Opinion ID: 1256951
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Proof of Prior Convictions

Text: Defendant contends that there was insufficient proof to support that portion of the judgment finding (1) that he had previously been convicted of the two felonies and (2) that he had served time in prison for each of them. [21] When a judgment is attacked for insufficiency of the evidence an appellate court must draw all reasonable inferences which would support the judgment. ( People v. Newland, 15 Cal.2d 678, 681 [104 P.2d 778].) Certainly it can be inferred from the minute order of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County which was put in evidence that judgment of conviction of the crimes indicated was duly entered. As regards the identity of defendant with the Harold A. Hill referred to in the minute order, the similarity of name and of fingerprints established a prima facie case. ( People v. Manfredo, supra, 210 Cal. App.2d 474, 478-479; People v. Hoerler, 208 Cal. App.2d 402, 406 [25 Cal. Rptr. 209]; People v. Ahouse, 162 Cal. App.2d 586, 588 [328 P.2d 227]; People v. Shayer, 135 Cal. App. 755, 760 [28 P.2d 48].) [22, 23] Defendant cannot presently be prejudiced by that portion of the judgment stating he served prison terms for each of the priors. The finding of prior convictions will affect his parole status and minimum sentence whether or not he served time in prison for them. (Pen. Code, § 3024, subd. (c).) Whether a defendant has served time in prison for his prior convictions is relevant only in adjudging him an habitual criminal. (Pen. Code, § 644.) Defendant was not adjudged an habitual criminal in the instant case and could not have been, since the burglary committed by him was found to be burglary in the second degree, which is not one of the crimes enumerated in section 644 of the Penal Code. Nevertheless since it is possible that the judgment here might at some future date be used against defendant in an habitual criminality proceeding to prove that he served time in prison for a prior conviction, [10] the claim of insufficiency of evidence to support the finding that he served time in prison can be raised on this appeal. [24] Section 969b of the Penal Code provides that a prima facie case of imprisonment for prior convictions is made by introducing in evidence various certified records of the prison. Defendant contends that the statute evinces a legislative policy that a lesser showing is not a prima facie case and that consequently the People failed to prove his previous imprisonment beyond a reasonable doubt ( People v. Collins, supra, 228 Cal. App.2d 460, 464). The People did not avail themselves of section 969b, but that statute is permissive and not mandatory.... [I]t does not restrict the People from using other forms of proof... to establish the fact of previous imprisonment. ( People v. Williams, 223 Cal. App.2d 676, 679 [35 Cal. Rptr. 805].) [25] We are of the opinion that the fact of prior imprisonment could reasonably be inferred from the order of the superior court sentencing Harold A. Hill to state prison. In People v. Nicholson, 34 Cal. App.2d 327, 332-333 [93 P.2d 223], it was held that an admission by a defendant that he had suffered prior convictions was not sufficient evidence for a finding that he served prison terms for the convictions. The case is distinguishable from the situation presented on this appeal. When an accused merely admits a conviction, no evidence has been presented from which it can be inferred that the defendant was not granted probation. But that inference can and must be made in the instant case because the minute order placed in evidence stated that Harold A. Hill was sentenced to prison for the term prescribed by law. Such language would not be employed if probation had been granted.