If this Cruz waiver granted to Matthew Miller and plea deal for reduced charge and dismissal of the rape counts backfires; will Humboldt Superior Court judges and DA apologize to the public?

 

Matthew Miller originally had three cases. One was dismissed because the DA could not mest the burden of proof. Of the other two, Miller waived preliminary hearing in one case and was held to answer in the rape case.

You have a booking photo of Miller and others that I worked diligently to get and which were issued before the Ninth Circuit ruling.

On 3/12/26, at the Readiness conference  in his other two cases, Miller resolved his case before jury trial.

In his 2025 case, Miller entered plea which includes no addtionall jail time and alcohol treatment. A cruz waiver requested by defense was granted by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward.

In his 2024 case, Miller waived appellate rights; return of property request was granted; the rape counts were dismissed and Miller pleaded guilty to PC 242 battery as a misdemeanor.

Deputy DA Carolyn Schaffer appeared on the case for the People and the entry of plea. Conflict Counsel Supervising Attorney Meagan O'Connell for Miller.

Sentencing is on 4/9.

I said Humboldt Superior judges because Judge Steward took the plea. However, other judges have heard the case. If Miller breaks the law or fails to appear for sentencing, he could appear before another judge.

I have provided court minutes from 3/12/26. I have also included links to previous coverage.

Previous posts:

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/01/miller-waives-preliminary-in-one-case.html?m=1