Apr 4, 2023

Less than 3 hours for a verdict but that is not the real story in this misdemeanor case

 

(2019 booking photo)

The jury People vs Earl Ray Castillo went into deliberations at 11:32. on 4/3. Left for lunch at 12:06. Came back and resumed deliberations at 1:15. Then deliberated until 3:47 and had a mixed verdict. Sentencing is on 5/23.

Less than 3 hours for a verdict but that is not the real story in this misdemeanor DUI case.

This is a DUI case  with two misdemeanor counts VC 23152 (a) and VC 23152 (b). Deputy DA Emily Norgaard is the prosecutor. Castillo was found not guilty of Count 1 driving under the influence; guilty of Count 2 driving with blood alcohol content of .08% or more in less than 3 hours of deliberation.  

Castillo has a prior conviction from 2014. The DUI charge in 2014 was dismissed as a part of his plea with Castillo pleading to two counts of unsafe lane change.

After Judge Kaleb Cockrum ruled against the defense on a motion to supress on 3/7, Deputy Conflict Counsel R.J. Leohner filed a motion to recuse Judge Cockrum on 3/27. Who recuses a Judge after one ruling on a motion and says that the Judge is biased? Jury selection and the trial dragged on for days because Leohner wastes time on stupid stuff and theatrics in court during jury selection and trial. I am all for raising issues of racial bias in the system and Humboldt but unlike former Deputy Conflict Counsel April Van Dyke who put in effort with data and research, Leohner just wastes time on a show.

I am not including the lengthy motion Mr. Leohner filed to disqualify Judge Cockrum. I am including Judge Cockrum's answer to motion for disqualification.





Leohner obviously has not learned his lesson after the Malang case. He was issued six counts of direct contempt and sanctions by Judge Gregory Kreis. Even after he appealed, he only had one count set aside.

Related posts (Leohner):

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/09/leohner-wasted-time-and-money-to-get.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/07/oral-argument-scheduled-in-lawsuit-by.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/06/deputy-county-counsel-hires-roseville.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/05/humboldt-superior-court-sued-by.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/02/six-counts-of-direct-contempt-and.html?m=1


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