Source: http://ca.findacase.com/research/wfrmDocViewer.aspx/xq/fac.20120229_0002823.ECA.htm/qx
Timestamp: 2016-12-07 17:01:57
Document Index: 792704605

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 191', '§ 191', '§ 191', '§ 191', '§ 668', '§ 355', '§ 2254', '§ 8', '§ 23109', '§ 2254']

| Jose Hernandez v. Rick Hill
Jose Hernandez v. Rick Hill
JOSE HERNANDEZ, PETITIONER,v.RICK HILL, WARDEN, RESPONDENT.
Petitioner is currently in the custody of the California Department of
Corrections pursuant to a judgment of the Superior Court of
California, County of Kern, following his conviction by jury trial on
February 23, 2009, of: second degree murder; gross vehicular
manslaughter; driving under the influence causing great bodily injury;
driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol content over 0.08
percent causing great bodily injury; engaging in a speed contest
causing bodily injury; willful cruelty to a child; and driving on a
suspended or revoked license with a prior conviction. (CT*fn1
693-694, 899.) The jury also determined that Petitioner had
suffered several prior DUI convictions. (CT 713-714.) On May 12, 2009,
Petitioner was sentenced to an indeterminate prison term of fifteen years to life on the gross
vehicular manslaughter count; sentences on all other counts were
stayed. (CT 899.)
Petitioner filed a timely notice of appeal. On July 2, 2010, the California Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District ("Fifth DCA"), affirmed the judgment. (See Lodged Doc. No. 4.) Petitioner filed a petition for review in the California Supreme Court. (See Lodged Doc. No. 5.) On September 15, 2010, the petition was summarily denied. (See Lodged Doc. No. 6.)
On March 10, 2011, Petitioner filed the instant federal habeas petition. He presents three (3) grounds for relief: 1) The trial court erred in failing to instruct the jury on Cal. Penal Code § 191.5(d); 2) The trial court erred in failing to provide a limiting instruction regarding prior drunk driving convictions; and 3) The evidence was insufficient to prove causation. On September 16, 2011, Respondent filed an answer to the petition. Petitioner did not file a traverse.
On October 14, 2007, Hernandez headed to the home of Bridget and Ken Martinez with his two-year-old daughter, Ciara.FN2 While there, he drank three or four 24-ounce beers. Everyone left the house about 1:30 p.m. to drive to River Walk Park on Stockdale Highway for a child's birthday party. On the way to the park, Hernandez and Ken stopped and purchased more beer.
FN2. The record contains two spellings for Hernandez's daughter's name-Ciara and Sierra. For purposes of this opinion, we will use the spelling "Ciara."
While at River Walk Park, Hernandez consumed three more beers. Hernandez was stumbling, having trouble walking, and appeared drunk. Bridget offered to drive Ciara home because she thought Hernandez was intoxicated. An argument ensued between Hernandez and Bridget, and Hernandez drove off in his sport utility vehicle (SUV) with Ciara. As Hernandez drove off, Ciara was not in a car seat and the SUV was hitting the curb. Bridget called 911 to report that Hernandez was "really intoxicated" and driving.
Hernandez drove east on Stockdale Highway, where the speed limit is 45 miles per hour. The LeLouis family also was driving east on Stockdale Highway at the same time. The LeLouises saw two vehicles, one an SUV, race by them going 80 to 90 miles per hour. The two vehicles sped up and began inching in front of each other, changed positions about 10 times, and appeared to be "competing for first."
As the two racing vehicles approached the intersection of Stockdale and Fairway, the SUV ran a red light and broadsided a Mercedes traveling through the intersection. Hernandez was driving the SUV.
As a result of the collision, the passenger in the Mercedes, Barbara Blair, died of blunt force injuries. John Blair, the driver of the Mercedes, suffered life-threatening injuries, including two collapsed lungs, multiple rib fractures, and a fractured clavicle. Ciara suffered a deep laceration to her forehead that required two layers of stitches.
When police arrived at the scene, Hernandez had the smell of alcohol on his breath, red watery eyes, and slurred speech. He told officers he had drunk two beers. A blood-alcohol screening showed Hernandez had a 0.195 percent blood-alcohol content. A blood sample was taken and when tested showed a 0.194 blood-alcohol level.
Detective Don Cegielski, a trained accident reconstructionist, was dispatched to the scene of the collision. Cegielski estimated the SUV was traveling at 72.6 miles per hour when it struck the Mercedes. An event recorder retrieved from the SUV showed the SUV had been traveling at 89 miles per hour five seconds prior to the collision. Cegielski opined that the collision was caused by Hernandez's intoxication, his failure to stop for the red light, and the speed of the SUV.
Cegielski interviewed Hernandez. Hernandez told Cegielski he had had two 32-ounce beers before the collision. Hernandez admitted he had prior DUI's (driving under the influence), had a suspended license, and previously had been advised that if he was driving drunk and was in a collision that killed someone, he could be charged with murder. Hernandez admitted he should not have been drinking and driving, but denied he was racing and claimed he was going about 50 miles per hour.
