2ft(£

NO. PD 0319-15

IN THE

COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

FOR THE

STATE OF TEXAS

RECEIVED-IN

COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

SEP 012015

AbeiAcosta,CferJ<

Petition for Review ofthe

Eighth Court ofAppeals

Judgment in No. 08-12-00355-CR

Affirming conviction in Cause No. 20090D92461

From the 346th Judicial District Court

El Paso County, Texas

LAURA KNIGHT

Appellant

v.

THE STATE OF TEXAS

Appellee

FILED IH

COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

SEP 16 z:o

Abel Acosta, Clerk

APPELLANT'S PETITION FOR DISCRETIONARY REVIEW

LAURA KNIGHT

ProSe

219DOLANST.

EL PASO, TEXAS 79905

Telephone Number (915) 471-7498

E-Mail Address:

Salomelknight3714@,att.net
TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS i

INDEX OF AUTHORITIES ii

STATEMENT REGARDING ORAL ARGUMENT 1.

STATEMENT OF THE CASE 2.

STATEMENT OF PROCEDURAL HISTORY 3.

GROUNDS FOR REVIEW 4.

ARGUMENT 5.-11.

PRAYER FOR RELIEF 12.

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE 13.

APPENDIX 14.
LIST OF AUTHORITIES

I. FEDERAL CASES

Page

Jackson v.Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 61 L.Ed. 2d 560 (1979) 6.

TEXAS CASES

Bass v. State, 270 S.W.3d 557 (Tex. Crim. App. 2008) 10.

Nobles v. State, 843 S.W.2d 503 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992) 9.

Geesa v. State, 820 S.W.2d 154 (Tex. Crim. App. 1991) 7.

Rodriguez v. State, 819 S.W. 2d 871 (Tex. Crim. App. 1991) 8.

Ford v. State, 845 S.W.2d (Civ. App. - Houston [1st Dist.] 1992 6.

II. CONSTITUTION

Page

Federal

5th & 14th Amendment U.S. Constitution 10.

State

Art. 1, §13 & §19 Texas Constitution 10.

III. STATUTES

Texas Code ofCriminal Procedure 1.04 10.

Texas Penal Code §6.01 8.

IV. RULES

Texas Rules ofEvidence 404 8., 9.
STATEMENT REGARDING ORAL AGRUMENT

Appellant waives the right to oral argument.
STATEMENT OF THE CASE

Appellant was convicted of unlawful possession of a controlled substance

before the trial court, i.e. possession of hydrocodone. She appealed her conviction

before the 8th Court of Appeals and the trial court's judgment was upheld by the

appellate court on January 28, 2015.

Appellant contends the evidence is legally insufficient to support her

conviction because the State failed to prove (i) that she knowing or intentionally

possessed the hydrocodone, (ii) that the pills she received from the pharmacy were

hydrocodone, or (iii) that the hydrocodone she received weighed between 28 and

200 grams as charged. Appellant also argues that the trial court erroneously admitted

extraneous-offense evidence during the guilt-innocence phase of her trial.

Appellant contends that the trial court did not enforce its pre-trial discovery

order as to disclosure ofthe state's witnesses and such refusal to enforce its pre-trial

order not only violated Texas law as to discovery, it was contrary to Rule 404, Tex.R.

ofEvid., and thereby denied appellant a fair trial.

2.
STATEMENT OF PROCEDURAL HISTORY

On May 21, 2009 Appellant, LAURA KNIGHT, was indicted for unlawful

possession of a controlled substance in penalty group three, to wit: hydrocodone,

having an aggregate weight, including adulterants and dilutants, of28 grams or more

but less than 200 grams, alleged to have occurred on or about July 19, 2008.

Appellant elected a trial by jury and on October 31,2009 she was found guilty

as charged. In accordance with the jury's verdict and recommendation as to

punishment the trial court sentence Appellant to two (2) years in prison.

Appellant appealed her conviction to the 8th Court of Appeals and on January

28, 2015 the appellate court upheld the conviction. From this conviction Appellant

now files her Petition for Discretionary Review before the Texas Court ofCriminal

Appeals.
GROUNDS FOR REVIEW

The Court of Appeals has disregarded a material question of law necessary to the

court's decision; and, alternatively, the Court of Appeals has so far departed from

the accepted and usual course ofjudicial proceedings, or so far sanctioned such a

departure by a lower court as to call for an exercise ofthe Court ofCriminal Appeals'

power ofsupervision.

1. The Court ofAppeals incorrectly upheld the judgment ofthe trial court in that

the evidence introduced at trial was insufficient as a matter oflaw or fact to sustain

the jury's verdict.

2. The Court ofAppeals incorrectly upheld the trial court's refusal to enforce its

Pre-Trial and Discovery Order by permitting the State to call rebuttal witnesses

during the innocent-guilt phase ofthe trial in violation ofRule 404, Tex.R.Evid.

4.
ARGUMENT IN SUPPORT OF GROUNDS FOR REVIEW

The Court of Appeals has disregarded a material question of law

necessary to the court's decision; and, alternatively, the Court ofAppeals has

so far departed from the accepted and usual course ofjudicial proceedings, or

so far sanctioned such a departure by a lower court as to call for an exercise

or the Court ofCriminal Appeals' power ofsupervision.

1. The Court of Appeals incorrectly upheld the judgment of the trial

court in that the evidence introduced at trial was insufficient as a matter

of law or fact to sustain the jury's verdict.

Appellant was charged by indictment with unlawful possession of a

controlled substance, i.e. hydrocodone weighing between 28 and 200 grams.

A third degree felony. However, a review ofthe trial transcript shows that at

trial:

1. No hydrocodone was introduced as evidence; (RR. Vol 2 of 5, Page

11 at lines 20-22).

2. No criminal laboratory reports were introduced to establish that the

drugs, the subject of the States' prosecution, were in fact

hydrocodone; (RR Vol. 2-5, Page 8, line 11-19 & Page 11, line 20-

22).
3. No chain of custody exists as to the drugs attempted to be returned

by Appellant and the drugs testified to by the state's witnesses: Ms.

