RAMIREZ, P. J. —
Joseph H., the minor, at age 10, woke up early one morning and shot his father in the head as the latter slept on the sofa. A wardship petition was filed alleging the minor had committed acts which would have been crimes if committed by an adult, specifically, murder (Pen. Code, § 187, subd. (a)),
On appeal, the minor argues (1) the court erroneously considered statements obtained in violation of his Miranda rights;
Although the facts relating to the incident are fairly straightforward, a significant amount of evidence was presented to the juvenile court relating to the minor's capacity to commit a crime, and his mental health issues. We provide an overview of the historical information in this section. In the discussion of the individual issues, we will discuss additional evidence introduced at trial as it may be relevant.
The minor, born June 19, 2000, and his younger sister Shirley, lived with their biological mother until Joseph was three or four, when they were placed with their father, Jeff, after numerous reports to child protective services relating to neglect by their mother. Joseph had been exposed to heroin, methamphetamine, LSD, marijuana and alcohol ingested by his biological mother prenatally. Joseph had been physically abused and severely neglected by his mother, and was sexually abused by his mother's boyfriend. By this time, Joseph's father was married to Krista McC., with whom he had three additional children.
Joseph also turned his wrath on the teacher, kicking, hitting, and scratching the teacher, pulling the teacher's hair, calling her a "fucking bitch," and threatening to kill the teacher. Jeff and Krista got therapy for Joseph, but Joseph was in at least six different schools due to violent outbursts and running out of class. Eventually, Jeff and Krista took Joseph out of school and homeschooled him. Joseph also hit his sisters.
For his part, Joseph's father Jeff had an unstable work history and was unemployed for the three years leading up to his death, although he had worked for a time as a plumber. He was addicted to Percocet and methamphetamine, and was frequently violent towards both Krista and Joseph. He was worse when he was drunk or high; on those occasions he would just lose control, and start beating on Joseph. Sometimes Jeff's abuse of Joseph was such that Krista had to intervene. A few days before the shooting, Jeff became violent with Krista, throwing a glass cup at her, which caused a cut. Jeff's mood swings, and his infidelity, made Krista unhappy.
In approximately 2007, after Krista's sister was killed in a hit-and-run automobile accident involving an undocumented Mexican citizen, Jeff became involved in the National Socialist Movement (NSM, or Neo-Nazis) and the Save Our State (SOS) movement, anti-illegal immigration groups. Jeff owned guns, which he frequently showed off, including a handgun that was kept in the closet of the bedroom. There were no child protection locks for the gun, which was kept loaded. Jeff sometimes took Joseph to the border of Mexico where the NSM group did patrols, and taught Joseph how to use guns.
On April 30, 2011, Jeff and Krista hosted an NSM meeting at their home, described by both Joseph and Shirley as a party, attended by approximately 12 member guests. The meeting started at noon. Alcohol was served, and both Jeff and Krista drank. Between 6:51 and 6:56 p.m., Krista received text messages from Jeff indicating he intended to throw her out of the home. At approximately 7:00 p.m., the meeting ended, and Jeff left with a friend to
In the very early hours of May 1, 2011, Krista was startled awake by a loud noise. Thinking that a kitchen shelf had fallen (as had happened previously), she went to the restroom and then went downstairs. Downstairs, Krista found the television on, but the lights were off. When she turned on the lights, she saw Jeff on the couch, bleeding. Joseph came downstairs and told Krista, "I shot dad." Krista called 911.
At approximately 4:04 a.m., police were dispatched to the residence. All the occupants of the house were required to exit the residence as police performed a safety sweep for other victims or suspects. Jeff was lying on the couch with a large pool of blood emanating from a single gunshot wound to the head. One officer asked Krista what happened while she and the children were outside. Joseph volunteered that he had grabbed the gun and shot his dad in the ear. Joseph explained he did so because his father had beaten him and his mother, and his father had kicked Joseph "in the ass" the day before. Joseph also said he used his father's gun and that he had put it under his bed after the shooting. When the residence was searched, the gun used in the shooting was found under Joseph's bed. Joseph's statements were recorded on a belt recorder and played in open court.
