State v. WilliamsState v. Williams
{¶1} Appellant, Maurice H. Williams, appeals his conviction in the Scioto County Court of Common Pleas after a jury found him guilty of trafficking in drugs, possession of drugs, possession of criminal tools, possession of marihuana, and conspiracy to traffic in drugs. The charges included major drug offender specifications and within the vicinity of a school specifications. Williams raises five assignments of error, arguing 1) there was insufficient evidence to convict him and his convictions were against the manifest weight of the evidence; 2) the trial court erred in overruling his motion to suppress the evidence; 3) the trial court erred by denying him the ability to call his co-defendant to the stand; 4) the verdict
{¶2} Having reviewed the record, we have identified another sentencing issue, which we raise sua sponte, related to the trial court‘s characterization of the sentence imposed in connection with Appellant‘s status as a major drug offender. Specifically, the trial court incorrectly stated a portion of Williams’ sentence was mandatory, when it was not. Accordingly, we sua sponte notice plain error with regard to this sentencing error and hereby reverse this portion of the sentence and remand the case for proceedings consistent with this opinion.
Next, we find there was substantial evidence upon which the jury could have found Williams was guilty of the charged offenses beyond a reasonable doubt, and his convictions are not against the manifest weight, nor was the evidence insufficient. However, with respect to Williams’ argument that the trial court erred when it entered a judgment of conviction on count 10, the conspiracy charge, because the trial court merged count 10 with counts 1 and 2, Williams was not actually sentenced on that count and, therefore, no conviction resulted on that count. Thus, we overrule Williams’ fourth assignment of error.
{¶3} Since Williams failed to demonstrate he had standing to challenge the search of the residence, we conclude that the trial court correctly overruled his motion to suppress the evidence and we overrule his second assignment of error.
{¶4} The trial court properly refused to call Williams’ co-defendant to testify because he intended to only assert his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Thus, we overrule Williams’ third assignment of error.
{¶5} Regarding the verdict forms, we find there were several deficiencies that require us to vacate Williams’ convictions for multiple counts and remand the case to the trial court to enter a judgment of conviction for the correct level of the offenses and sentence Williams accordingly. Thus, we affirm Williams’ fourth assignment of error in part, and overrule it in part.
{¶6} Finally, we find the trial court did not err in sentencing Williams and overrule his fifth assignment of error.
{¶7} Therefore, we affirm in part and reverse in part the trial court‘s judgment and remand the case for proceedings consistent with this opinion.
FACTS
{¶8} On October 25, 2010, Officer Steve Timberlake was unloading items from his vehicle when an unknown male approached him. The male knew Timberlake by name and told him there were men from Detroit selling drugs out of Katherine Lansing‘s residence at 616 Sixth Street in Portsmouth, Ohio. The next morning, Timberlake found an anonymous note on his vehicle‘s windshield, addressed to him, indicating there were “D-boys” at the house on Sixth Street, and illegal activity was occurring at another location in Portsmouth.
{¶9} Timberlake viewed the Scioto County Court of Common Pleas’ website and determined Lansing was on probation. Timberlake contacted Nick Ferrara, the court‘s chief probation officer, and discussed the tip about Lansing. Ferrara noted Lansing‘s listed address was not on Sixth Street, but she had not been reporting to her probation officer and had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. Ferrara determined the 616 Sixth Street address was incorrect, as the probation department was located on Sixth Street, and 616 would have been an alleyway.
{¶10} As a result of this conversation, Timberlake began checking the police department‘s records for mention of Lansing. One month earlier, on September 22, 2010, a caller telephoned the police to report a burglary at 518 Sixth Street, Portsmouth, Ohio. The report identified the caller as “Catherine Lansing,” the resident.
{¶11} Based upon this new information that placed Lansing at 518 Sixth Street only one month earlier, Ferrara decided it would be prudent to visit the residence and arrest Lansing. Because of Timberlake‘s tip that there may be as many as five additional persons present, who were allegedly selling drugs, Ferrara requested Timberlake and other officers from the Portsmouth Police Department assist with the home search for safety reasons. Timberlake and two other officers accompanied Ferrara and two probation officers to the residence.
{¶12} Upon arriving at the residence, part of the group went to the front door, while the others covered the rear. One of the probation officers at the front door knocked and announced his presence. The officers heard scuffling inside, but no verbal response, and no one answered the door. The officers at the back then noticed one to two males approaching the second story window in a manner that indicated they were attempting to exit the window. The officers shouted this information to the others at the front of the house. At that point, Ferrara ordered one of the probation officers to breach the door.
{¶13} Upon entering the residence, the officers saw Williams descending the stairs. They escorted him to the living room without incident. Law enforcement found Daniel Pippen in the upstairs restroom and Tyrone Dixon, Evan Howard, and Eric Durr in a small upstairs bedroom. The bedroom had a dresser and a mattress in it, along with a pile of money on the floor. The money totaled $3,090.
{¶14} Probation officers were unable to locate Lansing within the house, but they did find mail addressed to her at the residence, as well as a photo of her on the refrigerator. With evidence the house was Lansing‘s residence, the officers conducted a search for contraband.
