CITY OF PARMA v. KEVIN E. BENEDICT
No. 101480
Court of Appeals of Ohio, EIGHTH APPELLATE DISTRICT, COUNTY OF CUYAHOGA
August 20, 2015
[Cite as Parma v. Benedict, 2015-Ohio-3340.]
BEFORE: Celebrezze, A.J., Keough, J., and E.T. Gallagher, J.
JOURNAL ENTRY AND OPINION
JUDGMENT: AFFIRMED
Criminal Appeal from the Parma Municipal Court Case No. CR-13-TRC-09688
RELEASED AND JOURNALIZED: August 20, 2015
Paul A. Mancino Mancino Mancino & Mancino 75 Public Square Bldg. Suite 1016 Cleveland, Ohio 44113-2098
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLEE
Timothy G. Dobeck City of Parma Prosecutor BY: John J. Spellacy Assistant Prosecutor 5555 Powers Blvd. Parma, Ohio 44129
{1} Defendant-appellant, Kevin Benedict (“Benedict“), appeals his convictions for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs (“OVI“) pursuant to
I. Procedural and Factual History
{2} On June 27, 2013, Benedict was riding his motorcycle in the westbound lanes of Snow Road in the city of Parma, Ohio (“the City“) around midnight. Patrolman Todd Hanley of the Parma Police Department was riding in a police cruiser behind Benedict and noticed Benedict weaving within his lane of travel and crossing the double-yellow line. When he observed Benedict nearly fall off his motorcycle, Patrolman Hanley initiated a traffic stop in the parking lot of a local business at the intersection of Snow and Pearl Roads.
{3} Patrolman Hanley testified that when he exited the cruiser and asked Benedict for his license and registration, Benedict appeared inattentive, fumbled with his wallet, and smelled of alcohol. Once Patrolman Hanley had Benedict‘s identification, he ran a Law Enforcement Automated Data System search and radioed Benedict‘s information in
{4} At some point after Benedict was pulled over, Patrolman Hanley testified that he requested a back-up cruiser with a video camera in order to record the administration of field sobriety tests. Patrolman Christopher Smith responded to the scene with a police cruiser capable of recording the tests. Patrolman Hanley asked Benedict to complete field sobriety tests and administered a portion of the horizontal gaze nystagmus (“HGN“) test. Patrolman Smith verified that the video camera was operational and enabled prior to the test. After the HGN test, Benedict refused to submit to any more tests. Patrolman Hanley testified that he Mirandized Benedict, handcuffed him, and placed him in the back of the patrol car.
{5} Patrolman Smith acknowledged that he was responsible for ensuring that the video recording of Benedict‘s sobriety test was preserved for trial. Patrolman Smith admitted that he filled out an evidence slip with information about the recording and submitted the slip to the evidence room in accord with the police department‘s procedure. However, the videotape of Benedict‘s field sobriety test was never produced for trial because the evidence room personnel alleged they never received Patrolman Smith‘s completed slip.
{6} Patrolman Hanley testified that he transported Benedict to the Parma Police Station in his cruiser. On the ride back, Patrolman Hanley indicated a stronger odor of alcohol emanating from Benedict. Once at the station, Benedict was brought inside,
{7} Patrolman Hanley began a colloquy with Benedict in the holding room. After Mirandizing Benedict again, Patrolman Hanley confronted Benedict with his prior conviction. When Patrolman Hanley stated that Benedict‘s conviction was from two years prior, Benedict noted that he had been convicted in December 2011. Patrolman Hanley then informed Benedict about the consequences of refusing to submit to a breath test, administered the OVI questionnaire, and filled in the corresponding blanks with Benedict‘s answers. Officer Lascko testified that Benedict smelled of alcohol and was uncooperative during the questionnaire. Patrolman Hanley then asked, “Do you choose to take the breath test: yes or no?” When Benedict refused, Patrolman Hanley asked him again. Benedict replied, “Nope. Pretty sure I didn‘t stutter the first time.” The booking process and the administration of the questionnaire were recorded, and the video was played in its entirety for the jury.