Hernandez was charged with (1) second degree murder, (2) gross vehicular manslaughter with a prior conviction under Vehicle Code section 23152 and former Vehicle Code section 23175, (3) driving under the influence and causing bodily injury, (4) driving with a blood-alcohol content in excess of 0.08 percent and causing bodily injury, (5) engaging in a speed contest and causing bodily injury, (6) causing a child to suffer physical pain or mental suffering, and (7) driving on a suspended or revoked license with a prior conviction under Vehicle Code section 14601.2, subdivision (d)(2).
During the trial, the People introduced evidence of seven prior DUI convictions Hernandez had suffered. Hernandez's probation officer at the time of trial testified that he had told Hernandez that if he drove while under the influence of alcohol and killed someone, he could be charged with murder.
Private investigator Andrew Hanson interviewed Bridget, who denied telling police she saw Hernandez stumbling at River Walk Park. Hanson also interviewed Randy Byrd, whose child's party had been at River Walk Park. Byrd stated he did not see Hernandez drink while at River Walk Park and he did not believe Hernandez was intoxicated. (See Lodged Doc. No. 4.)
III. Review of Claims A. Instructional Error - Cal. Penal Code § 191.5(d)
In his first claim for relief, Petitioner alleges the trial court prejudicially erred in failing to properly instruct the jury on Cal. Penal Code § 191.5(d). He claims his right to jury trial and his due process rights were violated as a result of the trial court's instructional error. Petitioner presented this claim on direct appeal to the Fifth DCA. It was rejected in a reasoned decision on July 2, 2010. (See Lodged Doc. No. 4.) Petitioner then presented the claim to the California Supreme Court in a petition for review. The petition was denied without comment on September 15, 2010. (See Lodged Doc. No. 6.) When the California Supreme Court's opinion is summary in nature, the Court must "look through" that decision to a court below that has issued a reasoned opinion. Ylst v. Nunnemaker, 501 U.S. 797, 804-05 & n. 3 (1991). The Fifth DCA analyzed the claim as follows:
I. Section 191.5 Instructional Error
Section 191.5, subdivision (d) provides, in pertinent part: "A person convicted of violating subdivision (a) who has one or more prior convictions of this section or ... of violating [Vehicle Code] section 23152 punishable under [Vehicle Code] Sections 23540, 23542, 23546, 23549, 23550, or 23552 ... shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for a term of 15 years to life." The information alleged in count 2 that Hernandez had violated section 191.5, subdivision (d) in that he previously had been "convicted of driving under [the] influence, w/4 priors, in violation of Vehicle Code [sections] 23152(a)/23175, on or about December 11, 1996, in the Superior Court, County of Kern, California, case # SC068306A." (Capitalization omitted.)
The crux of Hernandez's contention is that the trial court erred prejudicially when it failed to instruct the jury with Judicial Council of California Criminal Jury Instructions (2008) CALCRIM No. 3100 (prior conviction: nonbifurcated trial), and when it instructed with a modified version of CALCRIM No. 590 (gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated). Before addressing the instructional error, we must address two preliminary matters concerning the inartful drafting of the charges against Hernandez.
First, section 191.5, subdivision (d) is not an offense; it is an enhancement. The very language of this subdivision states that in order for it to apply, a defendant must be convicted of the offense of gross vehicular manslaughter as defined in section 191.5, subdivision (a). Section 191.5, subdivision (d) specifies an increased punishment for the offense of gross vehicular manslaughter if the defendant has suffered the requisite prior conviction. (People v. Barrett (2003) 109 Cal.App.4th 437, 439.) Hernandez did not raise any claim of error regarding the pleading in the trial court. Therefore, he has forfeited any claim of error with respect to the charging instrument. (People v. Howington (1991) 233 Cal .App.3d 1052, 1058 [failure to demur to pleading error constitutes a forfeiture].)
Second, a Vehicle Code section 23152 conviction does not subject a defendant to increased punishment under Penal Code section 191.5, subdivision (d) unless the prior conviction is punishable under one of the enumerated code sections. (§ 191.5, subd. (d).) The information alleged that Hernandez's 1996 Vehicle Code section 23152 conviction had been punished under former Vehicle Code section 23175, which is not one of the enumerated code sections.
Vehicle Code statutes were renumbered, with no substantive changes. (People v. Superior Court (Blanquel ) (2000) 85 Cal.App.4th 768, 773 (Blanquel).) Former Vehicle Code section 23175 was substantially the same as the current Vehicle Code section 23550. (People v. Casillas (2001) 92 Cal.App.4th 171, 175.) "An offense specified as a prior felony conviction by reference to a specific code section shall include any prior felony conviction under any predecessor statute." (Pen.Code, § 668.5; Blanquel, at p. 772, fn. 1.) Hernandez concedes that the reference in the information to former Vehicle Code section 23175 was sufficient to satisfy the Penal Code section 191.5, subdivision (d) charging requirement.
