People v. Medelez
People v. Medelez
Opinion
*661 Angel Medelez contacted a minor with intent to engage in oral sex (Pen. Code, 1 § 288.3, "luring"), and then took a direct but ineffectual act toward his goal (§§ 664, 288a, subd. (b)(1), "attempt"). Here we decide he may be convicted of both crimes because luring is not a special statute intended to preclude prosecution for attempt, *404 and neither crime is the lesser included offense of the other.
Medelez appeals judgment after conviction by jury of three sex offenses against his adult roommate and two sex offenses against a minor. (§§ 288a, subds. (f) & (i), 243.4, subd. (e)(1), 288.3, subd. (a), 664, 288a, subd. (b)(1).) The trial court sentenced Medelez to six years eight months in prison, including two consecutive sentences of four months each for attempt to orally copulate a minor (§§ 664, 288a, subd. (b)(1)) and luring the minor with intent to orally copulate (§ 288.3, subd. (a) ).
We stay the four-month sentence for attempted oral copulation (§ 654), correct the abstract of judgment to delete a dismissed count, and otherwise affirm.
In the unpublished portion of the opinion, we consider and reject Medelez's contention that all his convictions must be reversed because the trial court dismissed a juror during trial without good cause. (§ 1089.)
BACKGROUND
In August 2013, Medelez drugged and orally copulated his unconscious adult male roommate. (§§ 288a, subds. (f) & (i), 243.4, subd. (e)(1).)
*662 Two months later, he tried to orally copulate a minor. Medelez met 16-year-old A.P. at work. Medelez offered him a job, and A.P. returned that evening to learn more about it. Medelez drove A.P. to a remote place and offered him money in exchange for oral sex. When A.P. refused, Medelez told A.P. to take off his pants. A.P. did because he was afraid. Medelez showed A.P. pornographic pictures. Medelez "was about to lean in," but A.P. pulled up his pants and stopped Medelez.
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DISCUSSION
Special vs. General Doctrine
Medelez contends he cannot be convicted of both attempted oral copulation of a minor (§§ 664, 288a, subd. (b)(1)) and luring a minor with intent to orally copulate (§ 288.3 ) because the Legislature intended the luring statute to supplant attempted oral copulation with a minor. (
In re Williamson
(1954)
If a general statute covers the same conduct as a specific ("special") statute, courts generally infer that the Legislature intended the conduct to be prosecuted only under the special statute. (
People v. Murphy
(2011)
Here, the "general" statute (attempt) contains an element that is not contained on the face of the more recently enacted "special" statute (luring). Attempt requires a direct but ineffectual act that goes beyond
*405
mere preparation. (§ 21a;
People v. Clark
(2011)
Lesser Included Offense
Medelez's multiple convictions for luring with intent to orally copulate a minor and attempt to orally copulate a minor are authorized because neither crime is a necessarily included offense of the other.
Multiple convictions based on necessarily included offenses are prohibited. (
People v. Sanders
(2012)
Attempt is not a necessarily included offense of luring, because luring can be committed without a "direct ... act," as we have explained. (Cf. §§ 21a, 288.3.)
Luring is not a lesser included offense of attempted oral copulation, because attempt can be committed without contacting or communicating with the victim. (See, e.g.,
People v. Bonner
(2000)
Multiple Punishments
Medelez cannot be punished for both attempted oral copulation and luring because the crimes were based on a single intent and objective, as the People concede. (§ 654.) We modify the sentence to stay imposition of the attempted
*664
oral copulation conviction, because the sentences for attempt and luring are of equal duration. (
People v. Butler
(1996)
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Abstract of Judgment-Dismissed Count
The abstract of judgment incorrectly states Medelez was convicted of exhibiting harmful material to a minor under section 288.2, subdivision (a)(2) (count 4 of the information). We correct it to reflect that this charge was dismissed after the jury was unable to reach a verdict on it. (
People v. Mitchell
(2001)
*406 DISPOSITION
The verdict is modified to stay the four-month sentence for attempted oral copulation of a minor (count 5, Pen. Code, §§ 654, 288a, subd. (b)(1) ) pending service of the sentence for luring (count 3, Pen. Code, § 288.3, subd. (a) ). The superior court is directed to amend the abstract of judgment to reflect the modification and to reflect dismissal of count 4 (Pen. Code, § 288.2, subd. (a)(2) ), and to forward a certified copy to the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation. As modified, the judgment is affirmed.
We concur:
GILBERT, P.J.
PERREN, J.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- The PEOPLE, Plaintiff and Respondent, v. Angel Antonio MEDELEZ, Defendant and Appellant.
- Cited By
- 16 cases
- Status
- Published