California Criminal Case Reveals Early Chapter

On February 19, 2003, 18-year-old Jared Levy Ross became involved in an incident in Los Angeles County that triggered a criminal prosecution. Los Angeles Superior Court records in Case No. SA047982 show that authorities filed a complaint on March 5, 2003, charging him with a felony count of evading a peace officer while operating a motor vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property (California Vehicle Code section 2800.2(a)) and a misdemeanor assault count (Penal Code section 240) 

Bail was posted at $35,000 on March 12, 2003, with Michael Ross acting as surety under register number LAX469290021. The case advanced through arraignment, where Ross pleaded not guilty, and a preliminary hearing on July 25, 2003. At that hearing the assault count was dismissed by the People pursuant to Penal Code section 859B on statutory time grounds. Ross was held to answer on the felony evading count. An information was filed on August 8, 2003, and Ross again pleaded not guilty. 

The matter reached a resolution on December 15, 2003, in the West District Department LXD before Hon. Keith L. Schwartz. The minute order states the following: 

"INFORMATION FILED ON 08/08/03. COUNT 02: 415 PC INF ON 12/15/03 ... CASE CALLED FOR BENCH WARRANT HOLD ... COUNT 01: DISPOSITION: DISMISSAL IN FURTH OF JUSTICE PER 1385 PC DEFENSE MOTION VACATING JUDGMENT OF CONVICTION AS TO COUNT ONE IS GRANTED." (Later proceedings clarified the sequence.) On that date the felony evading charge was reduced to a misdemeanor by interlineation under Penal Code section 17(b)(4) on the People's motion. A disturbing the peace infraction under Penal Code section 415 was added by interlineation. Ross entered nolo contendere pleas to both counts and was convicted on both. 

Sentencing occurred the same day. Imposition of sentence was suspended and Ross was placed on summary probation for two years. The minute order details key conditions: 

"AS TO COUNT (01): ... THE COURT ADMONISHES THE DEFENDANT ... COURT READ AND CONSIDERED THE PROBATION REPORT. ... Continue in psychological counseling currently in place and take medications as directed by medical doctor. The court read and considered both a probation report and a psychological report at sentencing."