Court Opinion

ID: 4438784
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2019-09-17 18:20:33.72881+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:51:43.037694
License: Public Domain

Filed
                                                                                        Washington State
                                                                                        Court of Appeals
                                                                                         Division Two

                                                                                       September 17, 2019

    IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

                                         DIVISION II
 STATE OF WASHINGTON,                                                No. 51344-7-II

                                Respondent,

        v.

 RICHARD JAMIESON DEE BAGLEY,                                 UNPUBLISHED OPINION

                                Appellant.

       CRUSER, J. — A jury convicted Richard Jamieson Dee Bagley of possession of a

controlled substance (methamphetamine), contrary to RCW 69.50.4013 and .206(d)(2). Bagley

appeals his conviction and sentence. Bagley contends that he proved the affirmative defense of

unwitting possession by a preponderance of the evidence. He alternatively contends that we should

remand his case and instruct the superior court to strike the criminal filing fee and the

deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) collection fee from his judgment and sentence. Bagley makes

additional arguments in a statement of additional grounds (SAG). We hold that a rational trier of

fact could have found that Bagley failed to prove his defense by a preponderance of the evidence,

and we reject Bagley’s SAG arguments. Accordingly, we affirm Bagley’s conviction, but remand

for the superior court to strike the criminal filing fee and the DNA collection fee.
No. 51344-7-II

                                             FACTS

                                         I. BACKGROUND

       Bagley was sentenced to a residential drug offender sentencing alternative, RCW

9.94A.660, for possession of stolen property and was receiving drug treatment at American

Behavioral Health Systems (ABHS). In January 2017, while at ABHS, he received a furlough to

visit an orthopedic specialist in Tacoma. His mother met him at the appointment. Bagley lived

with his mother prior to receiving treatment at ABHS.

       After the appointment, Bagley and his mother drove to their home so Bagley could get

some clothes and a wallet. ABHS recommended that Bagley have a wallet to keep money in so

he could use the vending machines at the treatment center. His mother retrieved the wallet and

looked inside it but did not see anything. She then gave it to Bagley.

       On February 11, Bagley’s mother and his ex-girlfriend visited him at ABHS. Visitors are

monitored, and when they enter and leave ABHS they are “pat-searched.” ABHS does not allow

visitors to exchange items with clients, and visitors may have only limited contact with clients.

       After this visit, ABHS staff member, Jake Sanchez, searched Bagley. Sanchez checked

Bagley’s wallet and found a small “baggie” that contained methamphetamine. Sanchez reported

the baggie to his supervisor who called the police. An officer arrested Bagley. The State charged

Bagley with possession of a controlled substance—methamphetamine.

                                             II. TRIAL

       At trial, Bagley stipulated that the substance inside the baggie was methamphetamine but

he asserted that he possessed the methamphetamine unwittingly. In addition to his own testimony,

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No. 51344-7-II

Bagley presented testimony from his mother, forensic scientist Ann Spong, and forensic scientist

Kay Sweeney.

          Bagley’s mother testified that she was Bagley’s caregiver. Bagley was involved in an

automobile accident in 2010 and, as a result, underwent brain surgery including a frontal lobotomy.

His mother acted as his representative payee and made sure he took his medication.

          Forensic scientist Spong tested a swab from the baggie. Spong concluded that the swab

contained a DNA mixture of three or more female profiles. She testified that Bagley’s DNA was

excluded as a contributor to the DNA found on the baggie. Bagley also presented the testimony

of forensic scientist Sweeney, who testified that she examined and evaluated the baggie and did

not find any fingerprints.

          Bagley testified that when he retrieved the wallet from his mother’s home it did not have

methamphetamine in it. He said it contained only gift cards, some wallet money, and his

identification. He explained that he stored his wallet in a locker at ABHS that he was unable to

lock. He asserted that he was surprised when Sanchez found methamphetamine in his wallet and

that he had no idea it was in there. Further, Bagley testified that staff at ABHS gave him a random

urinalysis test about every 10 days. He stated that all his tests came back negative.

          The State presented the testimony of Sanchez and forensic expert Trevor Chowen, among

others.

          Sanchez testified that he found the baggie “wrapped up, folded up and, like, tucked down

deep” in the corner of Bagley’s wallet. 2 Verbatim Report of Proceedings (VRP) at 57. He also

testified that clients at ABHS would be given random urinalysis tests about every 10 days.

However, he did not know how Bagley was doing in treatment or how many times he was tested.

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No. 51344-7-II

       Chowen is a forensic scientist in the DNA section at the Washington State Patrol Crime

Lab. He testified that the surface being touched can play a role in how much DNA is left behind.

For example, an abrasive surface scrapes off more cells from an individual’s hands compared to a

smooth surface. He also testified that some individuals leave behind more cells than others.

