Thursday, March 26, 2015

Upping the game

It's nice to see the changes. The effect of a competent person at the helm.

Michael Throckmorton found guilty this time for assault, sentencing on April 29 - John Chiv/Words Worth
A jury just found Michael Throckmorton guilty of Count 1. Another success for DDA Jackie Pizzo and another success for DA Maggie Fleming's administration for a case previously unsuccessful under the previous administration.
"Bad Boy Michael Throckmorton back in court for alleged assault; Pizzo v Tipps Round 2' will the third time be lucky for prosecution or will Throckmorton go free? - John Chiv/Words Worth
Pizzo vs Tipps same or different result for Throckmorton as Fleming vs Daskal? - John Chiv/Words Worth
District Attorney: Domestic Violence Suspect Found Guilty in Retrial, Could Face Four Years in Prison - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost
From the District Attorney’s Office:

The District Attorney announced that Michael Throckmorton has been convicted of felony domestic violence in a case prosecuted by Deputy DA Jackie Pizzo. In the evening of March 3, 2012, Mr. Throckmorton, 33, strangled the victim in their home, then beat her with the wooden frame of a painting, causing severe abrasions to her neck and massive bruising on her leg.

After a six day trial in front of the Honorable Timothy Cissna, in Department 4 of Humboldt Superior Court, the jury rendered its guilty verdict. The trial completed today was a retrial; the original trial in February 2014 resulted in a hung jury that favored guilt 11 to 1.

The case was investigated by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s office. Sentencing will occur on April 30, 2015. The defendant faces a maximum of 4 years in prison.
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Four months ago, if you were accused of a crime, you'd have been smart to demand an immediate trial. There was no way the DAs Office would be able to manage a competent prosecution in a hurry.

It seems things have changed, not just in these cases that are being retried, but some of the newer cases coming in...

Rodney Ortiz murder suspect gets his wish for speedy trial; preliminary hearing on April 7 - John Chiv/Words Worth
Vincent Ortiz who was arrested yesterday for Hoopa shooting has a prior assault and battery case - John Chiv/Words Worth

Benjamin Carter "likely to resolve in two weeks" according to defense - John Chiv/Words Worth

Chiv has remarked that court coverage (and DA Communications) is getting better as well