Court Opinion

ID: 5132917
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2021-12-08 19:03:08.432007+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:23:33.039057
License: Public Domain

Filed 12/8/21 P. v. Cunningham CA4/3

                      NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN OFFICIAL REPORTS
California Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for
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or ordered published for purposes of rule 8.1115.

                IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

                                     FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT

                                                DIVISION THREE

 THE PEOPLE,

      Plaintiff and Respondent,                                        G059252

           v.                                                          (Super. Ct. No. 10CF1764)

 DAVID FRANCIS CUNNINGHAM,                                             OPINION

      Defendant and Appellant.

                   Appeal from an order of the Superior Court of Orange County, Gary S.
Paer, Judge. Affirmed.
                   Heather L. Beugen, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for
Defendant and Appellant.
                   Xavier Becerra, Attorney General, Lance E. Winters, Chief Assistant
Attorney General, Julie L. Garland, Assistant Attorney General, Paige B. Hazard and
Steve Oetting, Deputy Attorneys General, for Plaintiff and Respondent.

                                          *                  *                  *
                This is an appeal from the trial court’s denial of defendant David Francis
Cunningham’s petition to vacate his murder conviction and to be resentenced. (Pen.
Code, § 1170.95.)1 Cunningham argues he was denied his due process rights by not
being present at the hearing where the court ruled he had not set forth a prima facie case
for relief. We conclude that Cunningham not entitled to be present at the hearing because
it was not a critical stage of the proceedings. Further, even if he was, Cunningham
admitted was he was the actual killer in the record of conviction. He was therefore
ineligible for relief as a matter of law, and any error with respect to his presence at the
hearing was harmless. Accordingly, we find no error and affirm the order.

                                               I
                                           FACTS
Original Proceedings
                In October 2011, the Orange County District Attorney filed an information
alleging that Cunningham killed Jason Williams in December 2004. Cunningham was
charged with one count of murder (§ 187, subd. (a)). Two enhancements were alleged:
personal discharge of a firearm causing the victim’s death (§ 12022.53, subd. (d)), and
the special circumstance of murder during a robbery (§§ 190.2, subd. (a)(17)(A), 211,
212.5). On the day set for trial in 2012, Cunningham entered a guilty plea to count one in
exchange for dismissing both enhancements, which removed the possibility of a sentence
of life without parole.

1
    Subsequent statutory references are to the Penal Code.

                                              2
                                                                         2
              On the plea agreement form, also known as the Tahl form, Cunningham
stated the following facts as the basis for his plea: “[O]n 12/17/04, in Orange County
myself and Winston Miller, aka: Wink, ‘Dwayne Thompson,’ set out to rob Jason
Williams. During the robbery the loaded gun I was holding accidentally went off and
shot [and] killed Jason Williams. I took his money and cell phone while Winston Miller
drove away. I intended to rob Mr. Williams that night and I knew I was holding a loaded
gun.”
              During the hearing where Cunningham’s plea was ultimately accepted,
there were discussions back and forth about numerous matters, including statements by
defense counsel and Cunningham that he did not want to go to trial with his current
attorney. The trial court said it was inclined to relieve current counsel and appoint a new
lawyer.
              After further discussion, the prosecutor stated it would offer Cunningham a
guilty plea and 25 years to life rather than life without parole. The court encouraged
defense counsel to discuss the plea offer with Cunningham. Thereafter, there was a
request by defense counsel to have Cunningham psychiatrically evaluated prior to
incarceration. Defense counsel commented that “many times the . . . prison psychiatrist
classifies them as a psychopath, denying them their ability to get parole.” The prosecutor
believed this would not be particularly useful as the Department of Corrections would
perform its own assessment in any event. Defense counsel, before withdrawing his
request, noted “[the prosecutor] was kind enough to include the accidental discharge
resulting in death,” apparently referring to Cunningham’s admissions on the Tahl form.
The court noted: “Yes, because this is going to go down as basically a felony murder rule

