Court Opinion

ID: 1074014
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2013-10-09 20:03:14.148723+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:41:34.259782
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OF TENNESSEE
                          AT NASHVILLE
                                   August 14, 2002 Session

              STATE OF TENNESSEE v. HARLEY B. UPCHURCH

                 Direct Appeal from the Criminal Court for Overton County
                            No. 4934     Lillie Ann Sells, Judge

                   No. M2001-03170-CCA-R3-CD - Filed September 9, 2002

Defendant pled guilty to burglary, theft under $500, and vandalism under $500 and was sentenced
by the trial court to an effective sentence of four years with the requirement that he serve one year
"day for day" in the county jail followed by twelve years of supervised probation. On appeal,
defendant contends (1) the length of his sentence is excessive; (2) he should have been granted full
probation; and (3) the trial court erred in requiring him to serve his time of confinement "day for
day." We remand for deletion of the "day for day" requirement because it deprives the defendant of
the opportunity to earn statutory sentencing credits; however, we affirm the judgments of the trial
court in all other respects.

   Tenn. R. App. P. 3 Appeal as of Right; Judgments of the Criminal Court Affirmed as
                                   Modified; Remanded

JOE G. RILEY, J., delivered the opinion of the court, in which DAVID G. HAYES and NORMA MCGEE
OGLE , JJ., joined.

David N. Brady, District Public Defender; and John B. Nisbet, III, Assistant District Public
Defender, for the appellant, Harley B. Upchurch.

Paul G. Summers, Attorney General and Reporter; Elizabeth T. Ryan, Assistant Attorney General;
William Edward Gibson, District Attorney General; and Owen G. Burnett, Assistant District
Attorney General, for the appellee, State of Tennessee.

                                             OPINION

       Defendant pled guilty to burglary, theft under $500, and vandalism under $500 with the
sentence to be determined by the trial court. For burglary, the trial court sentenced the defendant to
four years to serve one year in confinement followed by twelve years supervised probation. For the
misdemeanor offenses of theft under $500 and vandalism under $500, the trial court sentenced the
defendant to eleven months and twenty-nine days for each offense to run concurrently with each
other and also concurrently with the burglary sentence.

        Testimony at the sentencing hearing indicated that on December 7, 2000, the defendant,
while "drunk," broke through a door and burglarized a store in Monroe, Tennessee. He was arrested
by officers inside the store; various items had been scattered about in the store.

       The nineteen-year-old defendant had a tenth grade education but had secured his GED. He
had a sparse work history, had misdemeanor convictions as an adult, and had numerous juvenile
adjudications.

        Testimony at the sentencing hearing further revealed the victim told the defendant to stay
away from the store after this burglary. Nevertheless, the victim had to instruct the defendant on
three separate occasions to leave the property.

        The trial court applied enhancement factors (1), prior history of criminal convictions or
criminal behavior, and (8), previous history of unwillingness to comply with conditions of a sentence
involving release. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-114(1), (8). The trial court applied mitigating
factor (1), conduct did not cause or threaten serious bodily injury, and gave this mitigating factor
little weight. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-113(1). The trial court found no other applicable
mitigating factors. The trial court further found the defendant was untruthful in his testimony and
exhibited a "laissez faire" attitude concerning his sentencing. The trial court further noted the
defendant's extensive criminal history and that no prior punishments had been effective to deter
defendant's criminal activities. Although the trial court denied total probation, the trial court ordered
that the defendant effectively serve one year in confinement followed by twelve years of probation.

                                    STANDARD OF REVIEW

        In defendant's first two issues, he contends the trial court erred by imposing the maximum
length of sentences and further erred by denying total probation. We respectfully disagree.

