California, United States of America
The following excerpt is from People v. Masloski, 108 Cal.Rptr.2d 484, 25 Cal.4th 1212, 25 P.3d 681 (Cal. 2001):
[108 Cal.Rptr.2d 490]
The distinction drawn in People v. Vargas, supra, 223 Cal.App.3d 1107, 273 Cal. Rptr. 48, between (1) a plea agreement that provides alternate sentences depending upon whether the defendant does or does not appear for sentencing as ordered, and (2) a sanction for nonappearance that is unilaterally imposed by the trial court, was recognized in People v. Jensen (1992) 4 Cal.App.4th 978, 6 Cal.Rptr.2d 201. The defendant in Jensen pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of a concealable firearm by a felon, pursuant to a plea agreement that included a term of one year in county jail. After defense counsel recited the terms of the plea agreement to the court, he requested a "stay of execution," indicating he understood the court's policy of ensuring a defendant's appearance by sentencing him or her to a term of two years in state prison and staying execution of that sentence pending the defendant's appearance for sentencing. Defendant failed to appear for sentencing. When he was apprehended, the court ordered execution of the two-year prison sentence and denied the defendant's motion to withdraw his plea.[108 Cal.Rptr.2d 490]
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