Additionally, environmental factors can affect the amount of DNA left behind. He stated that it is

possible for touch DNA to be wiped off an object. The jury convicted Bagley as charged.

                                         III. SENTENCING

       The court sentenced Bagley to 18 months of total confinement. Bagley’s judgment and

sentence included a $200 criminal filing fee and a $100 DNA collection fee. Bagley appeals his

conviction and sentence.

                                           ANALYSIS

                                    I. UNWITTING POSSESSION

       Bagley contends that the State failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Bagley

possessed methamphetamine because the evidence supported his affirmative defense of unwitting

possession. We disagree.

A. PRINCIPLES OF LAW

       When reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence relating to an affirmative defense, “[t]he

appropriate standard of review in such cases is whether, considering the evidence in the light most

favorable to the State, a rational trier of fact could have found that the defendant failed to prove

the defense by a preponderance of the evidence.” State v. Lively, 130 Wash. 2d 1, 17, 921 P.2d 1035

(1996). Due process requires that the State prove every element of a crime beyond a reasonable

doubt. In re Matter of Winship, 397 U.S. 358, 364, 90 S. Ct. 1068, 25 L. Ed. 2d 368 (1970); State

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No. 51344-7-II

v. Rich, 184 Wash. 2d 897, 903, 365 P.3d 746 (2016); State v. Johnson, 188 Wash. 2d 742, 750, 399
P.3d 507 (2017). “[A]ll reasonable inferences from the evidence must be drawn in favor of the

State and interpreted most strongly against the defendant.” State v. Salinas, 119 Wash. 2d 192, 201,

829 P.2d 1068 (1992).

       The charge of unlawful possession of a controlled substance requires the State to prove the

nature of the substance and the fact of possession by the defendant. State v. Bradshaw, 152 Wash. 2d
528, 538, 98 P.3d 1190 (2004). Unlawful possession of a controlled substance does not require

proof of knowledge. Id.; State v. Higgs, 177 Wash. App. 414, 437, 311 P.3d 1266 (2013).

       However, “Washington recognizes an unwitting possession affirmative defense to

‘ameliorate[] the harshness of [the] strict liability crime.’” Higgs, 177 Wash. App. at 437 (alterations

in original) (quoting Bradshaw, 152 Wash. 2d at 538). To prove unwitting possession, the defendant

must show by a preponderance of the evidence that he did not know the substance was in his

possession or he did not know the nature of the substance. State v. Olinger, 130 Wash. App. 22, 26,

121 P.3d 724 (2005). “We defer to the trier of fact on factual questions.” Id. The fact finder “is

in the best position to evaluate conflicting evidence, witness credibility, and the weight to be

assigned to the evidence.” Id.

B. AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE

       Bagley argues that he proved his affirmative defense and, therefore, asks us to reverse his

conviction. Upon reviewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, we disagree.

       With respect to the testimony offered by expert witness Spong that Bagley’s DNA was not

on the baggie, on cross-examination she admitted it was possible for Bagley to have touched the

baggie. And the State’s forensic expert, Chowen, explained that there are a variety of factors that

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No. 51344-7-II

can explain why Bagley’s DNA was not on the baggie. Chowen explained that an abrasive surface

scrapes off more cells than a smooth surface, such as a baggie, and he explained that some people

deposit more cells on a surface than others. The baggie also could have been wiped off. Sweeney,

Bagley’s fingerprint expert, testified there were no fingerprints on the baggie, making her

testimony neutral at best.

       Bagley asserts that Sanchez’s testimony corroborated Bagley’s testimony that his

possession was unwitting because Sanchez testified that the baggie was tucked deep into the wallet

where Bagley would not have seen it by merely glancing at the open wallet. He also contends that

Sanchez corroborated his testimony that urinalysis tests were given approximately every 10 days

and that his tests came back negative. Sanchez did testify that the baggie was “wrapped up, folded

up and, like, tucked down deep. Like, if you just opened [the wallet] up to just grab cash, you

wouldn’t see it.” 2 VRP at 57. However, the jury could also infer from this testimony that the fact

that the baggie was tucked deep into Bagley’s wallet was evidence that Bagley was trying to hide

it. With regard to the urinalysis tests, Sanchez corroborated Bagley’s testimony only to the extent

that he stated a random urinalysis test was given every 10 days, but Sanchez went on to testify that

he did not know how many times Bagley was tested or the results of the tests.

       Moreover, there was evidence presented at trial that the baggie was located in Bagley’s

wallet, which Bagley had retrieved from his home. Bagley testified that his drug of choice was

methamphetamine, the same drug found in his wallet on his person. Bagley also testified that he

stored his wallet in his locker at ABHS.

