Opinion ID: 2330562
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Sprung's convictions arose from the same conduct.

Text: The first component of the multiplicity inquiry requires us to determine whether the conduct is discrete or unitary. 281 Kan. at 496, 133 P.3d 48. If the conduct is discrete, the convictions do not arise from the same offense and there is no double jeopardy violation. But if the charges arose from the same act or transaction, then the conduct is considered unitary and we move to the second component of the inquiry. 281 Kan. at 496, 133 P.3d 48. In determining whether Sprung's convictions arose from the same conduct, we consider several factors, including whether: (1) the acts occurred at or near the same time, (2) the acts occurred at the same location, (3) a causal relationship existed between the acts, in particular whether an intervening event separated the acts, and (4) a fresh impulse motivated some of the conduct. See 281 Kan. at 497, 133 P.3d 48. We note that these factors are the same factors we utilize in determining whether there are multiple acts requiring a jury unanimity instruction. 281 Kan. at 497, 133 P.3d 48. The parties agree that the aggravated indecent liberties charges, Counts II and III, were based on the final incident described by K.M. The trial court specifically instructed the jury that Count II related to Sprung's touching of K.M. and Count III related to K.M.'s touching of Sprung's penis. The jury verdict form reflected that same distinction. According to K.M.'s trial testimony regarding that incident, Sprung digitally penetrated her vagina and anus, pushed her off his lap, and placed her hand on his penis. All of these events occurred on the same night in Sprung's office and at or near the same time. Further, there is no evidence of an intervening event or suggestion that a fresh impulse motivated Sprung's act of placing K.M.'s hand on his penis. Instead, Sprung's acts of touching K.M. and then placing her hand on his penis were unitary rather than factually separate and distinct. Compare Sellers, 292 Kan. at 130-31, 253 P.3d 20 (concluding defendant's conduct was not unitary when defendant touched victim, left the room for 30 to 90 seconds to check on a barking dog, returned to the room, and touched the victim a second time, with State v. Colston, 290 Kan. 952, 964, 235 P.3d 1234 (2010)) (determining that defendant's digital penetration and penile penetration of the victim that occurred at or near the same time, in the same location, and with no suggestion of an intervening event were not factually separate and distinct acts). Because we have concluded Sprung's two aggravated indecent liberties convictions arose from the same act or transaction, we now move to the second component of Schoonover's multiplicity analysis.