{8} Benedict was charged with OVI under
II. Law and Analysis
A. Admission of Prior Conviction
{9} In his first assignment of error, Benedict argues that he was denied due process when the trial court admitted evidence of a prior OVI conviction. Specifically, Benedict argues that the admission of his prior conviction was prejudicial because the conviction only enhanced the degree of the sentence and did not enhance the degree of the offense under
{10} In furtherance of his argument, Benedict directs our attention to the Ohio Supreme Court‘s decision in State v. Allen, 29 Ohio St.3d 53, 506 N.E.2d 199 (1987). In Allen, the defendant was charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol pursuant to
{11} After Allen was decided, the Ohio General Assembly enacted
{12} Relying on Hoover, the Twelfth District concluded that a prior OVI conviction within 20 years is an essential element of the crime that the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Miller, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2011-02-013, 2012-Ohio-997, ¶ 12. Thus, a court cannot preclude the state from presenting evidence of the prior conviction because the evidence is “not only proper, but required.” Id., citing State v. Holland, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2011 CA 00104, 2012-Ohio-486, ¶ 18-21.
{14} Benedict‘s first assignment of error is overruled.
B. Defective Entry
{15} In his second assignment of error, Benedict argues that the trial court erred when it admitted a defective certified copy of the journal entry from his prior OVI conviction. Specifically, Benedict contends that the journal entry was defective because it was not signed by a judge in compliance with
{16} In State v. Gwen, 134 Ohio St.3d 284, 2012-Ohio-5046, 982 N.E.2d 626, paragraph one of the syllabus, the Ohio Supreme Court held that a judgment entry of conviction under
{17} Here, the certified copy of the journal entry admitted into evidence at trial is clearly defective. Upon examination, the only endorsement on the journal entry is by a
{18} Our analysis, however, does not end there. A judgment entry of conviction is not the only method by which the City may establish a prior conviction. The Ohio Supreme Court also acknowledged that prior convictions may be established through other means, such as by stipulation and admission. Gwen at ¶ 12, 14.
{19} In this case, Benedict admitted that he had a prior conviction from December 2011 on the booking video, which was played in open court for the jury without objection. When Patrolman Hanley stated that he had discovered a prior OVI conviction from “last year,” Benedict explained that the conviction was from “two years ago” in “December of 2011.” Benedict‘s statements confirm the conviction reflected in the certified copy of the journal entry. Thus, Benedict‘s admission that he had a prior conviction in December 2011 was sufficient to render the prior conviction established.
{20} Under this circumstance, we believe that the trial court‘s admission of the defective entry was harmless error.
{21} Benedict‘s second assignment of error is overruled.
C. Admission of OVI Questionnaire
{22} In his third assignment of error, Benedict argues that he was denied due process of law when the court admitted the OVI questionnaire because it was inadmissible as hearsay.
{23} “In criminal cases,
{24} However, the trial court‘s error in submitting the questionnaire to the jury was harmless.
{25} Moreover, the booking video, in which Patrolman Hanley administered the questionnaire and recorded Benedict‘s answers and refusal to take a breath test, was played in open court for the jury and admitted as an exhibit without objection. In light of the officers’ testimonies and the booking video, Benedict cannot show he was prejudiced by the admission of the OVI questionnaire. Thus, while the trial court erred in admitting the OVI questionnaire, the error was harmless in light of the officers’ testimonies, the booking video, and Benedict‘s statements.
{26} Benedict‘s third assignment of error is overruled.
D. Admission of Post-Miranda Refusals
{27} In his fourth assignment of error, Benedict argues that he was denied a fair trial when the court admitted evidence of his post-Miranda refusal to answer questions or cooperate. Specifically, Benedict argues that the trial court erred by admitting evidence of his refusal to take a breath test through the OVI questionnaire and testimonies of Patrolman Hanley and Officer Lascko.
{29} After Neville and Anistik, this court addressed whether or not a defendant‘s refusal to submit to a breath test after being charged under
{30} We see no need to depart from our holding in Henniger. Benedict was given the choice to submit to or refuse the breath test. The record clearly reflects that Patrolman Hanley twice gave Benedict the option to take the breath test or refuse. In
{31} Benedict‘s fourth assignment of error is overruled.
E. Failure to Instruct Jury on Expert Testimony
{32} In his fifth assigned error, Benedict claims that his due process rights were violated because the trial court failed to inform the jury in considering expert testimony, specifically with regard to the administration of the field sobriety tests. Although Benedict acknowledges that the trial court gave a general credibility instruction, he argues that the court should have given a special instruction regarding expert testimony and substantial compliance.
{33} We do not believe that a special jury instruction was warranted in this case. The failure of a party to object to “improprieties in the jury instructions, as required by
If testimony is presented or evidence is introduced under division (D)(4)(b)(i) or (ii) of this section and if the testimony or evidence is admissible under the Rules of Evidence, the court shall admit the testimony or evidence and the trier of fact shall give it whatever weight the trier of fact considers to be appropriate.