Error Subject to WatsonFN3 Analysis
FN3. People v. Watson (1956) 46 Cal.2d 818, 836 (Watson).
Hernandez and the People disagree on the standard of review for the claim of error in instructing the jury on section 191.5, subdivision (d). We have found no published case on point. Hernandez contends the instructional error deprived him of his federal constitutional right to a jury trial and allowed the jury to convict him based upon an incorrect theory, thus the error is analyzed under the standard set forth in Chapman v. California (1967) 386 U.S. 18, 24 ( Chapman). The People argue no constitutional rights are implicated because the right to a jury trial on the truth of a prior conviction is statutory, thus, the error is analyzed under a Watson standard.
A. Prior conviction instructional error
Section 191.5, subdivision (g) provides that in order for the penalty specified in section 191.5, subdivision (d) to apply, "the existence of any fact required under subdivision (d) shall be alleged in the information or indictment and either admitted by the defendant in open court or found to be true by the trier of fact." (Id., subd. (g).) Hernandez did not admit the section 191.5 subdivision (d) enhancement.
The trial court has a sua sponte duty to instruct the jury on every element of an enhancement. (Apprendi v. New Jersey (2000) 530 U.S. 466, 490 (Apprendi).) Failure to instruct on an element of an enhancement merits reversal, unless such error is harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. (People v. Sengpadychith (2001) 26 Cal.4th 316, 327 (Sengpadychith); Chapman, supra, 386 U.S. at p. 24.)
Hernandez claims that Apprendi is applicable and therefore the Chapman analysis applies. Hernandez is mistaken. In Apprendi, the United States Supreme Court held, " Other than the fact of a prior conviction, any fact that increases the penalty for a crime beyond the prescribed statutory maximum must be submitted to a jury, and proved beyond a reasonable doubt." (Apprendi, supra, 530 U.S. at p. 490, italics added.) The court gave a variety of reasons for the prior conviction exception to the jury trial requirement, including, as our California Supreme Court recently explained in People v. Nguyen (2009) 46 Cal.4th 1007, 1011, the following: "[P]rior convictions have been obtained in proceedings which themselves included substantial procedural protections, including proof beyond a reasonable doubt and the right to a jury trial. [Citations.]"
The California Supreme Court has held that where the right to a jury trial on a prior conviction derives from statute, and not from the state or federal Constitution, a Watson analysis applies to error. (People v. Epps (2001) 25 Cal.4th 19, 29 (Epps); see also People v. Garcia (2003) 107 Cal.App.4th 1159, 1164-1165.) Here, the right to a jury trial derives from statute, specifically section 191.5, subdivision (g).
Hernandez argues, however, that because more than the "bare fact" of a prior conviction was at issue in that the conviction had to be a qualifying conviction, Apprendi and Sengpadychith require application of a Chapman standard. Again, Hernandez is mistaken. As the California Supreme Court stated in Sengpadychith:
"This is what Apprendi teaches us: Except for sentence enhancement provisions that are based on a defendant's prior conviction, the federal Constitution requires a jury to find, beyond a reasonable doubt, the existence of every element of a sentence enhancement that increases the penalty for a crime." (Sengpadychith, supra, 26 Cal.4th at p. 326.)
Sengpadychith held that instructional error regarding a sentencing enhancement that was not a prior conviction was subject to Chapman analysis. (Sengpadychith, supra, 26 Cal.4th at p. 328.) Nothing in either Apprendi or Sengpadychith dictates the use of a Chapman analysis when a prior conviction must be a qualifying prior conviction, as opposed to the bare fact of a prior conviction.
In Epps, supra, 25 Cal.4th 19, the California Supreme Court considered the application of Apprendi to a determination of whether a prior conviction qualified as a strike under the three strikes law. The Epps case held that there was no constitutional right to a jury trial on a prior conviction sentence enhancement allegation and the Watson standard was applicable to any error analysis. (Epps, at pp. 22, 29.)
In People v. McGee (2006) 38 Cal.4th 682 (McGee), the California Supreme Court reaffirmed Epps and held that no federal constitutional right to a jury trial attaches to sentence enhancements that require an examination of court records pertaining to a defendant's prior conviction to determine the nature or basis of the conviction, such as examining the record of a prior conviction to determine whether that conviction constitutes a qualifying prior for purposes of a recidivist statute. (McGee, at p. 709.) In McGee, the trial court rejected the defendant's request for a jury trial and reserved for itself the determination of whether an out-of-state conviction legally qualified as a strike under California law. (Id. at pp. 688-689.) The trial court submitted to the jury only the narrow question of whether it was the defendant who had suffered the prior conviction. (Id. at p. 690 .)
Even though section 191.5, subdivision (d) requires a determination of whether that prior conviction constitutes a qualifying prior under the statute, which is more than a finding of the bare fact of a prior conviction, Hernandez's federal constitutional rights were not implicated. (McGee, supra, 38 Cal.4th at p. 686.)