        This court’s review of the sentence imposed by the trial court is de novo with a presumption
of correctness. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-401(d). This presumption is conditioned upon an
affirmative showing in the record that the trial judge considered the sentencing principles and all
relevant facts and circumstances. State v. Pettus, 986 S.W.2d 540, 543 (Tenn. 1999). If the trial
court fails to comply with the statutory directives, there is no presumption of correctness and our
review is de novo. State v. Poole, 945 S.W.2d 93, 96 (Tenn. 1997).

       The burden is upon the appealing party to show that the sentence is improper. Tenn. Code
Ann. § 40-35-401(d) Sentencing Commission Comments. If no mitigating or enhancement factors
for sentencing are present, Tennessee Code Annotated section 40-35-210(c) provides that the
presumptive sentence for the felony offense shall be the minimum sentence within the applicable

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range. State v. Lavender, 967 S.W.2d 803, 806 (Tenn. 1998); State v. Fletcher, 805 S.W.2d 785, 788
(Tenn. Crim. App. 1991). However, if such factors do exist, a trial court should enhance the
minimum sentence within the range for enhancement factors and then reduce the sentence within the
range for the mitigating factors. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-210(e); State v. Arnett, 49 S.W.3d 250,
257 (Tenn. 2001). No particular weight for each factor is prescribed by the statute, as the weight
given to each factor is left to the discretion of the trial court as long as the trial court complies with
the purposes and principles of the sentencing act and its findings are supported by the record. State
v. Moss, 727 S.W.2d 229, 238 (Tenn. 1986); State v. Kelley, 34 S.W.3d 471, 479 (Tenn. Crim. App.
2000); see Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-210 Sentencing Commission Comments.

A. Length of Sentences

        The range of punishment for burglary, a Class D felony, for a standard offender is from two
to four years. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-112(a)(4). The trial court set punishment at four years,
the maximum. The range of punishment for the two Class A misdemeanor offenses is any time not
greater than eleven months and twenty-nine days. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-111(e)(1). The trial
court set punishment for each misdemeanor offense at the maximum.

        Defendant contests the trial court's application of enhancement factor (1), prior history of
criminal convictions or criminal behavior. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-114(1). The defendant had
prior juvenile adjudications for truancy, unruly behavior, domestic assault, delinquency,
misdemeanor theft and escape from confinement on a misdemeanor adjudication. The trial court
erroneously relied upon the defendant's prior juvenile adjudications in applying this factor. See State
v. Adams, 45 S.W.3d 46, 58 (Tenn. Crim. App. 2000) (holding juvenile adjudications can now be
used for enhancement purposes only under factor (20) and not factor (1)). The defendant's prior
juvenile adjudications would not have qualified as felonies as an adult; therefore, they could not be
considered under either factor (1) or factor (20). The record also shows the defendant was convicted
of underage possession of alcohol when he was over 18 years of age but under 21 years of age.
However, Tennessee Code Annotated section 57-3-412(a)(3)(C) (Supp. 2001) expressly provides
that "[n]o violation of [this provision]. . . may at any time be used against the violator in any criminal
proceeding." Accordingly, underage possession of alcohol could not be considered under factor (1).
Nevertheless, the defendant did have misdemeanor convictions as an adult for contributing to the
delinquency of a minor and violation of the implied consent law.1 Furthermore, defendant admitted
to using marijuana two months prior to sentencing and illegally using hydrocodone six months prior
to sentencing. This criminal behavior, though not resulting in convictions, may also be considered
under enhancement factor (1). See State v. Carico, 968 S.W.2d 280, 288 (Tenn. 1998). Accordingly,
enhancement factor (1) applies.

         1
           The presentence report reflects the defendant "pled guilty to violation of the implied consent law," was placed
on probation for eleven months and twenty-nine days, and had his license revoked. This was not contested at the
sentencing hearing. Ord inarily, a violation of the implied consent law is not a criminal o ffense, and the sanction is
revocation of the driver's license. See Tenn. Co de A nn. § 55-10 -406(a)(3). Only und er limited circumstances does a
misdemeanor conviction result. See id. Regardless of whether this violation should be considered under enhancement
factor (1) as a crimina l conviction or criminal behavior, it would not affect our sentencing determinations.

