How not to get an unusual case finding in court

By Sam Pierce

On April 16, 2012 Charles Edward Reimers was in Judge Julia Scrogin’s Courtroom expecting to be given an unusual Case Finding and the reinstatement on probation in his violation of probation sentencing hearing.

Reimers plead guilty to the violation penal code section 273.5 “corporal injury on a spouse / cohabitant” in September 2011 to a grant of three years felony probation with a four year prison sentence suspended.

The victim in this case asked the court to cause the criminal restraining order to be lifted The restraining order was terminated.

After review of the probation report which outlined Reimers criminal history the Judge said that his refusal to recognize authority did not qualify him for an unusual case finding.

The probation report outlined the following refusals to recognize authority dating back to 1988.

Ø  1988 contempt of court

Ø  1991 contempt of court

Ø  1999 conviction for P.C. 459

Ø  7 violations of parole after release from custody on the 459

Ø  Numerous arrests for fighting and being drunk in public

Ø  Failure to report to the probation officer after the 2011 plea

Ø  Failure to report to the county Jail for a 90 day sentence

Judge Scrogins imposed the upper term of 4 year in state prison.