Court Opinion

ID: 2698083
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2014-08-04 17:45:17.834118+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:50:42.308144
License: Public Domain

[Cite as State v. Recinos, 2014-Ohio-3021.]

                                        COURT OF APPEALS
                                     RICHLAND COUNTY, OHIO
                                    FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT

                                                       JUDGES:
STATE OF OHIO                                  :       Hon. W. Scott Gwin, P.J.
                                               :       Hon. Sheila G. Farmer, J.
                         Plaintiff-Appellant   :       Hon. Craig R. Baldwin, J.
-vs-                                           :
                                               :
RICARDO A. RECINOS                             :       Case No. 14CA9
                                               :
                      Defendant-Appellee       :
                                               :       OPINION

CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING:                           Criminal appeal from the Richland County
                                                   Court of Common Pleas, Case No. 2013-
                                                   CR-580H

JUDGMENT:                                          Reversed and Remanded

DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY:                            July 7, 2014

APPEARANCES:

For Plaintiff-Appellant                            For Defendant-Appellee

JILL COCHRAN                                       RANDALL FRY
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney                     10 West Newlon Place
38 South Park Street                               Mansfield, OH 44902
Mansfield, OH 449902
[Cite as State v. Recinos, 2014-Ohio-3021.]

Gwin, P.J.

        {¶1}     Appellant, the State of Ohio, appeals the dismissal by the Richland County

Court of Common Pleas of a forfeiture specification contained in the indictment of

defendant-appellee Ricardo A. Recinos, the trial court’s suspension of Recinos’ prison

sentence without the imposition of community control sanctions and the trial court’s

order that the money which was the subject of the forfeiture specification be utilized to

pay Recinos’ fine, court costs and restitution.

                                       Facts and Procedural History

        {¶2}     On August 22, 2013, Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Shane Morrow,

canine handler to canine Hera, was stationed at mile marker 176 on Interstate 71 in

Richland County, Ohio, monitoring southbound traffic. Trooper Morrow noticed a white

full-sized van that appeared to have window tint on the driver side that was so dark that

the driver was not visible. The trooper noted this as a violation of the laws of the State of

Ohio as side windows are required to allow 50% light, plus or minus three percent.

        {¶3}     Trooper Morrow decided to perform a stop on the vehicle for an equipment

violation, pulled into traffic behind the vehicle, and started to run the vehicle plates. The

driver of the vehicle rolled down the window and was observed watching the officer's

vehicle through his side mirror. The trooper initiated a traffic stop in the area of State

Route 39. The trooper made a passenger side approach for his own safety and upon

approach noticed that the passenger, Recinos, was making furtive movements with his

right hand beside and behind his seat in the area of the passenger side door. Trooper

Morrow opened the side door and Recinos raised his hands, revealing a wad of cash
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9                                                         3

with a one-hundred dollar bill on the outside. The total amount of this money was

$7,500.

      {¶4}   Due to the Recinos movements, the large amount of cash, which in the

officer's training an experience usually indicates drug trafficking, and other indicators

through the course of the stop, the trooper decided to perform a walk-around search

with his canine, while other officers validated the identifications of the vehicle

occupants. Canine Hera indicated the presence of illegal substances in the area of the

rear passenger door, just behind the front passenger seat where Recinos was seated,

in the area where he was seen reaching. A subsequent search of the area turned up a

plastic baggie of what was later determined to be methamphetamine.

      {¶5}   The window tint was later found to have been ripped off the windows by

the vehicle occupants at some point during the stop and tossed to the floor of the

vehicle. Testing of the window tint indicated that it was only allowing in 11.2% of light.

Upon searching the vehicle, numerous cell phones and air fresheners were found

throughout the vehicle.

      {¶6}   The trooper spoke to Recinos during the course of the stop. Recinos

indicated that he was a mechanic from Columbus who was coming from doing some

work in Medina. He also mentioned that he bought and sold cars. Id. Throughout the

interview, Recinos offered varying stories about where the money came from.

