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Name: People v. Christian
Case #: B168038
Court: CA Court of Appeal
District 2 DCA
Division: 3
Opinion Date: 01/06/2005
Summary

Appellant entered into a plea bargain and pleaded guilty to robbery, a prior strike, and two prior serious felony convictions in exchange for a 20 year prison sentence. During the plea colloquy, the court advised appellant that he would be giving up his right to a jury trial both on the offense and on the prior strike. On appeal, he contended that his plea and admission were invalid because the trial court failed to advise him of his right to confront witnesses and against self incrimination. The appellate court agreed and reversed. The fact that appellant had a long conversation with trial counsel does not show that he was fully informed of his rights. Based on the totality of circumstances, the record was inadequate to support a conclusion that the plea was entered understandingly and voluntarily.