2
 See In re Tahl (1969) 1 Cal.3d 122, overruled on other grounds by Mills v. Municipal
Court (1973) 10 Cal.3d 288, 291.
                                             3
kicking in when a robbery took place and the gun accidentally went off. [¶] So there’s
no premeditation, deliberation, intent to kill. That’s off the table. Basically, it’s a felony
murder case.”
              Cunningham then proceeded to plead guilty to first degree murder. When
discussing sentencing, after the additional allegations had been dismissed for sentencing
purposes, the court noted: “So now we’re really just going back to count 1, felony
murder straight without [life without parole].” Cunningham was sentenced to 25 years to
                            3
life on the murder count.

Current Petition
              In February 2019, Cunningham filed a petition pursuant to section 1170.95
to recall his petition and resentence him. The checkbox petition alleged that he was
charged in a manner that permitted a prosecution to proceed against him under a theory
of felony murder or under the natural and probable consequences doctrine. He stated he
pleaded guilty because he believed he could have been convicted of felony murder at
trial, and he could not now be convicted of first or second degree murder based on the
changes to the law enacted by Senate Bill No. 1437 (2017-2018 Reg. Sess.) (Senate Bill
1437). The trial court appointed the public defender’s office to represent Cunningham.
              At the hearing on the petition, Cunningham was not present. His counsel
objected to proceeding without Cunningham as a matter of “due process,” but the court
disagreed, citing case authority which stated the prima facie determination could be made
by the court without a hearing. Defense counsel argued that the court was not limited to
the record, but could consider “all of the information that I think I could place before

3
  Cunningham’s supplemental brief includes a paragraph of facts from Winston Miller’s
preliminary hearing. These facts lack a record citation and are irrelevant to the issues in
this case, and we therefore disregard them.
                                              4
[it].” Counsel believed “Cunningham didn’t get a fair shake back in 2010,” and there
was information outside the record that “would have been helpful to him.” Counsel
admitted that “if the court chooses to limit itself to only the record of conviction,
certainly I can’t prevail on this motion.” Counsel requested “the opportunity to further
investigate the circumstances regarding the death of Jason Williams.” The trial court
disagreed, finding that Cunningham had not met his burden to show that he was entitled
to relief under the statute. Because he admitted to being the actual killer, he was
ineligible as a matter of law. Cunningham now appeals.

                                               II
                                        DISCUSSION
              Cunningham’s primary argument on appeal is that he was denied his due
process right to be present at the prima facie hearing. He asserts that if he was present, he
could have explained he did not actually shoot the victim and only pleaded guilty because
the prosecutor offered him a chance at parole if he admitted he shot the victim. Because
the prima facie review is a not a critical stage of the proceedings, his presence was not
required. Further, the lack of his presence was harmless as he was not entitled to relief
under the statute in any event.

A. Senate Bill 1437
              Effective January 1, 2019, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 1437 “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

                                               5
underlying felony who acted with reckless indifference to human life.” (Stats. 2018, ch.
1015, § 1, subd. (f).)
               Senate Bill 1437 “amended sections 188 and 189 and created new section
1170.95. The amendments to sections 188 and 189 together change the felony murder
rules and the ‘natural and probable consequences theory’ when convicting a participant in
a felony for murder, but who did not actually kill the victim.” (In re White (2019) 34
Cal.App.5th 933, 937, fn. 2.)
               As amended and as relevant here, section 189, subdivision (e), states: “A
participant in the perpetration or attempted perpetration of a felony listed in subdivision
(a) in which a death occurs is liable for murder only if one of the following is proven: [¶]
(1) The person was the actual killer.” Eligible persons can petition to dismiss their prior
murder convictions and be resentenced if they were convicted under an accomplice
liability theory of murder that is no longer valid. (§ 1170.95.)
               Procedurally, there are multiple steps in a petition under section 1170.95.
First, the petitioner must include a declaration that states he or she is eligible for relief.
The petition must also include the case number, date of conviction, and state whether the
petitioner requests appointment of counsel. (§ 1170.95, subd. (b)(1)(B), (C).)
               If the petition complies with these requirements, the court appoints counsel.
                                                    4
(People v. Lewis (2021) 11 Cal.5th 952 (Lewis).) The court then evaluates the petition to
determine if it makes a prima facie showing that relief is available, and if so, it issues an
order to show cause. (§ 1170.95, subd. (c).) At the prima facie stage, the court may use
the record of conviction to determine if the petitioner qualifies for relief. (Lewis, at

