P. v. Patino CA1/2
Defendant Oscar Gilberto Patino was sentenced to state prison for an aggregate term of 60 years to life after a jury found him guilty of 12 felonies and their accompanying enhancement allegations. All of the charges related to sexual acts committed against minors.
The major issues on this appeal concern testimony provided at trial about Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome (CSAAS). “It is beyond dispute that CSAAS testimony is inadmissible to prove that a molestation actually occurred. It can be highly prejudicial if not properly handled by the trial court. It is unusual evidence in that it is expert testimony designed to explain the state of mind of a complaining witness. The particular aspects of CSAAS are as consistent with false testimony as with true testimony. For these reasons, the admissibility of such testimony must be handled carefully by the trial court.
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