At some point, all the surviving family members were placed in separate police cars. While sitting alone in the back of one patrol car, unhandcuffed, Joseph talked a lot, although no questions were asked of him. Joseph admitted he had shot his father, said he wished he had not done it, and indicated he knew it was wrong. Joseph asked if his father were dead, or just injured, and explained the events leading up to the shooting. Joseph told the officer his father had abused him and other members of the family repeatedly, and that the previous night, his father had threatened to remove all the smoke detectors and burn the house down, while the family slept. Joseph was aware of his father's new girlfriend and was concerned that he would have to choose between living with his dad or his mom.
On May 3, 2011, a wardship petition was filed pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 602, alleging that Joseph had committed an act which would be a crime if committed by an adult. Specifically, the petition alleged that the minor had committed murder (§ 187, subd. (a)), and that in the commission of the crime, he personally discharged a firearm that proximately cause death (§ 12022.53, subd. (d)).
At the initial hearing, Joseph's counsel requested that the minor be evaluated in anticipation of entering a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. At a subsequent hearing — still prior to entering a plea on the petition — delinquency proceedings were suspended pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 709, to determine Joseph's competency.
On June 5, 2012, Joseph entered pleas of not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity (NGI). The court ordered an NGI evaluation to be conducted by two experts, appointing Dr. Kania and Dr. Rath. Between May 3, 2011, and May 18, 2012, three separate applications regarding psychotropic medications were made and granted to address Joseph's ADHD. On July 9, 2012, Dr. Rath submitted his report finding Joseph was not insane. On July 24, 2012, Dr. Kania submitted his report, reaching the same conclusion.
The contested jurisdictional hearing commenced on October 30, 2012. Minor's counsel objected to the admission of Joseph's responses to questions asked by Detective Hopewell, pursuant to a section 26 questionnaire (see In re Gladys R. (1970) 1 Cal.3d 855, 862 [83 Cal.Rptr. 671, 464 P.2d 127] (Gladys R.)), because the inquiry was conducted before he was admonished
Counsel also argued that the minor's statements were obtained in violation of Miranda because there were two people present,
Additionally, on the third day of trial, the minor objected to any testimony by Dr. Rath as to Joseph's capacity to commit the crime on the ground Dr. Rath was inappropriately appointed to conduct evaluations both as to the minor's capacity as well as on the issue of sanity. The court sustained the objection, but allowed the prosecutor to retain another expert on the issue of the minor's sanity. The court granted the prosecution's request that Dr. Salter be permitted to interview the minor and that she would be permitted to testify for the purpose of impeaching the minor's expert. Defense counsel requested to be present when Dr. Salter interviewed the minor, but the court denied the request. Later, minor's counsel objected to Dr. Salter's report on the ground of late discovery, which objection was overruled.
In the end, the parties stipulated to the admissibility of the reports of Dr. Salter and Dr. Geffner (defendant's expert), and, after the People rested, the minor withdrew his plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. The minor made a motion to dismiss pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 701.1, which was denied. The court found by clear proof that the minor knew the wrongfulness of his acts, within the meaning of Penal Code section 26. The court ruled the minor came within Welfare and Institutions Code section 602 upon a finding that the allegations of the petition were true, specifically, that the minor had committed second degree murder, a felony, and that he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm.
The probation officer's dispositional report recommended commitment to the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) because the minor was screened by 15 different county and private placements, and had been rejected by all but one, which referral was still pending. The probation officer indicated that the minor appeared to be beyond the scope of any private or county facilities, including the youthful offender program (YOP), because he posed a serious risk to the community, and because he was in need of a long term, highly structured, well-supervised environment. The average commitment to YOP
The probation officer noted that DJJ had screened the minor, but a diagnostic study pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 704
On February 15, 2013, the DMH submitted its assessment for the RCL 13/14 level of care. The assessment indicated Joseph qualified for an RCL 14 level, but had not been certified. DMH believed Joseph had neurological issues and would benefit from participating in an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to determine the extent of damage done to his brain due to his past history.
