California, United States of America
The following excerpt is from People v. Yevloev, H046668 (Cal. App. 2020):
" ' "It is settled that in criminal cases, even in the absence of a request, the trial court must instruct on the general principles of law relevant to the issues raised by the evidence. [Citations.] The general principles of law governing the case are those principles closely and openly connected with the facts before the court, and which are necessary for the jury's understanding of the case." [Citation.] That obligation has been held to include giving instructions on lesser included offenses when the evidence raises a question as to whether all of the elements of the charged offense were present [citation], but not when there is no evidence that the offense was less than that charged.' " (People v. Breverman (1998) 19 Cal.4th 142, 154 (Breverman).) "[A] trial court errs if it fails to instruct, sua sponte, on all theories of a lesser included offense which find substantial support in the evidence. On the other hand, the court is not obliged to instruct on theories that have no such evidentiary support." (Id. at p. 162.)
An appellate court "appl[ies] the independent or de novo standard of review to the failure by the trial court to instruct on an assertedly lesser included offense." (People v. Cole (2004) 33 Cal.4th 1158, 1218.) The crime of attempt occurs when there is a specific intent to commit a crime and a direct but ineffectual act done towards its commission. ( 21a.) Attempted robbery is considered a lesser included offense of robbery. (People v. Calpito (1970) 9 Cal.App.3d 212, 220.)
The above passage should not be considered legal advice. Reliable answers to complex legal questions require comprehensive research memos. To learn more visit www.alexi.com.