Lawrence v. California

Defendant, Tito Martinez, and a codefendant, John Vela, were charged with robbery (Pen. Code, § 211). It was further alleged defendant had suffered a prior felony conviction for robbery within the meaning of sections 667 and 1192.7. During trial and outside the presence of the jury, defendant admitted the alleged prior robbery conviction. After trial, the jury found defendant guilty as charged. The trial court denied probation and sentenced defendant to state prison for the aggregate term of eight years. Defendant filed a timely notice of appeal.