California Court of Appeal

Conviction of first degree murder is affirmed over defendant's contentions that: 1) the trial court erred by not sua sponte instructing the jury on voluntary manslaughter based on a sudden quarrel or heat of passion; 2) an evidentiary ruling involving Guzman's alleged gang affiliation improperly required Peau to choose between remaining silent and presenting a defense; and 3) the prosecutor committed misconduct in closing argument by referring to imperfect self-defense as a "loophole" that would permit Peau to avoid responsibility.

Appellate Information

• Decided 05/08/2015
• Published 05/08/2015

Judges

• HUMES

Court

• California Court of Appeal

Counsel