Opinion ID: 1638451
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: Shackling at Trial

Text: In his final claim, Johnston argues that he was denied due process when his legs were shackled at trial, and that the trial court erred in summarily denying his claim. When determining whether an evidentiary hearing is required on a successive rule 3.851 motion, [i]f the motion, files, and records in the case conclusively show that the movant is entitled to no relief, the motion may be denied without an evidentiary hearing. Fla. R.Crim. P. 3.851(f)(5)(B). Because a court's decision whether to grant an evidentiary hearing on a rule 3.851 motion is ultimately based on written materials before the court, its ruling is tantamount to a pure question of law, subject to de novo review. See Ventura v. State, 2 So.3d 194, 197 (Fla.2009). At the outset, we recognize that shackling is inherently prejudicial. Holbrook v. Flynn, 475 U.S. 560, 568-69, 106 S.Ct. 1340, 89 L.Ed.2d 525 (1986). However, we also note that [i]t is essential to the proper administration of criminal justice that dignity, order, and decorum be the hallmarks of all court proceedings in our country. Illinois v. Allen, 397 U.S. 337, 343, 90 S.Ct. 1057, 25 L.Ed.2d 353 (1970). To that end, shackles may be appropriate to preserve an essential state interest such as courtroom security. See Estelle v. Williams, 425 U.S. 501, 505, 96 S.Ct. 1691, 48 L.Ed.2d 126 (1976) (Unlike physical restraints. . . compelling an accused to wear jail clothing furthers no essential state policy.). We conclude that summary denial was appropriate, as this claim lacks merit and is also procedurally barred. First, this claim is procedurally barred because Johnston raised this same claim on direct appeal. There, we concluded that the claim was without merit and denied relief. See Johnston, 497 So.2d at 865-66. While Johnston's issue statement on direct appeal was phrased as a challenge to the trial court's refusal to grant a new trial on the grounds of shackling, the substance of Johnston's argument amounted to a due process claimJohnston asserted that he was denied a fair trialthe same claim he now makes again. Consequently, we find that this claim is procedurally barred. Second, the record refutes Johnston's claim that he is entitled to relief. While the record reflects that pursuant to the court's order, Johnston's legs were shackled at trial, the record also reveals that the court made its decision about Johnston's shackles after a discussion concerning the specific need for the restraints. Before jury selection, when Johnston appeared in court wearing leg and belt shackles, the court inquired about the need for the restraints. The chief bailiff reported that Johnston routinely exhibited belligerent behavior while in jail. He cited numerous incident reports that indicated Johnston fought with other inmates, had previously choked a jail sergeant, and had recently resisted an officer who was trying to transport him back to jail. The court ordered that the shackles remain in place. The information provided to the court, which highlighted Johnston's resistance to those charged with his custody and safekeeping, supplied a reasonable basis for the court to restrain Johnston as a security risk. The record also reflects that the table was rearranged so that the shackles would not be seen by the jury. Thus, Johnston was not deprived of due process in this regard. Moreover, we note that the court also instructed that the belt shackles be taken off, but Johnston himself refused to have them removed. Johnston's claim that he is entitled to relief due to the leg shackles, when he insisted on wearing more noticeable belt restraints, is without merit. Therefore, in addition to being procedurally barred, the record conclusively demonstrates that the trial court took reasonable steps to ensure that the shackles would not be visible to the jury. The trial court conducted a case-specific analysis, made its decision based on information regarding Johnston's behavior, used a reasonable method of restraint under the circumstances, and ensured that the jury would not be able to see the leg shackles that Johnston was required to wear. Thus, Johnston is not entitled to relief on this claim.