2005 Ohio 2902 | Ohio Ct. App. | 2005
Lead Opinion
{¶ 2} On June 23, 2001, a garage fire was reported at 5601 Adams Avenue in Ashtabula, Ohio. After extinguishing the fire, firefighters discovered certain unusual chemicals in the garage which fire personnel believed were related to the production of methamphetamine. The firefighters alerted the Ashtabula Police Department and Detective Taylor Cleveland was dispatched to the scene to investigate the chemicals. Upon his arrival, Detective Cleveland confirmed that the materials were known to be used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Investigators from the Ashtabula Fire Department, the State Fire Marshal's Office, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency ("DEA"), and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation ("BCI") were contacted and arrived at the scene to assist in the investigation.
{¶ 3} During the early stages of the investigation, Detective Cleveland interviewed Ray Phelps, the owner of the house, appellant, who was a resident, and another individual not involved in the investigation. Phelps subsequently signed a consent form giving the detective permission to search the house for any additional evidence of methamphetamine production. As he expected the investigation to involve the entire home, Detective Cleveland asked Phelps and appellant to remain outside; the men cooperated with Cleveland's request and agreed to draft separate statements regarding the events of that evening.
{¶ 4} During the search of the house, police found evidence of a "marijuana grow operation," but no marijuana. The officers also discovered several guns and a small plastic bag containing a white residue which lab technicians were unable to identify. In the basement, Cleveland discovered a Pyrex beaker resembling other beakers located in the burnt garage. The beaker contained a residue similar to that found on certain items within the garage; Cleveland believed the beaker was related to methamphetamine production and noted its location for proper evidentiary collection.
{¶ 5} Detective Cleveland received Phelps's and appellant's statements and advised the men that they were free to re-enter their residence as the investigation would likely continue for some time.1 However, the detective specifically instructed the men not to touch anything in the house as evidence had not been completely collected.
{¶ 6} In discussing his statement, appellant informed Detective Cleveland that one Richard Prinkey occasionally lived in the second floor of the garage. Appellant communicated his suspicion that Prinkey was involved in certain criminal activity such as dealing methamphetamines from the garage. The detective contacted Prinkey who admitted that he ran the methamphetamine lab; Prinkey did not implicate Phelps or appellant in the operation.
{¶ 7} Detective Cleveland ultimately advised a DEA agent of the glass beaker in the basement. However, when the men arrived in the basement, the beaker was missing. The detective located Phelps and appellant in the house and questioned them about the missing beaker. After some "prodding," appellant stated "he had taken the beaker and that he had smashed it and thrown it in the garage." Appellant stated he "knew what the beaker was used for" and "didn't want it in the house." Detective Cleveland testified that he intended to check the beaker for fingerprints which might implicate others in the production of methamphetamine; however, as the beaker was smashed, no fingerprints could be pulled from its remains.
{¶ 8} Appellant was arrested and indicted on one count of tampering with evidence, in violation of R.C.
{¶ 9} "[1.] Appellant Jay Michael Delmonico was denied effective assistance of counsel because his appointed counsel failed to move to suppress a confession elicited by the sole witness for the prosecution by way of a hostile[,] custodial interrogation conducted without properMiranda warnings.
{¶ 10} "[2.] The [t]rial [c]ourt failed to apply the sentencing requirements for imposition of sentence for a third degree felony, in violation of Chapter 2929 of the Ohio Revised Code, rendering the sentence null and void."
{¶ 11} In his first assignment of error appellant alleges his counsel's representation was deficient for failing to file what appellant characterizes as a meritorious motion to suppress his confession. Appellant contends his confession was coerced by the investigating officer during a custodial interrogation instigated without proper Miranda warnings. As the state's case against him was based solely upon the alleged coerced confession, appellant concludes he was prejudiced by his trial counsel's omission.
