Court Opinion

ID: 4504396
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2020-02-04 20:17:13.998562+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:40:13.164327
License: Public Domain

Filed
                                                                                         Washington State
                                                                                         Court of Appeals
                                                                                          Division Two

                                                                                         February 4, 2020
    IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

                                         DIVISION II
 STATE OF WASHINGTON,                                                No. 51994-1-II

                        Respondent,

        v.

 RODNEY T. FRANCK,                                            UNPUBLISHED OPINION

                        Appellant.

       SUTTON, J. — A jury convicted Rodney Franck of two counts of assault in the second

degree following an incident when a group attacked three people on a beach. Franck argues that

the trial court erred (1) by denying his CrR 8.3(b) motions to dismiss, claiming he was materially

prejudiced when the court granted three trial continuances because of government misconduct and

which continuances violated the time for trial rule and his right to effective assistance of counsel.

Franck also argues that (2) he received ineffective assistance of counsel because his counsel

stipulated to the admission of a video that depicted him in restraints and contained improper

opinions of guilt and improper blood opinion testimony. Franck further argues that (3) his

sentencing score was not properly proven by the State and defense counsel was deficient for

stipulating to his offender score, (4) the trial court imposed an unconstitutional and overly broad

condition of community custody requiring that he consent to Department of Corrections (DOC)

home visits, and (5) the trial court imposed a $100 DNA collection fee when he previously

provided a DNA sample.
No. 51994-1-II

         We hold that (1) the trial court did not err by denying Franck’s CrR 8.3(b) motions to

dismiss because there was no government misconduct, good cause existed for the three trial

continuances, and Franck was not prejudiced, (2) Franck has not shown that counsel was deficient

on this record, and thus, his claim of ineffective assistance of counsel fails, (3) the State failed to

prove Franck’s criminal history as required, (4) the condition requiring that he consent to DOC

home visits is overly broad, and (5) the record is inadequate to determine whether the trial court’s

imposition of a $100 DNA collection fee was proper. We affirm the convictions but vacate his

sentence, and remand for resentencing. At resentencing, the trial court should ensure that any

community custody condition regarding DOC home visits complies with Cornwell1 and that a

DNA collection fee not be imposed unless the State can prove Franck has not previously provided

a DNA sample.

                                               FACTS

                                           I. JULY 4, 2015

         On July 4, 2015, Amy Mehas, Richard Mehas, Karen Finlay, and Daniel Finlay were

walking on the beach watching a firework show. As they were walking up the hill to go back to

their beach house, some people blocked their path and would not let them pass. A fight broke out

with a group of about ten to fifteen people attacking Mr. Finlay, Mr. Mehas, and Mrs. Mehas. Mrs.

Mehas was pushed down a hill, and the group hit and kicked Mr. Finlay and Mr. Mehas for about

five minutes. Mr. Finlay was kneed in the face.

1
    State v. Cornwell, 190 Wash. 2d 296, 412 P.3d 1265 (2018).

                                                  2
No. 51994-1-II

       Law enforcement arrived on the scene after the fight ended, accompanied by a film crew

filming for an episode titled “Brawl on the Beach” for a show called “Rugged Justice” on Animal

Planet. Officers were able to interview the victims, as well as Rodney Franck, who was wearing

a blue shirt and gray sweat pants. The officers could immediately see what appeared to be blood

on Franck’s sweat pants near his right knee area. Franck told them the blood was from a friend of

his from earlier, but the blood looked relatively fresh. Franck denied any involvement with the

altercation on the beach. Franck was not arrested, but he received a citation. The State charged

Franck with one count of assault in the second degree.

                                    II. PROCEDURAL HISTORY

       Franck was first arraigned on October 30, 2015, on one charge of assault in the second

degree. Throughout the next 2.5 years before trial commenced on May 29, 2018, there were a

significant number of continuances; many of them were requested by Franck. Franck bases his

arguments on appeal largely on three continuances between November 21, 2017 and May 29, 2018.

The first continuance was due to the court’s trial schedule, the second continuance was due to the

unavailability of two of the State’s material witnesses, and the third continuance was requested by

defense counsel to investigate late discovery provided by the State. The trial court granted all

three continuances.

A. THE FIRST CONTINUANCE

       On November 21, 2017, the State moved to amend the information a third time to add a

new felony charge of second degree assault involving a new victim, Mr. Mehas, which motion was

                                                3
No. 51994-1-II

heard seven business days before the December 13 trial date.2 The State told the trial court its

reason for the amendment was that plea negotiations had failed and the case was proceeding to

trial. The allowable time for trial was due to expire on December 21, 2017. Franck filed a CrR

8.3(b) motion to dismiss on November 28.

