Opinion ID: 4524981
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Issue in this Case Is Properly Before Us

Text: {¶ 9} As an initial procedural matter, we conclude that the state’s failure to argue below for a substantial-compliance standard does not constitute a basis for affirming the judgment of the court of appeals. The issue whether substantial compliance or strict compliance applies is not essential to this case. Rather, the critical issue is what Crim.R. 11(C)(2)(c) requires of the trial court and what showing a defendant must make to demonstrate that the plea is invalid. The state contends that the trial court’s colloquy fully complied with the requirements of the rule by conveying the substance of Miller’s constitutional rights to him in a reasonably intelligible manner. We agree. {¶ 10} Moreover, in its opinion, the Eighth District acknowledged that its strict-compliance holding conflicted with the Tenth District’s holding in State v. Ellis, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 14AP-912, 2015-Ohio-3438, ¶ 10-12, that Veney, 120 Ohio St.3d 176, 2008-Ohio-5200, 897 N.E.2d 621, allows substantial compliance with the portion of Crim.R. 11(C)(2)(c) requiring the trial court to determine whether the defendant understands that by pleading guilty he or she is waiving his or her constitutional trial rights. 2018-Ohio-843 at ¶ 12-14. Both parties have had a full opportunity to brief the issue, and given the differing views of the Eighth and Tenth Districts on this issue, we determine that it would assist the lower courts if we address this issue now.