
27
add words to the statute that do not exist, which it declined to do. (Id. at p.
52.)
In addition to the statutory text, the Wilson court stated that the
legislative history indicated an intent to “ ‘permit judges to impose a term of
parole supervision upon completion of the term imposed under any
resentencing’ . . . .” (Wilson, supra, 53 Cal.App.5th at p. 50.) Further, the
court opined, “While [the statute’s] general objective is to treat offenders with
uniformity, it also serves the ‘objective of parole’—to provide ‘supervision and
counseling, to assist in the parolee’s transition from imprisonment to
discharge and reintegration into society.’ ” (Id. at pp. 50–51.) Finally, it
concluded that “to read section 1170.95 as Wilson urges us to do would result
in parole being eliminated or reduced in many cases governed by section
1170.95 as defendants seeking relief under that section will have been
serving lengthy felony sentences for murder by the time they petition for
resentencing.” (Id. at p. 51.) We also observe that in People v. Lamoureux
(2020) 57 Cal.App.5th 136 (Lamoureux), the Fourth Appellate District,
Division One, relying on Morales and citing Wilson with approval, also
concluded that section 1170.95, subdivision (g) does not require a court to
automatically apply excess custody credits to offset a parole period.
(Lamoureux, supra, 57 Cal.5th at pp. 142–145.)
Watson argues Morales is inapplicable because it had no occasion to
discuss “the sentencing provisions in section 1170 which apply only to felony
sentencing.” As noted ante, the pertinent provision in section 1170 is
subdivision (a)(3), which Wilson explains “provides that ‘the person is entitled
to credit for time served and that the credit can reduce or eliminate any
period of parole.’ ” (Wilson, supra, 53 Cal.App.5th at p. 51.) Watson then
28
contends that section 1170.95, subdivision (g) should be interpreted to ensure
consistency with section 1170, subdivision (a)(3).
The Wilson court rejected a similar argument. (See Wilson, supra, 53
Cal.App.5th at pp. 51–52.) We explained that although the Morales court did
not discuss section 1170, subdivision (a)(3), its “discussion of section 2900.5
. . . is equally applicable to section 1170(a)(3) as both sections are identical as
to the purpose and rules concerning the application of credit for time served
to reduce or eliminate a term of imprisonment and parole. [Citation.] As we
must assume the Legislature had in mind section 1170(a)(3) when enacting
section 1170.95, it was aware of section 1170(a)(3)’s rule allowing credit for
time served and credit to reduce or eliminate any period of parole. We may
further assume the Legislature was aware that the purpose behind the rule
in section 1170(a)(3), like section 2900.5, was ‘to equalize the treatment of . . .
those who could not post bail.’ [Citation.] Consequently, had the Legislature
not intended to leave the issue of parole to the trial court’s discretion in
section 1170.95, it could have easily made specific reference to section
1170(a)(3) or otherwise modified the court’s right to impose a parole period.
[Citations.] Instead, the Legislature gave the trial court unfettered
discretion to impose a period of parole at the completion of any sentence
imposed under section 1170.95.” (Wilson, at pp. 51–52.) Section 1170,
subdivision (a)(3), therefore, does not support Watson’s position.
Watson also contends that the Legislature, “in making application of
1170.95 retroactive to all cases based on felony murder, . . . had to have been
aware that there would be individuals who had served length prison
sentences that would now be vacated.” (Sic.) He contends that the
Legislature intended to address situations like his, “where he had served so
many additional years beyond that imposed at re-sentencing . . . .” According
29
to Watson, “[p]ermitting the trial judge to consider whether to impose parole
does not indicate an intention that section 2900.5’s provision for credit for
time served on a term of parole should not apply in this context.” We
disagree. Again, we point to Wilson, where we concluded that the language of
section 1170.95, subdivision (g) itself and the provision’s legislative history
indicate an intent that section 2900.5 not apply in the context of resentencing
under section 1170.95. (See Wilson, supra, 53 Cal.App.5th at pp. 50–51.)
To the extent Watson is suggesting that failing to apply excess credits
to eliminate a parole period does not comport with the statute’s purpose to
“ ‘more equitably sentence offenders in accordance with their involvement in
homicides,’ ” we are unconvinced. The Wilson court explained, “While
[section 1170.95’s] general objective is to treat offenders with uniformity, it
also serves the ‘objective of parole’—to provide ‘supervision and counseling, to
assist in the parolee’s transition from imprisonment to discharge and
reintegration into society.’ [Citation.]” (Wilson, supra, 53 Cal.App.5th at pp.
50–51.) We thus held “it is consistent with the legislative purpose behind
section 1170.95 to allow a court to impose a parole period even where excess
custody credits exist.” (Id. at p. 51.)
