People v. Jose Maria DeCastro (23IN-022641)

On March 3, 2023, Mr. DeCastro had a live stream on his YouTube channel and recorded his interaction with officers from the Apple Valley Unified School District Police Department. According to statements made by the officers and Mr. DeCastro in the video, officers saw Mr. DeCastro driving while holding his cell phone in violation of California statutes. Mr. DeCastro's video shows, and he admits in the video, that he was recording the officers while the vehicle was in motion. Mr. DeCastro was issued a citation which he captured in his video and a screenshot is displayed below.

On May 6, 2023, Mr. DeCastro prepaid a fine and requested a 'Trial By Declaration.' In a trial by declaration, Mr. DeCastro was able to send in a written statement, along with any evidence he had, to the court. The officer who wrote the ticket then sent in their own written statement. A judge reviewed both and, on June 28, 2023, the Judge ruled Mr. DeCastro NOT GUILTY. After that, his prepaid fine was refunded.