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        The trial court erroneously applied enhancement factor (8), prior history of unwillingness to
comply with conditions of release into the community, based upon its finding that the current
offenses were committed while the defendant was on probation and, further, based upon the
defendant's prior juvenile adjudication of escape from a juvenile detention center. Factor (8) only
applies to a previous history of unwillingness and does not apply where the present offenses were
committed while the defendant was on probation. See State v. Hayes, 899 S.W.2d 175, 186 (Tenn.
Crim. App. 1995) (emphasis in original). Furthermore, we conclude the escape from juvenile
detention does not trigger the application of enhancement factor (8) because juvenile detention does
not involve release into the community. Nevertheless, we conclude that factor (8) is applicable for
reasons not relied upon by the trial court.2 The defendant was placed upon juvenile probation on
November 5, 1997, placed on house arrest, and was subsequently adjudicated for domestic assault
committed while he was on house arrest. Violation of a condition of probation as a juvenile qualifies
as a previous history of unwillingness to comply with conditions of release into the community.
State v. Jackson, 60 S.W.3d 738, 743 (Tenn. 2001) (holding enhancement factor (20) does not
prevent juvenile probation violations from being considered under enhancement factor (8)).
Accordingly, enhancement factor (8) applies.

        The trial court applied mitigating factor (1), conduct did not cause nor threaten serious bodily
injury, but gave it little weight. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-113(1). The trial court did not err in
giving this mitigating factor little weight. See State v. Timothy Alan Hopper, No. 02C01-9709-CC-
00371, 1999 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 293, at *12 (Tenn. Crim. App. Mar. 29, 1999, at Jackson),
perm. to app. denied (Tenn. 1999). Likewise, we find the trial court properly rejected mitigating
factor (6), defendant lacked substantial judgment because of his youth. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-
35-113(6). A defendant's youth does not automatically require application of this factor but, rather,
we must consider "youth in context" of the circumstances tending to demonstrate the ability to
appreciate the nature of the conduct. State v. Adams, 864 S.W.2d 31, 33 (Tenn. 1993). Defendant's
extensive involvement with the criminal and juvenile justice systems negates this mitigating factor.

        Finally, defendant contends the trial court erred in weighing the enhancement and mitigating
factors. However, the weight to be given enhancement and mitigating factors is left to the discretion
of the trial court. Kelley, 34 S.W.3d at 479.

        Based upon our de novo review, and in light of the application of enhancement and mitigating
factors, we conclude the four-year sentence for burglary and the sentences of eleven months and

         2
           W e note the presentence report reflects defendant was on probation for violation of the implied consent law
when he unlawfully possessed alcohol, for which he was sub sequently convicted . See supra note 1 as to potential
invalidity of the probationary penalty for violation of the implied consent law. However, as we have stated, underage
possession of alcohol by one over 18 but under 21 years of age is not to be used against the violator in any criminal
proceed ing. See Tenn. Co de A nn. § 5 7-3-4 12(a)(3)(C) (Supp. 20 01).

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twenty-nine days for the misdemeanors are appropriate. Further, we will not disturb the length of
probation set by the trial court.3

