Opinion ID: 1196785
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Imposition of Consecutive Terms Was Proper

Text: (4) Michael urges consecutive terms for Vehicle Code section 10851 (vehicle theft) and Vehicle Code section 12500 (driving without a license) constitute double punishment prohibited by Penal Code section 654. [3] A similar contention was rejected [by us as follows] []: [S]ection 654 of the Penal Code proscribes multiple punishment for a single `act or omission which is made punishable' by different statutes, i.e., a single criminal act or omission. Since the mere act of driving is made punishable by no statute, it is not the type of act or omission referred to in section 654. The acts `made punishable' which this petitioner committed were (1) driving with a suspended license and (2) driving while intoxicated, two separate and distinct criminal acts; that they were committed simultaneously and that they share in common the neutral noncriminal act of driving does not render petitioner's punishment for both crimes in conflict with Penal Code section 654. ( In re Hayes (1969) 70 Cal.2d 604, 611 [75 Cal. Rptr. 790, 451 P.2d 430]; see People v. Perez (1979) 23 Cal.3d 545, 551-552 [153 Cal. Rptr. 40, 591 P.2d 63].) [4] (End of Court of Appeal opinion.)