People v. Richardson

Filed 6/10/21 CERTIFIED FOR PUBLICATION IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FIRST APPELLATE DISTRICT DIVISION THREE THE PEOPLE, Plaintiff and Respondent, A157529 v. DEVONNE LAVERT (San Mateo County RICHARDSON, Super. Ct. No. 18SF009740A) Defendant and Appellant. INTRODUCTION Plea bargaining is essential to the efficient and fair operation of the justice system. Plea bargains provide a method of disposing of criminal prosecutions through guilty or no contest pleas by a defendant in return for a reciprocal benefit, generally consisting of less punishment than if he or she were…