         The trial court heard argument on December 1 and continued the case due to the court’s

schedule. This county’s superior court had only one judge. Another trial involving homicide by

abuse relating to an in-custody defendant was also scheduled for the same day. The trial court was

displeased that the State wanted to amend the information so late, but it ruled that there was no

prejudice to Franck because the trial would have been continued anyway. The trial court did not

make any explicit ruling regarding the pending CrR 8.3(b) motion to dismiss, and defense counsel

said, “Your Honor, my pleadings had an argument in the alternative to dismiss. Obviously, that

needs to be more properly noted up as an 8.3 [motion], so – just so everyone is aware, we will

probably be doing that sometime in the next thirty days.” Verbatim Report of Proceedings (VRP)

(Dec. 1, 2017) at 146. The court continued Franck’s trial from December 13 to January 3, 2018.

    B. THE SECOND CONTINUANCE

         Franck filed a CrR 8.3(c) motion to dismiss on December 13, 2017. The State also filed a

motion for a continuance on December 29, 2017, due to the unavailability of two of the State’s

material witnesses. These two witnesses were care providers for a dying mother who was in

hospice care and who could not be left alone. Franck objected to a continuance. The trial court

2
  The State amended the information two times before to add counts of bail jumping: on August
11, 2017 and on September 8, 2017. Those charges were severed from these charges and are not
included in this appeal.

                                                4
No. 51994-1-II

found that both of these witnesses were material to the State’s case and that good cause existed for

a continuance due to their unavailability, granted the continuance, and reset the trial from January

3 to February 14.

C. THE THIRD CONTINUANCE

       On February 2, 2018, allegations were filed against the State’s medical expert, Dr. Mark

Waliser. On February 9, the State learned of the information in a phone call with Dr. Waliser, who

informed the State that he had just received a letter regarding his medical license. The State

obtained a copy of the information and sent it to defense counsel the same day it received the

information. On that same day, the State disclosed that several State witnesses had criminal

histories involving crimes of dishonesty, which information had not previously been provided to

the defense.

       On February 12, Franck filed another CrR 8.3(b) motion to dismiss based on government

misconduct. Franck argued that the charges should be dismissed because of the State’s late

disclosures described above. At the hearing, defense counsel stated that if the court was going to

deny the CrR 8.3(b) motion to dismiss, that counsel would request a trial continuance in order to

investigate the allegations against Dr. Waliser. The State objected to the continuance. Defense

counsel also stated that he would need a continuance to obtain certified copies of the judgment and

sentence regarding the criminal histories of the State’s witnesses, and to investigate the facts

associated with their histories. The State then stipulated to the criminal histories being admitted.

Defense counsel acknowledged to the trial court that the State had been prompt and diligent in

providing the late discovery. The court found that Franck would not be prejudiced and granted his

                                                 5
No. 51994-1-II

request for a continuance and continued the trial from February 14 to May 29. Franck signed a

waiver of his right to speedy trial.

D. THE TRIAL

       Franck’s trial began on May 29, 2018, and lasted for two days. The State’s witnesses

testified to the above facts regarding the incident. Mr. Mehas testified that Franck was one of the

“perpetrators” of the altercation, and that he witnessed Franck kneeing Mr. Finlay in the face. VRP

(May 29, 2018) at 372-73.

       The parties stipulated to the admission of a video taken on the evening of the incident. As

mentioned above, a film crew from Animal Planet was riding with law enforcement the evening

of the incident, and they filmed an episode for a show called “Rugged Justice.” A portion of the

video showed the blurred faces of Franck and the victims, and showed several officers speaking

to Franck and the victims. Franck is first seen in the video when the officers run up to him and

ask him to stop walking. Franck is walking alone and smoking a cigarette. The officers ask him

some questions and pat him down, and Franck’s bloody sweatpants are visible. Franck is

restrained briefly, but he is never placed in handcuffs. Franck’s face is blurred throughout the

video. During the video, Franck appears compliant to the officer’s requests of him. At one point,

Mr. Mehas says, “they’re guilty as hell,” and an unidentified male voice says “One of the ones.

For sure. Obvious.” Ex. 9; VRP (May 29, 2018) at 404.

       The jury returned a verdict of guilty on both counts.

E. SENTENCING

       Both parties filed sentencing memorandums. At sentencing, the State provided a criminal

history summary and recommended a sentence on the high end of the standard range of 22-29

                                                6
No. 51994-1-II

months for each count, and 18 months of community custody on each count. The State provided

no documentation of Franck’s alleged criminal history.         In his response to the State’s

recommendation, defense counsel stated, “Defense agrees with the standard range calculations of

the State.” Clerk’s Papers (CP) at 216. The trial court sentenced Franck to 29 consecutive months

in prison for each count—the maximum sentence allowed in the standard range for a person with

an offender score of 5. It also sentenced Franck to 18 months of community custody and imposed

community custody conditions. One of these conditions states, “Must consent to DOC home visits

to monitor compliance with supervision. Home visits include access for the purposes of visual

inspection of all areas of residence, in which the offender lives or has exclusive/joint

control/access.” CP at 230.