{¶15} Law enforcement found a total of $16,803, 1,824 oxycodone pills, cocaine, heroin, marihuana, and two digital scales. Some of the pills and money were in a sock underneath a cushion on the couch. Other drugs and money were in
{¶16} The grand jury indicted Williams and the others within the house for trafficking in drugs, possession of drugs, trafficking in cocaine, possession of cocaine, possession of criminal tools, possession of marihuana, and conspiracy to traffic in drugs, many of which included aggravating specifications. During the jury trial, the trial court dismissed the counts relating to the cocaine, and the jury convicted Williams of the remaining counts and found the money recovered was subject to forfeiture. The verdict forms read:
Count 1: “Trafficking in Drugs/Oxycodone/Vicinity of a School/Major Drug Offender.” The jury found the amount equaled or exceeded 100 times the bulk amount and was within 1,000 feet of a school.
Count 2: “Possession of Drugs/Major Drug Offender.” The jury found the amount equaled or exceeded 100 times the bulk amount.
Count 3: “Trafficking in Drugs/Heroin/Within the Vicinity of a School.” The jury found the amount equaled or exceeded the bulk amount, but was less than five times the bulk amount, and was within 1,000 feet of a school.
Count 4: “Possession of Drugs/Heroin.” The jury found the amount equaled or exceeded one gram, but was less than five grams.
Count 7: “Trafficking in Drugs/Marijuana/Within the Vicinity of a School.” The jury found the amount was less than 200 grams and was within 1,000 feet of a school.
Count 8: “Possession of Criminal Tools.” There were no findings associated with this count.
Count 9: “Possession of Marijuana.” The jury found the amount was less than the bulk amount.
Count 10: “Conspiracy to Traffic in Drugs, F2.”
{¶17} The trial court sentenced Williams to 27 years in prison. Williams now appeals.
ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR
I. “THE EVIDENCE PRESENTED AT TRIAL IS INSUFFICIENT TO SUPPORT DEFENDANT‘S [CONVICTION], WHICH
II. “THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN DENYING DEFENDANT-APPELLANT‘S MOTION TO SUPPRESS AND RENEWED MOTION TO SUPPRESS EVIDENCE.”
III. “THE TRIAL COURT ERRED TO THE PREJUDICE OF THE DEFENDANT WHEN THE TRIAL COURT REFUSED TO ALLOW THE DEFENDANT-APPELLANT [TO] CALL THE CO-DEFENDANT AS A WITNESS AT TRIAL AND REQUIRE THE DEFENDANT-APPELLANT TAKE THE WITNESS STAND AND ASSERT HIS FIFTH AMENDMENT RIGHTS ON THE WITNESS STAND.”
IV. “THE VERDICT FORMS DO NOT SUPPORT DEFENDANT‘S CONVICTIONS.”
V. “THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN CONVICTING AND SENTENCING DEFENDANT.”
LEGAL ANALYSIS
{¶18} After reviewing the record, we have noted an initial threshold matter that must be addressed related to the trial court‘s characterization of Williams’ sentence imposed as a result of his major drug offender specification. As will be
{¶19} For a reviewing court to find plain error: 1.) there must be an error, i.e., “a deviation from a legal rule“; 2.) the error must be plain, i.e., “an ‘obvious’ defect in the trial proceedings“; and 3.) the error must have affected “substantial rights,” i.e., it must have affected the outcome of the proceedings. State v. Barnes, 94 Ohio St.3d 21, 27, 759 N.E.2d 1240 (2002). Furthermore, the Supreme Court of Ohio has admonished courts that notice of plain error under
{¶20} When reviewing felony sentences, this Court follows the two-step approach the Supreme Court of Ohio outlined in State v. Kalish, 120 Ohio St.3d 23, 2008-Ohio-4912, 896 N.E.2d 124, at ¶ 4. See State v. Welch, 4th Dist. No. 08CA29, 2009-Ohio-2655, at ¶ 6. “First, [we] must examine the sentencing court‘s compliance with all applicable rules and statutes in imposing the sentence to determine whether the sentence is clearly and convincingly contrary to law. If
{¶21} Here, the jury convicted Williams of aggravated trafficking in drugs, with additional aggravating factors that the amount of oxycodone involved was more than 100 times the bulk amount, and the crime occurred within the vicinity of a school. Aggravated trafficking in drugs is proscribed by
{¶22} Thus, Williams was a “major drug offender” under
{¶23}
{¶24} The distinction between mandatory and nonmandatory prison terms is important when determining whether a court may grant an offender judicial release.
{¶25} However, Revised Code Section 2929.20 has since been amended and Williams will eventually be eligible for judicial release, even with a prison
{¶26} Accordingly, because the trial court incorrectly stated the ten-year prison term for Williams’ major drug offender specification was mandatory, we conclude that this portion of the sentence was contrary to law and an abuse of discretion under Kalish, supra, and also constitutes plain error. Accordingly, we hereby reverse this portion of the sentence and remand the case for proceedings consistent with this opinion.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR I
A. Standard of Review
{¶27} In his first assignment of error, Williams argues his convictions were against the manifest weight of the evidence and based upon insufficient evidence.