4
  Lewis, supra, 11 Cal.5th 952, is a critical case in section 1170.95 jurisprudence, and it
was issued after briefing in this case was completed. On our own motion, we asked the
parties for supplemental briefing on the import of Lewis to this case, and we have
reviewed their submissions.
                                                6
pp. 970-971.) Documents such as the information and the Tahl form are part of the
record of conviction. (People v. Verdugo (2020) 44 Cal.App.5th 320, 329-330 [“the
court must at least examine the complaint, information or indictment filed against the
petitioner; the verdict form or factual basis documentation for a negotiated plea”],
abrogated in part by Lewis, at pp. 961-964; People v. Smith (1988) 206 Cal.App.3d 340,
344-345 [Tahl form].) If the court finds the petitioner has made a prima facie showing, it
issues an order to show cause, and after briefing, conducts an evidentiary hearing.
(Lewis, at pp. 970-971.)

B. Cunningham’s Presence
              We review de novo Cunningham’s constitutional claim that he had a right
to be present while the court conducted its prima facie review of his petition. (People v.
Simms (2018) 23 Cal.App.5th 987, 994 (Simms).) Under both the state and federal
Constitutions, a defendant has a right to counsel at all critical stages of the proceedings.
(U.S. Const., 6th Amend.; Cal. Const., art I, § 15; Gardner v. Appellate Division of
Superior Court (2019) 6 Cal.5th 998, 1004-1005.) Critical stages are “those events or
proceedings in which the accused is brought in confrontation with the state, where
potential substantial prejudice to the accused’s rights inheres in the confrontation, and
where counsel’s assistance can help to avoid that prejudice.” (Gardner, at pp. 1004-
1005.) Among others, arraignments, preliminary hearings, plea negotiations, sentencing,
and resentencing are all critical stages. (Id. at p. 1005; Simms, at p. 996; People v.
Rouse (2016) 245 Cal.App.4th 292, 297.)
              First, we note that it is not even clear that the court is required to conduct a
hearing at all. While the statutory language regarding the order to show cause specifies
that the court shall hold a hearing, the provisions on the prima facie stage do not mention

                                              7
a hearing. (§ 1170.95, subds. (c), (d).) Therefore, while the court may certainly set a
hearing at the prima facie stage if it believes that a hearing would be helpful, we see no
indication, either in the statutory language or the relevant case law, that it is required to
do so.
              Second, even assuming a hearing is required, we conclude that a hearing to
determine whether the petition sets forth a prima facie case for relief is not a critical stage
of the proceedings where the defendant’s presence is required as a matter of due process.
A few examples of when a defendant’s presence is required, unless waived, may be
useful. In the context of Proposition 47, the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act, once a
defendant has “passed the eligibility stage” and has been found eligible for resentencing,
the proceedings are “akin to a plenary sentencing hearing” and are therefore a critical
stage of the proceeding. (People v. Rouse, supra, 245 Cal.App.4th at pp. 299-300.)
Similarly, when eligibility under Proposition 47 depends on a factual question such as the
value of stolen property, the defendant has a right to be present. (Simms, supra, 23
Cal.App.5th at pp. 996-998.)
              By way of contrast, a prima facie review under section 1170.95 is a purely
legal inquiry to determine whether the petitioner has met the requirements for eligibility.
The court’s role at that point is to review the petition and decide if it supports a prima
facie claim for relief, resorting only to the petition itself and the record of conviction.
(§ 1170.95, subd. (c); Lewis, supra, 11 Cal.5th at pp. 970-971.) At the prima facie stage,
“‘“the court takes petitioner’s factual allegations as true and makes a preliminary
assessment regarding whether the petitioner would be entitled to relief if his or her factual
allegations were proved. If so, the court must issue an order to show cause.”’” (Lewis, at
p. 971.) “[A] trial court should not engage in ‘factfinding involving the weighing of
evidence or the exercise of discretion.’” (Id. at p. 972.) That does not mean, however,