Next, Watson takes the position that the court “only had the authority
to put [him] on parole for up to 3 years following completion of his 6-year
sentence.” As best we can discern, Watson argues that section 1170.95,
subdivision (g) prohibits a resentenced person from being subject to parole
supervision at any point later than three years after the completion of the
person’s new custodial term. Watson seems to suggest that section 1170.95,
subdivision (g) establishes a deadline on a person’s eligibility for parole.
The Lamoureux court rejected a similar argument. (Lamoureux, supra,
57 Cal.App.5th at pp. 149–150.) It construed the syntax of section 1170.95,
30
subdivision (g) and concluded “the most natural reading of the statute is . . .
that a person may be subject to parole supervision following the completion of
the sentence and, furthermore, the parole supervision period may be up to
three years in duration.” (Lamoureux, supra, at p. 149.) The court explained
that the statute thus “does not establish a three-year deadline after which a
resentenced person may no longer be subject to parole . . . .” (Id. at p. 150.)
It also found support in the Morales court’s implied determination that the
specified one-year period of parole in the Proposition 47 statute “established
the maximum duration of the parole period, not a deadline akin to a statute
of limitations.” (Lamoureux, at p. 149, citing Morales, supra, 63 Cal.4th at p.
405.) Lamoureux explained that these conclusions in Morales “confirm our
interpretation of the nearly identical statute at issue here, section 1170.95,
subdivision (g).” (Lamoureux, at p. 149.)
We agree with the reasoning in Lamoureux. Assuming Watson
completed his sentence when his new six-year sentence expired, the court had
authority to place him on parole supervision for up to three years in duration
following his release from custody. (See Lamoureux, supra, 57 Cal.App.5th at
p. 150.) In sum, “we see no basis to set aside the trial court’s refusal to apply
excess custody credits to eliminate the period of parole imposed at the
resentencing under section 1170.95.” (Wilson, supra, 53 Cal.App.5th at p.
52.)
B. Remand is appropriate to permit the court to select a
period of parole.
Watson argues that even if the court had discretion to place him on
parole supervision, the court nonetheless erred in failing to exercise its
discretion and select a period of parole. The People agree, as do we.
“Defendants are entitled to sentencing decisions made in the exercise of
the ‘informed discretion’ of the sentencing court. [Citations.] A court which
31
is unaware of the scope of its discretionary powers can no more exercise that
‘informed discretion’ than one whose sentence is or may have been based on
misinformation regarding a material aspect of a defendant’s record.
[Citation.]” (People v. Belmontes, supra, 34 Cal.3d at p. 348, fn. 8.) During
resentencing in this case, the court stated, “I believe you’re still subject to a
term of parole for this violation. You may be released today or tomorrow. If
you are, I’m ordering you to go to parole within 48 hours if they don’t contact
you ahead of time.” However, the court did not select a duration for parole
supervision. Since the record does not indicate the court was aware that it
had the discretion to impose a parole period “for up to three years following
the completion of [Watson’s] sentence” (§ 1170.95, subd. (g)), the appropriate
remedy is to remand for resentencing. (See People v. Gutierrez (2014) 58
Cal.4th 1354, 1391.)
Accordingly, we remand for the limited purpose of allowing the court to
exercise its discretion to specify the duration of Watson’s parole period. On
remand, the court may properly consider the fact that Watson has served
nearly 32 years in custody, as well as over one and a half years of parole
supervision since he was ordered released from custody in late October 2019.
IV. Restitution Fine
Watson also challenges the $1,800 restitution fine (§ 1202.4), on the
grounds that the amount imposed violates the constitutional proscriptions
against double jeopardy and ex post facto laws, as well as the plain language
of section 1170.95, subdivision (d).
The People contend Watson has forfeited this argument. We agree.
(See People v. Trujillo, supra, 60 Cal.4th at p. 856 [forfeiture rule applies to
sentencing errors]; In re Seaton (2004) 34 Cal.4th 193, 197–198 [forfeiture
rule applies to alleged constitutional violations]; see also Lamoureux, supra,
32
57 Cal.App.5th at pp. 151–152 [exceptions to forfeiture rule based on
“unauthorized sentence” or threatened ineffective assistance of counsel claim
did not apply to failure to object to restitution fine].)
Even if we were to overlook the forfeiture, we need not decide whether
the court erred in setting the restitution fine at $1,800. Whether the proper
amount for the fine was $1,800 or a lesser amount, we agree with Watson
that his excess custody credits should have been applied to fully satisfy the
fine. (See People v. Morris (2015) 242 Cal.App.4th 94, 101–103 (Morris)
[deeming defendant’s restitution fine satisfied under version of section 2900.5
in effect at the time of defendant’s sentence]; Lamoureux, supra, 57
Cal.App.5th at pp. 152–154 [same].) The People do not dispute this point.
