Court Opinion

ID: 2702899
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2014-08-04 20:00:06.343998+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:14:26.508529
License: Public Domain

[Cite as Cleveland v. Anderson, 2013-Ohio-165.]

                 Court of Appeals of Ohio
                               EIGHTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
                                  COUNTY OF CUYAHOGA

                              JOURNAL ENTRY AND OPINION
                                       No. 97787

                                CITY OF CLEVELAND

                                                        PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE

                                                  vs.

                               LAWRENCE ANDERSON
                                                             DEFENDANT-APPELLANT

                                   JUDGMENT:
                             REVERSED AND REMANDED

                                      Criminal Appeal from the
                                     Cleveland Municipal Court
                                     Case No. 2011 CRB 037325

        BEFORE:          Kilbane, J., Boyle, P.J., and Jones, J.

        RELEASED AND JOURNALIZED: January 24, 2013
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLANT

Robert L. Tobik
Cuyahoga County Public Defender
Cullen Sweeney
Adrieene Cavender
Assistant Public Defenders
310 Lakeside Avenue
Suite 200
Cleveland, Ohio 44113

ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLEE

Barbara A. Langhenry
Interim Director of Law
601 Lakeside Avenue, Room 106
Cleveland, Ohio 44114

BY: Victor R. Perez
Chief City Prosecutor
The Justice Center, 8th Floor
1200 Ontario Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44113

Bidisha Bagchi
Connor P. Nathanson
Assistant City Prosecutors
1200 Ontario Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
MARY EILEEN KILBANE, J.:

      {¶1} Defendant-appellant, Lawrence Anderson, appeals his conviction for

transporting solid waste. For the following reasons, we reverse and remand.

      {¶2} In October 2011, Anderson was charged with transporting solid waste on a

Sunday in violation of Cleveland Codified Ordinances 551.22 (“C.C.O. 551.22”). The

matter proceeded to a bench trial in December 2011. Prior to trial, Anderson indicated

that he wanted to waive his right to counsel. The court engaged in a brief exchange with

Anderson only stating that the trial begins with opening statements, then the questioning

of witnesses, and the opportunity for Anderson to present his case. Anderson then

proceeded pro se. The following evidence was adduced at trial.

      {¶3} Cleveland police officer, Andrew Gasiewski (“Gasiewski”), testified that on

Sunday, October 9, 2011, he was on patrol in the area of Carnegie Avenue and Ontario

Street in Cleveland, Ohio when he observed a pickup truck traveling with a cracked

windshield and a loud muffler. As a result, he initiated a traffic stop of the vehicle,

which was driven by Anderson. While he conducted the traffic stop, he observed several

items in the bed of Anderson’s truck, including lawn mowers, fans, weights, lamps,

doors, and computers. Anderson told Gasiewski that he picked up these items from

residential areas. Gasiewski issued Anderson citations for the loud muffler, cracked

windshield, and transporting solid waste on a Sunday.

      {¶4} At the conclusion of trial, the court found Anderson guilty, sentenced him
to 30 days in jail, and fined him $250; both were suspended.

       {¶5} Anderson now appeals, raising the following five assignments of error for

review.

                            ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR ONE

       The trial court failed to obtain a knowing and voluntary waiver of
       [Anderson’s] right to counsel as required by the Fifth, Sixth, and Fourteenth
       Amendments to the United States Constitution and Article I, Sections 10 &
       16 of the Ohio Constitution.

                           ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR TWO

       [Anderson’s] conviction for transporting solid waste on a Sunday was not
       supported by sufficient evidence as required by Due Process.

                          ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR THREE

       Assuming, arguendo, that the court rejects Assignment of Error II, [C.C.O.
       551.22] is unconstitutionally vague and results in arbitrary and selective
       enforcement in violation of the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses
       of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article
       I, Sections 10 & 16 of the Ohio Constitution.

                           ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR FOUR

       [C.C.O. 551.22] is irrational and, as a result, violates the Due Process and
       Equal Protection Clauses of the United States Constitution.

                           ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR FIVE

       The trial court improperly convicted [Anderson] of a second degree
       misdemeanor.

       {¶6} In the first assignment of error, Anderson argues that the trial court violated

his constitutional rights when it failed to obtain a knowing and voluntary waiver of his

right to counsel.