{¶28} “When an appellate court concludes that the weight of the evidence supports a defendant‘s conviction, this conclusion necessarily includes a finding that sufficient evidence supports the conviction. Thus, a determination that [a] conviction is supported by the weight of the evidence will also be dispositive of the issue of sufficiency. Therefore, we first consider whether [Appellant‘s] conviction [is] against the manifest weight of the evidence.” (Internal quotations, citations, and footnote omitted.) State v. Leslie, 4th Dist. Nos. 10CA17, 10CA18, 2011-Ohio-2727, at ¶ 15. See, also, State v. Bostwick, 4th Dist. No. 10CA3382, 2011-Ohio-3671, at ¶ 10; State v. Kulchar, 4th Dist. No. 10CA6, 2011-Ohio-5144, at ¶ 31 (per curiam).
{¶29} “In determining whether a criminal conviction is against the manifest weight of the evidence, an appellate court must review the entire record, weigh the evidence and all reasonable inferences, consider the credibility of witnesses and determine whether, in resolving conflicts in the evidence, the trier of fact clearly lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the conviction must be reversed.” State v. Brown, 4th Dist. No. 09CA3, 2009-Ohio-5390, at ¶ 24,
{¶30} We must still remember that the weight to be given evidence and the credibility to be afforded testimony are issues to be determined by the trier of fact. State v. Frazier (1995), 73 Ohio St.3d 323, 339, 1995-Ohio-235, 652 N.E.2d 1000, citing State v. Grant (1993), 67 Ohio St.3d 465, 477, 1993-Ohio-171, 620 N.E.2d 50. The trier of fact “is best able to view the witnesses and observe their demeanor, gestures, and voice inflections, and use these observations in weighing the credibility of the proffered testimony.” Seasons Coal Co. v. Cleveland (1984), 10 Ohio St.3d 77, 80, 461 N.E.2d 1273.
B. Legal Analysis
1. Trafficking Counts
“(A) No person shall knowingly do any of the following:
“* * *
“(2) Prepare for shipment, ship, transport, deliver, prepare for distribution, or distribute a controlled substance, when the offender knows or has reasonable
cause to believe that the controlled substance is intended for sale or resale by the offender or another person. “* * *
“(C) Whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of one of the following:
“(1) If the drug involved in the violation is any compound, mixture, preparation, or substance included in schedule I or schedule II, with the exception of marihuana, cocaine, L.S.D., heroin, and hashish, whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of aggravated trafficking in drugs. The penalty for the offense shall be determined as follows:
“* * *
“(f) If the amount of the drug involved equals or exceeds one hundred times the bulk amount and regardless of whether the offense was committed in the vicinity of a school * * *, aggravated trafficking in drugs is a felony of the first degree, the offender is a major drug offender, and the court shall impose as a mandatory prison term the maximum prison term prescribed for a felony of the first degree.
“* * *
“(3) If the drug involved in the violation is marihuana or a compound, mixture, preparation, or substance containing marihuana other than hashish,
whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of trafficking in marihuana. The penalty for the offense shall be determined as follows: “* * *
“(b) Except as otherwise provided in division (C)(3)(c), (d), (e), (f), (g), or (h) of this section, if the offense was committed in the vicinity of a school or in the vicinity of a juvenile, trafficking in marihuana is a felony of the fourth degree, and division (B) of section 2929.13 of the Revised Code applies in determining whether to impose a prison term on the offender.
“* * *
“(6) If the drug involved in the violation is heroin or a compound, mixture, preparation, or substance containing heroin, whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of trafficking in heroin. The penalty for the offense shall be determined as follows:
“* * *
“(b) Except as otherwise provided in division (C)(6)(c), (d), (e), (f), or (g) of this section, if the offense was committed in the vicinity of a school or in the vicinity of a juvenile, trafficking in heroin is a felony of the fourth degree, and division (C) of section 2929.13 of the Revised Code applies in determining whether to impose a prison term on the offender.”
{¶31} Here, there was substantial evidence upon which the jury could reasonably conclude the state had proven all elements of aggravated trafficking in drugs beyond a reasonable doubt.
{¶32} Timberlake testified about the various controlled substances law enforcement recovered from 518 Sixth Street. Williams was present in the house when law enforcement recovered these.
{¶33} Megan Snyder, a forensic chemist, testified at great length about the chemical analyses she performed on each substance, identifying whether it was a controlled substance, and noting the amount of each substance. Snyder testified there were 1,824 pills that contained oxycodone (oxycodone hydrochloride). She also testified, based upon the maximum daily dosage of 90 milligrams for
{¶34} Regarding the proximity of 518 Sixth Street to a school, Melinda Davis testified the residence was within 1000’ of a school at which she was the principal.
{¶35} Again, there were digital scales in plain view. There was $3,090 on the floor of the upstairs bedroom. In total, there was $16,803 in cash within the house, though only one of five defendants was ostensibly employed. In addition to the 1,824 oxycodone pills, there was heroin, cocaine, and marihuana recovered from the residence. Given the sheer quantity of the oxycodone recovered, and the other evidence, it was reasonable for the jury to conclude Williams was involved in preparing for shipment, shipping, transporting, delivering, preparing for distribution, or distributing the oxycodone. It was also reasonable for the jury to conclude Williams intended to sell or resell the oxycodone, or he knew or had reasonable cause to believe another person intended to sell or resell the oxycodone.
