State v. Wisby
2013 Ohio 1307
Ohio Ct. App.2013Background
- Wisby was convicted of violating a protective order issued September 15, 2010, which prohibited contact with Mullis and approaching within 500 feet.
- Wisby initially received a bench trial on remand after this court previously reversed for lack of jury trial; the remand followed Wisby’s appeal from the bench trial.
- Evidence showed Wisby was present at the protection-order hearing, was served with the order, and knew its terms.
- On the night of the alleged violation, Mullis testified Wisby yelled to have the kids while within 500 feet; Dyer corroborated via sight and sound of a van.
- Wisby testified he did not know Mullis was attending Regency Beauty Institute and claimed he did not contact Mullis; the jury credited Mullis and Dyer over Wisby and his grandfather.
- The trial court sentenced Wisby after a jury trial to jail time, community control, and a fine; on remand, a different judge sentenced him more severely.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sufficiency/weight of evidence | State | Wisby | Not against weight; evidence suffices |
| Vindictiveness on remand sentencing | State | Wisby | No presumption of vindictiveness; no clear vindictiveness shown |
| Effective assistance of counsel | State | Wisby | No ineffective assistance; strategy-based decisions sustained |
Key Cases Cited
- State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380 (Ohio 1997) (distinguishes weight vs. sufficiency)
- State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259 (Ohio 1991) (directed-specified appellate standard for sufficiency)
- North Carolina v. Pearce, 395 U.S. 711 (U.S. Supreme Court 1969) (vindictiveness rule in remanding sentencing)
- McCullough, 475 U.S. 134 (U.S. Supreme Court 1986) (no presumption of vindictiveness when same judge differs)
- Colten v. Kentucky, 407 U.S. 104 (U.S. Supreme Court 1972) (vindictiveness and presumption considerations)
- Wasman v. United States, 468 U.S. 559 (U.S. Supreme Court 1984) (vindictiveness standard guidance)
- Lombardi, Inc. v. Smithfield, 11 A.3d 1180 (Del. 2010) (weighting of equitable factors in remedy)