       Bagley relies on City of Spokane v. Beck, 130 Wash. App. 481, 123 P.3d 854 (2005), to

support his argument. In Beck, the defendant appealed her conviction of being in physical control

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No. 51344-7-II

of a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Id. at 484. Beck argued that the jury’s verdict was not

supported by substantial evidence because she proved the affirmative defense that she had moved

her vehicle safely off the roadway. Id. at 486. At trial, the officer who responded to the driving

under the influence call conceded that Beck’s vehicle was off the roadway and that there was no

danger. Id. at 484. There was also evidence presented at trial that Beck’s car was running and

parked in a lot off the roadway and that she called for a ride before falling asleep. Id. at 488.

Division Three of this court found the officer’s concession “most compelling” and held that the

evidence was insufficient for a jury to conclude that Beck did not prove she was safely off the

roadway. Id.

       Beck is of no help to Bagley. Bagley concedes “none of the state’s witnesses admitted an

element of Bagley’s affirmative defense as the officer did in Beck.” Br. of Appellant at 8.

       With respect to Bagley’s denial that he knew the methamphetamine was in his wallet, the

jury evidently did not find Bagley’s testimony credible. We defer to the trier of fact on issues of

witness credibility and the weight to be assigned to evidence. Olinger, 130 Wash. App. at 26. Thus,

we hold that a rational trier of fact could have found that Bagley failed to prove unwitting

possession by a preponderance of the evidence.

                      II. CRIMINAL FILING FEE AND DNA COLLECTION FEE

       Bagley argues that recent amendments to the statutes addressing LFOs require us to strike

the $200 criminal filing fee and $100 DNA collection fee from his judgment and sentence. The

State concedes that we should remand to the trial court to strike these fees. We accept the State’s

concession.

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No. 51344-7-II

        The legislature recently amended RCW 43.43.7541 and RCW 36.18.020(2)(h). LAWS OF

2018, ch. 269, §§ 18, 17. These amendments apply prospectively to cases pending on appeal.

State v. Ramirez, 191 Wash. 2d 732, 747, 426 P.3d 714 (2018). RCW 36.18.020(2)(h) prohibits

courts from imposing the criminal filing fee on indigent defendants. LAWS OF 2018, ch. 269, §17.

The State concedes that Bagley qualifies under RCW 36.18.020(2)(h) and notes that Bagley was

on disability and receiving public assistance. Thus, we remand to the trial court to strike the

criminal filing fee.

        RCW 43.43.7541 prohibits courts from imposing the DNA collection fee if a defendant’s

DNA has already been collected as the result of a prior conviction. LAWS OF 2018, ch. 269, § 18.

The State’s records show that Bagley’s DNA was previously collected. Thus, we remand for the

trial court to strike the DNA collection fee under the 2018 amendments.

                                       SAG ARGUMENTS

        Bagley appears to argue in his SAG that (1) the trial court erred in allowing the prosecutor

to exclude during the jury selection process ex-felons and anyone who had ever abused drugs and

alcohol or had known anyone who had ever abused drugs and alcohol, (2) defense counsel

performed deficiently by not spending time interviewing Bagley about the case, (3) defense

counsel performed deficiently by not going to ABHS to investigate and ignoring a list of staff who

knew of the circumstances at ABHS, (4) defense counsel performed deficiently by not cross-

examining the ABHS witness at trial about the circumstances and situation at ABHS, (5) defense

counsel performed deficiently by presenting an out-of-state DNA expert, (6) defense counsel

performed deficiently by failing to present medical documents or medical expert testimony, (7)

defense counsel performed deficiently by not allowing him time to read his judgment and sentence

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No. 51344-7-II

at his sentencing hearing, and (8) defense counsel performed deficiently by not spending “more

than a few minutes alone with [Bagley].” SAG at 3. Bagley suggests that the deficiencies in

defense counsel’s performance prejudiced him, thereby denying him effective assistance of

counsel. Bagley’s claims fail.

         To prevail on an ineffective assistance of counsel claim, Bagley must show that his

counsel’s performance was deficient and that the deficient performance prejudiced him. Strickland

v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687, 104 S. Ct. 2052, 80 L. Ed. 2d 674 (1984); State v. Grier, 171
Wash. 2d 17, 32-33, 246 P.3d 1260 (2011). A defendant’s ineffective assistance of counsel claim

fails if either prong is not met. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 697. Counsel’s performance is deficient if

it falls “‘below an objective standard of reasonableness.’” Grier, 171 Wash. 2d at 33 (quoting

Strickland, 466 U.S. at 688). A defendant must overcome a strong presumption that counsel was

effective. Id. Performance is not deficient if counsel’s conduct can be characterized as legitimate

trial strategy or tactics. Id. To show prejudice, the defendant must show that there is reasonable

probability that, but for the deficiency, the result of the proceeding would have been different. Id.

at 34.