                                               8
that the court is required to accept every fact the petition alleges as the unvarnished truth.
“‘[I]f the record, including the court’s own documents, “contain[s] facts refuting the
allegations made in the petition,” then “the court is justified in making a credibility
determination adverse to the petitioner.”’” (Id. at p. 971.)
              The prima facie stage is, therefore, a legal inquiry based on the petition and
the existing record. It does not matter, as Cunningham asserts, “why he entered his guilty
plea to felony murder.” His reasons are not legally relevant. All that is relevant, at the
prima facie stage, is whether the petition and the record of conviction support the
petitioner’s claim that he or she meets the statutory requirements under section 1170.95.
While the court cannot engage in factfinding at this stage, it is not required to ignore the
facts in the record. (Lewis, supra, 11 Cal.5th at p. 972.) Nor is Cunningham correct in
asserting that “the ultimate factual question to answer was whether [he] was actually the
shooter.” It was not. As we will explain further below, the issue of whether he “was
actually the shooter” was resolved when he confessed that he was in the Tahl form.
              “A criminal defendant’s right to attend critical proceedings against him is
subject to recognized limitations. ‘[I]t is well established,’ for example, that there is no
such ‘constitutional or statutory right to be present to address purely legal questions or
where [the defendant’s] “presence would not contribute to the fairness of the
proceeding.”’” (Simms, supra, 23 Cal.App.5th at p. 996.) The court’s review of a
petition under section 1170.95 for prima facie sufficiency is neither. The court’s review
addresses purely legal questions, and there is simply nothing the defendant can
contribute. The state of the record is what it is, and the defendant’s presence cannot
change that. This case itself is an example of why that is so. The record of conviction
included Cunningham’s confession that he was the actual killer. Actual killers, as we
explain in more detail below, are ineligible for relief under section 1170.95.

                                              9
Accordingly, there was nothing for Cunningham to add to the hearing by his presence.
Accordingly, we find no error in the court’s decision not to transport him from prison to
court for this hearing.

C. Entitlement to Relief and Harmless Error
              Cunningham argues that the proper standard for harmless error in this case
is the beyond a reasonable doubt standard set forth in Chapman v. California (1967) 386
U.S. 18, 24. We are not persuaded that he is correct. It is likely that the standard set
forth in People v. Watson (1956) 46 Cal.2d 818 applies, which is whether in the absence
of the error, the defendant had the reasonable probability of a more favorable result.
(See Lewis, supra, 11 Cal.5th at pp. 974-975.) Ultimately, which harmless error standard
applies is irrelevant; even under the Chapman standard, the failure to have Cunningham
present was harmless, because the court found he was not entitled to relief as a matter of
law. We review the trial court’s finding that Cunningham was statutorily ineligible for
relief de novo. (People v. Martinez (2014) 226 Cal.App.4th 1169, 1181.)
              As we noted above, the court’s role at the prima facie stage is to accept the
petition’s factual allegations as true, without engaging in factfinding, the weighing of
evidence, or determining credibility. The exception, however, is when the record of
conviction includes facts – such as an admission of guilt – that contradict the petition.
(Lewis, supra, 11 Cal.5th at pp. 971-972.)
              Here, the petition alleged that Cunningham could not be convicted of first
or second degree murder under current law. This is directly contradicted by the record.
He confessed to shooting and killing the victim in the Tahl form. Contrary to
Cunningham’s assertion, the factual basis stated in the Tahl form is not “vague and
ambiguous.” It is perfectly clear: “During the robbery the loaded gun I was holding
accidentally went off and shot [and] killed Jason Williams. I took his money and cell