On March 1, 2013, the court ordered the probation officer to submit another addendum report to follow up on a letter from Copper Hills Youth Center in Utah, indicating that Joseph was eligible for placement there. The
On April 29, 2013, the probation officer submitted an ex parte memo, outlining difficulties with the DJJ packet that prevented completion of the diagnostic study. The DJJ reported the packet that had been sent contained errors, one of which was the fact that the correct Welfare and Institutions Code section for the examination was 704, not 707.2, as indicated in the minute order. For this reason, as of June 3, 2013, the DJJ diagnostic study had not been completed due to an apparent bureaucratic runaround. Nevertheless, on July 22, 2013, the DJJ sent a letter informing the probation department that Joseph had been accepted.
On July 15, 2013, the minor's educational advocate filed a motion to join the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE). The grounds for joinder related to the fact that administrative law proceedings were ongoing to determine what the least restrictive educational placement would be for the minor under federal law, and that this information would be relevant to the issue of whether the minor would benefit from a DJJ placement. On October 7, 2013, the court denied the joinder motion without prejudice.
The contested dispositional hearing commenced October 21, 2013. The parties stipulated that the court consider several expert evaluations and reports assessing Joseph. Minor's counsel informed the court there were two additional possible placements to consider, namely the San Diego Center for Children, and the Devereux school in Texas. The court ordered counsel to provide information to the probation department for a verbal report On October 25, 2013, during a break between witnesses, the probation officer reported that neither of the proposed alternative placements were secured facilities. Further, the San Diego Center for Children had informed the probation officer that it would not accept a case such as Joseph's due to the magnitude of this case.
The court reviewed the documentary evidence and heard testimony over several days. On October 31, 2013, the court found that less restrictive
The minor timely appealed.
After being taken to the police station, the minor was interviewed by Detective Hopewell, a detective assigned to the sexual assault and child abuse unit, whose role was to interview Joseph and his siblings. Prior to admonishing Joseph of his Miranda rights or interviewing him about the shooting itself, the detective asked him questions pursuant to a Gladys R. questionnaire, designed to determine if an arrestee under the age of 14 understands the wrongfulness of his or her actions, within the meaning of section 26.
Following that questionnaire, the detective asked Joseph if stealing candy from a store without paying for it was right or wrong; Joseph replied it was wrong. She then asked Joseph to give her an example of doing something right and doing something wrong. Joseph responded that doing wrong things could hurt people, while it was good to care, and to help people. After asking him for an example of something that he would do that would be right, she asked Joseph to give an example of doing something that was wrong, to which Joseph replied, "Well, I shot my dad." Shortly thereafter, the detective advised Joseph pursuant to Miranda and proceeded to question him about the shooting.
At trial, minor's counsel objected on the ground that Joseph was in custody when asked the questions from the Gladys R. questionnaire, but he had not been Mirandized, rendering his responses to the Gladys R. questionnaire inadmissible. Counsel also argued that the statements obtained after the admonishment must be excluded because they were tainted by the initial failure to admonish. Minor's counsel later objected that the Miranda warning
On appeal, the minor renews the argument that Joseph's statements in response to the questions asked prior to being Mirandized were inadmissible. In addition, the minor argues that his waivers under Miranda were involuntary because he did not understand the nature of his right to be free of coercive confessions due to his mental disabilities and because his stepmother was present, creating a coercive atmosphere.
Because the prophylactic measures designed to safeguard the constitutional guarantee against self-incrimination come into play for custodial interrogations, an officer's obligation to administer Miranda warnings attaches only where there has been such a restriction of freedom of movement as to render the suspect "in custody." (Stansbury v. California (1994) 511 U.S. 318, 322 [128 L.Ed.2d 293, 114 S.Ct. 1526].) This determination is based on the objective circumstances of the interrogation. (Ibid.) Two inquiries are essential to this determination: first, what are the circumstances surrounding the interrogation; and second, given those circumstances, would a reasonable
Even for an adult, the physical and psychological isolation of custodial interrogation can undermine the individual's will to resist and compel him to speak where he would not otherwise do so freely. (Miranda, supra, 384 U.S. at p. 467.) The pressure of custodial interrogation is so immense that it can induce a frighteningly high percentage of people to confess to crimes they never committed. (Corley v. United States (2009) 556 U.S. 303, 321 [173 L.Ed.2d 443, 129 S.Ct. 1558].)