Sheryl Maxsom, Mr. John Williamson and Mr. Rick Fernandez;

and,

4. No one was introduced or qualified as an expert witness by the State.

Appellant recognizes that Texas law holds that at trial the presumption

ofinnocence is in favor ofthe defendant; but on appeal the presumption

is that a conviction was regular and with be upheld unless a review of

the trial record shows sufficient evidence to the contrary. Ford v.

State, 845 S.W.2d (Civ. App. - Houston [1st Dist] 1992.

It is important to note that Appellant never stipulated to the

State's assertion that the drugs, the subject ofthis possession trial, was

hydrocodone. Appellant never testified at any time during trial nor

entered any plea of guilt. Appellant in researching her case discovered

that although the Court ofCriminal Appeals does not conduct a de novo

factual sufficiency review, it can determine whether the Court of

Appeals applied the correct standard. Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S.

307, 61 L. Ed. 2d 560 (1979). Further, the standard for review is the
same for both direct and circumstantial evidence cases. Geesa v. State,

820 S.W.2d 154 (Tex. Crim. App. 1991).

Appellant asserts, with no disrespect intended, that Justice

Steven L. Hughes of the 8th Court of Appeals, was wrong in his

statements written as part ofthe Court ofAppeals opinion at page 6., to

the effect that: " The Walgreens' clerk whoprovided the hydrocodone

to Appellant recalled that Appellant askedfor the prescription "by

name." The Walgreen's security system video recording of the

transaction shows Appellant holding and looking at the prescription

bottle." The Walgreens' El Paso District Pharmacy Supervisor

testified that the label on the prescription vial showed that the

hydrocodone wasfor Judy Cox. "(RR - Vol 3-5, P 113-127).

A review ofthe video which is States' Exhibit 5, shows two undeniable

facts:

1. There was no audio thus what transpired between the Appellant and the

Walgreen's clerk is unknown to the viewer; and,

2. The video shows that the clerk handed to Appellant a bag, presumably,

a Walgreen's bag which does not show that Appellant saw a

prescription label nor a bottle containing 240 hydrocodone pills.

7.
The above point is critical because this is the evidence the State is

relying on to establish that Appellant intentionally and knowingly exercised

the voluntary act of possession or control of the prohibited substance for a

sufficient time to permit her to terminate her control. Yet, how do you read a

prescription label through a paper bag? This evidence does not comply with

the requirements of Texas Penal Code §6.01 as to the requirement of a

voluntary act or omission. Appellant asserts that there does not exist legal nor

factual sufficiency to uphold her conviction. See Rodriguez v. State, 819

S.W.2d 871 (Tex. Cr. App. 1991).

2. The Court ofAppeals incorrectly upheld the trial court's refusal to

enforce its Pre-Trial Order by permitting the State to call rebuttal

witnesses during the innocent-guilt phase of the trial in violation of Rule

404, Tex.R.Evid.

Appellant would show this Court that on January 21,2010 the trial court

entered its Pre-Trial and Discovery Order. The order states in relevant part:

STATE WITNESSES ... (the State was required to identify) "the names and

addresses ofall witnesses the State will call in its case-in-chiefat the guilt

stage oftrial, in the punishment stage of the trial, and that the State can
reasonably anticipatecalling in the rebuttalstage oftrialshall be given to the

defense prior to trial."

EXPERT WITNESS AND REPORTS ... "The State shall designate

expert witnesses to be called at trial byFriday, 2 weeks prior to trial.''''

At trial the State called Ms. Carol Wright and Appellant's sister, Ms.

Rosario Ortega, to testify at the innocence-guilt phase of appellant's trial

regardless ofthe terms ofTex.R.Evid. 404 and/or the trial court's Pre-Trial

and Discovery Order. Appellant asserts that the appellate court erred in

upholding the trial court's decision permitting Ms. Carol Wright and

Appellant's sister, Ms. Rosario Ortega, to testify. (RR - Vol. 2 of 5, Page 7,

line 1-25, Page 8, 1-25). Texas Rule of Evidence 404 embodies the

"established principle that a defendant is not to be tried for collateral crimes

or for generally being a criminal." Nobles v. State, 843 S.W.2d 503 (Tex.

Crim. App. 1992).

Justice Steven L. Hughes writing for the appellate court asserts that

although Appellant challenged the trial court's ruling permitting the State to

offer extraneous-offense evidence in its case-in-chief, the defense opening

statement "opened the door" to theadmission ofextraneous-offenses evidence

in the State's case-in-chief to rebut the defensive theories presented in the

9.
openingstatement. See 8th CourtofAppeals opinion at page 12. The appellate

court cited this Court's opinion in Bass v. State, 270 S.W.3d 557, 563 n.7

(Tex. Crim. App. 2008) in support ofits decision that Appellant's counsel's

opening statement "opened-the-door" for the State to offer its rebuttal

witnesses. Yet the jury was instructed at the start oftrial that "the argument

ofthe State and defense counsel is not evidence." The trial court admonished

the jury as to what is evidence.

Appellant asserts that she never testified about her "character" nor

called any witness to do so. Granted, Rule 404 requires the defendant to

request in advance of trial reasonable notice that the State intents on

introducing in its case-in-chiefevidence of other crimes, wrongs or acts. See

Tex.R.Evid. 404. Nonetheless, Appellant asserts that it is a violation ofthe

"Due Process" clause under the 5th and 14th Amendment of the United

States Constitution and "Due Process of Law" clause under Art. 1, §13

and §19 of the Texas Constitution and Code of Criminal Procedure 1.04

to refuse to follow, or ignore the law as to how a fair trial will be conducted.

The appellate courtwrites at page 12, of its opinion that... "A defense

opening statement "can open the door" in the admission of extraneousoffense evidence to the State's case-in-chiefto rebut the defensive theories

presented in the opening statement. Id. At 563. " However, suchan argument

10.
is a justification pretext that is tantamount to cancelling or neutralizing the

purpose and legal effect ofTexas Rule ofEvidence 404 and why even issue a

Pre-Trial and Discovery Order ifthe same is going to be ignored at trial. The

jury is probably capable of following the presentation of the evidence and

figuring out whether the defendant's counsel or the defendant ever complied

with its representations made at the opening statements ofthe trial.

