People v. Galea CA3

Filed 5/24/23 P. v. Galea CA3 NOT TO BE PUBLISHED California Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for publication or ordered published, except as specified by rule 8.1115(b). This opinion has not been certified for publication or ordered published for purposes of rule 8.1115.

IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT (Amador) ----

THE PEOPLE, C096856

Plaintiff and Respondent, (Super. Ct. No. 22CR31700)

v.

MATTHEW DAVID GALEA,

Defendant and Appellant.

Appointed counsel for defendant Matthew David Galea asked this court to conduct an independent review of the record to determine whether there are any arguable issues on appeal. (People v. Wende (1979) 25 Cal.3d 839.) Finding no arguable error that would result in a disposition more favorable to defendant, we affirm the judgment.

BACKGROUND In June 2022, the People charged defendant with hit and run driving resulting in death or serious injury to another person. (Veh. Code, § 20001, subd. (b)(2).) The

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People also alleged three aggravating circumstances related to the crime and four related to the defendant. Defendant pleaded guilty to hit and run and admitted the seven aggravating factors. The court presented the factual basis for the plea: On or about May 18, 2022, defendant was driving a vehicle when he struck a person, causing them “death and serious injury.” Defendant failed to stop after striking the victim. He failed to provide reasonable assistance to the victim and failed to give his identifying information to the victim or to law enforcement at the scene. Defendant also failed to report the accident. Defense counsel joined in the plea. At sentencing, the trial court denied probation and sentenced defendant to the upper term of four years in state prison. The court imposed various fines and fees, ordered defendant to pay restitution, and awarded defendant 84 days of custody credit. Defendant appeals his conviction without a certificate of probable cause. Appointed counsel submitted a Fares letter to the trial court, in response to which the trial court amended the judgment nunc pro tunc to reflect the correct fines and fees.