People v. Saavedra

Opinion

HALLER, J.

Idalberto Saavedra appeals from a judgment convicting him of possessing a weapon while confined in a penal institution. (Pen. Code, 1 § 4502, subd. (a).) He contends the trial court erred by failing to sua sponte instruct on duress and self-defense. Alternatively, he contends defense counsel provided ineffective representation by failing to request instructions on these two defenses.

We reject Saavedra’s contention that the evidence supported a duress instruction. We agree with his assertion that self-defense may be a valid defense to a charge of inmate weapon possession, but…