For the foregoing reasons Appellant asserts that one, there is

insufficient evidence to sustain her conviction and two, the conduct ofher trial

was not fair in that the violations ofthe above rules ofevidence and procedure

probably caused the rendition of an improper judgment.

11.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF

Appellant respectfully pray that this Honorable Court grant her Petition for

Discretionary Review and reverse the decision of the 8th Court of Appeals.

Appellant further moves that this Court grant a new trial or reverse and acquit

Appellant or enter such orders as it deems will do justice herein.

Respectfully submitted

LAURA KNIGHT °

Appellant and Pro Se

219DolanSt.

El Paso, Texas 79905

Telephone Number: (915)471 -7498

Fax Number: (915) 262-0307

E-Mail: Salomeknight3714@att.net

12.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

The undersigned affirms that a true and accurate copy of the foregoing

instrument filed on behalf of the Petition for Discretionary Review of LAURA

KNIGHT, appellant, has been submitted to the El Paso District's Office, the

appellee, by submission of a copy to the following attorney ofrecord:

JAIME ESPARZA

District Attorney

34th Judicial District

El Paso District Attorney's Office

500 E. San Antonio Ave., Room 201

El Paso, Texas 79901

Tel. (915)546-2059

(915)533-5520

ATTORNEY FOR THE STATE

Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested.

V^ Fax telephone transmission prior to 5:00 p.m.

Personal Delivery to a party.

1st Class U.S. Mail.

E-Mail

Done this <^% day ofAugust 2015

LAURA KNIGHT

13.
APPENDIX

January 28, 2015 Judgment and Opinion of the 8th Court of Civil Appeals,

LAURA KNIGHT v. THE STATE OF TEXAS, No. 08-12-00355-CR.

B. Pre-Trial andDiscovery Order, 346th Judicial District Court, THESTATE OF

TEXAS v. LAURA KNIGHT, No. 20090D02461.

C. DVD diskette, States Exhibit #5, 346th Judicial District Court, THE STATE

OF TEXAS v. LAURA KNIGHT, No. 20090D02461.

14.
LAURA KNIGHT,

v.

THE STATE OF TEXAS,

COURT OF APPEALS

EIGHTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS

EL PASO, TEXAS

Appellant,

Appellee.

No. 08-12-00355-CR

Appeal from the

346th District Court

ofEl Paso County, Texas

(TC#20090D02461)

OPINION

Appellant Laura Knight was recorded on video at a pharmacy picking up a hydrocodone

prescription for a woman who had died five days earlier. Appellant was found guilty of

possession of a controlled substance, and sentenced to two years' confinement. Appellant raises

two issues on appeal. Appellant contends the evidence is legally insufficient to support her

conviction because the State failed to prove (i) that she knowing or intentionally possessed the

hydrocodone, (ii) that the pills she received from the pharmacy were actually hydrocodone, or (iii)

that the hydrocodone she receivedweighed between 28 and 200 grams as charged. Appellant also

arguesthe trial court erroneously admittedextraneous-offense evidence duringthe guilt-innocence

phase of her trial. We hold the evidence was sufficient to support Appellant's conviction for
unlawful possession of hydrocodone, and that the trial court did not err in admitting the evidence

ofAppellant's extraneous offenses. Accordingly, we affirm Appellant's conviction.

BACKGROUND

Appellant's mother, Josephina De La Rosa, was a resident at a foster care home. Each

resident's medication at the home was stored in an unlocked kitchen cabinet in a box labeled with

the patient's name. Although medication was typically administered by the foster home

caregivers, Appellant had access to the kitchen cabinet where the medicines were kept and could

administer the medications prescribed for her mother.

Another resident of the foster care home, Judy Cox, suffered from a painful degenerative

spinal disease for which she was prescribed hydrocodone in a quantity of 240 pills with additional

refills permitted. Carol Wright, the operator of the foster care home, would request Judy's

hydrocodone refills by phone, pick up the prescription at the pharmacy, and store the hydrocodone

prescription in the kitchen cabinet. Judy's sister, Sheryl Maxsom, had arranged for an express

pay service at Walgreens under which the co-pay cost of the refills for Judy's hydrocodone

prescription would be charged automatically to Sheryl's checking account when Carol Wright

picked up the hydrocodone for Judy. The co-pay cost for each ofJudy's hydrocodone refills was

$17.07.

Judy Cox died on July 14, 2008, and her memorial service was held on July 18, 2008. On

July 19, 2008, Sheryl received an email alert on her phone indicating that Walgreens had charged

$17.07 to her bank account. Sheryl had not picked up a prescription on July 19, 2008, and Carol

Wright informed her that she had not phoned in a refill for Judy's hydrocodone.

On August 1, 2008, Sheryl and the Walgreens' store manager, John Williamson, reviewed
a Walgreens' security video recording corresponding with the date and time Judy's prescription

was picked up. From the video recording, Sheryl recognized Appellant standing at the pharmacy

counter. Sheryl notified the police that she had identified the person who had picked up the

prescription. She also discussed the matter with Carol Wright. Several days later, Appellant left

a voice message on Sheryl's phone identifying herself and explaining she had gone to Walgreens

to pick up her son's medication, and Walgreens had accidentally given her Judy's hydrocodone

prescription instead. At a subsequent party attended by Appellant, Carol Wright, and others,

Carol Wright mentioned that someone had obtained Judy's medication after her death. Later,

Appellant telephoned Carol Wright and also informed her that she had discovered that the

pharmacy had erroneously given her Judy's medication when she went to pick up her son's

medication.