{34} Patrolman Hanley testified extensively about HGN test protocol, the number of HGN tests he has administered, his training and qualifications, and Benedict‘s performance on the evening of the arrest. Moreover, Patrolman Hanley demonstrated how to perform the HGN test for the jury. When asked by the prosecutor, Patrolman Hanley admitted he “very closely” performed the test in compliance with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA“) manual. Defense counsel extensively cross-examined Patrolman Hanley about his conformity to the NHTSA manual, but did not proffer the NHTSA manual for admission into evidence. Furthermore, defense counsel neither objected to Patrolman Hanley‘s testimony regarding the NHTSA manual and the HGN test, nor objected to the trial court‘s general credibility instruction. As such, we must consider this issue waived and, without more, we cannot say that the trial court should have given a special instruction in this case.
{35} Benedict‘s fifth assignment of error is overruled.
F. Jury Instructions Regarding Refusal
{36} In his sixth, seventh, and eighth assignments of error, Benedict takes issue with the trial court‘s instruction to the jury regarding the refusal to submit to a breath test. Specifically, Benedict argues that the trial court erred by allowing the jury to make an adverse inference from the refusal, by failing to inform the jury on all elements of
{37} “The admission or exclusion of evidence and the giving of jury instructions rest in a trial court‘s sound discretion. In order to find an abuse of that discretion, an appellate court must determine that the trial court‘s decision was unreasonable, arbitrary, or unconscionable * * *” Moats at ¶ 48, quoting State v. Chambers, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2005CA00277, 2006-Ohio-958, ¶ 8. The use of a defendant‘s refusal to submit to a chemical test as evidence of being under the influence is controlled by an Ohio Supreme Court-sanctioned jury instruction, which states:
Evidence has been introduced indicating the defendant was asked but refused to submit to a chemical test of his breath to determine the amount of alcohol in his system, for the purpose of suggesting that the defendant believed he was under the influence of alcohol. If you find the defendant refused to submit to said test, you may, but are not required to, consider this evidence along with all the other facts and circumstances in evidence in deciding whether the defendant was under the influence of alcohol.
Anistik, 69 Ohio St.3d 339 at 344. The above-quoted instruction was described by the Ohio Supreme Court as providing juries with the proper degree of neutrality. Id. Furthermore, the instruction allows juries to consider the totality of the circumstances involving a defendant‘s choice to decline testing. Id. Even so, the Ohio Supreme Court also acknowledged that it was “permissible for a trial judge to instruct a jury that the defendant‘s refusal to submit to a chemical test is evidence of his or her intoxication at the time of taking the test.” Id.
{39} Benedict‘s sixth, seventh, and eighth assignments of error are overruled.
G. Motion for Acquittal
{40} In his ninth assigned error, Benedict claims he was denied due process when the court overruled his
{41} In this case, defense counsel made a
No person who, within twenty years of the conduct described in division (A)(2)(a) of this section, previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of this division, a violation of division (A)(1) or (B) of this section, or any other equivalent offense shall do both of the following:
(a) Operate any vehicle * * * within this state while under the influence of alcohol, a drug of abuse, or a combination of them;
(b) Subsequent to being arrested for operating the vehicle * * * as described in division (A)(2)(a) of this section, being asked by a law enforcement officer to submit to a chemical test or tests under section 4511.191 of the Revised Code, and being advised by the officer in accordance with section 4511.192 of the Revised Code of the consequences of the person‘s refusal or submission to the test or tests, refuse to submit to the test or tests.
{42} As explained in addressing Benedict‘s second assignment of error, we believe the City provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate that Benedict had a prior OVI conviction within the last 20 years under
1. Operating a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol
{44} In this case, the City presented evidence both of Benedict‘s physiological characteristics during the incident and the results of a field sobriety test. Patrolman Hanley testified that he observed Benedict cross over the double yellow lines and weave in and out of his lane on his motorcycle. When Patrolman Hanley pulled Benedict over and asked for identification, he observed an inattentive Benedict wobbling and fumbling with his wallet. Patrolman Hanley also noticed Benedict‘s delayed hand motions and bloodshot, glassy eyes. In the outside air, Patrolman Hanley detected a faint odor of alcohol emanating from Benedict. Additionally, Patrolman Hanley testified that
{45} After Benedict was placed in the back of the police cruiser, Patrolman Hanley testified that the odor of alcohol became more noticeable. Upon arrival at the police station for booking, Officer Lascko explained that he smelled a moderate odor of alcohol on Benedict. Officer Lascko also testified that Benedict was not cooperative during the booking process and the administration of the OVI questionnaire. The evidence regarding Benedict‘s uncooperativeness was fortified when the booking video was played and showed Benedict‘s disrespectful attitude toward officers and balking at questions. In light of the foregoing, we believe that the City provided sufficient evidence from which the jury could conclude that Benedict was operating his motorcycle under the influence of alcohol.