      {¶7}   Recinos testified that he had a business with his girlfriend, buying and

selling cars. He also testified that by profession he was a mechanic and that on the day

in question, he was coming from Medina where he had some mechanic work. Recinos

testified that part of the money he had on his person was from the sale of a car two
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9                                                          4

weeks prior. The trooper also informed the trial court that he had interviewed Recinos

regarding his money situation and had given the grand jury information regarding the

Recinos income and his monthly expenses.

       {¶8}   Recinos was indicted with one count of aggravated possession of drugs,

in violation of R.C. 2925.11(A) & (C)(1)(a), said drug being methamphetamine, a

schedule II drug in an amount less than bulk, a felony of the fifth degree, The indictment

also contained a forfeiture specification for $7,500 in cash alleged to have been

obtained by Recinos directly or indirectly from the commission of said offense.

       {¶9}   Recinos filed a motion to return personal property on November 25, 2013,

requesting the return of the money taken from his person by the Ohio State Highway

Patrol and requesting a hearing on the matter. The State filed a reply on December 3,

2013, arguing that the motion could not be considered at the time because the money in

question was the subject of an indicted forfeiture specification. The trial court overruled

the motion on December 10, 2013.

       {¶10} On December 9, 2013, Recinos filed a Motion to Suppress, specifically

arguing the legality of the vehicle stop and the propriety of the search of the vehicle.

The state responded on December 23, 2013. The suppression hearing was held on

January 17, 2014.

       {¶11} Apparently, after the completion of the suppression hearing there were

discussions off the record. When the record started again, it was clear that the court

was intent on holding a hearing regarding the forfeiture specification. The State

indicated that it had only been prepared to go forward on the motion to suppress that

had been scheduled that day and had neither the evidence nor the testimony prepared
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9                                                          5

to go forward on the forfeiture specification. The court's response was that the forfeiture

specification would then be dismissed if the State did not have evidence to go forward.

When the State indicated that time was needed to prepare the evidence, the trial court

demanded to know what evidence regarding the forfeiture was presented to the grand

jury. The trial court then determined that there had not been probable cause for the

grand jury to have charged the forfeiture specification and dismissed it over the

objection of the State.

       {¶12} Recinos then entered an Alford plea to the possession charge. The trial

court sentenced Recinos to six months in prison. He was given credit for time served,

approximately three days, and the rest of the time was suspended. Recinos was not

placed on community control. Nor was he sentenced to post release control. The trial

court further ordered that Recinos pay a $2,500 fine, costs and restitution to the Ohio

State Highway Patrol for the drug test. The trial court specifically ordered that the Ohio

State Highway Patrol turn the money over to the clerk of courts in order to have the

$2,500 fine, lab fees and costs deducted from the money and to pay the remainder to

Recinos through his attorney.

                                    Assignments of Error

       {¶13} The state has raised four assignments of error,

       {¶14} “I. THE TRIAL COURT VIOLATED THE DUE PROCESS RIGHTS OF

THE STATE WHEN IT DISMISSED THE PROPERLY CHARGED FORFEITURE

SPECIFICATION IN THIS CASE WITHOUT HOLDING A HEARING WITH PROPER

NOTICE GIVEN TO THE STATE.
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9                                                      6

      {¶15} “II. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN DISMISSING THE FORFEITURE

SPECIFICATION IN THIS CASE WHEN THE PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE

ESTABLISHED THAT THE MONEY WAS SUBJECT TO FORFEITURE.

      {¶16} “III. THE APPELLEE'S SENTENCE WAS CONTRARY TO LAW WHEN IT

CONTAINED A SUSPENDED PRISON SENTENCE WITHOUT THE IMPOSITION OF

A COMMUNITY CONTROL SANCTION.

      {¶17} “IV. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN ORDERING THAT THE STATE

HIGHWAY PATROL RELEASE THE MONEY TO THE CLERK OF COURT TO PAY

THE APPELLEE'S FINE, COURT COST AND RESTITUTION.”

