People v. Keshishian

Opinion

MANELLA, J.

Appellant Shahen Eghia Keshishian was charged in a three-count information with murder (Pen. Code, § 187, subd. (a);

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count one), vehicular manslaughter (§ 192, subd. (c)(1); count two), and leaving the scene of an accident (Veh. Code, § 20001, subd. (a); count three). After a jury trial, appellant was found guilty of all three charges. In the published portion of this opinion, we address appellant’s contention that his request to discharge retained counsel was erroneously denied. In the unpublished portion, we address his substantive contentions concerning the conduct of the trial and the verdict.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

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DISCUSSION

A.

Request to Discharge Retained Counsel

On the day the matter was called for trial, appellant requested permission to address the court and stated: “Your Honor. I’m facing trial. I’m being

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charged with murder, and I was—I’ve lost confidence pretty much in my attorneys. I’m really looking for another trial attorney—to hire an attorney for trial. I would ask the court... if I can please get a continuance to hire some other lawyers, please.” The court initially responded: “Well, I’m very surprised to hear that, Mr. Keshishian. You have some of the best attorneys in all of Southern California that you went out and hired. I mean, I don’t know who you’re going to look for if you already have two of the best attorneys in Southern California. Like, you want a miracle? . . . [f] I know you’re facing a very serious charge here, and I know you’re kind of, like they say, there’s the expression between a rock and a hard spot. You don’t have good choices, but just changing your attorney is not going to change the charges, and it will not change the evidence, and it will not change your choices.” Appellant replied: “I understand that. I would ask for the court to please grant me some time.”