Defendant, under the name of Scott Cretteli, was charged in three indictments with four sales of narcotics in violation of section 11501 of the Health and Safety Code. The actions were consolidated for trial. The defendant revealed his true name, entered his plea of not guilty to each of the four offenses charged, and admitted a prior conviction of possession of narcotics which was set forth in each of the indictments. Following a jury trial, verdicts were returned which found defendant guilty of each of the charged offenses.
The defendant's motion for new trial, addressed to each of the charges, was denied. The defendant interposed a motion for proceedings for an order for commitment for narcotics addiction pursuant to the provisions of section 6451 of the Penal Code (now (Stats. 1965, ch. 1226, §§ 1 and 2) § 3051 of the Welf. & Inst. Code). The following day the defendant filed a notice of appeal under the provisions of subdivision 2 of section 1237 of the Penal Code. His subsequent commitment for narcotics addiction breathed life into this premature notice of appeal as an appeal from the order denying his motion for a new trial. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 31, subd. (a), 1st par.)
Thereafter, the defendant was returned to court pursuant to the provisions of section 6453 of the Penal Code (§ 3053 of the Welf. & Inst. Code) and given concurrent sentences to prison on the charges of which he had been convicted. A second notice of appeal was filed following the pronouncement and entry of judgment.
Defendant contends that he was denied his right to effective representation by counsel, and that the trial court committed prejudicial error in failing to give his requested instruction on entrapment. An examination of the record in the light of pertinent principles of law fails to sustain these contentions and the judgment should be affirmed.
Defendant received effective aid of counsel in the preparation and trial of his case
The record reflects that the defendant was represented by an assistant public defender when he was originally arraigned on the three indictments, when he moved for and secured an order reducing his bail, and when the matters were consolidated for trial, that the public defender interposed motions to dismiss on his behalf and was present when he entered his pleas and when the case was set for trial after the motions were denied. When the case actually came on for trial some 15 days later, the defendant first manifested his discontent with his attorney.
He asked that the public defender's office be relieved because it contended that the defense proposed by him would result in perjury. (Cf. In re Atchley (1957) 48 Cal.2d 408, 415-418 [310 P.2d 15].) He also represented that he had seven witnesses to be called and that he had not been consulted for more than 10 minutes, and he stated that he had not yet read the allegations against him. In response to the court's question as to whether he wished to represent himself, he replied, "I would like time to be prepared to do that." The court assured him that subsequently he would have time to contact and call his witnesses, but indicated that the impanelment of the jury would proceed at that time.
The court then ascertained that the defendant had graduated from high school, but that he himself did not know how to measure his familiarity with legal procedure and law. The court then indicated it was not satisfied that the defendant was able to defend himself, and requested and secured the assent of the assistant public defender to "sit with [the defendant] and make such objections as you think proper or motions to strike or take any other procedures that seem to you to be desirable all to the end that [defendant's] rights be fully protected."
The court then asked the defendant, "Would you have any objection, ... to [the attorney] sitting with you and making suggestions to you and perhaps you making suggestions to him or conversing with him during the course of the trial?" The defendant indicated that he objected to that procedure, because of the attorney's contention about his proposed defense, but that it did not matter whether he was alone or assisted. The judge cut short defendant's pronouncement about facts he was going to bring out in court, ordered the attorney to assist as an agent or arm of the court, and proceeded with the
After the impanelment of the jury and the noon recess, the court again interrogated the defendant out of the presence of the jury. In response to the court's question as to whether he still desired to represent himself, the defendant stated: "My desire was to have a paid attorney, but being I wasn't able to at this time, I choose to represent myself rather than be represented by defense counsel."
The court advised him that the public defender was available for his services and that another attorney would not be appointed. The court stated, "I have concluded from my interrogation of you that you are not — I am not down-grading your intelligence at all — I don't think you are competent or qualified to represent yourself, but that is a decision that you must make. I can't deny you that right. Now, Mr. Weeks is appointed, as you know, to act on your behalf by the Court to do the things that you ordinarily do."
