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Former Vice Mayor Anthony Becker Files Appeal on his Conviction 

By Robert Haugh

Just when you thought the final bell had rung, former Santa Clara Councilmember Anthony Becker is back in the ring.

Becker’s legal team filed an appeal to his felony conviction. Becker was convicted for leaking a confidential 2022 Civil Grand Jury report to 49ers’ top brass, then lying about it to the grand jury.

Becker’s legal team asked for a certificate of probable cause—a move that could, but not likely overturn the jury’s decision, according to most local legal experts.  

Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Javier Alcala sentenced Becker to 40 days of community service, but no time behind bars. 

Former 49ers executive Rahul Chandhok and Councilmember Suds Jain were the prosecution’s key witnesses. 

Becker’s Deputy Public Defender Chris Montoya has challenged the verdict, citing Chandhok’s credibility. Montoya refused to provide a comment.

Becker is requesting an appellate public defender. Wow. More taxpayer funds to Becker’s defense.

4 comments

  2. “Wow. More taxpayer funds to Becker’s defense.” ~ Robert Haugh

    While I believe former Councilmember Becker should accept the verdict and comply with the work order, it is completely his right to appeal. We’re not experts in appeals, though. However unfitted, doesn’t Brian Doyle have some experience in the appeals area?

    1) February 19, 2019 From the San Jose Spotlight: https://sanjosespotlight.com/attorneys-santa-clara-to-appeal-court-decision-forcing-district-elections/

    “In addition to the $3 million owed to the plaintiffs’ legal team, the city owes more than $750,000 in fees to its own legal team, and at least $170,000 in miscellaneous fees. Attorneys representing the city have claimed that the fees are “inflated” and excessant, however Superior Court Judge Thomas Kuhnle deemed them appropriate.”

    “The city is appealing because the trial court decision was a mistake, said city attorney Brian Doyle.”

    2) December 30, 2020 From the Silicon Valley Voice: https://www.svvoice.com/cvra-appeal-santa-clara-loses-again/

    “In a unanimous decision, Judges Eugene Premo, Allison M. Danner and Franklin Elia upheld the Superior Court’s findings. The judgment of liability under the California Voting Rights Act is affirmed.”

    3) April 21, 2021 From San Jose Inside: https://www.sanjoseinside.com/news/santa-clara-settles-4-5-million-lawsuit-over-districted-elections/

    “All told, the lawsuit cost the city of Santa Clara $4.55 million paid to the plaintiffs, Doyle said Tuesday. About $3.8 million has already been paid to the groups represented by three law firms, including the Asian Law Alliance. A final check for $712,500 will be issued to cover the remaining costs for the plaintiffs, according to Doyle.”

    Reply

  3. Thanks Howard, only thing I can add is make sure to get the Extra Large Bag of Popcorn.

    Thanks
    Just the Facts Ma’am

    Reply

  4. Well, well.
    An unemployed politician has a legal team? Are we on the hook for his legal team???

    If: “Former 49ers executive Rahul Chandhok and Councilmember Suds Jain were the prosecution’s key witnesses.”
    And:
    “Becker’s Deputy Public Defender Chris Montoya has challenged the verdict, citing Chandhok’s credibility…”
    Does that mean they have to challenge suds’ credibility also? Could be a no-brainer, pardon the pun.
    The gift that keeps on giving. Pass the popcorn.

    Reply

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