The ex post facto clause applies to Watson’s restitution fine and
therefore the fine is governed by the statutes in effect at the time of his
offense. (Morris, supra, 242 Cal.App.4th at p. 102.) In 1987, section 2900.5,
subdivision (a) provided in pertinent part as follows: “In all felony and
misdemeanor convictions, either by plea or by verdict, when the defendant
has been in custody, . . . days credited to the period of confinement pursuant
to Section 4019, shall be credited upon his term of imprisonment, or credited
to any fine which may be imposed, at the rate of not less than thirty dollars
($30) per day, or more, in the discretion of the court imposing the sentence. If
the total number of days in custody exceeds the number of days of the term of
imprisonment to be imposed, the entire term of imprisonment shall be
deemed to have been served. In any case where the court has imposed both a
prison or jail term of imprisonment and a fine, any days to be credited to the
defendant shall first be applied to the term of imprisonment imposed, and
33
thereafter such remaining days, if any, shall be applied to the fine.”9 (Italics
added.)
Under the plain terms of former section 2900.5, subdivision (a), the
trial court was required to apply Watson’s excess custody credits to reduce his
$1,800 restitution fine at a rate of not less than $30 per day. Watson had a
total of 11,714 custody credits. Thus, under former section 2900.5, Watson
was entitled to have those credits first applied to his new six-year term of
imprisonment, which constitutes approximately 2,190 days, and then, with
the remainder, to his restitution fine. The total days served of 11,714 days,
less the 2,190 days applied to the custodial term, leaves 9,524 days to be
credited against the restitution fine. When multiplied by a rate of $30 per
day, the credit of 9,524 days far exceeds $1,800. As a result, we deem the
$1,800 restitution fine to have been satisfied in full.
V. Parole Revocation Restitution Fine
Watson further argues, and the People agree, that the court’s
imposition of the $1,800 parole revocation restitution fine under section
1202.45 violates the federal and California prohibitions on ex post facto laws.
(U.S. Const., art. I, § 10, cl. 1; Cal. Const., art. I, § 9.) The ban on
ex post facto laws prohibits imposing the section 1202.45 restitution fine on a
person who committed the underlying offense before the statute authorizing
the fine was enacted. (People v. Callejas (2000) 85 Cal.App.4th 667, 676;
accord, People v. Flores (2009) 176 Cal.App.4th 1171, 1181–1182.) Watson
committed the underlying crimes in 1987. Section 1202.45 went into effect in
1995. (Stats. 1995, ch. 313, § 6.) Hence, the fine must be stricken even
9In 2013, the Legislature amended section 2900.5, subdivision (a) by
eliminating restitution fines from the fines to which excess custody credits
may be applied. (Stats. 2013, ch. 59, § 7.)
34
though Watson did not object to it in the trial court. This is so because the
fine was “ ‘unauthorized,’ ” in that “it could not lawfully be imposed under
any circumstance” in this case. (People v. Scott (1994) 9 Cal.4th 331, 354.)
We decline to apply the forfeiture rule to foreclose an ineffective
assistance of counsel claim since we can see no conceivable tactical
explanation for defense counsel’s failure to advise the court that section
1202.45 was not in effect at the time of the offenses. (See People v. Kendrick
(2014) 226 Cal.App.4th 769, 778–780.)
DISPOSITION
The case is remanded to the trial court for the limited purpose of
determining the duration of Watson’s parole period in accordance with
section 1170.95, subdivision (g). The judgment is modified to reflect that
(1) the $1,800 parole revocation restitution fine under section 1202.45 is
stricken; and (2) the $1,800 restitution fine imposed under section 1202.4 is
deemed satisfied in full by application of Watson’s excess custody credits
pursuant to section 2900.5. As so modified, the judgment is affirmed.
The clerk of the superior court is directed to modify the amended
abstract of judgment to reflect this modification and to forward a copy of the
new amended abstract to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
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_________________________
Wiseman, J.*
WE CONCUR:
_________________________
Fujisaki, Acting P. J.
_________________________
Jackson, J.
A159284/People v. Donald Alexander Watson
*Retired Associate Justice of the Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate
District, assigned by the Chief Justice pursuant to article VI, section 6 of the
California Constitution.
36
A159284/People v. Donald Alexander Watson
Trial Court: Superior Court of the County of Solano
Trial Judge: John B. Ellis, J.
Counsel: Janice M. Lagerlof, under appointment by the Court of
Appeal, for Defendant and Appellant.
Xavier Becerra, Attorney General, Lance E. Winters and
Jeffrey M. Laurence, Assistant Attorneys General,
René A. Chacón and Bruce Ortega, Deputy Attorneys
General, for Plaintiff and Respondent.
37