       Before it imposed legal financial obligations (LFOs), the trial court did not review any

prior determination of income or inquire about Franck’s current or future employment, and merely

said in reference to the LFOs that “[t]hey’re waived.” VRP (June 15, 2018) at 284. However, it

imposed a $500 crime victim penalty assessment fee and a $100 DNA collection fee.

       Franck appeals his convictions and sentence.

                                          ANALYSIS

       Franck argues that the trial court erred (1) by denying his CrR 8.3(b) motions to dismiss,

claiming he was materially prejudiced when the court granted three trial continuances resulting

from government misconduct and which violated the time for trial rule and his right to effective

assistance of counsel. Franck also argues that (2) he received ineffective assistance of counsel

because his counsel stipulated to the admission of a video that depicted him in restraints and

contained improper opinions of guilt and improper blood opinion testimony. Franck further argues

                                               7
No. 51994-1-II

that (3) his sentencing score was not properly proven by the State and defense counsel was

deficient for stipulating to his offender score, (4) the trial court imposed an unconstitutional and

overly broad condition of community custody requiring that he consent to DOC home visits, and

(5) the trial court improperly imposed a $100 DNA collection fee when he previously provided a

DNA sample.

       We hold that (1) the trial court did not err by denying Franck’s CrR 8.3(b) motions to

dismiss because there was no government misconduct, good cause existed for the three trial

continuances, and Franck was not prejudiced, (2) Franck has not shown that counsel was deficient

on this record, and thus, his claim of ineffective assistance of counsel fails, (3) the State failed to

prove Franck’s criminal history as required, (4) the condition requiring that he consent to DOC

home visits is unconstitutionally overly broad, and (5) the record is inadequate to determine

whether the trial court’s imposition of a $100 DNA collection fee was proper. Thus, we affirm

Franck’s convictions and remand for resentencing.

                 I. CrR 8.3(b)–MOTIONS TO DISMISS–GOVERNMENT MISCONDUCT

       Franck first argues that dismissal of the charges was warranted under CrR 8.3(b) and the

trial court erred by denying his motions to dismiss. He argues that the three trial continuances

granted by the court between December 1, 2017 and May 29, 2018, resulted from government

misconduct and prejudiced the time for trial rule under CrR 3.3 and his right to effective assistance

of counsel. We disagree and hold that the trial court did not err.

       We review a trial court’s decision on a CrR 8.3(b) motion to dismiss for a manifest abuse

of discretion. State v. Martinez, 121 Wash. App. 21, 30, 86 P.3d 1210 (2004). “Discretion is abused

when the trial court’s decision is manifestly unreasonable, or is exercised on untenable grounds,

                                                  8
No. 51994-1-II

or for untenable reasons.” State v. Blackwell, 120 Wash. 2d 822, 830, 845 P.2d 1017 (1993). A

decision is manifestly unreasonable if the trial court, applying the correct legal standard to the facts

of the case, adopts a view “‘that no reasonable person would take,’” and a decision is based on

untenable grounds “‘if it rests on facts unsupported in the record or was reached by applying the

wrong legal standard.’” Martinez, 121 Wash. App. at 30 (internal quotation marks omitted) (quoting

State v. Rohrich, 149 Wash. 2d 647, 654, 71 P.3d 638 (2003)).

        CrR 8.3(b) provides that

        [t]he court, in the furtherance of justice, after notice and hearing, may dismiss any
        criminal prosecution due to arbitrary action or governmental misconduct when
        there has been prejudice to the rights of the accused which materially affect the
        accused’s right to a fair trial. The court shall set forth its reasons in a written order.

In order for a court to dismiss criminal charges under CrR 8.3(b), “the defendant must show by a

preponderance of the evidence both (1) arbitrary action or governmental misconduct, and (2) actual

prejudice affecting the defendant’s right to a fair trial.” Martinez, 121 Wash. App. at 29. The

government’s misconduct does not need to be “‘of an evil or dishonest nature; simple

mismanagement is sufficient.’” State v. Michielli, 132 Wash. 2d 229, 239-40, 937 P.2d 587 (1997)

(emphasis omitted) (quoting Blackwell, 120 Wash. 2d at 831). Dismissal is “an extraordinary remedy

used only in truly egregious cases.” State v. Flinn, 119 Wash. App. 232, 247, 80 P.3d 171 (2003),

aff’d, 154 Wash. 2d 193.

        The mere possibility of prejudice resulting from governmental misconduct is not sufficient

to meet the burden of showing actual prejudice. State v. Norby, 122 Wash. 2d 258, 264, 858 P.2d
210 (1993). The alleged governmental misconduct must have “materially affected the defendant’s

right to a fair trial.” State v. Brooks, 149 Wash. App. 373, 389, 203 P.3d 397 (2009).

                                                    9
No. 51994-1-II

       A trial court has broad discretion to grant a trial continuance. “[T]he decision to grant or

deny a motion for a continuance rests within the sound discretion of the trial court.” State v.