The risk is all the more troubling and acute when the subject of custodial interrogation is a juvenile. (J. D. B. v. North Carolina (2011) 564 U.S. [180 L.Ed.2d 310, 131 S.Ct. 2394, 2401].) Recognizing the inherently coercive nature of custodial interrogation, it has long been held that prior to questioning, a suspect must be warned that he has a right to remain silent, that any statement he does make may be used as evidence against him, and that he has the right to the presence of an attorney, either retained or appointed. (Miranda, supra, 384 U.S. at p. 444.)
Joseph was transported to the police station after making several spontaneous incriminatory statements. Before being admonished of his Miranda rights, the detective stated, "Right now, you know you're here because of what happened to your dad?" The detective had already interviewed Joseph's stepmother and siblings, and had learned that the previous day Joseph was upset with his father and told his sister he wanted to shoot his father. The minor was in custody.
The juvenile court's concern with whether the statements were testimonial or not was irrelevant; as party admissions, they were admissible under Evidence Code section 1220 and not subject to exclusion for violating the Confrontation Clause. (See Crawford v. Washington (2004) 541 U.S. 36 [158 L.Ed.2d 177, 124 S.Ct. 1354].) The detective should have advised Joseph of his constitutional rights prior to asking any questions about his appreciation of the wrongfulness of his conduct. But this does not end our inquiry.
Even assuming that the Gladys R. questions violated the principles of Miranda, the error was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. (Chapman v. California (1967) 386 U.S. 18, 24 [17 L.Ed.2d 705, 87 S.Ct. 824]; People v. Davis, supra, 46 Cal.4th at p. 594.) Prior to being taken to the police station, Joseph spontaneously and repeatedly informed various officers who responded to the initial dispatch after the shooting that he had shot his father. For instance, when police initially responded to the scene of the shooting, and secured the house, Officer Moulton spoke with Krista, and asked her what happened. Joseph volunteered that he had grabbed the gun and shot his father
Joseph also made incriminating admissions to his stepmother and sister, to which no objections were made at trial. Even if the incriminating responses to question numbers 3 and 7 of the Gladys R. questionnaire had been excluded, the remaining statements, admitted without challenge at trial, provided the same information to the trier of fact. Thus, unless there was a defect in the Miranda advisement or Joseph's waiver of his rights under Miranda, no different result would have been obtained, under any standard.
The minor refers to the videotape and transcript of the interview as support for the assertion that Joseph fundamentally misunderstood the nature of Miranda and his right to be free of coercive confessions. He argues that his equivocal response when the detective asked if he understood what she was saying, his body language, and his hesitation showed he did not understand what was being explained. We disagree.
On appeal, the determination of a trial court as to the ultimate issue of the voluntariness of a confession is reviewed independently in light of the record in its entirety, including all the surrounding circumstances. (Schneckloth v. Bustamonte (1973) 412 U.S. 218, 226 [36 L.Ed.2d 854, 93 S.Ct. 2041]; Benson, supra, 52 Cal.3d at p. 779.) We therefore exercise our independent judgment and apply federal standards to determine whether the statements were involuntary, coerced, or obtained in violation of Miranda. (People v. Massie (1998) 19 Cal.4th 550, 576 [79 Cal.Rptr.2d 816, 967 P.2d 29]; In re Aven S., supra, 1 Cal.App.4th at p. 76.)
The minor also argues that his communication deficits made it "self-evident that he would have had trouble effectively communicating his reservations and preserving his rights." The videotape of the interview shows he had no trouble communicating, aside from needing explanation of a few terms. In this respect, the detective was careful to follow up the explanation of his rights with questions to insure he understood what she was explaining, so the assertion he had difficulty communicating his reservations is not supported by the evidence.
The minor argues that the presence of his stepmother (whom he accused at trial of inducing him to commit the crime) created a coercive atmosphere. The video (which we have viewed) reveals that Joseph frequently looked to his stepmother for support, so we are not persuaded. Even if her presence had created a coercive atmosphere, the minor has not demonstrated any police coercion, a prerequisite to a finding of involuntariness, so this argument fails. (People v. McWhorter (2009) 47 Cal.4th 318, 347 [97 Cal.Rptr.3d 412, 212 P.3d 692].)
Further, the record does not support the minor's assertion that his hesitation, confusion, and misunderstanding of the full scope of what it meant to "waive" his rights, showed involuntariness. To the contrary, the video shows he felt guilty for what he had done. Absent coercive conduct by police, and despite his young age, his ADHD, and low-average intelligence, the finding that Joseph voluntarily waived his rights, guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment, is supported by the record.