B. Factual/legal invalidity error
Hernandez contends that as he had more than one prior DUI conviction, it cannot be determined that the jury based its section 191.5, subdivision (d) verdict on a valid theory because of the instructional errors. Hernandez claims that the modification to CALCRIM No. 590 and the failure to instruct with CALCRIM No. 3100 allowed the jury to convict him for having any prior Vehicle Code section 23152 conviction, not necessarily a qualifying prior. There are three flaws in this reasoning.
First, Hernandez does not contend that the jury was misinstructed on the underlying offense of gross vehicular manslaughter, only on the enhancement pertaining to his prior conviction. As we noted earlier in this opinion, section 191.5, subdivision (d) is a sentence enhancement that increases the penalty for the offense of gross vehicular manslaughter when the defendant has a qualifying prior conviction. Section 191.5, subdivision (d) is not the offense; the offense is set forth in section 191.5, subdivision (a). CALCRIM No. 590 instructs on the underlying offense of gross vehicular manslaughter and the challenged modification addressed only the prior conviction.
Second, the cases cited by Hernandez to support his premise that it must be determined harmless beyond a reasonable doubt that the jury convicted him under a correct legal theory apply to cases addressing the underlying offense and the elements of the offense, not the fact of a prior conviction. Hernandez's argument fails to grasp this distinction. (People v. Chun (2009) 45 Cal.4th 1172, 1201 [felony-murder rule]; People v. Morgan (2007) 42 Cal.4th 593, 607-612 [kidnapping]; People v. Perez (2005) 35 Cal.4th 1219, 1232-1233 [aiding and abetting liability]; People v. Guiton (1993) 4 Cal.4th 1116, 1129 (Guiton ) [theory of second degree murder]; People v. Zacarias (2007) 157 Cal.App.4th 652, 657 [conspiracy].)
Third, Hernandez fails to distinguish between instructing the jury on a valid theory and one that is factually unsupported. When one of the theories presented to a jury is inadequate, such as a theory that "'fails to come within the statutory definition of the crime'" ( Guiton, supra, 4 Cal.4th at p. 1128, quoting Griffin v. United States (1991) 502 U.S. 46, 59), the jury cannot reasonably be expected to divine its inadequacy. The jury may render a verdict on the basis of the invalid theory without realizing that, as a matter of law, its factual findings are insufficient to constitute the charged crime. In such circumstances, reversal generally is required unless "it is possible to determine from other portions of the verdict that the jury necessarily found the defendant guilty on a proper theory." (Guiton, at p. 1130.) In contrast, when one of the theories presented to a jury is factually inadequate, such as a theory that, while legally correct, has no application to the facts of the case, we apply a different standard. (Id., at pp. 1129-1130.)
The section 191.5, subdivision (d) enhancement is a valid enhancement and factually supported by one prior offense suffered by Hernandez; his other priors do not factually support the enhancement. Under Guiton, such an error was one of state law and subject to the traditional Watson test. (Guiton, supra, 4 Cal.4th at pp. 1129-1130.) In Sengpadychith, the California Supreme Court clarified that after Apprendi, enhancements are treated as the functional equivalent of the offense, and any instructional errors are analyzed under Chapman, except for enhancements pertaining to prior convictions. (Sengpadychith, supra, 26 Cal.4th at pp. 325-326.)
Regardless of the nature of the error asserted by Hernandez, misinstruction or invalid theory, the standard of review is a Watson error analysis when the error concerns a prior conviction sentence enhancement. (Sengpadychith, supra, 26 Cal.4th at pp. 325-326; Guiton, supra, 4 Cal.4th at pp. 1129-1130.)
"Under Watson, reversal is required if it is reasonably probable the result would have been more favorable to the defendant had the error not occurred. [Citation.]" (Guiton, supra, 4 Cal.4th at p. 1130.) Hernandez argues that because seven prior convictions for violating Vehicle Code section 23152 were introduced into evidence at trial, there is no way to determine if the jury relied on the correct prior conviction in returning its verdict. We agree with the People that it is not reasonably probable Hernandez would have received a more favorable result with a properly instructed jury.
As the California Supreme Court stated in Epps, the function of a jury in determining a prior conviction for sentencing purposes is extremely limited. A trial court may " 'instruct the jury to the effect that the defendant is the person whose name appears on the documents admitted to establish the conviction. This procedure would appear to leave the jury little to do except to determine whether those documents are authentic and, if so, are sufficient to establish that the convictions the defendant suffered are indeed the ones alleged. Whether this role makes sense is not for us to say. If the Legislature wants to provide a greater, or more precisely defined, role for the jury, or chooses to eliminate the jury altogether as many states have done, it may still do so.'" (Epps, supra, 25 Cal.4th at p. 27, italics omitted.)