At Appellant's request, Carol Wright accompanied Appellant to return the pills to

Walgreens. Carol, who is familiar with hydrocodone, noted there were 24 pills in "a good sized

bottle" whose label contained Judy's name and indicated the bottle had contained 240

hydrocodone tablets. Carol described Appellant as agitated and extremely adamant that

Walgreens issue a letter stating that it was at fault for giving her the medication. Walgreens' El

Paso DistrictPharmacySupervisor, RickFernandez, issuedthe requestedletter to Appellantwhich

stated:

Laura Knight returned #24 tablets of Hydrocodone/APAP [(]10mg/325mg) from a

prescription vial labeled [xxxxxxx]-06435 for Judy Cox. Ms. Knight received the

vial in error. Furthermore, Carol Wright did not order this medication for Ms.

Judy Cox. I apologized to Ms. Knight for the inconvenience for this matter.

DISCUSSION

Sufficiency ofthe Evidence

3
In Issue One, Appellant contends the evidence is legally insufficient to sustain her

conviction for intentionally and knowingly possessing hydrocodone having an aggregate weight of

28 to 200 grams. In particular, Appellant argues the evidence was insufficient to prove: (1) that

she acted intentionally or knowingly, because the Walgreens pharmacy letter indicated she had

received the hydrocodone "in error"; (2) that she actually possessed hydrocodone, since the pills

she received were never tested in a laboratory; and (3) that the hydrocodone was of the requisite

weight, since the pills she received were never weighed.

Standard ofReview

In a legal sufficiency review, we consider all the evidence in the light most favorable to the

verdict, and the reasonable inferences that flow from it, to determine whether any rational jury

could have found the essential elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Jackson v.

Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319, 99 S.Ct. 2781, 2789, 61 L.Ed.2d 560 (1979); Brooks v. State, 323

S.W.3d 893, 895 (Tex.Crim.App. 2010). "If, given all of the evidence, a rational jury would

necessarily entertain a reasonable doubt as to the defendant's guilt, the due process guarantee

requires that we reverse and order a judgment of acquittal." Guevara v. State, 152 S.W.3d 45, 49

(Tex.Crim.App. 2004).

In performing our sufficiency review, we do not re-evaluate the weight and credibility of

the evidence or substitute our judgment for that of the fact finder. Dewberry v. State, 4 S.W.3d

735, 740 (Tex.Crim.App. 1999), cert, denied, 529 U.S. 1131 (2000). We presume the fact finder

resolved any conflicting inferences in favor of the verdict and defer to that resolution. Jackson,

443 U.S. at 326; Clayton v. State, 235 S.W.3d 772, 778 (Tex.Crim.App. 2007). We determine

only whether the necessary inferences are reasonable based upon the combined and cumulative
force of all the evidence when viewed in the light most favorable to the verdict. Hooper v. State,

214 S.W.3d 9, 16-17 (Tex.Crim.App. 2007). Each fact is not required to point directly and

independently to the guilt of the appellant, as long as the cumulative force of all the incriminating

circumstances is sufficient to support the conviction. Id. at 13 (citing Johnson v. State, 871

S.W.2d 183, 186 (Tex.Crim.App. 1993)). Circumstantial evidence is as probative as direct

evidence, and circumstantial evidence alone can be sufficient to establish guilt. Guevara, 152

S.W.3dat49.

Analysis

We measure the sufficiency of the evidence by the elements of the offense as defined by

the "hypothetically correct jury charge" for the case. Miles v. State, 357 S.W.3d 629, 631

(Tex.Crim.App. 2011) (citing Malik v. State, 953 S.W.2d 234, 240 (Tex.Crim.App. 1997)). A

hypothetically correct jury charge "accurately sets out the law, is authorized by the indictment,

does not unnecessarily increase the State's burden of proof or unnecessarily restrict the State's

theories of liability, and adequately describes the particular offense for which the defendant was

tried." Id.

Hydrocodone is classifiedas a controlled substance in Penalty Group 3. Tex. Health &

Safety Code Ann. § 481.104(a)(4)(West Supp. 2014). It is a third-degree felony to knowingly

or intentionally possess hydrocodone having an aggregate weight of 28 grams or more but less

than 200 grams (including adulterants or dilutants), unless, among other things, the person

obtained it under a valid prescription.1 Id. at § 481.117(a), (c)(West 2010). The indictment

' The State was not required to negate the exceptions provided under section 481.117(a). TEX. HEALTH &SAFETY

CODE Ann. § 481.184(a)(West 2010). Rather, the person claiming the benefit of an exception has the burden of

goingforwardwith the evidencewith respectto the exception. Id.
charged that on or about July 19, 2008, Appellant knowingly or intentionally possessed a

controlled substance, hydrocodone, having an aggregate weight, including adulterants and

dilutants, of 28 grams or more but less than 200 grams. Thus, under a hypothetically correct jury

charge, the State was required to prove that Appellant knowingly or intentionally possessed

hydrocodone weighing more than 28 grams but less than 200 grams, including adulterants and

dilutants.

Appellant first contends the evidence is insufficient to show she acted intentionally or

knowingly because the Walgreens pharmacy letter indicated that she had received the

hydrocodone "in error."2 While the letter constitutes some evidence that Appellant may have

lacked the necessary intent or knowledge, it was not the only evidence ofmens rea before the jury.

Evidence at trial indicated Appellant had access to Judy Cox's prescription vial, which contained

the information necessary to order a refill of the hydrocodone prescription by telephone. The

Walgreens' clerk who provided the hydrocodone to Appellant recalled that Appellant asked for the

prescription "by name." The Walgreens' security system video recording of the transaction

shows Appellant holding and looking at the prescription bottle. The Walgreens' El Paso District

PharmacySupervisor testifiedthat the label on the prescription vial showedthat the hydrocodone

was for Judy Cox. Judy's prescription was on an express pay account at Walgreens, but

Appellanthad no such account, and yet Appellant paid nothingfor the prescription she obtainedat

Walgreens. Appellant's claim that she was given Judy's prescription by mistake instead of her

son's prescription was negated by evidence that no prescription for Appellant's son was available

2 Aperson acts intentionally, orwith intent, with respect tothe nature ofhis conduct ortoa result ofhis conduct, when

it is his conscious objective or desire to engage in the conduct or cause the result. TEX. PENAL CODE ANN. §

6.03(a)(West 2011). A person acts knowingly, or with knowledge, with respect to the nature of his conduct or to

circumstances surrounding his conduct when he is aware of thenature of his conduct or thatthe circumstances exist.