{¶ 12} For appellant to prevail on his claim of ineffective assistance of counsel we must first conclude that counsel's performance was deficient; that is, counsel's acts or omissions must fall measurably below that which might be expected from an ordinary fallible attorney. Second, we must conclude that counsel's deficient performance prejudiced appellant's defense. See, Strickland v. Washington (1984),
{¶ 13} A reviewing court indulges a strong presumption that counsel's conduct is within the wide range of reasonable professional representation. Strickland, supra, at 689. An attorney's arguably reasoned strategic or tactical decisions do not generally constitute ineffectiveness. State v. Phillips,
{¶ 14} Appellant notes that the failure, by trial counsel, to file a motion to suppress renders his or her assistance ineffective where the appealing party is prejudiced. State v. Martin, 11th Dist. No. 2002-P-0072, 2004-Ohio-3027, at ¶ 15. Appellant contends he can meet this burden by showing the mere possibility the motion to suppress, had it been properly filed, would have been granted. See, State v. Garrett
(1991),
{¶ 15} Before proceeding further, we must first discuss the proper standard in relation to the instant issue. This court has held a failure to file a motion to suppress satisfies Strickland's "prejudice" prong when there is evidence in the record to support the conclusion that the motion to suppress could possibly have been granted." (Emphasis added.) See, e.g., State v. Payton (1997),
{¶ 16} In State v. Santana, supra, this court reversed a defendant's conviction holding the defendant received ineffective assistance of counsel due to counsel's failure to file a motion to suppress evidence obtained as a result of questionable "Terry level" stop. In particular, we held:
{¶ 17} "* * * we believe there is a possibility that [the officer] did not have sufficient reasonable suspicion to stop appellant and, therefore, a motion to suppress may have been successful." Id. at 8.
{¶ 18} The state appealed to the Supreme Court of Ohio who accepted discretionary jurisdiction. In State v. Santana,
{¶ 19} In Lott, the Supreme Court addressed the issue of whether counsel is ineffective for failure to file a motion to suppress evidence of an eyewitness identification. In holding that trial counsel did not render ineffective assistance, the court underscored that the standard announced in Strickland, supra, provided the proper means of analyzing the claim. As emphasized above, Strickland requires an appellant to show, first, that counsel's performance was deficient and, second, that the deficient performance prejudiced his defense. To demonstrate prejudice, an appellant must prove there exists a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's errors, the result of the trial would have been different. See, Strickland, at 694.
{¶ 20} Our previous holding suggests the mere "possibility" that the motion would be granted is sufficient to demonstrate prejudice underStrickland. However, according to Strickland, the possibility that a suppression motion would have been granted does not prove there exists a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's omission, the result would have been different.2 Hence, to establish prejudice, an appellant must prove more than a mere possibility that the motion could have been granted; rather, he or she must show a reasonable probability that, but for the omission, the result of the proceedings would have been different.
{¶ 21} With this in mind, we must explore the facts of this case and determine whether Miranda warnings were necessary.3
{¶ 22} Miranda warnings exist "solely to counterbalance the coercive atmosphere created by in-custody interrogation." State v. Schrock (Nov. 8, 1991), 11th Dist. No. 89-L-14-099, 1991 Ohio App. LEXIS 5361, at 7. In determining whether Miranda applies, we must determine whether the incriminating statements at issue were a result of a custodial interrogation. See, State v. Buchholz (1984),
{¶ 23} Miranda makes it clear that the Miranda warnings must be given whenever one's "freedom of action is curtailed in any significant way from being compelled to incriminate themselves." (Emphasis added.)Miranda v. Arizona (1966),
{¶ 24} In the case at hand, it appears from the record that appellant was not deprived of his freedom in any significant way. The record demonstrates that, upon arrival at appellant's residence, investigators discovered evidence of a methamphetamine lab in the burnt garage. In light of this discovery, Detective Cleveland asked appellant and Phelps: (1) for permission to look for contraband in their house and (2) if appellant and Phelps could provide officers individual statements concerning events that evening. During this exchange, the men were not deprived of their freedom and there was no evidence of coercion or force on the part of the officers.