2. Refusal
{46} Similarly, the record is replete with evidence indicating refusal under
{47} Benedict‘s ninth assigned error is overruled.
H. Manifest Weight of the Evidence
{48} In his tenth assigned error, Benedict asserts that he is entitled to a new trial because the jury‘s verdict was against the manifest weight of the evidence. A challenge to the manifest weight of the evidence attacks the credibility of the evidence. State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 387, 679 N.E.2d 541 (1997). In evaluating a manifest weight of the evidence challenge, the trial court must act as a “thirteenth juror” and analyze whether the jury “clearly lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the conviction must be reversed and a new trial ordered.” Id., citing State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d 172, 175, 485 N.E.2d 717 (1st Dist.1983). Reversal should only be reserved for the “exceptional case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the conviction.” Id.
{49} Benedict argues that the missing police cruiser video misled the jury into believing that Patrolman Hanley‘s account of the HGN test and Benedict‘s arrest were accurate. We disagree. The missing police cruiser video was heavily addressed during the trial. Patrolmen Hanley and Smith gave detailed accounts of how field sobriety tests are able to be recorded by police cruisers, and the proper procedures for preserving those recordings for use at trial. Defense counsel cross-examined Patrolmen Hanley and
{50} Benedict‘s tenth assigned error is overruled.
I. Weaving
{51} In his final assigned error, Benedict contends that the trial court denied him due process when the court found him guilty of weaving pursuant to
{52}
Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, or wherever within municipal corporations traffic is lawfully moving in two or more substantially continuous lines in the same direction, the following rules apply:
(1) A vehicle * * * shall be driven, as nearly as is practicable, entirely within a single lane or line of traffic and shall not be moved from such lane or line until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.
{53} The long-standing rule for evaluating whether a city ordinance conflicts with a general state law is “[i]n determining whether an ordinance is in ‘conflict’ with general laws, the test is whether the ordinance permits or licenses that which the statute forbids or prohibits, and vice versa.” Struthers v. Sokol, 108 Ohio St. 263, 140 N.E. 519 (1923), paragraph two of the syllabus. The Ninth District has twice addressed this argument in connection with two identical municipal weaving ordinances. In Medina v. Carver, 9th Dist. Medina No. 2673-M, 1998 Ohio App. LEXIS 345 (Feb. 4, 1998), the Ninth District held that the state law‘s silence on weaving within a lane was not in conflict with the city ordinance‘s prohibition. Specifically, the court reasoned that a conflict does not exist “merely because certain specific acts are declared unlawful by the ordinance, which acts are not referred to in the general law[.]” Id. at * 7, citing Akron Cellular Tel. Co. v. Hudson Village, 115 Ohio App.3d 93, 99, 684 N.E.2d 734 (9th Dist.1996), quoting Sokol, 108 Ohio St. 263 at paragraph three of the syllabus.
{54} In Cuyahoga Falls v. Morris, 9th Dist. Summit No. 18861, 1998 Ohio App. LEXIS 3762 (Aug. 19, 1998), the Ninth District again held that the absence of state legislation prohibiting weaving within a lane demonstrates the lack of conflict with city
{55} In Mayfield Hts v. Molk, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 84703, 2005-Ohio-1176, ¶ 25, we favorably reviewed the Ninth District‘s precedent because it was relevant to addressing that appellant‘s sufficiency and manifest weight challenges. However, we did not adopt our sister district‘s precedent at that juncture because the validity of the Mayfield Heights weaving ordinance was not at issue. Because Benedict has raised the conflict between the City‘s weaving ordinance and
{56} Benedict‘s eleventh assigned error is overruled.
{57} Judgment affirmed.
It is ordered that appellee recover from appellant costs herein taxed.
The court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
It is ordered that a special mandate be sent to said court to carry this judgment into execution.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.
FRANK D. CELEBREZZE, JR., ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE
KATHLEEN ANN KEOUGH, J., and
EILEEN T. GALLAGHER, J., CONCUR