Opinion ID: 2062391
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Jury's Role in Habitual Offender Proceeding

Text: Taylor presents two arguments based on Article 1, Section 19 of the Indiana Constitution which reads: In all criminal cases whatever, the jury shall have the right to determine the law and the facts. First, he argues the trial court erred in ordering defense counsel not to mention the possible penalty for the habitual offender finding before the jury. The jury's right under the Indiana Constitution to determine the law has some limitations; the jury, for instance, has no responsibility to assess penalties under the current criminal code. Jones v. State (1983), Ind., 449 N.E.2d 1060. The habitual offender finding is a means of sentencing and is not a determination of law. The trial court properly refused to instruct the jury on the penalty which would attach if the jury found Taylor to be an habitual offender. Underhill v. State (1981), Ind., 428 N.E.2d 759. Second, Taylor claims he should have been permitted to testify about why he did not deserve to be considered a habitual criminal at that phase of trial. He states the issue of proportionality is a matter for the jury. We disagree. The only relevant evidence in a habitual offender proceeding is evidence that proves or disproves the defendant's prior felony convictions. Thomas v. State (1983), Ind., 451 N.E.2d 651, 654. Taylor's offer of proof shows no relevant evidence that the jury should have heard. He said he was thirty-five years old and knew the penalty for theft could be from one to four years. He realized the penalty would be enhanced by thirty years if he were found to be an habitual offender. Taylor further testified he never hurt anyone, never robbed, raped, or pulled a weapon on anyone. He said that while he stole things, he did not feel he was a habitual criminal. Though the trial court may consider the testimony for sentencing, Article 1, Section 19 of the Indiana Constitution does not require that this evidence go to the jury.