During trial, defense counsel objected to Dr. Rath's report and testimony on the issue of sanity because the expert had been appointed to conduct both
Further, in denying defense counsel's request to be present, the court referred to Dr. Geffner's own testimony as its reasoning. Dr. Geffner testified that having observers present during an evaluation risked tainting the results. To argue now that the court erred by disallowing counsel to be present at the evaluation is to contradict the minor's own expert.
The minor also argues that the introduction of Dr. Salter's testimony was procedurally improper under section 1054.3, subdivision (b)(1), because the prosecution's request was not timely. In this respect, minor's argument must fail because the prosecution's timing was the direct product of the minor's
At that time, the court concluded that Dr. Rath should not have been appointed to conduct both the competency and the capacity assessments. Because the issue had been "sprung" on the prosecution at the last minute the previous Friday, the court determined that the prosecutor should have some time to get another doctor, in case it was necessary to impeach Dr. Geffner's testimony. The timing of the prosecution's request and the subsequent break in the proceedings to allow the prosecutor's expert to evaluate Joseph, prepare a report, and serve it on the defense, was the direct product of the timing of the objection to Dr. Rath's testimony. This is not to say that defense counsel acted improperly or in bad faith. Nevertheless, the trial court properly granted leave for the prosecution to retain an expert to review Dr. Geffner's late-received report and to prepare for rebuttal.
Regarding the minor's argument that the introduction of Dr. Salter's testimony was "procedurally improper," we note that the minor's only objections at trial were that the prosecution's request was untimely, and that receipt of discovery of the expert's report was late. He did not object on the ground of any other procedural irregularity at trial, so he has forfeited that claim. (Evid. Code, § 353; People v. Banks (2014) 59 Cal.4th 1113, 1193 [176 Cal.Rptr.3d 185, 331 P.3d 1206].)
To the extent that section 1054.3 passes constitutional muster (Maldonado, supra, 53 Cal.4th at p. 1132, fn. 12 [reciprocal discovery provisions satisfy due process]), and to the extent the timing of the prosecutor's request was directly related to the timing of the defense objection to Dr. Rath's testimony, the order permitting the prosecution to retain its own expert was procedurally proper.
The test on appeal is whether substantial evidence supports the conclusion of the trier of fact. (In re James B. (2003) 109 Cal.App.4th 862, 872 [135 Cal.Rptr.2d 457] (James B.), citing In re Paul C. (1990) 221 Cal.App.3d 43, 52 [270 Cal.Rptr. 369].) We review the entire record in the light most favorable to the judgment and affirm the trial court's findings that the minor understood the wrongfulness of his conduct if they are supported by substantial evidence — that is, evidence that it reasonable, credible, and of solid value — from which a reasonable trier of fact could have made the requisite finding under the governing standard of proof. (James B., supra, 109 Cal.App.4th at p. 872.)
Here, Dr. Salter testified that Joseph knew the difference between right from wrong. The court heard the testimony of Drs. Geffner and Salter, and read all the reports and statements that were admitted into evidence, including Joseph's own statements that he understood right from wrong, and understood he would be punished when he did something wrong. The court also considered Joseph's age and the circumstances of the crime, including Joseph's planning of the event while lying in bed (when he decided to end the "son versus father thing") and the fact he hid the gun under his bed to avoid getting caught. These factors support the trial court's finding.
In arguing that Joseph lacked capacity to commit the crime, the minor relies exclusively on the report and testimony of the defense expert, Dr. Geffner. But as a reviewing court, we are required to review the entire record, giving deference to the trier of fact, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the respondent, and presuming in support of the judgment the existence of every fact the trier could reasonably deduce from the evidence. (People v. Johnson (1980) 26 Cal.3d 557, 576-577 [162 Cal.Rptr. 431, 606 P.2d 738].) We have no power to reweigh the evidence or judge the credibility of witnesses (People v. Moore (2010) 187 Cal.App.4th 937, 940 [114 Cal.Rptr.3d 540]) and we must discard evidence that does not support the judgment as having been rejected by the trier of fact for lack of sufficient verity (Ibid.).