         When a claim of error rests on information outside of the record, the reviewing court in a

direct appeal cannot address the claim. State v. McFarland, 127 Wash. 2d 322, 338, 899 P.2d 1251

(1995). “[A] personal restraint petition is the appropriate vehicle for bringing those matters before

the court.” Id.

         With these principles in mind, we turn to Bagley’s claims.

         Claim 1: Bagley claims that the trial court allowed the prosecutor to exclude during jury

selection ex-felons and anyone who had ever abused drugs and alcohol or had known anyone who

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No. 51344-7-II

had ever abused drugs and alcohol. This claim rests on information outside of the record, and

therefore, we do not address it.

       Claim 2:      Bagley claims his counsel performed deficiently by not spending time

interviewing Bagley about the case. This claim rests on information outside of the record, and

therefore, we do not address it.

       Claim 3: Bagley claims his counsel performed deficiently by not going to ABHS to

investigate and ignoring a list of staff who knew of the circumstances at ABHS. This claim rests

on information outside of the record, and therefore, we do not address it.

       Claim 4: Although it is apparent from the record that defense counsel did not cross-

examine Sanchez (the only ABHS worker who testified) about the lockers where ABHS clients

stored personal items or the living arrangements at ABHS, counsel’s reason for not doing so is not

in the record. As such, we cannot address it. See State v. Linville, 191 Wash. 2d 513, 525, 423 P.3d
842 (2018). Moreover, the extent of cross-examination is a matter of judgment and strategy and

is generally left to the discretion of counsel. In re Pers. Restraint of Davis, 152 Wash. 2d 647, 720,

101 P.3d 1 (2004).

       Claim 5: Bagley claims his counsel was deficient for electing to call a DNA expert from

out of state. In providing background information about herself, Spong testified she is from

California. Bagley fails to demonstrate prejudice. Spong’s testimony was favorable to Bagley,

and Bagley fails to explain how or demonstrate that a “Lewis County” jury would discount the

testimony of an expert on the basis that she lives in California.

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No. 51344-7-II

       Claim 6: Bagley claims his counsel was deficient for electing not to introduce medical

documents or expert medical testimony regarding Bagley’s medical condition. This claim rests on

information outside of the record and therefore we do not address it. Additionally, an attorney’s

decision to call a witness is a matter of trial tactics left to the discretion of trial counsel and

generally will not support a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel. In re Pers. Restraint of

Monschke, 160 Wash. App. 479, 492, 251 P.3d 884 (2010); State v. Byrd, 30 Wash. App. 794, 799,

638 P.2d 601 (1981).

       Claim 7: Bagley appears to claim that defense counsel performed deficiently by not

allowing him time to read his judgment and sentence at his sentencing hearing, instead promising

to provide him a copy of the judgment and sentence following the sentencing. He claims that he

signed his judgment and sentence “under duress” as a result, because although his attorney

furnished him a copy of his judgment and sentence at the Lewis County Jail following his

sentencing hearing, he was deprived of possession of the document by the Department of

Corrections (DOC) until his release from custody six months later. SAG at 2. To the extent this

is a complaint about DOC allegedly not providing Bagley his copy of his judgment and sentence

until after his release from custody six months after his sentencing, this claim rests on information

outside the record and therefore we do not address it. Additionally, this is not a claim for which

we can provide relief. To the extent this is a complaint that he signed his judgment and sentence

under duress because he did not understand its contents and defense counsel performed deficiently

by not explaining the contents to him, we have reviewed the record and find no error.

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No. 51344-7-II

       At sentencing, the court asked Bagley if he went over the judgment and sentence with his

counsel. Bagley responded that he had flipped through it and asked if he could have a copy. The

sentencing court emphasized that he could give him a copy but stated, “I’m happy to do that, but

I want to make sure that you’re not being rushed, that you have plenty of time to look through it

and make sure it reflects what I said out loud.” 2 VRP at 182. Bagley emphasized that it takes

him a long time to read things. Again, the trial court asked if he needed more time, and Bagley

responded that the trial court could go ahead and sign it and repeated that he would like a copy.

       The trial court then verbally informed him that he would lose the right to own or possess a

firearm and that he had the right to appeal. Bagley said he understood. On the record, defense

counsel then stated, “As far as getting a copy of that, is that something we can do right now or,”

and the clerk said, “I can get you a copy.” 2 VRP at 185.

       The record does not show that defense counsel performed deficiently or that any deficiency

prejudiced Bagley.

       Claim 8: Bagley claims defense counsel performed deficiently by not spending “more than

a few minutes alone with [him].” SAG at 3. This claim rests on information outside the record,

and therefore, we do not address it.

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No. 51344-7-II

                                        CONCLUSION

        Accordingly, we affirm Bagley’s conviction, but remand to the court to strike the LFOs in

accordance with this opinion.

        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.

                                                    CRUSER, J.
 We concur:

 WORSWICK, P.J.

 GLASGOW, J.

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