                                             10
phone while Winston Miller drove away. I intended to rob Mr. Williams that night and I
knew I was holding a loaded gun.” (Italics added.) The court could readily determine
that petitioner “was convicted of a qualifying crime, was the actual killer, or was tried
under the felony-murder . . . doctrine[], by a simple examination of the record . . . .”
(People v. Tarkington (2020) 49 Cal.App.5th 892, 909, review granted August 12, 2020,
S263219, abrogated in part by Lewis, supra, 11 Cal.5th 952.)
              Based on that review, there is no doubt that as the actual killer, defendant is
not eligible for resentencing under section 1170.95. (§ 189, subd. (e)(1).) Senate Bill
1437 amended section 189, subdivision (e)(1), to state a participant in the perpetration of
a felony in which a death occurs is liable for murder where the participant is the actual
killer. (Stats. 2018, ch. 1015, § 3; § 189, subd. (e)(1).) Thus, the trial court correctly
reasoned that if defendant pleaded guilty as the actual killer, which he did, he was not
eligible for resentencing.
              The argument defense counsel made in the trial court, which is repeated by
counsel here, seeks to expand the court’s inquiry well beyond the record of conviction to
the point of essentially relitigating the case. This reading of the statute is simply
unsupported by the language and purpose of Senate Bill 1437. Proceedings under this
law are not intended to substitute for appellate review or habeas corpus proceedings.
              “We do not believe it is reasonable to interpret section 1170.95 as allowing
for . . . challenges based on attacks on prior factual findings. Nothing in the language of
section 1170.95 suggests it was intended to provide redress for allegedly erroneous prior
factfinding. In particular, subdivision (a)(3) of section 1170.95 says nothing about
erroneous prior findings or the possibility of proving contrary facts if given a second
chance. Rather, it requires that the petitioner could not be convicted of murder because
of the changes to sections 188 and 189, not because a prior fact finder got the facts

                                              11
wrong. The purpose of section 1170.95 is to give defendants the benefit of amended
sections 188 and 189 with respect to issues not previously determined, not to provide a
do-over on factual disputes that have already been resolved.” (People v. Allison (2020)
55 Cal.App.5th 449, 461.) No principled distinction between factual findings and factual
admissions exists in this context. “‘“A guilty plea amounts to an admission of every
element of the crime and is the equivalent of a conviction.”’” (People v.
Mazumder (2019) 34 Cal.App.5th 732, 741.)
              Nor, as counsel argues on appeal, is why Cunningham chose to plead guilty
relevant. It is clear from the record that he did plead guilty, and he did so knowingly,
voluntarily, and intelligently. Cunningham’s attempt to recast the facts recited in the
Tahl form as meaning something other than what they unambiguously state is entirely
unpersuasive. He cannot contradict his admissions in the hope of providing grounds for
relief under section 1170.95. (Lewis, supra, 11 Cal.5th at p. 971.) The facts supporting
relief must already be present in the record.
              Where, as here, the record of conviction includes information “that
establishes the petitioner is ineligible for relief as a matter of law because he or she was
convicted on a ground that remains valid notwithstanding Senate Bill 1437’s amendments
to sections 188 and 189 . . . for example, a petitioner who admitted being the actual killer
as part of a guilty plea” denying relief is appropriate. (People v. Verdugo, supra, 44
Cal.App.5th at pp. 229-330.) No “glossing over” of the Tahl form, as Cunningham
claims the court “must have done” was necessary to reach the conclusion that
Cunningham admitted to actually killing the victim.
              Senate Bill 1437 provides relief only for a specified class of crimes, and
Cunningham’s offense is simply outside its ambit. As the admitted actual killer, he is
statutorily ineligible for relief. Accordingly, the trial court did not err in denying relief,

                                                12
and any error in failing to transport him to the prima facie hearing was therefore harmless
beyond a reasonable doubt.

                                            III
                                       DISPOSITION
              The order is affirmed.

                                                  MOORE, J.

WE CONCUR:

O’LEARY, P. J.

GOETHALS, J.

                                            13