The minor also argues that the trial court's finding was based on inadmissible evidence, obtained in violation of Joseph's Miranda rights. As we have previously held, only one statement was obtained in violation of Joseph's Miranda rights, and a myriad of other statements were available for the court's consideration. The wealth of other admissible statements by Joseph, in which he discusses the circumstances of the crime and his understanding of what he did, persuades us that the court's finding pursuant to section 26 was not tainted in any way.
Additionally, the minor argues that in the vast majority of published cases in which the capacity finding has been upheld, strong emphasis was placed on the child's age. He emphasizes that Dr. Geffner's testing showed Joseph's
The minor argues that the circumstances of the crime compel a conclusion he did not appreciate the wrongfulness of his conduct, pointing to the fact that he walked into his stepmother's room where she and a few of the other children were asleep, took the gun, went downstairs to shoot his father, causing a loud noise that awoke the house occupants, then went upstairs, hid the gun under his bed and told his stepmother what he had done. These circumstances may raise an inference that Joseph was not a sophisticated criminal, but they do not support an inference that he failed to appreciate the wrongfulness of his act. To the contrary, secretly taking a gun while the occupants of the house, including the victim, were asleep, shooting his father, and then hiding the gun under his bed, demonstrate he knew what he was doing was wrong, as well as some degree of sophistication.
Finally, the minor argues that the court erroneously "weighed the evidence" in finding that Joseph knew the wrongfulness of his conduct. We do not need to reach this issue because it is a well-established rule that reviewing courts are not permitted to reweigh the evidence. (In re Aarica S. (2014) 223 Cal.App.4th 1480, 1488 [168 Cal.Rptr.3d 136]; In re Juan G. (2003) 112 Cal.App.4th 1, 6 [5 Cal.Rptr.3d 34].)
The court found by clear and convincing evidence that Joseph knew the wrongfulness of the act. Substantial evidence supports this finding.
The minor argues that the "conviction" (true finding) should be reversed due to the cumulative prejudicial errors during the "guilt phase" (adjudicatory or jurisdiction hearing) of the trial. We disagree.
It is theoretically possible that a series of trial errors, though independently harmless, may in some circumstances rise by accretion to the level of reversible and prejudicial error. (People v. Cunningham (2001) 25 Cal.4th 926, 1009 [108 Cal.Rptr.2d 291, 25 P.3d 519]; People v. Hill (1998) 17 Cal.4th 800, 844 [72 Cal.Rptr.2d 656, 952 P.2d 673].) However, in this case, we have found only one, non-prejudicial error. Reversal is not required.
The minor argues the disposition was procedurally and substantively unreasonable, in that "[t]he juvenile court refused to consider viable alternative placements for Joseph, and placed him at the DJJ[
We reserved the decision on the minor's request to augment the record to include the January 24, 2014 administrative law judge's decision in the case of Joseph Hall v. Riverside County Office of Education, by California's Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH).
As to our first basis for denying the request, we agree with the People that a discretionary decision of a lower court should be evaluated on the basis of evidence actually before the court at the time of the decision. (People v. Batchelor (2014) 229 Cal.App.4th 1102, 1108 [178 Cal.Rptr.3d 28] [Fourth Dist., Div. Two], citing People v. Sanchez (1995) 12 Cal.4th 1, 59, fn. 5 [47 Cal.Rptr.2d 843, 906 P.2d 1129], disapproved on another ground in People v. Doolin (2009) 45 Cal.4th 390, 421 [87 Cal.Rptr.3d 209, 198 P.3d 11]; see Vons Companies, Inc. v. Seabest Foods, Inc. (1996) 14 Cal.4th 434, 444 [58 Cal.Rptr.2d 899, 926 P.2d 1085] [reviewing courts generally do not take judicial notice of evidence not presented to the trial court].)
As to our second and third bases for denial of the request, the information in the OAH decision was cumulative. At the disposition hearing, the court heard testimony of DJJ witnesses called by the prosecution, as well as the testimony of Dr. Jose Fuentes, a neuropsychologist who assessed Joseph at the request of the RCOE in connection with Joseph's IEP. After the People rested, the defense indicated it had no witnesses, and rested. Because Joseph's educational needs were but one of the concerns at the disposition hearing, the decision of the OAH on the subject of the minor's educational needs was cumulative of information already before the court.