The court then alluded to the cooperation manifested in connection with the impanelment of the jury and concluded: "So, I suppose the arrangement is working out fairly well between you and Mr. Weeks." Defendant replied: "I don't know of any alternative, your Honor."
"Where a defendant charged with crime is unable to employ counsel, is not statutorily required to have counsel [see fn. 2 herein], and is competent to decide whether he desires counsel, the defendant during the proceedings before the magistrate and the trial court has as a matter of absolute right but two choices in the matter of a court-appointed attorney: he can accept representation by counsel (as most defendants with the ability to employ counsel have the good sense to do) or he can elect to represent himself.
In Mattson the court recognized that under certain circumstances the procedure followed by the trial court would be proper. "We are not saying that the trial court may not in its discretion, upon what it may determine to be good cause shown, permit a party who is represented by counsel to participate in the conduct of the case (see ante, footnote 3), or permit a defendant who appears in propria persona to employ an attorney to sit by him and advise him during the presentation of the case in court, or even appoint an attorney (with the latter's consent) to render such advisory services to an indigent defendant who wishes to represent himself (see, e.g., People v. Chessman (1951) supra, 38 Cal.2d 166, 174 [2]). These matters are within the sound discretion of the trial judge, who is in a position to appraise the courtroom situation and determine what procedure will best promote orderly, prompt and just disposition of the cause.
A review of the record reflects that in this case the appointed counsel not only advised the defendant but with his tacit and expressed consent conducted the proceedings. As noted, they consulted together during the impanelment of the jury. The attorney consistently made pertinent objections during the prosecutor's examination of witnesses. At the conclusion of the direct examination of the first witness for the prosecution the court stated: "You may cross-examine, Mr. Cretelli, or Mr. Weeks may on your behalf, whichever you wish." Following an unreported discussion between the attorney and the defendant, the former announced in open court, "He has asked me to do so, your Honor."
He raised no objection when the attorney, in his presence, permitted a chemist to be called out of order, stipulated to the witness' qualifications as a chemist, and conducted the cross-examination and recross-examination of that witness. In response to the inquiry of the court the defendant indicated that he had no questions he wished to ask the chemist, and he gave a similar reply to the court's invitation to question the first witness after his examination by the prosecutor and public defender was resumed and finally concluded.
The court permitted the defendant to participate in the discussions attendant to an offer of proof made by the prosecutor, and a motion made by the public defender on his behalf for the production of a witness.
The attorney undertook the cross and recross-examination of the prosecution's third witness without comment from defendant. The witness was excused without an express offer to permit defendant to personally interrogate him, but the defendant subsequently advised the court in response to its inquiry that he had no questions of that witness.
The attorney undertook to object to the admission into evidence of exhibits which had been produced by the prosecution. At the conclusion of these proceedings the following colloquy occurred: "THE COURT: I would like to say, do you have any
The defendant expressly concurred in the attorney's decision to waive an opening statement on his behalf, and failed to register any disapproval of his indication that the defense had only two witnesses. At the conclusion of the testimony of these two witnesses the attorney indicated that the defense rested, and he then, out of the presence of the jury, presented motions on behalf of the defendant at the latter's request. At that point defendant affirmed that he concurred in the closing of his case and that he had nothing further to offer by way of evidence.
The defendant was permitted to participate in the argument concerning the propriety of giving an instruction on entrapment. Without comment he permitted the attorney to argue his case to the jury, and he later advised the court that he had not wished to make any argument himself on his behalf. He was consulted and had no suggestions to make as to the form of the verdict. When the jury asked for an exhibit, which had been referred to but was not admitted in evidence, the defendant's assent was secured to the message sent to the jurors by the court.
Subsequently, after the attorney made and argued a motion for new trial the defendant confirmed that it was made at his request. Following the denial of this motion, he ratified and confirmed the attorney's action in making a motion for proceedings for his commitment under the provisions of section 6451 of the Penal Code. When those proceedings were called for hearing the defendant unqualifiedly accepted representation by the assistant public defender.
