People v. Howard

Opinion

EPSTEIN, J.

Elfronte Howard appeals his conviction for unlawfully driving or taking a vehicle, a violation of Vehicle Code section 10851. He claims the court erred in instructing the jury that the lesser offense of joyriding was a specific intent crime. He also claims his sentence of 25 years to life constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. We find no error or abuse of discretion, and affirm the judgment.

Factual and Procedural Summary

On January 30, 1995, Paul Wright parked his El Camino truck on Santa Barbara Street in Pasadena, and went inside his cousin’s apartment on that street.…