TEX.PENAL CODE Ann. § 6.03(b)(West 2011).

6
for pickup on July 19, 2008, and that his prescription was not presented to the pharmacy until a

later date. Likewise, Appellant's claim that she received only 24 pills was negated by Walgreens'

records indicating that 240 pills were dispensed for Judy Cox's prescription but, as noted in

Walgreens' letter, Appellant returned only 24 tablets to Walgreens pharmacy.

Proof of a culpable mental state generally relies upon circumstantial evidence. Dillon v.

State, 514 S.W.2d 92, 94 (Tex.Crim.App. 1978); Agripino v. State, 217 S.W.3d 707, 715

(Tex.App. - El Paso 2007, no pet.). Ordinarily, proof of a culpable mental state must be inferred

from the acts, words, and conduct ofthe accused and the surrounding circumstances. Ledesma v.

State, 611 S.W.2d 529, 531 (Tex.Crim.App. 1984); Agripino, 217 S.W.3d at 715. The evidence

here was legally sufficient to negate Appellant's defensive theory of mistake and to show that

Appellant both knowingly and intentionally possessed the hydrocodone.

Appellant also asserts the evidence was legally insufficient to establish the pills she

possessed were actually hydrocodone, because the pills were never tested by a laboratory.

Without citation to authority, Appellant asserts that a controlled substance is required to be tested

by a certified lab analyst or chemist. The 24 pills that Appellant returned to Walgreens were not

confiscated by law enforcement officers but were apparently processed by Walgreens for

destruction by a third-party. Therefore,the pills could not be tested. Instead, the State presented

testimonial evidence that the controlled substance Appellant possessed was hydrocodone.

This evidence included the testimony of Walgreens' District Supervisor Fernandez, who

had been a licensed pharmacist since 1994. Fernandez examined the large prescription vial that

Appellant presented to him when she returned the pills; he counted 24 pills as its contents,

observedthe label showingthe medication had been prescribed for Judy Cox, identifiedthe pills as

7
hydrocodone with acetaminophen, and informed Appellant that she needed to return the pills

directly to the pharmacy for destruction. He testified that pharmacists do not perform scientific

tests on drugs and stated that he did not perform any scientific analysis on the pills. However,

Fernandez explained that hydrocodone combined with acetaminophen is listed as a "schedule 3"

medication and that no schedule 2 hydrocodone "by itself is kept in the pharmacy. Fernandez

stated that he has dispensed hydrocodone "thousands of times," and testified, without objection,

that the markings on the pills Appellant had presented to him "matched" the markings for

hydrocodone, and that he was sure the pills were hydrocodone and could not be anything else.3

Walgreens' store manager John Williamson testified that his physical inventory of all

hydrocodone pills in the pharmacy established there was no surplus of hydrocodone pills.

Instead, the correct number of hydrocodone pills on hand was consistent with the dispensing of

240 hydrocodone tablets in a large bottle like the one Appellant returned.

In addition to this testimony, Carol Wright described the pills as "roundish, yellowish" and

testified that the bottle containing the tablets was labeled with Cox's name and listed hydrocodone

as its contents. Further, there was evidence that Appellant left a voice message on Sheryl

Maxsom's phone in which Appellant said Walgreens had accidentally given her Judy's

hydrocodone prescription. Without objection, Appellant's sister Rosario also testified that

Appellant was present when Carol Wright learned about a problem with Judy Cox's prescription,

and Appellant later told Rosario that Walgreens had mistakenly given her Judy's hydrocodone.

Walgreens' store manager John Williamson testified that the electronicjournal, or register

3The Court of Criminal Appeals has recognized that an experienced lawenforcement officer may be qualified to

testify that a green leafy plant substance is marijuana because it has distinctive characteristics different from other

green leafy plant substances, but cannot testify thata white or brown powder substance with no unique identifying

features is heroin. See Curtis v. State, 548 S.W.2d 57, 59 (Tex.Crim.App. 1977).

8
recording, indicated Judy Cox's hydrocodone was picked up on July 19, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. and that

the transaction had been verified by observing the security camera's video recording, which

showed Appellant involved in the transaction at 4:34 p.m. He also testified that 24 pills would be

dispensed in a small vial, unlike the large 30-gram vial that Appellant returned, which would be

used to dispense 240 pills. Appellant did not object when the State offered into evidence

Williamson's photograph of 240 hydrocodone tablets from the same manufacturer and having the

same strength as those prescribed and identified in Judy Cox's patient profile. The evidence here

was legally sufficient to show that the pills possessed by Appellant were in fact hydrocodone.

Appellant also contends the evidence is insufficient to establish the amount of

hydrocodone she allegedly possessed because the actual tablets she possessed were not weighed.

The State was required to prove that Appellant possessed 28 grams or more but less than 200

grams of hydrocodone, including adulterants and dilutants. See Tex. Health & Safety Code

Ann. §§ 481.104(a)(4)(West Supp. 2014), 481.117(a)(c)(West 2010). Detective Deanda testified

she was not able to obtain the pills Appellant possessed for the purpose of weighing and testing

because Appellant had returned the pills to Walgreens. Walgreens' store manager John

Williamson testified that the large 30-gram vial that Appellant returned would be used to dispense

240 pills. Williamson testified that his physical inventory of all hydrocodone pills in the

pharmacy established there was no surplus of hydrocodone pills. Instead, the correct number of

hydrocodone pills on hand was consistent with the dispensing of 240 hydrocodone tablets in a

large bottle like the one Appellant returned. At the State's request, Fernandez weighed a quantity

of 240 hydrocodone pills from the samemanufacturer and type as thosedispensedto Appellanton

July 19, 2008, under Judy Cox's prescription, and which Appellant had returned to the pharmacy.
Without objection, Fernandez testified that 240 pills, without the vial, weighed over 100 grams

with adulterants and dilutants. This evidence was legally sufficient to show that the amount of

hydrocodone possessed by Appellant had an aggregate weight of 28 to 200 grams.