{¶36} Although the case against Williams and his co-defendants is based entirely upon circumstantial evidence, circumstantial evidence is, by itself, a sufficient basis for a conviction. State v. Bostwick, 4th Dist. No. 10CA3382, 2011-Ohio-3671, at ¶ 17, quoting State v. Smith, 4th Dist. No. 09CA29, 2010-Ohio-4507, at ¶ 44, quoting State v. Franklin (1991), 62 Ohio St.3d 118, 124, 580 N.E.2d 1.
{¶37} Addressing Williams’ contention that the state failed to prove possession, even constructive possession, we disagree. Possession may be actual or constructive. State v. Butler (1989), 42 Ohio St.3d 174, 176, 538 N.E.2d 98; State v. Fry, 4th Dist. No. 03CA26, 2004-Ohio-5747, ¶ 39. “Actual possession exists when the circumstances indicate that an individual has or had an item within his immediate physical possession. Constructive possession exists when an individual is able to exercise dominion or control of an item, even if the individual does not have the item within his immediate physical possession.” Fry at ¶ 39, citing State v. Hankerson (1982), 70 Ohio St.2d 87, 434 N.E.2d 1362, syllabus, and State v. Wolery (1976) 46 Ohio St.2d 316, 329, 348 N.E.2d 351.
{¶38} This court has held that, “[f]or constructive possession to exist, ‘[i]t must also be shown that the person was conscious of the presence of the object.‘” State v. Harrington, 4th Dist. No. 05CA3038, 2006-Ohio-4388, at ¶ 15, citing Hankerson at 91. Further, “two or more persons may have joint constructive possession of a particular item.” State v. Cooper, 3d Dist. No. 9-06-49, 2007-Ohio-4937, at ¶ 25, citing State v. Mann (1993), 93 Ohio App.3d 301, 308, 638 N.E.2d 585; State v. Riggs (Sept. 13, 1999), 4th Dist. No. 98CA39, 1999 WL 727952. “[T]he crucial issue is not whether the accused had actual physical
{¶39} Williams’ argument is his mere proximity to various controlled substances does not conclusively establish he possessed them.
{¶40} In State v. Harrington, the defendant‘s proximity to a quantity of cocaine, coupled with his immediate denial of any wrongdoing and false statements, permitted a jury to infer the defendant knew the cocaine was there. Harrington at ¶ 18, 24. We found this evidence sufficient to establish the defendant knew of the cocaine and he had the ability to exercise control over it,
{¶41} In State v. New, 4th Dist. No. 08CA9, 2009-Ohio-2632, the state presented evidence of recorded telephone conversations between the defendant and her boyfriend that indicated she knew there were drugs in the house. During a phone call, the defendant discussed with her boyfriend specific items in the home the police had recovered, such as a coffee can with a false bottom that contained cocaine, a plate with a razor blade that had cocaine residue on it, and pictures of the defendant, her boyfriend, and a third party holding large sums of cash. New at ¶ 16, 17. Given the defendant‘s presence in the house, coupled with her statements about specific items related to controlled substances, she knew where the cocaine was kept in the residence, and a finding that she constructively possessed the cocaine was not against the manifest weight of the evidence. Id. at ¶ 18.
{¶42} Likewise, in State v. Riggs, we found the defendant‘s proximity to controlled substances in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, coupled with the vast amount of controlled substances and paraphernalia within the vehicle was sufficient to establish constructive possession. Law enforcement recovered cocaine in a bag behind the passenger‘s seat; a cocaine straw and a plastic container with marihuana residue beside the defendant‘s seat; a mirror with
{¶43} The present case is akin to Riggs. “The presence of such a vast amount of drug evidence in the [house] supports an inference that [Williams] knew about the presence of the drugs and that he, along with his [co-defendants], exercised control over each of the items found.” Riggs, citing State v. Soto, 8th Dist. No. 57301, 1990 WL145651 (Oct. 4, 1990). Here, there were drugs scattered throughout the entire house: 1,824 oxycodone pills, over 100 grams of marihuana, heroin, cocaine, and traces of codeine and morphine. There were digital scales in plain view in the kitchen. There was over $16,000 cash in a house where four of the five occupants were unemployed. Considering all of this evidence together, the jury could properly infer Williams knew there were controlled substances in the house and he was capable of exercising dominion or control over them, establishing his constructive possession of the controlled substances. Thus, the jury‘s findings that Williams knowingly possessed the various controlled substances were not against the manifest weight of the evidence.
b. Trafficking in Marihuana
{¶45} Timberlake testified law enforcement had recovered a bag of marihuana, which contained smaller bags of marihuana. There were also small amounts of marihuana in other containers. Snyder testified the chemical analyses revealed the substance was indeed marihuana and there was 113.3 grams of marihuana total. Again, Davis’ testimony was the house was within 1,000 feet of a school.
