Court Opinion

ID: 4574394
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2020-10-08 15:10:24.137401+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:31:04.285161
License: Public Domain

[Cite as State v. Patterson, 2020-Ohio-4832.]

                               COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO

                              EIGHTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
                                 COUNTY OF CUYAHOGA

STATE OF OHIO,                                        :

                 Plaintiff-Appellee,                  :
                                                               No. 109167
                 v.                                   :

THOMAS C. PATTERSON,                                  :

                 Defendant-Appellant.                 :

                                JOURNAL ENTRY AND OPINION

                 JUDGMENT: AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN
                           PART, AND REMANDED
                 RELEASED AND JOURNALIZED: October 8, 2020

          Criminal Appeal from the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas
                             Case No. CR-18-634869-A

                                                Appearances:

                 Michael C. O’Malley, Cuyahoga County Prosecuting
                 Attorney, and Timothy Troup, Assistant Prosecuting
                 Attorney, for appellee.

                 Jonathan N. Garver, for appellant.

ANITA LASTER MAYS, P.J.:

                   Defendant-appellant Thomas C. Patterson (“Patterson”) appeals his

convictions and sentence imposed after a guilty plea to multiple charges. We affirm

the trial court’s judgment.
I.   Background and Facts

               On December 10, 2018, Patterson was indicted by the grand jury on

ten counts:

      1.      R.C. 2925.03(A)(2), drug trafficking cocaine, a first-degree
              felony with mandatory term of incarceration;

      2.      R.C. 2925.11(A), drug possession of cocaine, a first-degree
              felony;

      3.      R.C. 2925.03(A)(2), drug trafficking marijuana, a fifth-degree
              felony;

      4.      R.C. 2925.11(A), drug possession of oxycodone, a fifth-degree
              felony;

      5.      R.C. 2923.23(A), possession of criminal tools, a fifth-degree
              felony;

      6.      R.C. 2903.21(A),      aggravated    menacing,    a   first-degree
              misdemeanor;

      7.      R.C. 4519.11(A)(1)(a), driving while under the influence, a first-
              degree misdemeanor;

      8.      R.C. 4519.11(A)(2)(a), driving while under the influence, a first-
              degree misdemeanor;

      9.      R.C. 2921.31(A), obstructing official business, a fifth-degree
              felony; and

      10.     R.C. 2921.33(A), resisting arrest, a second-degree misdemeanor.

               Patterson’s counsel withdrew the day before the February 27, 2019

motion to suppress hearing and trial. New counsel was retained, and trial was

rescheduled for April 29, 2019. On April 29, 2019, Patterson pleaded guilty as

follows:

      Count(s) 1 is/are amended to reflect that the amount of drugs is
      amended to greater than 20 grams but less than 27 grams. Mandatory
      prison time of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 years. Mandatory (3) years post
      release control to apply. Defendant retracts former plea of not guilty
      and enters a plea of guilty to trafficking offense 2925.03(A)(2) [felony
      two] with forfeiture specification(s) (2941.1417) as amended in
      Count(s) 1 of the indictment. Defendant retracts former plea of not
      guilty and enters a plea of guilty to trafficking offense 2925.03 A(2)
      [felony five] with forfeiture specification(s) ([R.C.] 2941.1417) as
      charged in count(s) 3 of the indictment. Defendant retracts former plea
      of not guilty and enters a plea of guilty to aggravated menacing [R.C.]
      2903.21 a [misdemeanor one] as charged in Count(s) 6 of the
      indictment. Defendant retracts former plea of not guilty and enters a
      plea of guilty to driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
      ([physical control]) [R.C.] 4511.19 A(2)(A) [misdemeanor one] as
      charged in Count(s) 8 of the indictment. Defendant retracts former
      plea of not guilty and enters a plea of guilty to resisting arrest [R.C.]
      2921.33 a [misdemeanor two] m2 as charged in Count(s) 10 of the
      indictment.