                                          I & II

      {¶18} Because we find the issues raised in the state’s first and second

assignments of error are closely related, for ease of discussion, we shall address the

assignments of error together.

      {¶19} The state argues the trial court erred when it dismissed the forfeiture

specification in this case due to "lack of probable cause" presented before the grand

jury and further, through the course of the suppression hearing presented sufficient

evidence that the money that was seized from Recinos was a proceed derived from or

acquired from a drug offense.

      {¶20} R.C. Chapter 2981 permits “[a] law enforcement officer [to] seize property

that the officer has probable cause to believe is property subject to forfeiture.” R.C.

2981.03(A)(2). “Property subject to forfeiture” is defined to include “contraband” and

“instrumentalities” involved in the commission of a felony. See R.C. 2981.01(B)(13) and

R.C. 2981.02(A)(1), R.C. 2981.02(A)(3)(a), and R.C. 2981.02(B).
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9                                                             7

       {¶21} A prosecuting attorney may then pursue forfeiture of seized property in a

criminal proceeding under R.C. 2981.04, a civil proceeding under R.C. 2981.05, or both.

R.C. 2981.03(F). Criminal forfeiture is initiated by including in the charging instrument a

specification consistent with R.C. 2941.1417 or by providing the defendant with “prompt

notice,” in conformity with Crim.R. 7(E), that the property is subject to forfeiture. R.C.

2981.04(A)(1) and (A)(2). Civil forfeiture is initiated by filing “a complaint requesting an

order that forfeits the property to the state or a political subdivision.” R.C. 2981.05(A).

See, State v. North, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-120248, 2012-Ohio-5200, ¶8.

       {¶22} Forfeiture may be ordered only after the prosecuting attorney has

identified and notified parties with an interest in the property, the trial court has

conducted a hearing, and the trier of fact has found that the property is subject to

forfeiture. See R.C. 2981.04(A) and (B), R.C. 2981.05(B) and (D), and R.C.

2981.03(A)(1). State v. North, ¶9; Accord, State v. Allen, 10th Dist. Franklin Nos. 13AP-

460, 13AP-462, 2014-Ohio-1806, ¶28. Before the final forfeiture adjudication, the state

or a political subdivision holds “provisional title to property subject to forfeiture,”

permitting the state or political subdivision to seize, hold, and protect the property. “Title

to the property vests with the state or political subdivision when the trier of fact renders

a final forfeiture verdict or order.” R.C. 2981.03(A)(1); see also R.C. 2981.04(G) and

2981.05(E). Id.

       {¶23} The Ohio Supreme Court has observed,

              Moreover, the forfeiture of items contemplates judicial action and

       additional considerations that extend beyond a defendant’s criminal case.

       The proceeding itself requires an additional finding by the trier of fact. R.C.
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9                                                         8

         2981.04(B). Issues concerning the defendant’s interest and the ability to

         seize the property also must be considered. R.C. 2981.06. And these

         determinations may be made by the trier of fact after the court finds the

         defendant guilty of the offense. R.C. 2981.04(B).

State v. Harris, 132 Ohio St.3d 318, 2012-Ohio-1908, 972 N.E.2d 509, ¶33.

         {¶24} A forfeiture action, while instituted as a criminal penalty, is a civil

proceeding. State v. Roberts, 102 Ohio App.3d 514, 518, 657 N.E.2d 547(9th Dist.

1995), citing State v. Casalicchio, 58 Ohio St.3d 178, 181, 569 N.E.2d 916(1991).

Accordingly, due process requires that proceedings seeking a disposition of property in

forfeiture comply with the Rules of Civil Procedure. State v. Gaines, 64 Ohio App.3d

230, 236, 580 N.E.2d 1158(12th Dist. 1990).

         {¶25} The state argues that the trial court incorrectly determined the ultimate

issue in the case, which is, whether the items were subject to forfeiture under the

statute, following a hearing on a motion to suppress. We agree.