{¶46} No one testified the marihuana was for personal use. Give the quantity of the marihuana, the fact that it was stored in smaller packages, and its presence of marihuana residue on the digital scale, it was reasonable to believe Williams was trafficking the marihuana.
{¶47} Considering the evidence as a whole, there was substantial evidence upon which the jury could reasonably conclude the state had proven all elements of trafficking in marihuana beyond a reasonable doubt. We cannot say the jury
c. Trafficking in Heroin
{¶48} Similarly, Timberlake testified law enforcement had recovered 2.8 grams of heroin from the residence. Snyder confirmed through chemical analysis the substance was heroin. Snyder also testified one of the digital scales had trace amounts of heroin on it. Again, according to Davis, the house was within 1,000 feet of a school.
{¶49} As with the marihuana, no one testified the heroin was for personal use. Given the heroin residue on the digital scale, it was reasonable to believe Williams was trafficking the heroin.
{¶50} Considering the totality of the evidence, there was substantial evidence upon which the jury could reasonably conclude the state had proven all elements of trafficking in heroin beyond a reasonable doubt. We cannot say the jury clearly lost its way and created a manifest miscarriage of justice. Thus, we affirm Williams’ conviction for trafficking in heroin.4
“(A) No person shall knowingly obtain, possess, or use a controlled substance.
“* * *
“(C) Whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of one of the following:
“* * *
“(1) If the drug involved in the violation is a compound, mixture, preparation, or substance included in schedule I or II, with the exception of marihuana, cocaine, L.S.D., heroin, and hashish, whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of aggravated possession of drugs. The penalty for the offense shall be determined as follows:
“(e) If the amount of the drug involved equals or exceeds one hundred times the bulk amount, aggravated possession of drugs is a felony of the first degree, the offender is a major drug offender, and the court shall impose as a mandatory prison term the maximum prison term prescribed for a felony of the first degree.
“* * *
“(3) If the drug involved in the violation is marihuana or a compound, mixture, preparation, or substance containing marihuana other than hashish,
whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of possession of marihuana. The penalty for the offense shall be determined as follows: “(a) Except as otherwise provided in division (C)(3)(b), (c), (d), (e), (f), or (g) of this section, possession of marihuana is a minor misdemeanor.”
“* * *
“(6) If the drug involved in the violation is heroin or a compound, mixture, preparation, or substance containing heroin, whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of possession of heroin. The penalty for the offense shall be determined as follows:
“* * *
“(b) If the amount of the drug involved equals or exceeds ten unit doses but is less than fifty unit doses or equals or exceeds one gram but is less than five grams, possession of heroin is a felony of the fourth degree, and division (C) of section 2929.13 of the Revised Code applies in determining whether to impose a prison term on the offender.”
{¶70} When the jury found Williams trafficked in the controlled substances (oxycodone, heroin, and marihuana) under
3. Possessing Criminal Tools
{¶51}
{¶52} As with Williams’ convictions for possession of controlled substances, there was substantial evidence upon which a jury could find Williams possessed the digital scales found in the kitchen. The fact that the scales had residue from marihuana, heroin, codeine, and morphine on them, coupled with the vast amount of drugs recovered from the house, permitted the jury to infer Williams had a purpose to use the scales criminally: to traffic the controlled substances. Thus, we affirm Williams’ conviction for possessing criminal tools.
4. Conspiracy to Traffic in Drugs
“(A) No person, with purpose to commit or to promote or facilitate the commission of * * * a felony drug trafficking, manufacturing, processing, or possession offense * * * shall do either of the following: “(1) With another person or persons, plan or aid in planning the commission of any of the specified offenses;
“(2) Agree with another person or persons that one or more of them will engage in conduct that facilitates the commission of any of the specified offenses.
“* * *
“(M) As used in this section:
“(1) ‘Felony drug trafficking, manufacturing, processing, or possession offense’ means any of the following that is a felony:
“(a) A violation of
section 2925.03 * * * of the Revised Code;“(b) A violation of
section 2925.11 of the Revised Code that is not a minor drug possession offense.”
{¶53}
{¶54} Here, the record reflects that although the jury did return a finding of guilt as to the conspiracy to traffic in drugs count, count 10, the trial court “ordered that count 10 merge with Count 1 and Count 2.” Thus, despite the jury‘s finding Williams guilty on count 10, the trial court did not impose a sentence for count 10. “A conviction consists of a finding of guilt and a sentence.” State v. Fields, 1st Dist. No. C-090648, 2010-Ohio-4114, ¶ 7, citing State v. Henderson, 58 Ohio St.2d 171, 177-179, 389 N.E.2d 494 (1979); State v. Obstaint, 1st Dist. No. C-060629, 2007-Ohio-2661, ¶ 24; accord State v. Whitfield, 124 Ohio St.3d 319, 2010-Ohio-2, 922 N.E.2d 182, ¶ 12. As such, although the jury found Williams guilty of count 10, the trial court did not impose a sentence for count 10 and as a result, Williams was not convicted of count 10. Therefore, there is no conspiracy conviction to vacate.