Journal entry No. 108458469 (Apr. 29, 2019). Counts 2, 4, 5, 7, 9 were nolled.

Patterson was ordered to forfeit seven cell phones, a scale, a 2007 automobile, and

a marijuana grinder.

               On May 23, 2019, Patterson was sentenced to: (1) eight years on

amended Count 1 and 12 months on Count 3 to run concurrently, (2) time served on

Counts 6 and 8, (3) a mandatory $7,500 fine, (4) a five-year driver’s license

suspension that begins upon release, (5) three years of postrelease control, and (6)

court costs. On November 10, 2019, this court granted Patterson’s motion for leave

to file a delayed appeal and appointed defense counsel.

II. Assignments of Error

              Patterson presents four assignments of error:

      I.    The eight-year prison term imposed by the trial court is
            excessive, unsupported by the record, and contrary to law.
      II.    The trial court abused its discretion by imposing a mandatory
             $7,500 fine on Patterson when the court had been informed of
             Patterson’s indigence and there was no evidence that Patterson
             would be able to pay the fine in the future. R.C. 2929.18(B)(1).

      III.   Patterson received ineffective assistance of counsel as a result of
             defense counsel’s failure to file a motion and affidavit of
             indigence in order to avoid the imposition of a fine. Sixth and
             Fourteenth Amendments, Constitution of the United States, and
             Article I, Section 10 of the Constitution of the state of Ohio.

      IV.    The trial court abused its discretion and violated the law by
             delaying the commencement of Patterson’s driver’s license
             suspension until after his release from prison.

III. Analysis

      A. Sentence

              In his first assignment of error, Patterson argues that his sentence is

excessive, is not supported by the record and is contrary to law. Patterson states

that the trial court imposed the maximum sentence for a second-degree felony with

minimal explanation, and argues that the record lacks evidence of aggravating facts

that support the imposition of the maximum penalty.

              Appellate courts apply the standard of review prescribed in

R.C. 2953.08(G)(2). State v. Marcum, 146 Ohio St.3d 516, 2016-Ohio-1002, 59

N.E.3d 1231, ¶ 1, 21-23.

      Pursuant to R.C. 2953.08(G)(2), an appellate court “may increase,
      reduce, or otherwise modify a sentence * * * or may vacate the sentence
      and remand the matter to the sentencing court for resentencing” if it
      “clearly and convincingly finds” either that the record does not support
      the sentencing court’s findings or that the sentence is “otherwise
      contrary to law.” A sentence is “contrary to law” if (1) the sentence falls
      outside the statutory range for the particular degree of offense or (2)
      the trial court fails to consider the purposes and principles of felony
      sentencing set forth in R.C. 2929.11 and the sentencing factors set forth
      in R.C. 2929.12. See, e.g., State v. Thomas, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga
      No. 107116, 2019-Ohio-790, ¶ 22; State v. Lariche, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga
      No. 106106, 2018-Ohio-3581, ¶ 14.

State v. Wilkins, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 107982, 2019-Ohio-4061, ¶ 20.

              R.C. 2929.11 addresses the purposes of felony sentencing.

      The overriding purposes of felony sentencing are to protect the public
      from future crime by the offender and others, to punish the offender,
      and to promote the effective rehabilitation of the offender using the
      minimum sanctions that the court determines accomplish those
      purposes without imposing an unnecessary burden on state or local
      government resources. To achieve those purposes, the sentencing
      court shall consider the need for incapacitating the offender, deterring
      the offender and others from future crime, rehabilitating the offender,
      and making restitution to the victim of the offense, the public, or both.

R.C. 2929.11(A).

              R.C. 2929.12 addresses the statutory seriousness and recidivism

factors that are used to guide a court’s sentencing discretion.