A review of the record reflects that defendant can concede no less than has been done by his counsel in the brief submitted to this court wherein it is stated: "Appellant in fact concedes that had the public defender been acting as his counsel, that appellant would have no legal standing to complain concerning the adequacy of the representation."
On the record presented by this case it would exalt form over substance to hold that prejudicial error was committed because the court recognized the defendant's right to conduct his own defense in the face of a finding that he was not competent so to do.
The following language from People v. Shroyer, supra, is pertinent: "At the time of pronouncement of judgment his case was presented not only by his attorney on his behalf but also by himself personally; each of them presenting arguments in opposition to the recommendation that he be sentenced to prison; and the court listened to and considered both arguments. Under the circumstances, what more could have been done had he not been given the services of an attorney, or in what manner he was deprived of a fair hearing because of the appointment of counsel, not only does not appear from the record but cannot be imagined." (203 Cal.App.2d 478 at p. 484.) In short, the defendant has not only had "effective aid in the preparation and trial of the case," but he has also been granted that to which he would not have been entitled had the court, as it might well have done, ordered the case to proceed unqualifiedly with the assigned counsel, namely, the right, albeit little exercised, to actively participate in the conduct of the case. No error appears.
That there had been preparation is manifest from the fact that a difference of opinion had developed between the defendant and the public defender concerning the strategy to be followed.
Lack of prejudice is also reflected by the fact that the only witnesses subpoenaed by the defendant were those who testified to impeach witnesses for the prosecution. It would appear that the defendant after reflection acceded to the attorney's views concerning his planned defense.
The request for an instruction on entrapment was properly refused
At the trial counsel assisting the defendant requested the court to instruct the jury on the subject of entrapment. In
Some six months after the verdicts were returned and after the motion for new trial was denied, the Supreme Court of this state overruled the decisions upon which the ruling of the trial court was predicated, and approving West held that a defendant may deny that he committed every element of the crime charged, yet properly allege that such acts as he did commit were induced by law enforcement officers. (People v. Perez (1965) 62 Cal.2d 769, 775-776 [44 Cal.Rptr. 326, 401 P.2d 934]; and see People v. Goree (1966) 240 Cal.App.2d 304, 308 [49 Cal.Rptr. 392], fn. 4; People v. Monteverde (1965) 236 Cal.App.2d 630, 640 [46 Cal.Rptr. 206]; People v. Marsden (1965) 234 Cal.App.2d 796, 799-800 [44 Cal.Rptr. 728].)
The change in the law is not dispositive of the issue. Perez recognizes that it is not erroneous to refuse an instruction on entrapment where there is no evidence to support it. (62 Cal.2d at p. 775; accord: People v. Malotte (1956) 46 Cal.2d 59, 65 [292 P.2d 517]; People v. Sylvester (1966) 241 Cal.App.2d 46, 50-51 [50 Cal.Rptr. 263]; People v. Griffin (1962) 209 Cal.App.2d 557, 563 [26 Cal.Rptr. 311]; People v. Cline (1962) 205 Cal.App.2d 309, 311 [22 Cal.Rptr. 916]; People v. Richardson (1957) 152 Cal.App.2d 310, 318 [313 P.2d 651]; People v. Finn (1955) 136 Cal.App.2d 152, 155-156 [288 P.2d 281]; People v. Alamillo (1952) 113 Cal.App.2d 617, 621 [248 P.2d 421]; see also People v. Evans (1955) 134 Cal.App.2d 733, 736-737 [286 P.2d 368] insofar as not disapproved in People v. Perez supra, 62 Cal.2d at p. 776, fn. 2; and cf. People v. Goree, supra, 240 Cal.App.2d 304, 309-311; People v. Monteverde, supra, 236 Cal.App.2d 630, 641-642; and People v. Marsden, supra, 234 Cal.App.2d 796, 798-799.)
The defendant has failed to point out the evidence on entrapment on which he relies. He appears to assert, as was done in the lower court by the public defender, that entrapment could be predicated upon an undercover officer's false representations that he wanted to be a big operator and get into selling, and upon the fact that the officer and others joined in getting the defendant to participate in the prohibited activities.