       {¶7} We recently addressed this issue in State v. Smith, 8th Dist. No. 98093,
2012-Ohio-5420.     In Smith, the defendant stated to the trial court on two separate

occasions that he wished to represent himself. Smith proceeded, pro se, after the trial

court engaged in a lengthy colloquy on each occasion. Smith appealed his convictions,

arguing that “the trial court erred in granting his request to represent himself because his

waiver of his constitutional right to counsel was not made knowingly and intelligently.”

Id. at ¶ 6.

        {¶8} On appeal, we found that Smith’s decision to represent himself was

knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently made, noting that:

        Smith told the court on two separate occasions that he wished to represent
        himself. On each occasion, the trial court engaged in a lengthy colloquy
        with him. The trial court repeatedly advised him of the dangers of
        self-representation and encouraged him to proceed with his court-appointed
        counsel. The court also reviewed the elements of the charges, any defenses
        to the charges, and the maximum possible penalties with Smith. The court
        explained trial procedures to him, questioned him regarding his
        understanding of those procedures, and advised him that he would be held
        to the same standards as an attorney. The court also carefully reviewed the
        written waiver of counsel and intent to proceed pro se form with Smith,
        reading it aloud and ensuring that he understood it. Throughout these
        colloq[uies], Smith was adamant that he wanted to represent himself and
        repeatedly told the judge that he understood the ramifications of his
        decision. Id. at ¶ 9-10.

        {¶9} Although Smith’s waiver of his right to counsel was knowingly,

intelligently, and voluntarily made, we find our reasoning in Smith instructive. We

recognized that:

        “Although a defendant may eloquently express a desire to represent himself,
        a trial court must still satisfy certain parameters to ensure that the
        defendant’s waiver of the constitutional right to counsel is made knowingly,
        intelligently, and voluntarily.” State v. Moore, 8th Dist. No. 95106,
        2012-Ohio-1958, 970 N.E.2d 1098, ¶ 43.
       In State v. Buchanan, 8th Dist. No. 80098, 2003-Ohio-6851, ¶ 15-18, this
       court discussed the trial court’s duty of ensuring that the defendant’s waiver
       of counsel is knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily made:

       “The Sixth Amendment, as made applicable to the states by the Fourteenth
       Amendment, guarantees that a defendant in a state criminal trial has an
       independent constitutional right of self-representation and that he may
       proceed to defend himself without counsel when he voluntarily, and
       knowingly and intelligently elects to do so.” State v. Gibson (1976), 45
       Ohio St.2d 366, 345 N.E.2d 399, paragraph one of the syllabus, citing
       Faretta v. California (1975), 422 U.S. 806, 95 S.Ct. 2525, 45 L.Ed.2d 562.
       * * * “In order to establish an effective waiver of right to counsel, the trial
       court must make sufficient inquiry to determine whether a defendant fully
       understands and intelligently relinquishes that right.” Gibson, supra,
       paragraph two of the syllabus.

       Although there is no prescribed colloquy in which the trial court and a pro
       se defendant must engage before a defendant may waive his right to
       counsel, the court must ensure that the defendant is voluntarily electing to
       proceed pro se and that the defendant is knowingly, intelligently, and
       voluntarily waiving the right to counsel. [State v.] Martin, [8th Dist. No.
       80198, 2003-Ohio-1499], supra, citing State v. Jackson (2001), 145 Ohio
       App.3d 223, 227, 762 N.E.2d 438 [8th Dist.]. Given the presumption
       against waiving a constitutional right, the trial court must ensure the
       defendant is aware of “the dangers and disadvantages of
       self-representation” and that he is making the decision with his “eyes open.”
        Faretta, supra.

       In determining the sufficiency of the trial court’s inquiry in the context of
       the defendant’s waiver of counsel, the Gibson court applied the test set forth
       in Von Moltke v. Gillies (1948), 332 U.S. 708, 723, 68 S.Ct. 316, 92
       L.Ed.309, as follows:

       “* * * To be valid such waiver must be made with an apprehension of the
       charges, the statutory offenses included within them, the range of allowable
       punishments, thereunder, possible defenses to the charges and
       circumstances in mitigation thereof, and all other facts essential to a broad
       understanding of the matter.”

Smith at ¶ 7-8.