Despite any instructional errors, the jury was able to perform this limited role. The People introduced into evidence, as exhibits 18A and 34, documentary evidence of the qualifying prior in case No. SC068306A, in the form of the certified "Register of Actions" and the CLETS (California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System). Hernandez did not challenge the authenticity or accuracy of this documentation or submit any rebuttal evidence to refute it. Therefore, the trier of fact may presume the government documentation is truthful and accurate. (People v. Miles (2008) 43 Cal.4th 1074, 1083 (Miles).)
The verdict form signed by the foreperson of the jury specifically states that the jury found Hernandez guilty of violating "Section 191.5(d) of the Penal Code, as charged in the second count of the Information." The second count of the information specifically alleged the correct qualifying prior as case No. SC068306A.
There was no issue as to whether Hernandez was the person identified in the documentary evidence establishing the qualifying prior. The authenticity of the documents establishing the qualifying prior is presumed and not in dispute. (Miles, supra, 43 Cal.4th at p. 1083.) The information specifically stated which prior was the qualifying prior for count 2; and the jury's verdict on count 2 specifically referenced the information and the qualifying prior set forth in the information.
The jury had a very limited role to perform. (Epps, supra, 25 Cal.4th at p. 27.) It is not reasonably probable a result more favorable to Hernandez would have been achieved if the jury had been instructed properly. (See Lodged Doc. No. 4.)
In Apprendi v. New Jersey, the Supreme Court held that "'any fact (other than prior conviction) that increases the maximum penalty for a crime must be charged in an indictment, submitted to a jury, and proven beyond a reasonable doubt.'" 530 U.S. 466, 476 (2000), quoting Jones v. United States, 526 U.S. 227, 243 n. 6 (1999). This holding, including the exception for a defendant's criminal history, has been upheld by the Supreme Court in subsequent cases.
See James v. United States, 550 U.S. 192, 214 n.8 (2007); Cunningham v. California, 549 U.S. 270, 274-75 (2007); United States v. Booker, 543 U.S. 220, 230-31 (2005); Blakely v. Washington, 542 U.S. 296, 301 (2004).
Petitioner has no constitutional right to a jury trial on the prior conviction allegation. See United States v. Martin, 278 F.3d 988, 1006 (9th Cir.2002) ("Apprendi expressly excludes recidivism from its scope. Defendant's criminal history need not be proved to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt, [Citations.].") Therefore, the state court correctly concluded that Petitioner was not denied his right to jury trial with respect to a sentencing enhancement based on his prior conviction.
Petitioner also claims the state court erred in its instructions to the jury in violation of his due process rights. The Supreme Court has held that the fact that an instruction was allegedly incorrect under state law is not a basis for habeas relief. Estelle v. McGuire, 502 U.S. 62, 71 (1991), citing Marshall v. Lonberger, 459 U.S. 422, 438, n. 6 (1983) ("[T]he Due Process Clause does not permit the federal courts to engage in a finely tuned review of the wisdom of state evidentiary rules"). Federal habeas courts therefore do not grant relief simply because an instruction may have been deficient. Estelle, 502 U.S. at 72. The only question is "whether the ailing instruction by itself so infected the entire trial that the resulting conviction violates due process." Cupp v. Naughten, 414 U.S. 141, 147 (1973); see also Estelle, 502 U.S. at 72; Henderson v. Kibbe, 431 U.S. 145, 154 (1977); Donnelly v. DeChristoforo, 416 U.S. 637, 643 (1974) ("'[I]t must be established not merely that the instruction is undesirable, erroneous, or even "universally condemned," but that it violated some [constitutional right]'"). "It is well established that the instruction 'may not be judged in artificial isolation,' but must be considered in the context of the instructions as a whole and the trial record." Estelle, 502 U.S. at 72, quoting Cupp v. Naughten, supra, 414 U.S., at 147. In addition, in reviewing the instruction, the court must inquire "whether there is a reasonable likelihood that the jury has applied the challenged instruction in a way" that violates the Constitution. Boyde v. California, 494 U.S. 370, 380 (1990). Even if constitutional instructional error has occurred, the federal court must still determine whether Petitioner's suffered actual prejudice, that is, whether the error "had substantial and injurious effect or influence in determining the jury's verdict." Brecht v. Abrahamson, 507 U.S. 619, 637 (1993).
In this case, the state court determined that federal due process rights were not implicated in the instructions in light of the prior conviction exception in Apprendi. Basing its analysis on state statute, the state court determined that any error was harmless. Because the state court interpretation of state law is binding on the federal court, see Oxborrow v. Eikenberry, 877 F.2d 1395, 1399 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 493 U.S. 942 (1989), habeas relief is unavailable.
In any case, even if the alleged instructional error rose to the level of constitutional error, there was no prejudice, because the error did not have substantial or injurious effect on the verdict. Brecht, 507 U.S. at 637. As noted by the Fifth DCA, the jury's role in determining the validity of the prior conviction was very limited. There was no dispute that Petitioner was the person in the documents, and the authenticity of the documents was never disputed. Since Petitioner cannot demonstrate prejudice, his argument fails.