{¶55} As to the other counts discussed herein, as we have found Williams’ convictions are not against the manifest weight of the evidence, we find there was also sufficient evidence to convict him of each offense. Accordingly, we overrule Williams’ first assignment of error.
A. Standard of Review
{¶56} In his second assignment of error, Williams argues the trial court erred in overruling his motion to suppress evidence. We disagree.
{¶57} Preliminarily, “[w]here factual issues are involved in determining a motion, the court shall state its essential findings on the record.”
{¶58} Generally, “‘[a]ppellate review of a motion to suppress presents a mixed question of law and fact. When considering a motion to suppress, the trial court assumes the role of trier of fact and is therefore in the best position to resolve factual questions and evaluate the credibility of witnesses.‘” State v. Roberts, 110 Ohio St.3d 71, 2006-Ohio-3665, 850 N.E.2d 1168, at ¶100, quoting State v. Burnside, 100 Ohio St.3d 152, 2003-Ohio-5372, 797 N.E.2d 71, at ¶8, citing State v. Mills (1992), 62 Ohio St.3d 357, 366, 582 N.E.2d 972. “Accordingly, we defer to the trial court‘s findings of fact if they are supported by competent, credible
B. Legal Analysis
{¶59} After reviewing the record, we conclude that Williams did not establish he had standing to assert a Fourth Amendment violation. “The rule followed by courts today with regard to standing is whether the defendant had an expectation of privacy * * * that society is prepared to recognize as reasonable. The burden is upon the defendant to prove facts sufficient to establish such an expectation.” State v. Williams, 73 Ohio St.3d 153, 166, 652 N.E.2d 721 (1995), citing Rakas v. Illinois, 439 U.S. 128, 131, 99 S.Ct. 421, 58 L.Ed.2d 387, at fn. 1 (1978) and State v. Steele, 2 Ohio App.3d 105, 107, 440 N.E.2d 1353 (8th Dist. 1981). See, also, State v. Corbin, 6th Dist. No. WD-10-013, 2011-Ohio-3491, at ¶ 24.
{¶60} Here, although Williams argued that he had standing to challenge the search of the residence and the items within it, he provided no evidence or testimony in support of his argument. Williams did not own the residence or state he lived there. Nor did Williams establish he was an overnight guest who could
{¶61} Accordingly, we overrule Williams’ second assignment of error.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR III
A. Standard of Review
{¶62} In his third assignment of error, Williams argues the trial court erred when it denied his request to question Tyrone Dixon, a co-defendant, on the witness stand. Williams believes he should have, at least, been permitted to call Dixon to the stand so the jury could watch him invoke his Fifth Amendment right to silence. We disagree.
{¶63} “‘The admission or exclusion of relevant evidence rests within the sound discretion of the trial court.‘” State v. Abdi, 4th Dist. No. 09CA35, at ¶ 62, quoting State v. Sage (1987), 31 Ohio St.3d 173, 510 N.E.2d 343, at paragraph two of the syllabus. “‘The term “abuse of discretion” connotes more than an error of law or judgment; it implies that the court‘s attitude is unreasonable, arbitrary or unconscionable.‘” (Citations omitted.) Blakemore v. Blakemore (1983), 5 Ohio St.3d 217, 219, 450 N.E.2d 1140, quoting State v. Adams (1980), 62 Ohio St.2d 151, 157, 404 N.E.2d 144. “Under this highly deferential standard of review, we
B. Legal Analysis
{¶64} “[A] trial court may exclude a person from appearing as a witness on behalf of a criminal defendant at trial if the court determines that the witness will not offer any testimony, but merely intends to assert the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination.” State v. Kirk (1995), 72 Ohio St.3d 564, 569, 651 N.E.2d 981.
{¶65} Here, the jury was excused from the courtroom when the discussion of Dixon‘s testimony occurred. (Tr. at 794, 798.) Dixon‘s counsel indicated Dixon would be asserting his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. (Tr. at 799.) After the court advised Dixon of his Fifth Amendment right not to testify, Dixon personally exercised his right to remain silent. (Tr. at 799-800.) The court then denied Williams’ request to call Dixon as a witness and refused to permit
{¶66} The record clearly demonstrates had the trial court permitted Williams to call Dixon to testify, Dixon merely would have invoked his Fifth Amendment right to silence. Per Kirk, the trial court was justified in excluding Dixon as a witness because he would not have offered any testimony, but instead merely asserted his Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination. Accordingly, the trial court did not err and we overrule Williams’ third assignment of error.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR IV
A. Standard of Review
{¶67} In his fourth assignment of error, Williams argues his convictions should be vacated because they do not contain the degree of the offenses or the
“(A) When the presence of one or more additional elements makes an offense one of more serious degree:
* * *
(2) A guilty verdict shall state either the degree of the offense of which the offender is found guilty, or that such additional element or elements are present. Otherwise, a guilty verdict constitutes a finding of guilty of the least degree of the offense charged.”
