People v. Liggins CA3
Court
California Court of Appeal
Decided
June 30, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Importance
45%
Practice Areas
Case Summary
Filed 6/30/25 P. v. Liggins CA3 NOT TO BE PUBLISHED California Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for publication or ordered published, except as specified by rule 8.1115(b). This opinion has not been certified for publication or ordered published for purposes of rule 8.1115. IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT (Sacramento) ---- THE PEOPLE, Plaintiff and Respondent, C102238 v. (Super. Ct. No. 05F04565) PHILLIP VERNELL LIGGINS, Defendant and Appellant. Defendant Phillip Vernell Liggins appeals from a postconviction order denying his request for resentencing under Penal Code section 1172.75.1 Appointed counsel asked this court to review the record and determine whether there are any arguable issues on appeal. (People v. Wende (1979) 25 Cal.3d 436 (Wende).) Having exercised our discretion to independently review the record (see People v. Delgadillo (2022) 14 Cal.5th 216, 226, 232), we have found no arguable error that would result in a disposition more favorable to defendant. We will affirm the trial court’s order denying the request for resentencing. 1 Undesignated statutory references are to the Penal Code. 1 I In June 2006, a jury convicted defendant of possession of cocaine base (Health & Saf. Code, § 11350, subd. (a)), transportation of cocaine base (Health & Saf. Code, § 11352, subd. (a)), and driving on a suspended license (Veh. Code, § 14601.1, subd. (a)). The trial court found true allegations that defendant had seven prior strike convictions (§ 667, subds. (b)-(i)) and a prior prison term (§ 667.5, subd. (b)). The trial court sentenced defendant to an aggregate prison term of 25 years to life plus one year. This court affirmed the judgment. (People v. Liggins (Apr. 4, 2008, C053698) [nonpub. opn.].) Effective January 1, 2020, Senate Bill No. 136 (2019-2020 Reg. Sess.) (Stats. 2019, ch. 590) amended section 667.5, limiting prior prison term enhancements to prior terms for sexually violent offenses. (People v. Burgess (2022) 86 Cal.App.5th 375, 380.) On October 8, 2021, the Governor signed Senate Bill No. 483 (2021-2022 Reg. Sess.) (Stats. 2021, ch. 728, § 3), which implemented a recall and resentencing procedure for individuals serving prison sentences including a section 667.5, subdivision (b) enhancement. (People v. Kimble (2024) 99 Cal.App.5th 746, 751, rev. granted Apr. 24, 2024, S284259.) Under that procedure, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) notifies the sentencing court when a defendant is serving a sentence that includes a section 667.5, subdivision (b) enhancement. (§ 1172.75, subd. (b).) The sentencing court reviews the judgment and, if the defendant is eligible, the trial court resentences the defendant. (§ 1172.75, subd. (c).) Here, CDCR identified defendant as eligible for resentencing, the trial court appointed counsel, and the parties submitted briefing. The trial court determined that defendant’s prior prison term included a sentence on a rape conviction (§ 261), a sexually violent offense (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 6600). The trial court ruled that defendant was not entitled to resentencing. (§ 1172.75, subds. (a), (c).) 2 II Appointed counsel filed an opening brief setting forth the facts of the case and asking this court to review the record and determine whether there are any arguable issues on appeal. (Wende, supra, 25 Cal.3d 436.) Defendant was advised by counsel of the right to file a supplemental brief within 30 days of the date of filing the opening brief. More than 30 days elapsed and we received no communication from defendant. Having undertaken an examination of the entire record, we find no arguable error that would result in a disposition more favorable to defendant. DISPOSITION The trial court’s order denying the request for resentencing is affirmed. /S/ MAURO, Acting P. J. We concur: /S/ DUARTE, J. /S/ RENNER, J. 3
Case Details
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Status
Decided
Date Decided
June 30, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Court Type
federal
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Case Overview
Case Name: People v. Liggins CA3
Court: California Court of Appeal (Third Appellate District)
Date Filed: June 30, 2025
Citation: Not Published
In People v. Liggins, the California Court of Appeal addressed the appeal of Phillip Vernell Liggins, who sought resentencing under Penal Code § 1172.75 following a conviction for drug offenses and prior strike convictions. The court ultimately affirmed the trial court's decision to deny the resentencing request.
Key Legal Issues
- Eligibility for Resentencing: Whether Liggins was eligible for resentencing under the amended Penal Code provisions.
- Prior Convictions: The impact of prior convictions, specifically a sexually violent offense, on resentencing eligibility.
Court's Decision
The court affirmed the trial court's order denying Liggins' request for resentencing. The ruling was based on the determination that Liggins' prior prison term included a conviction for a sexually violent offense, which disqualified him from resentencing under the applicable statutes.
Legal Reasoning
The court's reasoning hinged on the interpretation of Penal Code § 1172.75, which allows for resentencing only if the defendant's prior prison terms do not include sexually violent offenses. The trial court's findings included:
- Liggins was convicted in 2006 for possession and transportation of cocaine base, along with driving on a suspended license.
- He had seven prior strike convictions and a prior prison term for a rape conviction, classified as a sexually violent offense.
- The amendments to Penal Code § 667.5, effective January 1, 2020, limited enhancements to prior terms for sexually violent offenses, impacting Liggins' eligibility.
Key Holdings
- The trial court correctly identified Liggins' prior conviction as a disqualifying factor for resentencing.
- The appellate court found no arguable issues on appeal that would warrant a more favorable disposition for Liggins.
Precedents and Citations
- People v. Wende (1979): Established the framework for reviewing appeals where appointed counsel finds no arguable issues.
- People v. Burgess (2022): Clarified the limitations of prior prison term enhancements under amended Penal Code § 667.5.
- People v. Kimble (2024): Discussed the resentencing procedures under Senate Bill No. 483.
Practical Implications
The ruling in People v. Liggins underscores the importance of understanding the implications of prior convictions on resentencing eligibility. Legal practitioners should be aware of the following:
- Impact of Senate Bills: Changes in legislation can significantly affect sentencing outcomes and eligibility for resentencing.
- Review of Prior Convictions: Attorneys must thoroughly assess their clients' criminal histories when seeking resentencing under new laws.
- Postconviction Relief: The case highlights the complexities involved in postconviction relief processes, particularly for defendants with multiple prior convictions.
This case serves as a critical reminder of the evolving landscape of California's sentencing laws and the necessity for legal professionals to stay informed about legislative changes that may affect their clients' cases.
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Case Details
Legal case information
Status
Decided
Date Decided
June 30, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Court Type
federal
Legal Significance
Case importance metrics
Metadata
Additional information
Quick Actions
Case management tools