B. Instructional Error - Limiting Instruction
Petitioner next claims the trial court erred in failing to provide a limiting instruction on the use of his prior drunk driving convictions. This claim was also presented on direct appeal to the Fifth DCA, where it was rejected in a reasoned decision. (See Lodged Doc. No. 4.) The claim was then presented to the California Supreme Court in a petition for review, and it was denied without comment. (See Lodged Doc. No. 6.) Because the California Supreme Court's opinion was summary, this Court must "look through" that decision to the opinion of the Fifth DCA. Ylst, 501 U.S. at 804-05 & n. 3. The claim was analyzed and rejected as follows:
Hernandez contends the trial court was required sua sponte to give an instruction limiting the use of his prior DUI convictions. The People contend the prior convictions were relevant to the charged offense and, furthermore, any error was harmless. We conclude Hernandez has forfeited this issue. We also agree with the People that any error was harmless.
Prior to trial, the People sought to introduce evidence of Hernandez's multiple prior DUI convictions, arguing that the evidence was relevant to prove implied malice. Hernandez objected, claiming the evidence was unduly prejudicial. The trial court ruled the evidence was relevant and not unduly inflammatory. The trial court noted that "the evidence of the uncharged prior misconduct is no more inflammatory than the evidence that will be offered as to the charged offense."
The trial court went on to state that "a reasonable jury will listen to and be guided by a limiting instruction, which I will give at the time the evidence is offered. [¶] If counsel has any suggestion on the limiting instruction, I will consider that. [¶] Otherwise, I will give it sua sponte."
Evidence of four prior misdemeanor DUI convictions and three prior felony DUI convictions were admitted at trial.
The prosecutor referred to the prior convictions during closing argument, asserting that they showed Hernandez knew the dangers of driving drunk at the time of the accident.
The trial court instructed the jury with CALCRIM No. 303, a general instruction that certain evidence had been admitted for a limited purpose and could be considered only for that purpose. No further instruction or explanation was given regarding the use of the prior convictions.
Claim of Error is Forfeited
Hernandez has forfeited any claim of error arising from a failure to give additional limiting instructions. "Although the court must instruct the jury on the general principles of law applicable to a case, this obligation does not extend to instructions limiting the purposes for which particular evidence may be considered. [Citation .]" (People v. Farley (1996) 45 Cal.App.4th 1697, 1711; see also People v. Nudd (1974) 12 Cal.3d 204, 209; Evid.Code, § 355 .) The obligation to request a limiting instruction applies equally to "evidence of past criminal conduct, either of uncharged criminal activity or of prior convictions. [Citation.]" (People v. Hawkins (1995) 10 Cal.4th 920, 942.)
Even when a trial court offers to provide a limiting instruction, but fails to do so, the issue is forfeited in the absence of a request for such an instruction. (People v. Freeman (1994) 8 Cal.4th 450, 495.) Here, there is no indication in the record of Hernandez requesting any further limiting instruction, or objecting that the instruction given was inadequate, and he cites no such instance in his briefing on appeal. Therefore, the claim of error is forfeited. (Ibid.)
Even if we were to assume that the trial court did err, any such error was plainly non-prejudicial. We assess any error in failing to give a further limiting instruction under the standard set forth in Watson. (People v. Farnam (2002) 28 Cal.4th 107, 173 (Farnam).)
The prior DUI offenses were admissible to show Hernandez's awareness of the risks of drunk driving. (People v. Ochoa (1993) 6 Cal.4th 1199, 1205-1206.) In Ochoa, the defendant was convicted of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, a violation of section 191.5, subdivision (a). The trial court admitted evidence of the defendant's prior DUI, subsequent probation for that offense, attendance at traffic school, and attendance at an alcohol-awareness class on the dangers of driving drunk. (Ochoa, at pp. 1204-1205.) The court in Ochoa concluded that the evidence properly was admitted because it was relevant to establishing if the defendant appreciated the risks of drunk driving and acted with a conscious disregard of the consequences, which would be sufficient for a finding of gross negligence, and support a finding of implied malice for murder. (Ibid.)
A limiting instruction, such as CALCRIM No. 375, which Hernandez contends should have been given, cautions the jury not to consider the other-crimes evidence, except as that evidence relates to specific issues, such as knowledge, intent, or motive. The defense conceded that the prior DUI's were relevant to a determination of whether Hernandez knew and understood the dangers of drinking and driving.
The risk in not giving a further limiting instruction would be, as defense counsel cautioned, that the jurors might consider the prior DUI's in establishing Hernandez's blood-alcohol level at the time of the current offense. Under the facts of this case, that risk was extremely slight. Evidence of Hernandez's intoxication and blood-alcohol level at the time of the accident was overwhelming. Several witnesses saw him drinking large quantities of beer before getting behind the wheel of his car. He was stumbling and slurring his speech in the moments before he entered his car. He had a blood-alcohol content of at least 0.19 percent at the time of the collision.
