Judge Dan Wolk ruled that Greg Zielesch’s first-degree murder conviction could not stand, but a second-degree murder conviction remains valid, as Zielesch aided and abetted in the implied malice murder of California Highway Patrol Officer Andy Stevens.
Judge Samuel McAdam terminated the supervised release of an unhoused man and issued a $10,000 warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear in court and lost contact with probation.
A Yolo County judge set bail at more than double the amount recommended under the county’s bail schedule, prompting defense objections that the figure was excessive and unsupported by the record.
Judge Paul K. Richardson ordered the accused to be hospitalized despite the recommendation of a licensed psychologist for outpatient treatment, citing the accused’s unpredictable behavior and lack of cooperation with the probation department.
A Yolo County Superior Court hearing was postponed due to the need for a Russian interpreter for the defendant, highlighting the importance of language access in the justice system.
At a preliminary hearing in Yolo County, the accused was found to have sufficient evidence to proceed with three domestic violence-related charges, despite defense arguments that the evidence was insufficient due to lack of verification of how the injuries were sustained.
A Yolo County Superior Court judge allowed lawful contact between the accused and his father after testimony showed that contact was welcome and part of the accused’s progress, rejecting the prosecution’s request to maintain a strict no-contact protective order.
The court ruled that an ignition interlock device was a more appropriate alternative to SCRAM alcohol monitoring, due to the financial and employment burden it would place on the accused, and ordered the accused to attend AA and the Alive at 25 program.
A woman was improperly placed on parole despite pleading to an offense not eligible for state prison or CDCR supervision, leading a Yolo County judge to lift the parole hold and order her release.
A man charged with first-degree murder in Yolo County Superior Court had his motion to reduce the charge denied, with the prosecution arguing that he acted with premeditation and malice.
Deputy Public Defender Stephen Betz requested a mental health diversion hearing for an accused facing several felony charges be rescheduled to Nov. 17, 2025, due to the extensive briefings required and the court’s busy calendar.
Judge Clara M. Levers released a man on supervised own recognizance (SOR) after multiple parole violations, despite the prosecution’s argument to keep him in custody, citing the failure of the system to rehabilitate him.
Judge David Rosenberg dismissed felony domestic violence charges against a man after his wife admitted in court that she fabricated the entire incident, including scratching her own neck to create the appearance of an attack.
Judge Sonia Cortés dismissed felony vandalism and conspiracy charges against three UC Davis protesters who had spray-painted the university’s Egghead sculptures and other campus property during a 2024 protest, after they paid restitution, completed community service, and participated in educational activities reflecting an understanding of the artwork’s cultural importance.
Judge David Rosenberg denied Deputy Public Defender Danielle Craig’s request to release the accused on Supervised Own Recognizance (SOR) due to recent changes to Proposition 36, which now allow thefts under $950 to be charged as felonies if the person has two or more prior convictions for certain theft offenses.
Judge Sonia Cortés dismissed all charges in the vandalism case involving the UC Davis “Egghead” sculptures, ruling that the defendants had taken meaningful steps to make amends and that the university and museum representatives were open to alternative resolutions rather than criminal prosecution.
A California Highway Patrol officer accused of abusing power appeared in court this week, with the defense seeking to seal sensitive records and obtain mental health assistance, while the prosecution argued that the public has a right to know about the accused’s conduct.
Judge Clara M. Levers postponed the hearing for a man facing felony and misdemeanor charges, citing the need to further assess his custody status in light of his ongoing mental health treatment and public safety concerns.
Judge David Rosenberg ruled that a woman on probation for a misdemeanor petty theft conviction from 2022 will remain free on her own recognizance while the case proceeds, despite the prosecution’s push for revocation.
During a hearing at Yolo County Superior Court, the defense argued for rehabilitation while the prosecution pushed for incarceration, highlighting the tension between punishment and recovery in the justice system.