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\n\t\tSan Francisco Hall of Justice \u2013 Photo by David M. Greenwald\t\t<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tSan Francisco Hall of Justice \u2013 Photo by David M. Greenwald\t\t<\/p>\n
By Chaz Keith, Tyler Johnson<\/p>\n
SAN FRANCISCO \u2014 During a preliminary hearing July 15, 2026, in an aggravated assault and criminal threats case, Judge Barbara Zuniga repeatedly questioned the relevance of the prosecution\u2019s direct examination, prompting an extended dispute over the admissibility and foundation of the testimony.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you familiar with the process of RTIC (Real-Time Investigation Center), of getting surveillance footage?\u201d Deputy District Attorney Samantha Phelan asked Officer Barnes, the witness on the stand.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d Barnes replied.<\/p>\n
The DDA continued, \u201cYou\u2019ve been there and spoke with them?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay?\u201d Judge Barbara Zuniga interrupted the proceedings. \u201cWhat is the relevance?\u201d<\/p>\n
The DDA clarified that she intended to establish the officer\u2019s credibility. She continued to tailor her questioning in response to Judge Zuniga\u2019s admonitions, only to be met with objections from Deputy Public Defender Leo Fissle on the grounds of foundation and relevance. DPD Fissle explained his concerns, to which Judge Zuniga responded, \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n
The judge asked the defense attorney to allow the prosecution to continue its line of questioning in light of the pending objection. Zuniga then offered guidance to the DDA, assisting Phelan in framing her questions. It took about 20 minutes before DPD Fissle\u2019s objection was ultimately overruled.<\/p>\n
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