Downing, 151 Wash. 2d 265, 272, 87 P.3d 1169 (2004). We review a trial court’s decision to grant

a trial continuance for an abuse of discretion. Downing, 151 Wash. 2d at 272.

       CrR 3.3(b)(2) establishes that defendants who are not detained must be brought to trial

within 90 days of their commencement date. The initial commencement date is the date of

arraignment, but it can be reset if one of a number of events occurs, including a trial continuance.

See CrR 3.3(c). Further, a party or the court may move for a continuance.

       On motion of the court or a party, the court may continue the trial date to a specified
       date when such continuance is required in the administration of justice and the
       defendant will not be prejudiced in the presentation of his or her defense. The
       motion must be made before the time for trial has expired. The court must state on
       the record or in writing the reasons for the continuance. The bringing of such
       motion by or on behalf of any party waives that party’s objection to the requested
       delay.

CrR 3.3(f)(2).

A. THE FIRST CONTINUANCE

       Franck argues that the trial court erred by continuing the trial date from December 13,

2017, to January 3, 2018, due to the court’s trial schedule, claiming that the continuance was

caused by the State’s late motion to amend the information to add a new felony charge. We

disagree because the State’s late motion to amend did not cause the trial continuance; the

continuance resulted from a conflict in the judge’s trial schedule, and the trial court has broad

discretion to order a continuance as required in the administration of justice. See Downing, 151
Wash. 2d at 272. Thus, we hold that the trial court did not abuse its discretion by continuing the trial.

                                                 10
No. 51994-1-II

       On November 21, 2017, the State filed a motion to amend the information to add a new

felony charge—which motion was heard seven business days before the December 13 trial was

scheduled to start. Before ruling on the State’s motion to amend, the trial court informed the

parties that the court had already determined that it would need to continue the trial for up to 30

days due to the court’s schedule. The judge was the sole judge for the superior court and had

another trial set on the same day involving homicide by abuse related to an in-custody defendant,

which case the court was required to try before Franck’s case.

       The trial court determined that Franck would not be prejudiced by the continuance as the

trial would have been continued anyway due to another trial being scheduled on the same day.

However, the court also stated that it would not have granted the State’s motion to amend if the

trial had proceeded as currently set for December 13. Although Franck had filed a CrR 8.3(b)

motion to dismiss, the trial court did not rule on the motion as Franck’s attorney told the court that

he would be filing another CrR 8.3 motion to dismiss after the hearing. Because the court had a

schedule conflict, the trial was required to be continued in the administration of justice and Franck

was not prejudiced, we hold that the trial court did not abuse its discretion by continuing the

December 13 trial date.

B. THE SECOND CONTINUANCE

       Franck next argues that the trial court erred by granting a second continuance from January

3 to February 14, over his objection, due to the unavailability of two of the State’s material

witnesses. We disagree.

       As discussed above, trial court has broad discretion to continue a trial. Downing, 151
Wash. 2d at 272. The unavailability of a material witness at trial is a valid reason to continue a trial.

                                                 11
No. 51994-1-II

State v. Carson, 128 Wash. 2d 805, 814, 912 P.2d 1016 (1996); Jones, 117 Wash. App. 721, 729, 72
P.3d 1110 (2003).

       Here, one of the State’s witnesses stated that her mother was in hospice care and was not

expected to live, and that neither she nor her husband, who was also one of the victims of the

charged assault, were available for trial as set on January 3. The State noted that by this time, the

trial had already been continued numerous times over the past several years, primarily at Franck’s

request, which had resulted in great inconvenience to the State and the witnesses. The trial court

properly determined that there were compelling circumstances requiring a continuance and that

Franck was not prejudiced. The trial court found that both of these witnesses were material to the

State’s case, the wife’s mother was in hospice care and required both of the witnesses’ assistance,

and the mother’s hospice care facility was not located near the courthouse.3            Given these

compelling circumstances, we hold that the trial court did not abuse its discretion by granting a

continuance which was required in the administration of justice.

C. THE THIRD CONTINUANCE

       Franck next argues that the trial court erred by granting a third continuance from February

14 to May 29 at the request of defense counsel and by denying his CrR 8.3(b) motion to dismiss

for government misconduct based on the State’s discovery violations. Franck claims that the

State’s late disclosure of allegations, related to its medical expert and the criminal history of the

State’s witnesses, constitute discovery violations under CrR 4.7 which resulted in the trial court

3
 Franck does not challenge these findings and thus, they are verities on appeal. State v. Lohr, 164
Wash. App. 414, 418, 263 P.3d 1287 (2011).

                                                 12
No. 51994-1-II

granting a third continuance, violating the time for trial rule under CrR 3.3 and his right to effective

assistance of counsel. We disagree.