         {¶26} Recinos motion to suppress did not raise the ultimate issue of whether the

property was subject to forfeiture under the statute. Further, the trial court scheduled a

“suppression” hearing not a “forfeiture” hearing. Our brethren in the Ninth District have

noted,

               The ultimate issue in this case, that is, whether the seized items are

         subject to forfeiture, was not raised by the suppression motion and should

         not have been considered by the court in rendering its decision on that

         motion. As in any case in which a party argues for suppression of
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9                                                          9

       evidence, the court must rule on the motion before the parties can

       proceed to litigating the ultimate issue.

State v. Crumpler, 9th Dist. Summit Nos. 26098, 26118, 2012-Ohio-2601, ¶25.

       {¶27} In the case at bar, the question of whether the stop and the seizure of

Recinos and his belongings was lawful was merely a preliminary step on the way to

determining the ultimate issue, that is, whether the seized property is “subject to

forfeiture.” R.C. 2981.03(A)(2); R.C. 2981.04(B).

       {¶28} We have often noted that forfeitures are not favored in law or equity and

are statutory provisions that must be strictly construed. State v. Thompson, 5th Dist.

Fairfield No. 03CA87, 2004–Ohio–7269, ¶32, citing State ex rel. Lukens v. Industrial

Commission, 143 Ohio St. 609, 56 N.E.2d 216 (1994). Where the statutory

requirements for forfeiture have not been met, we have no choice but to reverse the

decision of the trial court and remand for further proceedings. State v. Wood, 5th Dist.

Licking No. 12-CA-19, 2013-Ohio-1136, ¶44.

       {¶29} The state’s first assignment of error is sustained. We vacate the order of

the trial court that the Ohio State Highway Patrol turn the money over to the clerk of

courts, reverse the decision of the trial court denying the forfeiture specification and

remand this case for further proceedings. In light of our disposition of the state’s first

assignment of error, we find the state’s second assignment of error to be premature.

                                               III.

       {¶30} In its third assignment of error, the state argues the trial court’s sentence

of six months in prison with credit for time served, was contrary to the law. Specifically,

the state contends the trial court was required to sentence Recinos either to prison or
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9                                                         10

community control. Without a pre-sentence report, the state maintains Recinos could

not be sentenced to community control.

      {¶31} The state concedes that it did not object to the sentence at the time of

sentencing in the trial court. Therefore, this Court may analyze the error in this case

pursuant to the Crim.R. 52(B) plain error analysis.

             [A]n appellate court may, in its discretion, correct an error not

      raised at trial only where the appellant demonstrates that (1) there is an

      error; (2) the error is clear or obvious, rather than subject to reasonable

      dispute; (3) the error affected the appellant’s substantial rights, which in

      the ordinary case means it affected the outcome of the district court

      proceedings; and (4) the error seriously affect[s] the fairness, integrity or

      public reputation of judicial proceedings.

United States v. Marcus, 560 U.S. 258, 130 S.Ct. 2159, 2164,176 L.Ed.2d 1012

(Internal quotation marks and citations omitted).

      {¶32} Upon review, we find with regard to fourth and fifth degree felonies, R.C.

2929.13, effective date September 30, 2011, now provides:

             (B)(1)(a) Except as provided in division (B)(1)(b) of this section, if

      an offender is convicted of or pleads guilty to a felony of the fourth or fifth

      degree that is not an offense of violence or that is a qualifying assault

      offense, the court shall sentence the offender to a community control

      sanction of at least one year’s duration if all of the following apply:

             (i) The offender previously has not been convicted of or pleaded

      guilty to a felony offense.
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9                                                          11

              (ii) The most serious charge against the offender at the time of

       sentencing is a felony of the fourth or fifth degree.

              (iii) If the court made a request of the department of rehabilitation

       and correction pursuant to division (B)(1)(c) of this section, the

       department, within the forty-five-day period specified in that division,

       provided the court with the names of, contact information for, and program

       details of one or more community control sanctions of at least one year’s

       duration that are available for persons sentenced by the court.