{¶68} The Supreme Court of Ohio has adopted a plain reading of this statute. See State v. Pelfrey, 112 Ohio St.3d 422, 2007-Ohio-256, 860 N.E.2d 735, at ¶ 14. Moreover, “[a]lthough [an appellant] failed to object to the verdict forms in the trial court, we have previously noted that a defendant‘s failure to ‘raise the inadequacy of the verdict form’ does not forfeit this argument on appeal.” New at ¶ 24, citing State v. Huckleberry, 4th Dist. No. 07CA3142, 2008-Ohio-1007, ¶ 18, citing Pelfrey at ¶ 14.
B. Legal Analysis
{¶69} Here, none of the counts listed the degree of the offense, except for Count 10, Conspiracy to Traffic in Drugs. While the majority of the counts did not
{¶70} Regarding the remaining counts, Count 2 did not specify the controlled substance involved; Count 3, Count 8, and Count 9 did not contain the degree of the offense or proper findings regarding aggravating factors. Accordingly, we must sustain Williams’ assignment of error on these counts and remand the case to the trial court to reduce the degree of those offenses.
{¶71} However, as will be explained in more detail, infra, because counts 2 and 9 were merged with counts 1 and 7, respectively, we conclude Williams was not actually convicted on these counts. As such, there are no convictions on counts 2 and 9 to vacate. Thus, any error related to the verdict forms for counts 2 and 9 is harmless. Nevertheless, as set forth above, on remand, the trial court is instructed to reduce the degree of offense on counts 2 and 9.
1. Count 2: Possession of Drugs
{¶72} “[T]his Court has ruled that when a jury verdict fails to specify the drug involved, the convictions must be treated as being associated with the least serious drug for possession/trafficking (usually marijuana).” State v. Jones, 4th Dist. No. 09CA1, 2010-Ohio-865, at fn. 3, citing New at ¶ 26, fn. 3; Huckleberry at ¶ 24.
{¶73} As the verdict form for Count 2 fails to specify the drug possessed, we must treat it as a finding of guilt regarding possession of the least serious drug, marihuana. Since there is no “bulk amount” for marihuana, the finding of that additional element of “Equal [sic] or exceeds one hundred (100) times bulk amount” is meaningless. See
{¶74} Consequently, the jury found Williams guilty of possession of marihuana, which is a minor misdemeanor, not a first degree felony.
2. Count 3: Trafficking in Heroin
{¶75} In count three, the jury made a finding of “Equal to or greater than bulk amount but less than five (5) times bulk amount” and “Within 1000 feet of a School.” Yet
{¶76} Consequently, the jury found Williams trafficked in heroin, with the aggravating factor of having done so within 1,000 feet of a school. Accordingly, his conviction for trafficking in heroin should be a felony of the fourth degree, not a felony of the third degree.
{¶77}
{¶78} Here, the jury made no finding of the aggravating factor that the scales, the criminal tools, were intended for use in the commission of a felony. Thus, the verdict form was devoid of the level of the offense findings or aggravating factors and constitutes a finding of guilt of the least degree of the offense charged: a first degree misdemeanor. We sustain Williams’ assignment of error in this regard and vacate his conviction for Count 8.
4. Count 9: Possession of Marihuana
{¶79} The verdict form for Count 9 stated the jury had found Williams guilty of “Count 9 Possession of Marijuana,” and made the specific finding of “Less than bulk amount.” There is, however, no bulk amount for marihuana. See
{¶80} Accordingly, we remand the case to the trial court to 1) impose convictions for the correct level of these offenses as to counts 3 and 8; 2) to reduce the degree of offenses as to counts 2 and 9, which were merged with counts 1 and 7 for purposes of sentences: and 3) to sentence Williams accordingly.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR V
{¶81} In his fifth assignment of error, Williams argues his convictions and sentences are erroneous. First, he contends all of the trafficking and possession of controlled substances charges should merge, as the state failed to prove he engaged in separate conduct for each offense. Second, Williams believes the sentences the trial court imposed were simply too harsh. We disagree.
A. Merger of Allied Offenses
{¶82} When determining whether multiple offenses should have merged under
“(A) Where the same conduct by defendant can be construed to constitute two or more allied offenses of similar import, the indictment or information may contain counts for all such offenses, but the defendant may be convicted of only one.
“(B) Where the defendant‘s conduct constitutes two or more offenses of dissimilar import, or where his conduct results in two or more offenses of the same or similar kind committed separately or with a separate animus as to each, the indictment or information may contain counts for all such offenses, and the defendant may be convicted of all of them.”