      Pursuant to R.C. 2929.12, the trial court has discretion to “determine
      the most effective way to comply with the purposes and principles of
      sentencing.” R.C. 2929.12(A). The court must consider applicable
      factors from divisions (B) and (C) relating to the “seriousness of the
      conduct,” and divisions (D) and (E) relating to recidivism. Id. The
      statute also permits the trial court to consider “any other factors that
      are relevant to achieving those purposes and principles of sentencing.”
      Id.

State v. McGowan, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 105806, 2018-Ohio-2930, ¶ 12.

              A sentence is contrary to law if the sentence is more or less than the

statutory range or if the trial court does not consider the purposes and principles of

felony sentencing in R.C. 2929.11 and the sentencing factors in R.C. 2929.12.

State v. Franklin, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 107482, 2019-Ohio-3760, ¶ 41, citing

State v. Pawlak, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 103444, 2016-Ohio-5926, ¶ 58. However,
in its consideration, the trial court is not mandated to make findings or give its

reasoning for imposing more than the minimum sentence. Id.                Therefore, a

sentence is not contrary to law when it is within the statutory range and where the

trial court considered R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12. State v. Price, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga

No. 104341, 2017-Ohio-533, ¶ 14.

               In   this   case,   Patterson   pleaded   to   a   trafficking   offense,

R.C. 2925.03(A)(2), a second-degree felony, with forfeiture specification(s)

(2941.1417), as amended. The range for a felony of the second degree is a mandatory

minimum of two years up to eight years’ imprisonment. Patterson’s eight-year

sentence falls within the statutory range for a felony of the second degree. “Trial

courts have full discretion to impose a sentence within the statutory range.” State v.

Mathis, 109 Ohio St.3d 54, 2006-Ohio-855, 846 N.E.2d 1, paragraph three of the

syllabus.

               At the sentencing hearing, defense counsel advised the trial court that

Patterson suffers from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance abuse issues, and

that he was remorseful. Bodycam evidence demonstrated that Patterson was

verbally abusive and somewhat combative during the arrest and that he was

particularly abusive to the female officer and stated that he would kill her.

               The arresting officer also addressed the trial court and testified that

what should have been a simple traffic stop turned into a public spectacle that also

placed the officers at risk. The officer continued:
      And I was honest in my report when I said he was the most hostile,
      volatile, and combative person I’ve ever dealt with. I’ve been an officer
      for seven years. And both on scene and carrying over to the jail where
      I was legitimately fearful. After we put him in his cell, he was slamming
      so hard I thought he was going to break the door down.

(Tr. 62.) Patterson apologized to the officer. Patterson stated he was under the

influence of PCP, cocaine, alcohol, and marijuana the night of his arrest. The state

did not conduct chemical tests.

               The trial court pointed out Patterson’s history of convictions

beginning in 1992 that included involuntary manslaughter and aggravated vehicular

assault. Two years after release from incarceration Patterson was sentenced to one

year for drug trafficking. Patterson admitted to a substantial history of substance

abuse and that he did not seek counseling for the addiction. The sentencing entry

reflects, “The court considered all required factors of the law. The court finds that

prison is consistent with the purpose of R.C. 2929.11.” Journal entry No. 108858171,

p. 1 (May 23, 2019).

               We find that the record clearly and convincingly supports the trial

court’s findings, and the sentence is not contrary to law. Patterson’s first assignment

of error is overruled.

      B. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel and Imposition of Fine

               We address the third assignment of error out of order. Patterson

states here that defense counsel’s admitted failure to file a motion under

R.C. 2929.18(B)(1) to avoid imposition of the mandatory fine constitutes ineffective

assistance of counsel. We find that the assigned error has merit.
              To establish a claim for ineffective assistance of counsel, Patterson

must show his trial counsel’s performance was deficient, and that the deficient

performance prejudiced the defense so as to deprive Patterson of a fair trial.

Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d 674

(1984); State v. Bradley, 42 Ohio St.3d 136, 538 N.E.2d 373 (1989). To establish

prejudice, the defendant must demonstrate there is a “reasonable probability that,

but for counsel’s unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been

different.” Strickland at 694.

