LAKEPORT >> James Thomas West asked for a Marsden hearing at a recent court appearance, the only means by which a criminal defendant can fire a court-appointed attorney or communicate directly with a judge in a California state court.
The convicted felon had faced multiple charges for alleged possession of a weapon, but is now in custody for possession of drugs in a prison area.
After his request, the courtroom was cleared of all parties except court staff, the defendant and Defense Attorney Komnith Moth as a confidential hearing was held and the Court ordered the transcript of the hearing sealed.
Back on the record, the Marsden motion was granted and the Court relieved Mr. Moth and appoints Defense Attorney Mitchell Hauptman to represent West.
The initial charges, placing West in jail, stem from an August incident when the felon, West, allegedly attempted to evade police, crashing into a parked car with enough force to strike a second vehicle which then hit a tree. West was driving at a speed that was double the posted limit. West allegedly took off on foot, and when the police finally did catch up to him, they found a loaded homemade firearm between the driver’s seat and the center console of West’s vehicle.
Judge Andrew Blum presided over the Settlement Conference Hearing as Deputy District Attorney Richard Hinchcliff was present in court as well.
The matter was taken up again this week for the appearance of the new counsel.
Preliminary Hearing confirmed in Carlson matter
A preliminary hearing was confirmed in the case of Louis Charles Carlson of Clearlake.
Carlson is charged with several drug related counts, along with evading an office, resisting arrest and driving with a suspended or revoked license.
The charges stem from an incident in August of last year when Carlson allegedly failed to yield to the patrol car’s emergency signals, leading officers on an approximate mile pursuit.
Carlson crashed his motorcycle on Sonoma Avenue near Deertrail Road, as officers caught up to Carlson and arrested him.
He was allegedly in possession of 1 ounce of heroin, 8.5 ounces of methamphetamine, a digital scale and contact information of individuals Carlson had narcotic transactions with.
This was the second time Carlson was arrested by Clearlake police. On both occasions he was allegedly in possession of illegal drugs.
Judge Michael Lunas presided over the Master Calendar Call Hearing with Deputy District Attorney Richard Hinchcliff present on behalf of Rachel Abelson.
Carlson returned to court this week for the preliminary hearing.