When determining the proper disposition for a minor who has been found to be a delinquent, the court must consider (1) the minor's age, (2) the circumstances and gravity of the offense, and (3) the minor's previous delinquent history. (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 725.5; In re Greg F. (2012) 55 Cal.4th 393, 404 [146 Cal.Rptr.3d 272, 283 P.3d 1160].) Additionally, there must be evidence in the record demonstrating both a probable benefit to the minor by a Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Facilities (DJF) commitment and the inappropriateness or ineffectiveness of less restrictive alternatives. (In re Jonathan T. (2008) 166 Cal.App.4th 474, 485 [82 Cal.Rptr.3d 753].) In fact, no ward of the juvenile court shall be committed to the DJF unless the judge of the court is fully satisfied that the mental and physical condition and qualifications of the ward are such as to render it probable he will be benefited by the reformatory educational discipline or other treatment provided by DJF. (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 734; In re Edward C. (2014) 223 Cal.App.4th 813, 829 [167 Cal.Rptr.3d 536].)
We review a commitment decision for abuse of discretion, indulging all reasonable inferences to support the juvenile court's decision. (In re Angela M. (2003) 111 Cal.App.4th 1392, 1396 [4 Cal.Rptr.3d 809].) A decision to commit a minor to the DJF does not constitute an abuse of discretion where the evidence demonstrates probable benefit to the minor from the commitment to DJF and that less restrictive alternatives would be ineffective or inappropriate. (In re M.S. (2009) 174 Cal.App.4th 1241, 1250 [95 Cal.Rptr.3d 273].)
The minor contends the court did not consider all residential treatment center alternatives, including "several possible in-state and out-of-state placement options." The minor also challenges the juvenile court's findings that a DJF commitment would be of probable benefit to him due to his educational needs. Focusing exclusively on the minor's rights to a "Free and Appropriate Public Education" (FAPE) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.; see Ed. Code, §§ 56150, 56000, subd. (a)), the minor argues that DJF was an unsuitable placement because the administrative law judge's opinion showed Joseph's IEPs failed to identify the correct accommodations and services he needs. Yet, the court did not have the administrative law judge's opinion to consider at the time of the order. It heard testimony that the DJF school where Joseph would be educated provides IEP and special education services comparable to the services available in the public sector schools. The minor did not present any evidence to the contrary, and the only alternative placements suggested at the hearing were unsecured placements which were unacceptable.
The juvenile court heard testimony from Dr. Fuentes, the neuropsychological expert hired by the RCOE, along with other evidence relating to his history of aggressive, assaultive, and violent behavior, his problems with impulse control, his distractibility, as well as his need for special education. The court also considered five reports, pursuant to the parties' stipulation, as well as the DJJ compliance and oversight reports.
The testimony adduced at the contested disposition hearing (at which the minor did not present any witnesses) also showed that the minor had greatly improved cognitively while detained in juvenile hall, and had progressed academically. Further, the minor reported that he liked it at the DJJ. Dr. Fuentes felt that the minor would have difficulty managing behaviors and emotional control outside a highly structured environment. To Dr. Fuentes, "least restrictive placement" meant the most normalized educational setting, which could be in a penal institution. He indicated Joseph needs services for socially emotional needs, counseling with language pragmatics, without which his ability to access education would be impeded. However, Dr. Fuentes also testified that Joseph requires supervision; it was not safe for either him or the public to be released into the community.
The court also heard evidence that DJJ could provide the special education services recommended by Dr. Fuentes, and could meet his mental and emotional needs. All other secured facilities had rejected Joseph due to the level of his offense, his age, or his special needs, except for Copper Hills Youth Center in Utah. The probation officer did not recommend a commitment to that facility because it had accepted Joseph on the recommendation of an official with DMH, without interviewing Joseph. Yet, the defense did not present any testimony from a representative of Copper Hills to assuage any of the probation officer's reservations, or to persuade the juvenile court that it was an appropriate placement. Further, at the dispositional hearing, the minor did not ask the court to consider placement at Copper Hills. The minor cannot complain that the court rejected Copper Hills as an alternative placement.
The judgment is affirmed.
McKinster, J., and Codrington, J., concurred.
