People v. Blocker

Opinion

RICHMAN, J.

With certain exceptions, the Penal Code1 authorizes a convicted felon to apply for a “certificate of rehabilitation.” Carlos Ray Blocker would appear to be an ideal candidate for such a certificate except for one thing—he denies that there was any basis for convicting him in the first place. The decision whether to grant or deny such an application is entrusted to a trial court’s discretion. The question presented is whether that discretion is abused with the denial of an applicant who adamantly insists on his innocence. Our answer is no, the trial court did not abuse its…