       {¶10} Unlike Smith, the trial court in the instant case, did not engage in any
colloquy with Anderson advising him of the nature of the charge, the statutory offense

included within it, the range of allowable punishment, possible defenses to the charge and

circumstances in mitigation thereof, and all other facts essential to a broad understanding

of the matter. Rather, the trial court merely engaged in the following brief exchange:

       [ANDERSON]: I’d like to waive my right to a counsel.

       THE COURT: So you’re going to represent yourself? This is set for trial
       Mr. Anderson.

       [ANDERSON]: Yes, your Honor.

       THE COURT: So procedurally we begin with opening statements. The
       city would question [Cleveland police officer Andrew Gasiewski] after
       which you would have an opportunity to question him, so be certain that
       you listen to the questions and his testimony.

       [ANDERSON]: Yes, your Honor.

       THE COURT: After which upon city resting you will have an opportunity
       to present your testimony.

       [ANDERSON]: Thank you.

       THE COURT: We begin with opening statements.                We begin with
       swearing the witnesses in.

       {¶11} This brief exchange cannot be reasonably considered sufficient to

demonstrate that Anderson’s decision to represent himself was made knowingly,

voluntarily, and intelligently. The trial court failed to advise Anderson of the dangers of

self-representation, the elements of the charge, any defenses to the charge, and the

maximum possible penalty. The court also failed to fully explain trial procedures to

Anderson, question him regarding his understanding of those procedures, and advise him

that he would be held to the same standards as an attorney.
       {¶12} Therefore, the first assignment of error is sustained.

       {¶13} In the second assignment of error, Anderson challenges the sufficiency of

his conviction. In the third and fourth assignments of error, Anderson challenges the

constitutionality of C.C.O. 551.22. In the fifth assignment of error, Anderson contends

that the trial court improperly convicted him of a second degree misdemeanor. Our

disposition of the first assignment of error, however, renders these assignments of error

moot. App.R. 12(A)(1)(c).

       {¶14} Notwithstanding our decision to remand the matter for a new trial, we note

that there is nothing in the record to indicate that this was not a first-time offense. A first

time violation of C.C.O. 551.22 is a fourth degree misdemeanor. See C.C.O. 551.99(c),

R.C. 2929.24(A)(4) and 2929.28(A)(2)(a)(ii).         The complaint and the trial court’s

judgment of conviction, however, state that Anderson was charged and found guilty of a

second degree misdemeanor. Crim.R. 36(A) allows for the correction at any time of

clerical mistakes in orders due to oversight or omission, and App.R. 9(E) allows this court

to direct that the misstatement be corrected.    Thus, on remand the trial court shall correct

the charge to a fourth degree misdemeanor.

       {¶15} Judgment is reversed, and the matter is remanded for a new trial and a

correction of the charge to a fourth degree misdemeanor.

       It is ordered that appellant recover from appellee costs herein taxed.

       The court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.

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

Municipal Court to carry this judgment into execution.
       A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of

the Rules of Appellate Procedure.

MARY EILEEN KILBANE, JUDGE

MARY J. BOYLE, P.J., CONCURS;
LARRY A. JONES, SR., J., CONCURS IN PART AND DISSENTS IN PART (SEE
SEPARATE OPINION)
LARRY A. JONES, SR., J., DISSENTING IN PART; CONCURRING IN PART:

       {¶16} Respectfully, I dissent from the majority’s resolution of the first assignment

of error relative to Anderson’s waiver of his right to counsel. I concur with the portion

of the majority’s opinion ordering correction of the charge.

       {¶17} Crim.R. 44(A) requires that “[w]here a defendant charged with a serious

offense is unable to obtain counsel, counsel shall be assigned to represent him at every

stage of the proceedings * * * unless the defendant, after being fully advised of his right

to assigned counsel, knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waives his right to counsel.”

 A “serious offense” is defined by Crim.R. 2(C) as, “any felony, and any misdemeanor

for which the penalty prescribed by law includes confinement for more than six months.”

I agree with the majority that the crime here was a fourth degree misdemeanor, rather than

a second degree misdemeanor as charged. The maximum penalty for a fourth degree

misdemeanor is a 30-day-jail sentence. R.C. 2929.24(A)(4). Crim.R. 2(D) defines a

“petty offense” as “a misdemeanor other than a serious offense.” Thus, Anderson’s

crime was not a serious offense; it was a petty offense.