{¶83} As the Supreme Court explained in State v. Johnson, 128 Ohio St.3d 153, 2010-Ohio-6314, 942 N.E.2d 1061, under
{¶84} “Conversely, if the court determines that the commission of one offense will never result in the commission of the other, or if the offenses are committed separately, or if the defendant has separate animus for each offense, then, according to
{¶85} Here, Williams’ various crimes relating to different controlled substances are of dissimilar import and do no not merge. State v. Jones (1985), 18 Ohio St.3d 116, 480 N.E.2d 408, discussed the issue of whether a defendant could be convicted of multiple counts of aggravated vehicular homicide resulting from a single collision. The relevant inquiry is “whether the legislature intended the relevant statute[s] to authorize multiple convictions.” Jones at 117. Having reviewed the legislative intent of
{¶86} Here, Williams’ convictions for trafficking in oxycodone, heroin, and marihuana do not merge with one another. Likewise, Williams’ convictions for possession of controlled substances do not merge with one another. The import of each offense is dissimilar and does not merge under
B. Length of Sentences
{¶87} In the second portion of his fifth assignment of error, Williams argues his sentences are too harsh. Specifically, Williams contends the trial court failed to consider
{¶88} First, Williams’ contention that the trial court erred by failing to consider
{¶89} Regarding Williams’ argument that his sentence was unduly harsh and contrary to law, this argument is also unpersuasive. First, Williams fails to specify how his sentence is too harsh, he fails to specify what law it contravenes, and he fails to cite to any law to support this portion of his argument. These deficiencies alone permit us to overrule this portion of his assignment of error.
{¶90} When reviewing felony sentences, this Court follows the two-step approach the Supreme Court of Ohio outlined in State v. Kalish, 120 Ohio St.3d 23, 2008-Ohio-4912, 896 N.E.2d 124, at ¶ 4. See State v. Welch, 4th Dist. No. 08CA29, 2009-Ohio-2655, at ¶ 6. “First, [we] must examine the sentencing court‘s compliance with all applicable rules and statutes in imposing the sentence to determine whether the sentence is clearly and convincingly contrary to law. If this first prong is satisfied, [that is, if the sentence complies with the law,] the trial court‘s decision shall be reviewed under an abuse-of-discretion standard.” Kalish at ¶ 4. “As to the first step, the Kalish court did not clearly specify what ‘pertinent laws’ we are to consider to ensure that the sentence ‘clearly and convincingly’ adheres to Ohio law. The only specific guideline is that the sentence must be within the statutory range * * *.” State v. Ross, 4th Dist. No. 08CA872, 2009-Ohio-877, at ¶ 10.
{¶92} Here, Williams cites no law of which his sentences run afoul. Nor do we, upon our own review of his sentences, find them to be contrary to law. The deficiencies in the verdict forms aside, Williams’ sentences were within the permitted statutory ranges.
{¶93} Nor did the trial court abuse its discretion when sentencing Williams. Count 1 carried a mandatory maximum sentence, and a major drug offender specification, which also permitted Williams to serve an additional prison term. None of the prison terms imposed against Williams demonstrated a perversity of will, a defiance of judgment, or the exercise of passion or bias.
{¶94} Williams had a previous criminal history related to controlled substances. In this case, the jury convicted Williams of possessing and trafficking in multiple types of controlled substances, which included a massive amount of
{¶95} Accordingly we overrule Williams’ fifth assignment of error.
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND CAUSE REMANDED.
Kline, J., dissenting, in part.
{¶96} I concur in judgment only with the following exceptions. First, I would not vacate Count 8. Here, the trial court instructed the jury as follows: “Before you can find the individual Defendant[] * * * guilty, you must find beyond a reasonable doubt that * * * the individual Defendant * * * had under his control a device or instrument, to wit, digital scales, with purpose to use it criminally for the commission of a felony.” (Emphasis added.) Transcript at 923. Therefore, based on the presumption that the jury followed the trial court‘s instruction, I would not recognize plain error as to Count 8. See State v. Eafford, 132 Ohio St.3d 159, 2012-Ohio-2224, 970 N.E.2d 891, ¶¶ 11, 17. Furthermore, I believe that Counts 2 and 9 are moot. Therefore, I would not address these counts.
{¶97} Accordingly, I respectfully dissent as to Counts 2, 8, and 9. I respectfully concur in judgment only with the rest of the opinion.
It is ordered that the JUDGMENT BE AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND CAUSE REMANDED and that the Appellee and Appellant split costs.
The Court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this Court directing the Scioto County Common Pleas Court to carry this judgment into execution.
IF A STAY OF EXECUTION OF SENTENCE AND RELEASE UPON BAIL HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY GRANTED BY THE TRIAL COURT OR THIS COURT, it is temporarily continued for a period not to exceed sixty days upon the bail previously posted. The purpose of a continued stay is to allow Appellant to file with the Supreme Court of Ohio an application for a stay during the pendency of proceedings in that court. If a stay is continued by this entry, it will terminate at the earlier of the expiration of the sixty day period, or the failure of the Appellant to file a notice of appeal with the Supreme Court of Ohio in the forty-five day appeal period pursuant to Rule II, Sec. 2 of the Rules of Practice of the Supreme Court of Ohio. Additionally, if the Supreme Court of Ohio dismisses the appeal prior to expiration of sixty days, the stay will terminate as of the date of such dismissal.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.
Exceptions.
Abele, P.J.: Concurs in Judgment and Opinion.
Kline, J.: Dissents in Part with Opinion as to A/E‘s 2, 8, & 9 and with the remainder of Opinion Concurs in Judgment Only.
For the Court,
BY: _________________________
Matthew W. McFarland, Judge
NOTICE TO COUNSEL
Pursuant to Local Rule No. 14, this document constitutes a final judgment entry and the time period for further appeal commences from the date of filing with the clerk.