       As discussed above, the time for trial date can be reset under CrR 3.3(c) based on a trial

continuance. A court has broad discretion under CrR 3.3(f) to continue a trial when a defendant

is not prejudiced and a continuance is required in the administration of justice. Downing, 151
Wash. 2d at 272. The State also has the continuing obligation to provide “any material or information

within the prosecuting attorney’s knowledge which tends to negate defendant’s guilt as to the

offense charged,” unless it is covered under a protective order. CrR 4.7(a)(3); see also Salgado-

Mendoza, 189 Wn.2d, 420, 434, 403 P.3d 45 (2017). A defendant has the right to the effective

assistance of counsel. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 685-86, 104 S. Ct. 2052, 80 L. Ed.
2d 674 (1984).

       Here, on February 9, 2018, the State first learned of the information regarding allegations

related to Dr. Waliser’s medical license. Dr. Waliser had just received a notice from the

Washington Department of Health that his medical license was suspended, and he had just

informed the State about the letter during a phone interview. The State sent the certified copy of

the charges against Dr. Waliser to defense counsel on the same day it received the information.

That same day, the State also disclosed that several State witnesses had criminal histories involving

crimes of dishonesty, which information had not been provided to the defense.

       Franck then filed another CrR 8.3(b) motion to dismiss alleging government misconduct

due to the late disclosures. At the hearing, defense counsel conceded that the State acted promptly

and diligently by disclosing the information regarding Dr. Waliser’s license on the same day that

                                                  13
No. 51994-1-II

the State had received it. Defense counsel then asked the trial court to continue the trial in order

for him to investigate Dr. Waliser’s charges, which continuance the State objected to.

       Defense counsel also claimed that he needed additional time and a continuance to obtain

certified copies of the judgments and sentences for the recently disclosed convictions of the State’s

witnesses and to research the facts underlying them. The State then stipulated to the disclosed

criminal histories. The trial court concluded that there was no prejudice to Franck from the late

disclosure of this information and that the defense could properly inquire at trial as to the facts of

these convictions to impeach the witnesses. Because there was no prejudice to Franck, the trial

court granted counsel’s request to continue the trial and reset the trial from February 14 to May

29. Franck also signed a waiver of his right to a speedy trial.

       The trial court’s order granting a third continuance and resetting trial to May 29 did not

violate the time for trial rule because under CrR 3.3(c), the commencement date for trial is reset

when the defendant signs a waiver of his rights. Further, the trial court has broad discretion under

CrR 3.3(f) to grant a continuance where there is no prejudice to a defendant and the administration

of justice requires a continuance. And there was no CrR 4.7 violation because the State had

promptly and diligently provided the new information to the defense.

       Franck also fails to establish prejudice. His counsel requested this third continuance to

conduct further investigation into the new allegations involving the State’s medical witness. His

counsel also had the opportunity at trial to impeach the State’s witnesses with the facts related to

the recently disclosed criminal histories. The trial court properly concluded that there was no

prejudice to Franck by the continuance and that the administration of justice required a continuance

under CrR 3.3(f).

                                                 14
No. 51994-1-II

       Because the State did not violate CrR 4.7, there was no government misconduct related to

these late disclosures. Nor does Franck show how his right to effective assistance of counsel was

violated by a continuance. Because there was no basis for the trial court to grant the motion to

dismiss based on government misconduct, we hold that the trial court did not abuse its discretion

by denying his CrR 8.3(b) motion to dismiss.

                                II. INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL

       Franck argues that his trial counsel was ineffective because he stipulated to the “Brawl on

the Beach” video. Franck argues that (1) the video depicts him being restrained and in law

enforcement custody, thus infringing on his right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence,

(2) the video contains improper opinions of guilt by the officer saying, “One of the ones. For sure.

Obvious,” and assertions of unsubstantiated facts, when Mr. Mehas says, “They’re guilty as hell

and where I am from they’ll get jail time,” and (3) the blood opinion testimony was unreliable.

Because we can conceive of legitimate strategic or tactical reasons why counsel stipulated to

admission of the video, on this record, Franck has failed to show that counsel was deficient. Thus,

we hold that his claim fails.

       A claim that counsel was ineffective is a mixed question of law and fact that this court

reviews de novo. State v. Jones, 183 Wash. 2d 327, 338, 352 P.3d 776 (2015) (citing Strickland, 466
U.S. at 698). The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and article I, section 22 of

the Washington Constitution guarantee the right to effective assistance of counsel. Strickland, 466
U.S. at 685-86; WASH. CONST. art. 1, § 22. In Strickland, the United States Supreme Court set

forth a two-prong inquiry for reversal of a criminal conviction based on ineffective assistance of

counsel. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687 Under the Strickland test, the defendant bears the burden to

                                                 15
No. 51994-1-II

show (1) counsel’s performance was deficient and (2) the attorney’s deficient performance

prejudiced the defendant. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687. Failure to make the required showing of

either deficient performance or sufficient prejudice defeats an ineffectiveness claim. Strickland,
466 U.S. at 700.

