Robbery

Sergio G. was accused of robbery. It was alleged that he took a woman’s purse, jewelry, and money by force and threats of physical violence. Sergio G. was facing over 10 years in state prison if convicted.

The defense presented psychiatric evidence suggesting that Sergio did not have the requisite mental state for the crime charged. The defense also introduced mitigating evidence establishing Sergio’s long-standing history of mental illness. The crime occurred within hours of Sergio being prematurely released from a psychiatric hospital.

Sergio was sentenced to a one year live-in program where he will receive treatment for his mental illness and drug addiction. Mr. Sterling was also able to reach a disposition that did not involve Sergio being convicted of a strike offense under California’s Three Strikes law.