              “Ohio courts have consistently held that because trial courts have

broad discretion when imposing financial sanctions upon a defendant, appellate

courts review the imposition of financial sanctions for abuse of discretion.” State v.

Cotto, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 107159, 2019-Ohio-985, ¶ 7, citing State v.

Theodorou, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 105630, 2017-Ohio-9171, ¶ 23.

              R.C. 2925.03(D)(1) provides:

      If the violation of division (A) of this section is a felony of the first,
      second, or third degree, the court shall impose upon the offender the
      mandatory fine specified for the offense under division (B)(1) of section
      2929.18 of the Revised Code unless, as specified in that division, the
      court determines that the offender is indigent.

              R.C. 2929.18(B)(1) provides:

      For a first, second, or third degree felony violation of any provision of
      Chapter 2925 * * * of the Revised Code, the sentencing court shall
      impose upon the offender a mandatory fine of at least one-half of, but
      not more than, the maximum statutory fine amount authorized for the
      level of the offense pursuant to division (A)(3) of this section.
               A trial court shall impose a mandatory fine on a defendant unless:

(1) the defendant files an affidavit with the court before sentencing that alleges the

defendant is indigent and unable to pay the fine; and (2) it is determined by the court

that the defendant is unable to pay due to indigence. R.C. 2929.18(B)(1), Cotto, 8th

Dist. Cuyahoga No. 107159, 2019-Ohio-985, at ¶ 9.

               In addition,

      [t]he court is not obligated to make any express findings, but rather is
      required only to “consider” a defendant’s ability to pay a financial
      sanction. State v. Hodge, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 23964, 2011-Ohio-
      633, ¶ 55. Generally, a trial court complies with this requirement when
      it considers a presentence investigation report that contains
      information about the offender’s financial situation and his ability to
      pay the financial sanction. See State v. Lewis, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga
      No. 90413, 2008-Ohio-4101, ¶ 13; State v. Bulstrom, 2013-Ohio-3582,
      997 N.E.2d 162, ¶ 15 (4th Dist.).

State v. Simpson, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 101088, 2014-Ohio-4580, ¶ 21.

               During the sentencing hearing, in response to the trial court’s inquiry,

defense counsel advised that an affidavit of indigency had not been filed. Counsel

then stated, “I’d ask the Court to find him indigent. I mean, he lost everything, with

drugs.” (Tr. 71.) The trial court responded, “File a proper motion.” Id. Counsel

replied, “I will do so, Your Honor.” Id.

               We find that our decision in State v. Hubbard, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga

No. 99093, 2013-Ohio-1994, ¶ 5, is instructive here. Hubbard pleaded guilty to one

count of drug possession under R.C. 2925.11(A). On appeal, Hubbard contended his

appointed counsel was ineffective for failure to file an indigency affidavit and move

to waive the mandatory $7,500 drug fine.
              “Where the record shows a ‘reasonable probability’ that the trial court

would have found the defendant indigent and unable to pay the fine had an affidavit

been filed,” the courts of Ohio “have held that the failure to file an affidavit of

indigency for purposes of waiving a mandatory fine constitutes ineffective assistance

of counsel.” Id. at ¶ 9, citing State v. Gilmer, 6th Dist. Ottawa No. OT-01-015, 2002-

Ohio-2045, ¶ 5, citing State v. Huffman, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 63938, 1995 Ohio

App. LEXIS 233, *13 (Jan. 26, 1995), citing State v. Powell, 78 Ohio App.3d 784,

605 N.E.2d 1337 (3d Dist.1992).

              Patterson, who was 42 years of age at the time of sentencing, has

several convictions beginning in 1992 as a juvenile and has served more than one

term of imprisonment. His prior convictions include aggravated vehicular assault,

involuntary manslaughter, and drug trafficking.