       We review de novo whether counsel’s performance was deficient. See Jones, 183 Wash. 2d

at 338. Representation is deficient if it falls “below an objective standard of reasonableness,”

given all of the circumstances. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 688. A fair assessment of attorney

performance requires that every effort be made to eliminate the distorting effects of hindsight and

to evaluate the conduct from counsel’s perspective at the time. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689. There

is a strong presumption that counsel’s performance was reasonable. State v. Grier, 171 Wash. 2d 17,

33, 246 P.3d 1260 (2011).

       Because we presume that counsel’s performance was effective, the defendant must show

in the record the absence of legitimate strategic or tactical reasons supporting the challenged

conduct by counsel. State v. McFarland, 127 Wash. 2d 322, 335, 899 P.2d 1251 (1995). “[W]hen

‘the claim is brought on direct appeal, the reviewing court will not consider matters outside the

trial record.’” State v. Linville, 191 Wash. 2d 513, 525, 423 P.3d 842 (2018) (quoting McFarland,
127 Wash. 2d at 335). “If a defendant wishes to raise issues on appeal that require evidence or facts

not in the existing trial record, the appropriate means of doing so is through a personal restraint

petition, which may be filed [and heard] concurrently with the direct appeal.” McFarland, 127
Wash. 2d at 335, (citing Wash. State Bar Ass'n, Appellate Practice Desk Book § 32.2(3)(c) (2d ed.

1993) at 32-6).

                                                16
No. 51994-1-II

        Because we can conceive of legitimate strategic or tactical reasons that are reasonable why

counsel stipulated to the admission of the video, and there is no information in the record as to

why counsel stipulated, Franck has failed to show that counsel was deficient. The video aided

defense counsel in cross-examination of key witnesses, in the limited identification of Franck by

the victims, and it showed Franck denying culpability.

        Franck has failed to show, on this record, that his counsel’s decision to stipulate to the

video was not strategic. If Franck wishes to rely on evidence outside the record to support his

claim, his remedy is to file a personal restraint petition. See McFarland, 127 Wash.2d at 335.

Thus, because Franck fails to show that his counsel was deficient, we hold that his claim of

ineffective assistance fails.

                                      III. OFFENDER SCORE

        Franck makes several arguments regarding his offender score, including that neither he nor

his attorney agreed to the State’s articulation of his criminal history. We hold the State failed to

prove Franck’s criminal history, and thus, a remand is necessary.

        We review the calculation of an offender score de novo. State v. Rodriguez, 183 Wash. App.
947, 953, 335 P.3d 448 (2014). “[I]llegal or erroneous sentences may be challenged for the first

time on appeal.” State v. Crow, 8 Wash. App. 2d 480, 512, 438 P.3d 541 (2019), review denied, 193
Wash. 2d 1038.

        The State has the burden to prove the existence of prior convictions by a preponderance of

the evidence, and “[b]are assertions, unsupported by evidence, do not satisfy the State’s burden to

prove the existence of a prior conviction.” Crow, 8 Wash. App. 2d at 513. When calculating an

offender score, the court may not rely on any more information than what is “‘admitted by the plea

                                                17
No. 51994-1-II

agreement, or admitted, acknowledged, or proved in a trial or at the time of sentencing.’” Crow,

8 Wash. App. 2d at 512-13 (quoting State v. Hunley, 175 Wash. 2d 901, 909, 287 P.3d 584 (2012)).

       “The best evidence of a prior conviction is a certified copy of the judgment.” Crow, 8 Wn.

App. 2d at 513. A defendant may affirmatively acknowledge his criminal history and obviate the

need for the State to produce evidence. Hunley, 175 Wash. 2d at 912. We vacate a defendant’s

sentence when the State fails to provide sufficient evidence of prior convictions. Crow, 8 Wn.

App.2d at 513.

       Here, the State orally advised the court of Franck’s criminal history and stated that his

offender score was a five. It then included a chart of Franck’s criminal history in its sentencing

memorandum. Franck did not affirmatively acknowledge his criminal history, and the State failed

to provide any documentation of Franck’s criminal history. Because the State failed to meet its

burden of proving Franck’s criminal history, we vacate Franck’s sentence.

                          IV. CONDITION REQUIRING DOC HOME VISITS

       Preliminarily, the State argues that the condition requiring Franck’s consent to DOC home

visits issue is not ripe for review because the condition is not effective until his release and thus,

Franck has not yet been harmed. The State alternatively argues that the trial court did not err by

imposing this condition because it does not allow unfettered searches, and thus, the condition is

not overly broad and is constitutional. We hold that the issue is ripe for review and further hold

that the challenged condition is overly broad.