{¶ 25} While the officers were searching the house, appellant and Phelps were required to remain outside of the residence. The men were neither formally detained nor questioned during this period. After the discovery of some contraband, including the beaker, Detective Cleveland told appellant and Phelps they could re-enter the residence; at trial, Cleveland testified:
{¶ 26} "After we located the beaker and the other items inside the house, we exited the residence and spoke with both Mr. Phelps and Mr. Delmonico, took written statements from them about the incident and told them that since we were going to be there for quite a long time, in fact we were there for 14 hours, they were free to enter back into the residence and not sit in the lawn but not to touch anything in the house as it would be collected as evidence. They were specifically instructed not to touch anything inside the house because we hadn't collected our evidence yet."
{¶ 27} There was no evidence that appellant and/or Phelps experienced any restraint on their freedom after they were re-admitted to their residence.
{¶ 28} Ultimately, Detective Cleveland and a DEA agent went to retrieve the beaker but it had vanished. Cleveland questioned appellant and Phelps regarding the disappearance of the beaker. Appellant initially denied tampering with the beaker; however, after some "prodding," appellant admitted to smashing the beaker because he knew "what the beaker was used for" and "didn't want it in the house."
{¶ 29} The record demonstrates that appellant was free to meander in and out of his residence during the officers' investigation. The only overt restraint placed upon appellant's freedom to act was Detective Cleveland's advisory statement not to touch anything in the house as the evidence had not yet been collected. There is no evidence that appellant suffered any restraint on his freedom of movement at this point.
{¶ 30} Although Detective Cleveland testified to "prodding" appellant about the beaker's disappearance, there is no evidence that appellant's freedom of action was significantly curtailed; nor were the circumstances tantamount to a formal arrest. In light of the evidence presented, we hold, as a matter of law, appellant was not in custody and was not entitled to Miranda warnings.4
{¶ 31} Moreover, we acknowledge Detective Cleveland's testimony that he "prodded" appellant while questioning him. Indelicate connotations aside, we do not know the specific nature of the detective's actions because his method of interrogation was not explored at trial. Nevertheless,
{¶ 32} "* * * a noncustodial situation is not converted to one in which Miranda applies simply because a reviewing court concludes that, even in the absence of any formal arrest or restraint on freedom of movement, the questioning took place in a `coercive environment.' Any interview of one suspected of a crime by a police officer will have coercive aspects to it, simply by virtue of the fact that the police officer is part of a law enforcement system which may ultimately cause the suspect to be charged with a crime. * * * Miranda warnings are required only where there has been such a restriction on a person's freedom as to render him `in custody.' It was that sort of coercive environment to which Miranda by its terms was made applicable, and to which it is limited." Oregon v. Mathiason (1977),
{¶ 33} As we hold appellant was not in custody when Detective Cleveland questioned him about the missing beaker, there could be no custodial interrogation prompting Miranda warnings. Because appellant was not entitled to Miranda warnings, appellant cannot meet the prejudice prong of Strickland. We therefore hold appellant's trial counsel was not ineffective for failing to file a motion to suppress. Trial counsel could have reasonably determined that such an effort would be futile given the noncustodial nature of the interrogation. To the extent his or her methods are reasonable, counsel is granted a great measure of deference in selecting a trial strategy. Under the circumstances, we do not believe trial counsel was unreasonable for failing to file a motion to suppress the confession. Appellant's first assignment of error is overruled.
{¶ 34} In his second assignment of error, appellant takes issue with the trial court's sentencing procedure. To wit, appellant argues that the trial court was required to consider the "recidivism" and "seriousness" factors set forth under R.C.
{¶ 35} To accomplish the purposes and principles of R.C.
{¶ 36} Here, during the sentencing hearing, the trial court pointed out appellant's "bad prior criminal record" which included a "lengthy and serious" juvenile record. The court further observed appellant had previously served time in prison. With respect to the specific features of the charge in question, the court noted:
{¶ 37} "[I]t is pretty clear that there was an investigation that was going on * * * into what was obviously a serious drug offense.