              (iv) The offender previously has not been convicted of or pleaded

       guilty to a misdemeanor offense of violence that the offender committed

       within two years prior to the offense for which sentence is being

       imposed.(Emphasis added).

       {¶33} R.C. 1.42 states: “1.42 Common and technical usage. Words and phrases

shall be read in context and construed according to the rules of grammar and common

usage. Words and phrases that have acquired a technical or particular meaning,

whether by legislative definition or otherwise, shall be construed accordingly.”

       {¶34} The word “shall” is usually interpreted to make the provision in which it is

contained mandatory. Dorrian v. Scioto Conservancy District, 27 Ohio St. 2d 102, 107,

271 N.E.2d 834 (1971). In contrast, the use of the word “may” is generally construed to

make the provision in which it is contained optional, permissive, or discretionary. Id. The

words “shall” and “may” when used in statutes are not automatically interchangeable or

synonymous. Id. To give the “may” as used in a statute a meaning different from that

given in its ordinary usage, it must clearly appear that the Legislature intended that it be
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9                                                            12

so construed from a review of the statute itself. Id. at 107– 108, 271 N.E. 2d 834. In re:

McClanahan, supra at ¶ 17.

       {¶35} The language of R.C. 2929.13 is clear and unambiguous on its face and

needs no interpretation. If the trial court does not sentence a person convicted of felony

of the fourth or fifth degree to prison, the trial court must place the individual on

community control sanctions if it finds present the circumstances listed in R.C.

2929.13(B)(a)(i) through (iii). In addition, a trial court is required to “order a presentence

investigation and report before imposing community control sanctions or granting

probation.” Crim.R. 32.2; R.C. 2951.03(A)(1). See also, State v. Evans, 93 Ohio App.3d

121, 125, 637 N.E.2d 969 (9th Dist. 1994)(“This rule clearly provides that a presentence

investigation is required only when a trial court actually sentences the defendant to

probation....”); State v. Mitchell, 141 Ohio App.3d 770, 771-772, 753 N.E.2d 284(8th

Dist. 2001)(“Community control sanctions, in general, are inapplicable to the facts of this

case due to the absence of a predicate presentence investigation report made prior to

sentencing. See R.C. 2951.03(A)(1) and Crim.R. 32.2, which require a pre-sentence

investigation report prior to imposing a community control sanction. Thus, the court’s

only viable option at the time of sentencing was a period of incarceration.”).

       {¶36} R.C. 2929.13(B)(1)(a), as amended, requires the trial court to sentence

Recinos to a community control sanction of at least one year’s duration if it finds present

the circumstances listed in R.C. 2929.13(B)(a)(i) through (iii). See State v. Henson, 5th

Dist. Delaware No. 11 CAA 110112, 2012–Ohio–2894, ¶12. Further, the trial court could

not impose a community control sanction because it did not obtain a presentence

investigation report. Accordingly, Recinos’ sentence was contrary to law.
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9                                                           13

       {¶37} The state’s third assignment of error is sustained. We vacate Recinos’

sentence and remand the matter to the trial court for resentencing under the correct

guidelines as set forth in the statutes as amended by H.B. 86.

                                              IV.

       {¶38} In the fourth assignment of error, the state contends the trial court erred by

ordering that the money which was the subject of the forfeiture specification be utilized

to pay Recinos’ fine, court costs and restitution.

       {¶39} In light of our disposition of the states’ first and third assignments of error,

we find the state’s fourth assignment of error to be premature.
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9                                                            14

                                          Conclusion

       {¶40} The state’s first and third assignments of error are sustained. We vacate

the order of the trial court that the Ohio State Highway Patrol turn the money over to the

clerk of courts, reverse the decision of the trial court denying the forfeiture specification,

vacate Recinos’ sentence and remand this case for further proceedings. The state’s

second and fourth assignments of error are premature.

By Gwin, P.J.,

Farmer, J., and

Baldwin, J., concur