A. RIPENESS

       A preenforcement challenge to a community custody condition is ripe for review if “‘the

issues raised are primarily legal, do not require further factual development, and the challenged

                                                 18
No. 51994-1-II

action is final.’” State v. Cates, 183 Wash. 2d 531, 534, 354 P.3d 832 (2015) (internal quotation

marks omitted) (quoting State v. Sanchez Valencia, 169 Wash. 2d 782, 786, 239 P.3d 1059 (2010)).

“[W]e must consider the hardship to the petitioner[] if we refused to review [the] challenge on

direct appeal.” Sanchez Valencia, 169 Wash. 2d at 789.

          Our Supreme Court has repeatedly cited to U.S. v. Loy,4 a third circuit case, in its analysis

for ripeness. See Cates, 183 Wash. 2d at 535; see also Sanchez Valencia, 169 Wash. 2d at 788-89; see

also State v. Bahl, 164 Wash. 2d 739, 746-52, 193 P.3d 678 (2008). In Loy, the court stated that “‘the

federal courts have uniformly permitted defendants sentenced to probation to challenge the validity

of their probation conditions on direct appeal.’” U.S. v. Loy, 237 F.3d at 257 (quoting U.S. v. Stine,

646 F.2d 839, 846 n.16 (3rd Cir. 1981)).

          In Cates, the Supreme Court declined to decide the merits of the case because it determined

the issue was not ripe for review. Cates, 183 Wash. 2d at 536. The defendant did not challenge the

actual language of the condition imposed, and the court determined “[t]he condition as written

d[id] not authorize any searches.” Cates, 183 Wash. 2d at 535. Also, the condition was not binding

because it was an oral statement, so the court held it could not form the basis for a facial challenge.

Cates, 183 Wash. 2d at 535. Finally, the court determined that the risk of hardship was insufficient,

distinguishing the case from others where the risk of hardship was significant. Cates, 183 Wash. 2d

at 535-36.

          In contrast, our Supreme Court in Sanchez Valencia and State v. Bahl found that the

specific community custody provisions at issue were ripe for review. In Sanchez Valencia, the

4
U.S. v. Loy, 237 F.3d 251 (3rd Cir. 2001).

                                                   19
No. 51994-1-II

court found the issue (1) was primarily legal, (2) “the question of whether the condition is

unconstitutionally vague does not require further factual development,” and (3) there was

sufficient hardship because, immediately upon release from prison, the defendants would be

restrained in their actions by the community custody conditions. Sanchez Valencia, 169 Wash. 2d at

788-90. In Bahl, the defendant challenged the condition at issue as being overly broad and vague.

Bahl, 164 Wash. 2d at 743. The court in that case held that the issue was ripe—even though the

defendant was not yet released from prison—because the conditions would “immediately restrict

him” upon release, and because the issue was “purely legal,” not factual. Bahl, 164 Wash. 2d at

751-52.

       Here, the issue raised is primarily legal because it involves a constitutional claim—Franck

is not arguing that any particular search is illegal; rather, he is arguing that the scope of the

condition is excessively broad in violation of article 1, section 7 of the Washington State

Constitution. Second, the issue does not require further factual development because it is not a

fact-specific issue—it is a legal issue regarding Franck’s constitutional rights. Third, the issue is

final because the condition at issue is set forth and attached to the trial court’s judgment and

sentence. Finally, failure to consider the issue on direct appeal will create a hardship for Franck

because the condition will be imposed as soon as he is released from prison, leaving him open to

the requirement that he must consent to DOC home visits.

       Because the issue is primarily legal, does not require further factual development, and is

final, and because failure to consider this issue would create a hardship for Franck, we hold that

the issue is ripe for review and we decide the issue on the merits below.

                                                 20
No. 51994-1-II

B. DOC HOME SEARCHES

        Franck challenges as overly broad the following community custody provision ordered by

the trial court:

        Must consent to DOC home visits to monitor compliance with supervision. Home
        visits include access for the purposes of visual inspection of all areas of residence,
        in which the offender lives or has exclusive/joint control/ access.

CP at 230. We agree that the condition is overly broad, and at resentencing, the court must comply

with Cornwell as explained below.

        Issues of constitutional law are reviewed de novo. State v. Cornwell, 190 Wn.2d, 296, 300,

412 P.3d 1265 (2018). Article 1, section 7 states that “[n]o person shall be disturbed in his private

affairs, or his home invaded, without authority of law.” WASH. CONST. art. 1, § 7. Regarding the

right to privacy, article 1, section 7 provides broader protections than the Fourth Amendment, as

it “‘clearly recognizes an individual’s right to privacy with no express limitations.’” State v.

Ladson, 138 Wash. 2d 343, 348, 979 P.2d 833 (1999) (internal quotation marks omitted) (quoting

State v. Young, 123 Wash. 2d 173, 180, 867 P.2d 593 (1994)). Warrantless searches are generally

per se unreasonable. Ladson, 138 Wash. 2d at 349. They are, however, “subject to ‘a few jealously

and carefully drawn exceptions.’” Cornwell, 190 Wash. 2d at 301 (internal quotation marks omitted)

(quoting Ladson, 138 Wash. 2d at 349).