       {¶18} Crim.R. 44(B) and (C) apply to petty offenses and provide:
      (B) Counsel in petty offenses. Where a defendant charged with a petty
      offense is unable to obtain counsel, the court may assign counsel to
      represent him. When a defendant charged with a petty offense is unable to
      obtain counsel, no sentence of confinement may be imposed upon him,
      unless after being fully advised by the court, he knowingly, intelligently,
      and voluntarily waives assignment of counsel.

      (C) Waiver of counsel. Waiver of counsel shall be in open court and the

      advice and waiver shall be recorded as provided in Rule 22. In addition, in

      serious offense cases the waiver shall be in writing.

      {¶19} Thus, under Crim.R. 44(B) and (C), whether a defendant is represented by

counsel will control the penalty that may be imposed on him, unless there is a knowing,

intelligent and voluntary waiver in the record. The United States Supreme Court has also

addressed this issue and held that the right to counsel in misdemeanor cases attaches only

in cases leading to actual imprisonment. Alabama v. Shelton, 535 U.S. 654, 661, 122

S.Ct. 1764, 152 L.Ed.2d 888 (2002); Scott v. Illinois, 440 U.S. 367, 373-374, 99 S.Ct.

1158, 59 L.Ed.2d 383 (1979); Argersinger v. Hamlin, 407 U.S. 25, 33, 92 S.Ct. 2006, 32

L.Ed.2d 530 (1972).

      {¶20} The Supreme Court of Ohio expressly adopted Argersinger as the governing

standard in right to counsel cases, stating “[a]bsent a knowing and intelligent waiver, no

person may be imprisoned for any offense, whether classified as petty, misdemeanor, or

felony, unless he was represented by counsel at his trial. (Argersinger v. Hamlin, 407

U.S. 25, followed.)” State v. Wellman, 37 Ohio St.2d 162, 309 N.E.2d 915 (1974),

paragraph one of the syllabus.

      {¶21} Anderson was not incarcerated; he was sentenced to 30 days in jail and fined
$250, but both were suspended.          I am aware that a suspended jail sentence can

sometimes result in actual incarceration, however.           Shelton, supra, addressed that

situation, which can occur if the trial court suspends a defendant’s sentence, but places

him on community control for a period of time. If the defendant were to violate the

terms of his probation, the suspended sentence could be reimposed. If that were to

happen, the “uncounseled conviction at that point results in imprisonment, it ends up in

the actual deprivation of a person’s liberty.” Id. at 662. (Citations omitted.) But the

trial court did not place Anderson on community control sanctions here and therefore it

did not reserve the opportunity to restrain his liberty on this case.

       {¶22} Moreover, even if the trial court had placed Anderson on community control

sanctions, the majority’s order to remand for a new trial is not the proper remedy.

Rather, the appropriate remedy would be to terminate the community control sanctions,

but not to disturb the conviction. The Eleventh Appellate District explained as follows:

       In light of Argersinger and Scott, it is clear that the denial of assistance of
       counsel precludes the imposition of a penal sentence, but it does not bar the
       levying of a fine, nor does it affect the constitutionality of the underlying
       conviction. If an unrepresented defendant has been convicted and
       sentenced to jail for a petty offense and that defendant did not execute a
       valid waiver of the right to counsel, an appropriate course of action for an
       appellate court to take is simply to vacate any term of imprisonment, while
       affirming the conviction itself along with any associated fine.

       {¶23} State v. Boughner, 11th Dist. No. 98-G-2161, 1999 Ohio App. LEXIS, *27

(Dec. 17, 1999). See also Lakewood v. McDonald, 8th Dist. No. 84465, 2005-Ohio-394,

¶ 11 (“Because the court did not advise McDonald of his right to counsel, nor did it

properly obtain McDonald’s waiver of that right, we are compelled to vacate the
community controlled sanction. The remaining sanctions imposed by the court remain

unaffected by the violation of the right to counsel.”)

       {¶24} In light of the above, I dissent from the majority’s finding that Anderson’s

constitutional rights were violated when it failed to obtain a knowing and voluntary

waiver of his right to counsel, and its order to remand for a new trial. I would address the

remaining assignments of error and find the second, third, and fourth to be without merit

and, therefore, affirm the conviction. I would find merit in the fifth assignment of error,

which contends that the crime was a fourth degree misdemeanor, rather than a second

degree misdemeanor as charged.         I therefore concur only with the portion of the

majority’s opinion ordering correction of the charge.