B. Denial of Total Probation

        Defendant contends the trial court erred in denying total probation. An especially mitigated
or standard offender convicted of a Class C, D or E felony is presumed to be a favorable candidate
for alternative sentencing in the absence of evidence to the contrary. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-
102(6). A trial court must presume that a defendant sentenced to eight years or less and for whom
incarceration is not a priority is subject to alternative sentencing. State v. Byrd, 861 S.W.2d 377,
379-80 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1993). It is further presumed that a sentence other than incarceration
would result in successful rehabilitation unless rebutted by sufficient evidence in the record. Id. at
380. However, although a defendant may be presumed to be a favorable candidate for alternative
sentencing, the defendant has the burden of establishing suitability for total probation. State v.
Boggs, 932 S.W.2d 467, 477 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1996); Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-303(b). Even
though probation must be automatically considered, “the defendant is not automatically entitled to
probation as a matter of law.” Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-303(b) Sentencing Commission Comments;
State v. Hartley, 818 S.W.2d 370, 373 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1991). A defendant seeking full probation
bears the burden on appeal of showing the sentence imposed is improper, and that full probation will
be in the best interest of the defendant and the public. State v. Baker, 966 S.W.2d 429, 434 (Tenn.
Crim. App. 1997).

        In determining if incarceration is appropriate, a trial court may consider the need to protect
society by restraining a defendant having a long history of criminal conduct, the need to avoid
depreciating the seriousness of the offense, whether confinement is particularly appropriate to
effectively deter others likely to commit similar offenses, and whether less restrictive measures have
often or recently been unsuccessfully applied to the defendant. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-103(1).

        The trial court did not err in denying total probation. We first note that defendant did receive
alternative sentencing in the form of split confinement. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-104(c)(5).
We further note that the defendant, even at his young age, has amassed a considerable history of
criminal conduct, albeit mostly in the form of juvenile adjudications. Measures less restrictive than
confinement have been unsuccessfully applied. The trial court also properly considered the
defendant's untruthfulness, which relates to his potential for rehabilitation. See State v. Nunley, 22
S.W.3d 282, 289 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1999). Defendant has not met his burden of establishing that
full probation should have been granted. This issue is without merit.

         3
           The period of probation may be for a period up to "the statutory maximum time for the class of the conviction
offense." Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-303(c). The total range of punishment for burglary, a Class D felony, is from two
to twelve years. See Tenn. Co de A nn. § 4 0-35 -111 (b)(4 ). Thus, the twelve years of probation was within the allowed
range. Although we question the wisd om of such a lengthy period of probation, we do not believe that we have an
app ropriate basis to disturb this sentenc ing determination b y the trial court. See State v. Fletcher, 805 S.W.2d 785, 789
(Tenn. Crim. App. 1 991 ) (noting the appellate court may no t disturb the sentence imposed by the trial court simply
because " we wo uld have preferred a different resu lt").

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                              "DAY FOR DAY" CONFINEMENT

       Finally, defendant contends the trial court erred in ordering his one-year confinement in the
county jail to be served "day for day." We must agree with his contention.

        The order to confine the defendant in the burglary case for one year "day for day" deprives
the defendant of the opportunity to earn proper sentencing credits as provided by statute. See
generally State v. James Kevin Underwood, No. E2000-01945-CCA-R3-CD, 2001 Tenn. Crim. App.
LEXIS 585, at *8 (Tenn. Crim. App. Aug. 2, 2001, at Knoxville); see also State v. Clark, 67 S.W.3d
73, 78 (Tenn. Crim. App. 2001). An order of confinement for one year in the county jail is governed
by Tennessee Code Annotated section 41-21-236(d) relating to sentence reduction credits established
by the Department of Correction for felony offenders serving sentences of one or more years in the
county jail. Accordingly, we modify the time of confinement to the extent of deleting the "day for
day" language set forth in the judgment for the felony offense; thus, defendant will be entitled to earn
appropriate sentence credits. The judgments for the two misdemeanor offenses do not have the "day
for day" language; thus, the defendant will be entitled to earn good conduct credit toward these
sentences. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 41-2-111(b). In summary, defendant will be entitled to earn
proper sentence reduction credits which will apply toward his one year of confinement in the county
jail.

                                          CONCLUSION

       We remand to the trial court for entry of an amended judgment in the burglary case deleting
the "day for day" language. We affirm the judgments of the trial court in all other respects.

                                                        ___________________________________
                                                        JOE G. RILEY, JUDGE

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