The evidence was relevant to elements of the offenses of gross vehicular manslaughter. (Ochoa, supra, 6 Cal.4th at p. 1205.) While the prior DUI's were not admissible to establish that Hernandez was driving while intoxicated at the time of the collision that killed Barbara Blair, evidence of his intoxication at the time of the collision was overwhelming. (Id. at p. 1206.) It is not reasonably probable the jury would have reached a result more favorable to Hernandez. (Farnam, supra, 28 Cal.4th at p. 173.) (See Lodged Doc. No. 4.)
In this case, the appellate court rejected the claim in accordance with California's contemporaneous objection rule, because the defense failed to object to the general limiting instruction and request a more specific instruction. The Ninth Circuit has noted that California's contemporaneous objection rule is consistently applied independent of federal law. Melendez v. Pliler, 288 F.3d 1120, 1125 (9th Cir.2002); Vansickel v. White, 166 F.3d 953, 957 (9th Cir.1999).
If the court finds an independent and adequate state procedural ground, "federal habeas review is barred unless the prisoner can demonstrate cause for the procedural default and actual prejudice, or demonstrate that the failure to consider the claims will result in a fundamental miscarriage of justice." Noltie v. Peterson, 9 F.3d 802, 804-805 (9th Cir. 1993); Coleman, 501 U.S. at 750, 111 S.Ct. 2456; Park, 202 F.3d at 1150. In this case, Petitioner has not shown that any external factor prevented defense counsel from objecting. In addition, Petitioner does not demonstrate actual prejudice resulting from the failure to object.
As previously discussed, in reviewing a claim of instructional error, the federal court's only inquiry is "whether the ailing instruction by itself so infected the entire trial that the resulting conviction violates due process." Cupp, 414 U.S. at 147; Estelle, 502 U.S. at 72. And even if constitutional instructional error has occurred, the federal court must still determine whether Petitioner's suffered actual prejudice, that is, whether the error "had substantial and injurious effect or influence in determining the jury's verdict." Brecht, 507 U.S. at 637.
Here, the state court reasonably determined that the failure to provide a specific limiting instruction was harmless. There is no possibility that a limiting instruction would have changed the outcome. The defense conceded that evidence of Petitioner's driving under the influence priors could come in to prove he knew and understood the risks of the danger of driving under the influence. The only risk Petitioner faced by not having the jury read the additional instruction is the possibility the jury might determine Petitioner's blood-alcohol level at the time of the accident. However, as noted by the appellate court, there was hardly a risk considering the overwhelming evidence of Petitioner's blood-alcohol level. As noted by Respondent, numerous witnesses saw Petitioner drinking just prior to the incident, Petitioner had a blood-alcohol level of at least .19 immediately after the incident, and moments before the incident witnesses viewed Petitioner driving in a severely impaired state. A limiting instruction would not have changed the verdict. The state court rejection of Petitioner's claim was neither contrary to, nor an unreasonable application of, clearly established law. Petitioner is not entitled to relief on this claim.
Finally, Petitioner alleges the evidence was insufficient to establish that the speed contest was a proximate cause of the collision. This claim was presented on direct appeal to the Fifth DCA where it was rejected in a reasoned decision. (See Lodged Doc. No. 4.) It was not, however, presented to the California Supreme Court in the petition for review.
1. Failure to Exhaust/Procedural Default
Respondent correctly points out that Petitioner's failure to present this claim to the California Supreme Court requires dismissal for failure to exhaust. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(b)(1); Castille v. Peoples, 489 U.S. 346 (1989). Respondent asserts that the failure to exhaust cannot now be remedied because the California Supreme Court would reject the claim for failure to follow state procedural rules. As a result, Respondent argues, the claim is procedurally defaulted and must be dismissed.
Respondent is correct. Whenever a petitioner fails to properly exhaust a claim in state court, and that claim can no longer be raised because of a failure to follow prescribed state procedure for presenting such issue, the claim is procedurally defaulted. Murray v. Carrier, 477 U.S. 478, 485 (1986); see also Sandgathe v. Maass, 314 F.3d 371, 375 (9th Cir.2002) (a claim is procedurally defaulted if "it is clear that the state court would hold the claim procedurally barred"). Here, Petitioner failed to follow California procedural rules, specifically Cal. Rules of Court § 8.500(e)(1), which required Petitioner to file a petition for review of the appellate court's decision. Therefore, the California Supreme Court would reject Petitioner's claim on procedural grounds in the event this Court dismissed the claim as unexhausted and Petitioner returned to state court. Accordingly, the claim is procedurally defaulted.
Even if the claim was not procedurally defaulted, it is without merit. In rejecting the claim, the Fifth DCA stated:
Hernandez contends there was insufficient evidence to sustain his conviction for violating Vehicle Code section 23109.1, subdivision (a) as set forth in count 5. Specifically, he asserts the evidence was insufficient to prove the speed contest was a proximate cause of the collision.