An independent search of the record sustains the contention of the prosecution that there is no evidence to show other than that the defendant instigated the sales and was in no way subjected to undue or unconscionable pressure. (People v. Sylvester, supra, 241 Cal.App.2d 46, 51.)
The case for the prosecution rested upon the testimony of an undercover officer for the narcotics detail as corroborated in part by the observations of another officer. His testimony reflects that he had first met defendant in the latter part of 1963 when he, as an undercover officer, stayed for a few days or a week at a waterfront hotel where the defendant resided. In the fall of 1964, about a month before the first sale by defendant, the officer established an acquaintance with one Mills and made purchases of narcotics from him. Mills introduced the officer to defendant in September a few days before the first sale. Mills and defendant were supposed to get heroin for the officer. They left the officer and a friend of Mills at the latter's apartment and allegedly went to fix a flat tire on defendant's car. The defendant subsequently telephoned back to Mills' room to the officer concerning the transaction, which apparently was not consummated.
The first sale charged was initiated by advice telephoned from Mills that defendant was ready. In response to this call the officer went to Mills' apartment. Mills in turn telephoned defendant and Mills and the officer went to premises occupied by defendant and a Miss King where they had a discussion concerning the purchase of heroin. They were instructed to wait outside in defendant's car and did so for a couple of hours. They then went back up to get defendant, and the defendant, one Dan, Mills and the officer left in defendant's car. The defendant got out in the Fillmore district, and after
The record reflects that the officer paid Mills $10 for the introduction to defendant. The officer, however, denied that he was using Mills as an agent to find people who were selling narcotics, and testified that so far as the officer knew Mills did not know his official status. The first indictment named Mills as a codefendant.
The subsequent sales, unless tainted by the first, are clearly free from any inducement, much less entrapment by the officer. The evidence reflects that the sale in the late afternoon of September 18th was instigated by a phone call to the officer from the defendant; that the sale on September 24th was commenced by solicitation from one Dan who had been defendant's companion and had driven his car on the occasion of the first sale; and that the final sale on October 13th was solicited in a telephone call from the defendant to the officer.
There is nothing in the foregoing evidence to justify a finding that the officer was party to an illegal or unjust scheme designed to foster rather than to prevent and detect crime (People v. Benford (1959) 53 Cal.2d 1, 9 [345 P.2d 928]); or that the intent to traffic in heroin originated in the mind of the officer rather than in the mind of the defendant (id., at p. 10).
The same considerations distinguish the facts of this case from those in People v. Monteverde, supra, 236 Cal.App.2d 630, 638-642 and People v. Marsden, supra, 234 Cal.App.2d 796, 798-800. In the former case the evidence permitted the inference that the money offered and exhibited by the undercover agents induced the defendant, an ostensible law-abiding person of good reputation, who did not possess a stock of heroin, to secure the contraband from another for a commission payable to himself. (236 Cal. App.2d at pp. 641-642.) In the latter case the appellate court found that the evidence disclosed all the classic elements of an entrapment: "An original contact initiated solely by the police; repeated, and unsuccessful, attempts to consummate a sale by the use of ordinary methods of offers to purchase; a final appeal to friendship with a story of special urgency; a consummation effected only as a result of such abnormal pressure." (234 Cal. App.2d at pp. 798-799.)
Since the evidence in this case was insufficient to sustain a finding of entrapment there was no error in the ruling of the trial court in refusing to consider such an instruction, even though such ruling was predicated upon a ground which was subsequently ruled untenable.
The appeal from the order denying the motion for a new trial (1 Criminal 5019) is dismissed. The judgment is affirmed on the appeal from the judgment sentencing the defendant (1 Criminal 5455).
Sullivan, P.J., and Molinari, J., concurred.
A petition for a rehearing was denied December 23, 1966, and appellant's petition for a hearing by the Supreme Court was denied February 1, 1967. Sullivan, J., did not participate therein.
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