        However, defendants on probation are not entitled to the full protection of article 1,

section 7 because they are persons whom a court has sentenced to confinement but who are

“‘serving their time outside the prison walls.’” Cornwell, 190 Wash. 2d at 301-02 (internal quotation

marks omitted) (quoting State v. Olsen, 189 Wash. 2d 118, 124, 399 P.3d 1141 (2017)).

“Accordingly, it is constitutionally permissible for a [community correctional officer] to search an

                                                 21
No. 51994-1-II

individual based only on a ‘well-founded or reasonable suspicion of a probation violation,’ rather

than a warrant supported by probable cause.” Cornwell, 190 Wash. 2d at 302 (quoting State v.

Winterstein, 167 Wash. 2d 620, 628, 220 P.3d 1226 (2009)).

       This exception is codified in RCW 9.94A.631, which reads, in relevant part, “[i]f there is

reasonable cause to believe that an offender has violated a condition or requirement of the sentence,

a community corrections officer [CCO] may require an offender to submit to a search and seizure

of the offender’s person, residence, automobile, or other personal property.” This does not mean

that probationers “forfeit all expectations of privacy in exchange for their release into the

community.” Cornwell, 190 Wash. 2d at 303. “Individuals’ privacy interest can be reduced ‘only to

the extent necessitated by the legitimate demands of the operation of the [community supervision]

process.’” Cornwell, 190 Wash. 2d at 303-04 (alteration in original) (internal quotation marks

omitted) (quoting Olsen, 189 Wash. 2d at 125).

       “First, a CCO must have ‘reasonable cause to believe’ a probation violation has occurred

before conducting a search at the expense of the individual’s privacy.” Cornwell, 190 Wash. 2d at

304 (citing RCW 9.94A.631(1)). There must be a nexus between the property searched and the

suspected probation violation. Cornwell, 190 Wash. 2d at 304, 306. “Second, the individual’s

privacy interest is diminished only to the extent necessary for the State to monitor compliance with

the particular probation condition that gave rise to the search.” Cornwell, 190 Wash. 2d at 304.

       Applying Cornwell, the condition here is overly broad because it does not include any

language as required under Cornwell. Under Cornwell, DOC has the authority to search a

probationer’s home only if the CCO has a reasonable suspicion to believe a probation violation by

the probationer has occurred. Cornwell, 190 Wash. 2d at 302. Further, DOC must search the home

                                                 22
No. 51994-1-II

only to the extent necessary “for the [DOC] to monitor compliance with the particular probation

condition that gave rise to the search.” Cornwell, 190 Wash. 2d at 304. And there also must be a

nexus between the property searched and the suspected probation violation. Cornwell, 190 Wash. 2d

at 304, 306. Thus, we hold that because the language stated in the condition does not comply with

Cornwell, we hold that it is overly broad and unconstitutional.

                                      V. DNA COLLECTION FEE

          Franck argues that the trial court erred by imposing a $100 DNA collection fee because his

DNA was collected after he was convicted in 2014 of malicious mischief in the second degree, a

Class C felony. The State argues that the trial court did not err by imposing a $100 DNA collection

fee because there is no proof in the record that Franck’s DNA was ever collected. We hold that

on remand the State has the burden to prove Franck has not previously provided his DNA.

          In 2018, the legislature amended RCW 43.43.7541, effective June 7, 2018, to authorize the

imposition of a DNA fee only if the State has not “previously collected the offender’s DNA as a

result of a prior conviction.” LAWS OF 2018, ch. 269, § 18. This statutory amendment applies

prospectively to cases pending on review. State v. Ramirez, 191 Wash. 2d 732, 747, 426 P.3d 714

(2018).

          A defendant is required to submit a DNA sample for any adult or juvenile felonies. RCW

43.43.754(1)(a). He or she need not submit a DNA sample if the Washington State patrol crime

laboratory already has one. RCW 43.43.754(4).

                                                  23
No. 51994-1-II

        Because the record is unclear, on remand the State has the burden to prove that Franck’s

DNA has not been previously collected. See State v. Houck, 9 Wash. App. 2d 636, 651, 446 P.3d
646 (2019) (for defendants with prior felony convictions, the State bears the burden of proving

that it has not previously collected the defendant’s DNA).

                                        CONCLUSION

        We affirm the convictions but vacate the sentence, and remand for resentencing. At

resentencing, the trial court should ensure that any community custody condition regarding DOC

home visits complies with Cornwell and that a DNA collection fee should not be imposed unless

the State can prove Franck has not previously provided a DNA sample.

        A majority of the panel having determined that this opinion will not be printed in the

Washington Appellate Reports, but will be filed for public record in accordance with RCW 2.06.040,

it is so ordered.

                                                    SUTTON, J.
 We concur:

 WORSWICK, P.J.

 CRUSER, J.

                                               24