              Patterson also has a long history of drug and alcohol abuse, and

unemployment. As counsel stated, Patterson “is an addict. He [has] been dealing

with drugs and alcohol for the majority of his life, Your Honor.” (Tr. 54.) Patterson

was not eligible for mental health court but counsel advised that “upon his remand

at the last hearing * * * [he] was diagnosed with bipolar and schizophrenia. He now

takes his meds, Your Honor.” (Tr. 54-55.)

              Patterson was deemed to be indigent when trial counsel was

appointed. Also, this court found Patterson to be indigent for purposes of the

appointment of appellate counsel and to secure the transcript.           Though not

determinative, these factors may also be considered by the trial court upon remand.
“A determination that a criminal defendant is indigent for purposes of receiving

appointed counsel is separate and distinct from a determination of being indigent

for purposes of paying a mandatory fine.” State v. Cruz, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga

No. 106098, 2018-Ohio-2052, ¶ 28.

               Based on the record and the total failure of defense counsel to file a

proper motion as the trial court instructed, we find that there is a reasonable

probability that the trial court would have found Patterson to be indigent and unable

to pay the mandatory drug fine of $7,500. See Hubbard, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga

No. 99093, 2013-Ohio-1994, at ¶ 10.

               Thus, the record demonstrates that Patterson was denied effective

assistance of counsel by counsel’s failure to file an affidavit of indigency and that he

was prejudiced by this failure. Strickland, 466 U.S. 668, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d

674. The portion of the sentence imposing the fine is void and is set aside. Hubbard

at ¶ 14, citing State v. Moore, 135 Ohio St.3d 151, 2012-Ohio-5479, 985 N.E.2d 432.

               The third assigned error has merit. The matter will be remanded to

the trial court for a hearing pursuant to R.C. 2929.18(E) and R.C. 2929.19(B)(5).

Patterson’s resentencing must be limited to the determination of indigency and

whether the mandatory fine should be imposed. Id.

      C. Mandatory Fine Imposition

               Our determination of the third assigned error renders the second

assigned error moot. App.R. 12(A).
      D.   License Suspension

              Patterson’s final challenge is to the trial court’s imposition of a

driver’s license suspension effective upon his release from prison.        Patterson

pleaded guilty to drug trafficking under R.C. 2925.03(A)(2), a second-degree felony,

for an amount greater than 20 grams but less than 27 grams, and

R.C. 2925.03(A)(2), a fifth-degree felony. During the plea, Patterson responded that

he understood that the two drug counts include a “possible driver’s license

suspension for a period of anywhere from six months to five years. That would apply

to both drug counts.” (Tr. 43.) Patterson also confirmed his understanding that the

second OVI charge in a ten-year period and failure to take a breathalyzer test under

R.C. 4511.19(G)(1)(a)-(b)(iv) was also subject to a license suspension for one to

seven years. Driving privileges for each count were available after 45 days.

              This court has previously recognized that the imposition of a license

suspension for trafficking drugs under R.C. 2925.03(G) that takes effect after a term

of incarceration is not contrary to law. State v. Yuravak, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga

No. 89891, 2008-Ohio-2186, ¶ 10, citing State v. Budenz, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga

No. 88483, 2007-Ohio-2375, and State v. Hiles, 5th Dist. Delaware No. 03 CA 24,

2003-Ohio-6290.

              The fourth assignment of error is overruled.

IV. Conclusion

                The trial court’s sentence regarding the mandatory drug fine is void,

and we vacate and set aside that portion of the judgment. The case is remanded for
resentencing solely as to the determination of indigency and whether the mandatory

fine should be imposed. The remainder of the judgment is affirmed.

      It is ordered that each party bear their own costs herein taxed.

      The court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.

      It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this court directing the

common pleas court to carry this judgment into execution.

      A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27

of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.

ANITA LASTER MAYS, PRESIDING JUDGE

FRANK D. CELEBREZZE, JR., J., and
KATHLEEN ANN KEOUGH, J., CONCUR