California v. Hernandez
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A jury convicted defendant Steven Hernandez of having committed vandalism causing less than $400 in damages. Because the jury also found the vandalism was committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang, the crime was a felony. Defendant filed a timely notice of appeal. The Court of Appeal appointed counsel to represent him. Counsel filed a brief summarizing the facts of the case and, while not arguing against defendant, counsel’s opening brief stated he could not find any arguable issues to raise, though he did suggest some issues for the Court's consideration in conducting an independent review of the record. The Court declined to do so and published this opinion to reaffirm its long-standing rejection of "Anders/Wende" briefs presenting "'arguable-but-unmeritorious’ issue[s].'"
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