The test of sufficiency of the evidence is whether, reviewing the whole record in the light most favorable to the judgment below, substantial evidence is disclosed such that a reasonable trier of fact could find the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. (People v. Johnson (1980) 26 Cal.3d 557, 578 (Johnson); see also Jackson v. Virginia (1979) 443 U.S. 307, 319.) Substantial evidence is that evidence which is "reasonable, credible, and of solid value." (Johnson, at p. 578.) An appellate court must "presume in support of the judgment the existence of every fact the trier could reasonably deduce from the evidence. [Citation.]" (People v. Reilly (1970) 3 Cal.3d 421, 425.) An appellate court must not reweigh the evidence (People v. Culver (1973) 10 Cal.3d 542, 548 (Culver )), reappraise the credibility of the witnesses, or resolve factual conflicts, as these are functions reserved for the trier of fact (In re Frederick G. (1979) 96 Cal.App.3d 353, 367).
Furthermore, an appellate court can reject evidence accepted by the trier of fact only when the evidence is inherently improbable and impossible of belief. (People v. Maxwell (1979) 94 Cal.App.3d 562, 577 (Maxwell).) "Where the circumstances support the trier of fact's finding of guilt, an appellate court cannot reverse merely because it believes the evidence is reasonably reconciled with the defendant's innocence. [Citations.]" (People v. Meza (1995) 38 Cal.App.4th 1741, 1747.)
Hernandez challenges the sufficiency of the evidence only as it relates to the speed contest being a proximate cause of injury. In order to find him guilty of the count 5 offense, the jury had to find that the speed contest was a substantial factor in causing someone other than Hernandez to suffer injuries. (Veh.Code, § 23109 .1, subd. (b); CALCRIM No. 2201.) The jury also was instructed with CALCRIM No. 240, explaining causation, including the proviso that there may be "more than one cause of injury." The People have the burden of proving proximate cause. (People v. Caldwell (1984) 36 Cal.3d 210, 220.)
Here, there was evidence that Hernandez was racing another vehicle on Stockdale Highway, at times reaching speeds of up to 90 miles per hour in a 45-mile-per-hour zone. Cegielski, the expert in accident reconstruction, opined that the collision was caused by Hernandez's intoxication, his failure to stop at a red light, and the speed at which Hernandez was driving.
Hernandez acknowledges there was evidence he and another driver were racing. He contends, however, that there was no evidence the race caused the accident. Hernandez asserts that the collision was the result of "intoxication, the failure to stop at the red light, and the Tahoe's speed."
Hernandez's argument is similar to that made by the defendant in People v. Kemp (1957) 150 Cal.App.2d 654 (Kemp). In Kemp, a death resulted from a collision where two parties had been engaged in a speed contest. Upon entering an intersection, the vehicle not driven by Kemp hit a third car, whose driver died as a result of injuries from the collision. (Id. at p. 656.) Kemp asserted that the speed contest was not a proximate cause of the death; excessive speed or reckless driving was the proximate cause of death. (Id. at p. 658.) The Kemp court noted that there may have been multiple proximate causes and upheld Kemp's manslaughter conviction, concluding that the speed contest was a proximate cause. (Id. at pp. 658-659.) Kemp was cited with approval in People v. Sanchez (2001) 26 Cal.4th 834, 846.
Tischoff v. Wolfchief (1971) 16 Cal.App.3d 703 (Tischoff ) involved another situation where two cars had been engaged in a speed contest. One of the cars in the contest collided with a third car, and the injured party sought to hold the driver of the noncolliding car liable for injuries. (Id. at pp. 706-707.) The appellate court concluded that "the noncolliding car may be found to have been a concurring proximate cause of the accident." (Id. at p. 706.)
Hernandez admits he was speeding and engaging in a speed contest. What he essentially asks us to do is reweigh the evidence and reach a different result. This we cannot do. (Culver, supra, 10 Cal.3d at p. 548.) There is nothing improbable about the evidence or the inferences the jury reasonably deduced from that evidence that warrants rejecting the jury's decision. (Maxwell, supra, 94 Cal.App.3d at p. 577.) In light of the precedent holding that the driver of a noncolliding car in a speed contest has been found liable for injuries under the theory that the speed contest is a proximate cause, as in Kemp and Tischoff, we decline to conclude as matter of law, which is what Hernandez is asking us to do, that the driver of the colliding car is not so liable.
Substantial evidence supported the count 5 conviction. (Johnson, supra, 26 Cal.3d at p. 578.) (See Lodged Doc. No. 4.)
In this case, the state court reasonably determined that sufficient evidence supported the finding that the speed contest was one of the proximate causes of the collision. There was evidence that Petitioner was racing another vehicle on Stockdale Highway at speeds up to 90 miles-per-hour in a 45 miles-per-hour zone just prior to the collision. As to the speed contest being a proximate cause, the state court stated: "There is nothing improbable about the evidence or the inferences the jury reasonably deduced from that evidence that warrants rejecting the jury's decision." (See Lodged Doc. No. 4.)
Petitioner fails to demonstrate that the state court unreasonably applied Jackson in denying his claim. The ground must be rejected. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).