Based upon the combined and cumulative force of all the evidence viewed in the light most

favorable to the verdict, we conclude a rational fact finder could have reasonably inferred that

Appellant did not receive the hydrocodone in error but was aware that the hydrocodone

prescription was for Judy Cox, and that Appellant intentionally and knowingly possessed

hydrocodone having an aggregate weight of more than 28 grams but less than 200 grams,

including adulterants and dilutants. Hooper, 214 S.W.3d at 16-17. Because the evidence is

legally sufficient to support Appellant's conviction, Issue One is overruled.

Evidentiary Rulings

In Issue Two, Appellant complains the trial court abused its discretion during the

guilt-innocence phase of trial when it allowed the State to present testimonial evidence of

Appellant's extraneous offenses. Appellant argues that the testimony constituted character

conformity evidence and was unduly prejudicial, and contends the State was required but failed to

provide notice ofits intent to use that evidence.

The testimony at issue was presented by two witnesses, Carol Wright and Appellant's

sister, Rosario Ortega. Carol Wright testified that after another patient at her foster care home had

died, Appellant had asked Carol if she would sell her the deceased patient's hydrocodone.

Appellant's sister, Rosario, testified that Appellant had been prescribed hydrocodone after injuring

her back twelve to fifteen years earlier and had been prescribed hydrocodone again in 2007

following surgery.

10
Standard ofReview

We review the admission of extraneous-offense evidence for an abuse of discretion. De

La Paz v. State, 279 S.W.3d 336, 343 (Tex.Crim.App. 2009); Prible v. State, 175 S.W.3d 724, 731

(Tex.Crim.App. 2005). A trial court does not abuse its discretion if the decision to admit or

exclude the evidence is within the "zone ofreasonable disagreement." Montgomery v. State, 810

S.W.2d 372, 391 (Tex.Crim.App. 1991) (opin. on reh'g). A trial court's determination on the

admissibility of extraneous-offense evidence typically falls within the zone of reasonable

disagreement if the evidence shows: (1) that an extraneous transaction is relevant to a material,

non-propensity issue, and (2) the probative value of that evidence is not substantially outweighed

by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion ofthe issues, or misleading ofthe jury. De La Paz,

279 S.W.3d at 344. Ifthe trial court's evidentiary ruling is correct on any theory oflaw applicable

to that ruling, we will not disturb it even if the trial court gave the wrong reason for the correct

ruling. Id.

Analysis

Evidence of extraneous offenses or prior wrongful acts is generally not admissible during

the guilt-innocence phase as evidence that a defendant acted in conformity with his character by

committing the charged offense. Tex. R. Evid. 404(b); Johnston v. State, 145 S.W.3d 215, 219

(Tex.Crim.App. 2004); Montgomery, 810 S.W.2d at 386. Texas Rule of Evidence 404(b)

embodies the "established principle that a defendant is not to be tried for collateral crimes or for

generally being a criminal." Nobles v. State, 843 S.W.2d 503, 514 (Tex.Crim.App. 1992).

However, evidence of extraneous misconduct or other crimes may be admissible "for other

purposes, such as proof of motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or

11
absence of mistake or accident[.]" Tex. R. Evid. 404(b); Moses v. State, 105 S.W.3d 622, 626

(Tex.Crim.App. 2003); Powell v. State, 63 S.W.3d 435, 438 (Tex.Crim.App. 2001). By raising a

defensive theory, the defendant "opens the door" for the State to offer rebuttal testimony regarding

an extraneous offense if the extraneous offense has characteristics common with the offense for

which the defendant was on trial. See Richardson v. State, 328 S.W.3d 61,71 (Tex.App. - Fort

Worth 2010, pet. refd) (citing Bell v. State, 620 S.W.2d 116, 126 (Tex.Crim.App. 1980)).

Appellant challenges the trial court's ruling permitting the State to offer the

extraneous-offense evidence in its case-in-chief, arguing that at that point in the trial, there was no

defensive theory to rebut. However, Appellant chose to follow the State's opening statement with

her own. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has recognized that, while not evidence, a

defensive opening statement informs the jury ofthe nature ofthe defenses on which defendant will

rely and the facts the defendant expects to prove in support of such defenses. See Bass v. State,

270 S.W.3d 557, 563 n.7 (Tex.Crim.App. 2008). When a defensive opening statement follows

the State's opening, "the State may reasonably rely on this defensive opening statement as to what

evidence the defense intends to present and rebut this anticipated defensive evidence during its

case-in-chief as opposed to waiting until rebuttal." Id. A defense opening statement can "open

the door" to the admission of extraneous-offense evidence in the State's case-in-chiefto rebut the

defensive theories presented in the opening statement. Id. at 563.

During her opening statement, Appellant observed that the State had promised to prove she

intended to possess the hydrocodone and had knowledge that she possessed hydrocodone.

Appellant argued that the State could not prove intent or knowledge because it was not true,

declaring "that's what we are going to present to you during this trial," and asserted she would

12
show with competent evidence that the State could not prove that she knew she was getting another

person's prescription. Thus, in her opening statement Appellant both identified defenses to the

State's assertions that she intentionally and knowingly possessed hydrocodone and raised mistake

as a defense to her receipt of the hydrocodone. Because Appellant's opening statement "opened

the door" to evidence ofAppellant's intent, Carol and Rosario's testimony was admissible to rebut

Appellant's defensive theories. Tex. R. Evid. 404(b); Bass, 270 S.W.3d at 563; Powell, 63

S.W.3d at 439^40. The State was therefore allowed to rebut this anticipated defensive evidence

during its case-in-chief as opposed to waiting until rebuttal.

