State v. Jarvis
214 N.C. App. 84
| N.C. Ct. App. | 2011Background
- Defendant, a softball coach and family friend, engaged in sexual activity with Cayla, a minor, resulting in four felony charges of taking indecent liberties with a child.
- Defendant pled Alford to four counts and was sentenced to 13–16 months per count, with suspended sentences and a 36-month probation period plus two 120-day custody terms.
- After judgment, the trial court found the conviction to be a reportable offense and ordered SBM eligibility assessment under N.C. Gen.Stat. § 14-208.40A, culminating in a ten-year SBM order.
- The court categorized the offense as an aggravated offense, based on findings that it involved abuse of a minor, and determined the defendant required the highest level of SBM supervision.
- On appeal, issues raised include clerical error in the judgment, subject-matter jurisdiction, due process notice, whether the offense involved abuse, level of supervision, and constitutional challenges to SBM.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerical error in SBM order validly remanded? | Jarvis | Jarvis | Remand to correct clerical error; not addressed on the merits here. |
| Did the trial court have subject matter jurisdiction to order SBM? | Jarvis | Jarvis | Yes; superior court had jurisdiction under § 14-208.40A and followed proper procedures. |
| Was due process violated by lack of SBM notice? | Jarvis | Jarvis | No; § 14-208.40A governs; notice under § 14-208.40B is not required here due to probation/incarceration context. |
| Did the offense involve the physical, mental, or sexual abuse of a minor to support SBM? | Jarvis | Jarvis | Yes; finding supported by evidence that the offense involved abuse of a minor; but see remand on other findings. |
| Was the highest possible level of supervision proper given the risk assessment? | Jarvis | Jarvis | Court erred; must remand for proper findings as STATIC-99 indicated low risk and some findings were unsupported. |
Key Cases Cited
- State v. Davison, 201 N.C.App. 354 (2009) (indecent liberties offense cannot be aggravated offense)
- State v. Barber, 9 N.C.App. 210 (1970) (clerical errors remanded for correction)
- State v. Wooten, 194 N.C.App. 524 (2008) (SBM probation notice and procedures; jurisdiction)
- State v. Bowditch, 364 N.C. 335 (2010) (SBM does not violate double jeopardy)
- State v. Wagoner, 199 N.C.App. 321 (2009) (SBM does not violate Eighth Amendment)
- State v. Kilby, 198 N.C.App. 363 (2009) (remand when findings insufficient to support highest level of monitoring)
- State v. Green, N.C.App. (2011) (standard for reviewing SBM findings; competent evidence required)