{¶ 38} "You certainly had knowledge of that and whatever you may have thought or whatever may have motivated your decision in this case to break that beaker or whatever it was, the jury determined and I believe that it was with the specific intention to hamper that drug investigation knowingly destroying the evidence with that specific intention and being aware that that investigation was in progress and I think that makes this a very serious offense."
{¶ 39} In light of this recitation, it is clear the court engaged in an explicit weighing of relevant seriousness and recidivism factors applicable to the instant matter.
{¶ 40} Moreover, in its "Judgment Entry on Sentence," the trial court stated:
{¶ 41} "The Court has considered the record, oral statements, any victim impact statement, the presentence report, the purposes and principles of sentencing under RC
{¶ 42} The foregoing statement is sufficient to meet the demands of R.C.
{¶ 43} For the reasons set forth above, appellant's two assignments of error are without merit and the Judgment of the Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas is therefore affirmed.
Grendell, J., concurs, O'Neill, J., dissents with Dissenting Opinion.
Dissenting Opinion
{¶ 44} I must respectfully dissent. Liberty is not measured in small doses. While it is true Delmonico was not in handcuffs and no bright lights were shining in his eyes, I believe a Miranda warning was required before the police questioned him.
{¶ 45} When considering a claim for ineffective assistance of counsel, the Supreme Court of Ohio has adopted the following standard, "[c]ounsel's performance will not be deemed ineffective unless and until counsel's performance is proved to have fallen below an objective standard of reasonable representation, and, in addition, prejudice arises from counsel's performance."5
{¶ 46} Regarding Miranda warnings, the Supreme Court of Ohio has held the following:
{¶ 47} "Pursuant to Miranda, statements `stemming from custodial interrogation of the defendant' must be suppressed unless the defendant had been informed of his Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights before being questioned. `Custodial interrogation' means `questioning initiated by law enforcement officers after a person has been taken into custody or otherwise deprived of his freedom of action in any significant way.'"6
{¶ 48} The critical constitutional question to be answered, therefore, is whether Delmonico was in custody when he was questioned in his own home. It is critical that the facts of this matter are reviewed in their totality. Police officers from several local, state, and federal agencies conducted a lengthy search of the premises, which lasted fourteen hours. The police considered Delmonico a suspect in the alleged crimes. Delmonico was initially asked to remain outside his residence, while the police conducted their search. Later, he was allowed to reenter his home, but was commanded not to touch anything. Detective Cleveland began questioning Delmonico about the missing beaker. Finally, Detective Cleveland needed to resort to prodding Delmonico to get him to answer his questions.
{¶ 49} I believe these facts, taken together, suggest that Delmonico's liberty was restrained in a significant way. He was permitted to be in his home, but could not touch anything. While he was not "in custody" in a traditional sense (such as at police station or in the back seat of a cruiser), Miranda still applied to the situation. Several police officers, including officers from the United States Drug Enforcement Agency, essentially "took over" Delmonico's home for fourteen hours. Delmonico was not in a position to believe he could leave his residence during this time. As such, he was essentially confined to his residence, in the presence of numerous police officers. Thereafter, he was aggressively questioned until he provided incriminating statements.
{¶ 50} The majority asserts that "we acknowledge Detective Cleveland's testimony that he `prodded' appellant while questioning him. [However,] we do not know the specific nature of the detective's actions because his method of interrogation was not explored at trial."
{¶ 51} I agree. No one can ever know the facts surrounding the confession in a constitutional sense, because they have never been tested. A motion to suppress, the vehicle designed to permit the trial court to weigh those facts, was never filed. Since the admissions made by the defendant were essentially the whole case used to convict him, there is no question that a motion to suppress, if filed and granted, would have altered the outcome of this matter.
{¶ 52} The failure to file the motion to suppress was ineffective assistance of counsel.
