Lipptrapp Wins Franklin Hearing

California v. Lipptrapp Court: California Courts of Appeal, Docket: G058891 (Fourth Appellate District), Opinion Date: January 11, 2021. In 1995, when defendant-appellant Steven Lipptrapp was 25 years old, he admitted that he attempted two murders and engaged in street terrorism. The trial court sentenced him to a determinate 30-year prison term. In 2019, Lipptrapp, acting in propria persona, filed a motion requesting appointment of counsel, resentencing, and a Franklin proceeding. This appeal centered only the trial court’s denial of his request for a Franklin proceeding. After review, the Court of Appeal concluded Lipptrapp adequately established his eligibility for a Franklin proceeding and, accordingly, the Court reversed the order, remanded the matter, and directed the trial court to oversee the evidence preservation process.