Further, the testimony of Carol and Rosario had relevance apart from any tendency to

prove character conformity because that testimony logically made the elemental facts ofintent and

knowledge more probable and Appellant's defense of mistake less probable. See Montgomery,

810 S.W.2d at 387-88. The complained-of extraneous evidence was thus admissible under Rule

404(b) to prove intent, knowledge, and absence ofmistake. Tex. R. Evid. 404(b); see Moses, 105

S.W.3d at 626 (rebuttal of a defensive theory of mistake or accident is a permissible purpose to

admit extraneous-offense evidence under Rule 404(b)). The trial court's decision to admit the

extraneous-offense evidence falls within the zone of reasonable disagreement. The trial court

therefore did not abuse its discretion in admitting the evidence.

Appellant also argues that the trial court abused its discretion when it admitted the

extraneous-offense evidence in the absence of notice from the State of its intent to utilize this

evidence. By a written Pre-Trial and Discovery Order, the trial court directed the State to give

written notice to Appellant seven days prior to trial regarding any extraneous offenses that it

intended "to use in its case-in-chief other than that arising out of the transaction on trial." The

13
State contends Appellant failed to preserve any error regarding lack of notice because she did not

seek a continuance when the State notified her that it intended to use the complained-oftestimony.4

We agree.

The purpose ofrequiring notice ofthe State's intent to use extraneous-offense evidence "is

to adequately make known to the defendant the extraneous [acts] the State intends to introduce at

trial and to prevent surprise to the defendant." Martin v. State, 176 S.W.3d 887, 900 (Tex.App. -

Fort Worth 2005, no pet.). To preserve error regarding the State's failure to provide reasonable

notice of its intent to use extraneous-offense evidence, a defendant must request a continuance to

mitigate the effects ofsurprise. Martines v. State, 371 S.W.3d 232, 249 (Tex.App. - Houston [1st

Dist.] 2011, no pet.); Martin, 176 S.W.3d at 900; see also Oprean v. State, 201 S.W.3d 724, 730

n.10 (Tex.Crim.App. 2006) (Cochran, J. concurring) (any error in causing "surprise" to the

defense is forfeited on appeal unless the defendant has also requested a postponement or recess).

Because Appellant did not seek a continuance, her complaint concerning lack of notice is not

preserved for our consideration.

Appellant also made a Rule 403 objection to admission ofthis evidence. Evidence which

is admissible may be excluded if the danger of unfair prejudice substantially outweighs its

probative value. Tex. R. Evid. 403; Montgomery, 810 S.W.2d at 389. Without providing any

Rule 403 balancing-test analysis, Appellant merely asserts the admission of the evidence was

4 The State alsoargues thatAppellant waived errorby failing to timely request notice of any extraneous offenses as

required by Rule 404(b). See TEX. R. EVID. 404(b)(providingthat "upon timely request by the accused in a criminal

case," the State shall give reasonablenotice in advance of trial or its intent to introducein its case-in-chief evidence of

other crimes or wrongs);see also Webb v. State, 995 S.W.2d295, 298 (Tex.App.- Houston [14th Dist.] 1999, no pet.)

(the failure to request notice of extraneous offenses precludes an accused from complaining about the sufficiency of

the notice he received). The trial court's Pre-Trial and DiscoveryOrder,however, directed the State to give written

notice to Appellant without predicating the State's obligation on the Rule 404(b) requirement that Appellant first

timelyrequest notice. Underthe pre-trial order, the State's obligation to providenotice was absolute,and Appellant

was not required to timely request notice in order to complain about the lack of notice on appeal.

14
"highly prejudicial." Where a proper Rule 403 objection is made, the trial court must conduct a

balancing test. Rojas v. State, 986 S.W.2d 241, 250 (Tex.Crim.App. 1998); Williamsv. State, 958

S.W.2d 186, 195 (Tex.Crim.App. 1997) (holding trial court has no discretion whether to conduct

balancing test under Rule 403). In conducting a Rule 403 balancing test, the trial court must

balance (1) the inherent probative value ofthe evidence and (2) the State's need for that evidence

against (3) any tendency of the evidence to suggest a decision on an improper basis, (4) any

tendency to confuse or distract the jury from the main issues, (5) any tendency to be given undue

weight by a jury that has not been equipped to evaluate the probative force ofthe evidence, and (6)

the likelihood that presentation ofthe evidence will consume an inordinate amount of time or be

needlessly cumulative. See Gigliobianco v. State, 210 S.W.3d 637, 641-42 (Tex.Crim.App.

2006). In practice, these factors may well blend together. Id.

Under Rule 403, it is presumed that the probative value ofrelevant evidence exceeds any

danger of unfair prejudice. Hammer v. State, 296 S.W.3d 555, 568 (Tex.Crim.App. 2009).

Based on this presumption, our review of the record, and the relevant Rule 403 criteria, we

conclude the probative value ofthe extraneous-offense evidence was not substantially outweighed

by any prejudicial impact. The testimony concerning Appellant's prior use of hydrocodone

coupled with her prior request that Carol Wright sell her the hydrocodone of a deceased patient

was probative and necessary for the State to rebut Appellant's contention that she had been

provided Judy's hydrocodone prescription in error, as stated in the pharmacy's letter. This

evidence was not cumulative of other evidence, and its presentation was concise. We conclude

this evidence had little, if any, tendency to mislead or confuse the jury, and that any such tendency

was substantially outweighed by its probative value to rebut Appellant's contention that she had

15
received the hydrocodone "in error."

Finding no abuse of discretion, we overrule Issue Two.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the evidence is legally sufficient to support Appellant's conviction and

that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in admitting the extraneous-offense evidence. We

therefore affirm the trial court's judgment. The trial court certified Appellant's right to appeal in

this case, but the certification does not bear Appellant's signature indicating that she was informed

of her rights to appeal and to file a pro se petition for discretionary review with the Texas Court of

Criminal Appeals. See Tex. R. App. P. 25.2(d). The certification is defective, and has not been

corrected by either Appellant's attorney or the trial court. To remedy this defect, this Court orders

Appellant's attorney, pursuant to Tex. R. App.P. 48.4, to send Appellant a copy ofthis opinion and

this Court's judgment, to notify Appellant of her right to file a pro se petition for discretionary

review, and to inform Appellant of the applicable deadlines. See Tex. R. App. P. 48.4, 68.

