Melanie Katherine Dorian

Outcome: Appellate court conditionally reversed Escarsega’s conviction and directed trial court to review the personnel file of the arresting officer and disclose to Escarsega any prior incidents of officer dishonesty and planting evidence.

Outcome: Appellate court found the 150-years-to-life sentence excessive and directed trial court to resentence, in light of Smith’s mental illness. California Supreme Court will now decide if trial court also made an error with respect to jury instructions.

Outcome: Trial court denied probation and sentenced Baughn to state prison. Appellate court reversed and remanded for resentencing, because trial court mistakenly believed that Baughn was not eligible for probation.