Appellant's attorney is further ordered to comply with all of the requirements of Tex. R. App. P.

48.4.

STEVEN L. HUGHES, Justice

January 28, 2015

Before McClure, C.J., Rodriguez, and Hughes, JJ.

(Publish)

16
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF EL PASO COUNTY, TEXAS

346TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

THE STATE OF TEXAS '.-:.-.;•;;: '.'; . •' 7. o'j

VS. /Vv CAUSE NO. 20090D02461

LAURA KNIGHT

PRE-TRIAL and DISCOVERY ORDER

The Court hereby enters the following orders relating to Pre-trial schedules and Discovery.

STATE'S WITNESSES

The names and addresses of all witnesses the State will call inits case-in-chief at the guilt stage of

trial, in the punishment stage ofthe trial, and that the State can reasonably anticipate calling in the rebuttal

stage oftrial shall be given to the defense prior to trial. This may be done by either filing the subpoena list

or prospective witness list with the District Clerk or by directly delivering such information to the defense,

ora combination ofboth. However, the State isnot required todisclose the address ofthe alleged victim in

thiscaseunless expressly ordered to doso bytheCourt.

EXPERT WITNESSES AND REPORTS

The State shall designate expert witnesses to be called at trial byFriday, 2weeks prior to trial. The

Defendant shall designate expert witnesses to be called at trial by Friday, 1 week prior to trial. The

expert's written reports shall be made available for inspection after said designation. Results of any physical or mental examinations, scientific tests, experiments or comparisons and autopsies shall be made

available for inspection upon request made bythe Defense atamutually agreed time.

MOTIONS TO SUPPRESS

Motions to Suppress shall be filed fourteen (14) days prior to the 28.01 Motions Conference.

All Motions to Suppress must be heard before the final Pre-Trial. Failure to file Motions to Suppress or

request hearings according to this order will result in wavier ofsuch Motions to Suppress.

DAUBERT MOTIONS

Defendant's Daubert Motions shall be filed fourteen (14) days prior to the 28.01 Motions

Conference. Ahearing on said Motions must be requested at the 28.01 Motions Conference and shall be

heard at the time set by the Court for all other 28.01 Motions. The State's Daubert Motions shall be

filed at any time after Defendant's designation ofexperts, but must be scheduled for hearing no later than

three (3) days prior to trial. Failure to file Daubert Motions or request hearings according to this court

order will result in waiver ofsuch Daubert challenges at trial.
PHYSICAL EVTOENCE

At a mutually agreed time the State shall allow the Defense to inspect all physical evidence, to

include all books, papers documents, photographs, videotapes, clothing, tangible objects, contraband or

substances which the State intends to use in the trial ofthis cause, which were obtained from or belong to

the accused, or which are exculpatory as that term is understood in Brady v. Maryland.

At amutually agreed time the State shall allow the Defense to inspect all weapons alleged by the

State to have been used by the defendant, his co-defendant(s) and/or co-conspirators in the commission of

the indicted offense.

At amutually agreed time the State shall allow the Defense to inspect all fingerprints, palm prints, footprints and reports ofthe same that are: (1) obtained at the scene ofthe alleged crime; and (2) alleged to

have been made by the Defendant in the commission ofthe indicted offense.

CONFESSIONS AND ORAL STATEMENTS

Acopy of any written statement purportedly made by the Defendant (or oral statement recorded in

accordance with V.A.C.C.P. Art. 38.22) is to be given to the Defense within areasonable time.

GRAND JURY TESTIMONY

If the Grand Jury testimony was reported, a transcript of such Grand Jury testimony shall be

prepared and given to the Defense after the witness has testified at trial.

PRIOR CRIMINAL RECORDS

Prior to trial the State shall inform the Defense ofall prior felony convictions and misdemeanor

convictions involving moral turpitude which the State intends to use for impeachment ofthe Defendant at

trial. This will be deemed complied with ifthe State allows the Defense to see the States file and said

information is contained on a rap sheetin the State's file.

Prior to trial, the State shall inform the Defense ofthe prior criminal record of all State's witnesses

which shall include all prior felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions ofmoral turpitude, all arrests and

charging instruments which were in existence or occurred at or after the time ofthe alleged offense or any other part ofthe criminal record ofthe witness which may show bias ofthe witness or motive as to why the

witness would testify inthe manner testified toattrial.

EXCULPATORY/MITIGATING; EVIDENCE

The State shall inform the Defense ofall exculpatory or mitigating evidence which the State or its

agents have in their possession and known to the State or law enforcement personnel. (To be understood m

conformity withBradv v. Maryland).
EXTRANEOUS OFFENSES

The State shall give written notice to the Defense seven (7) days before trial of any extraneous

offenses which the State intends to use in its case-in-chief other than that arising out ofthe transaction on

trial. Such notice shall reasonably inform the Defense ofthe nature ofthe extraneous offense(s).

If the parties are unable to agree to a mutually convenient time for purposes of carrying out this

order, upon motion filed, the Court will enter orders directing the parties to meet at a specific place and

time.

SIGNED and ENTERED this 21st day ofJanuary, 2010.

/ / ... i ,'• ""\

JUDGE ANGIE JUAREZ BARILL

346TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
l11"!!i'![i<|'S!Hhih'!l!!h1iii

Ms. Laura Knight

219 Dolan St.

El Paso, TX: 79905

PLACE STICKER AT TOP OF ENVELOPE TO T

OF THE RETURN ADDRESS, FOLD AT DOTTED LINE

ERTIFIED MAIL

7013 5SSD D0D-1 ISSfl A5b4

1000

Clerk of the Court

The Texas Court of Criminal

209

Appeals

W^st 14th St. Suite 106

Austin, TX 78701

78701