Court Opinion

ID: 4046427
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-09-29 00:10:08.294479+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:30:30.478200
License: Public Domain

ACCEPTED
                                                                      06-15-00007-CR
                                                            SIXTH COURT OF APPEALS
                                                                 TEXARKANA, TEXAS
                                                                 3/12/2015 8:33:16 AM
                                                                      DEBBIE AUTREY
                                                                               CLERK

               NO.06-15-00007-CR

                                                      FILED IN
           IN THE COURT OF APPEALS             6th COURT OF APPEALS
                                                 TEXARKANA, TEXAS
                   FOR THE                     3/12/2015 8:33:16 AM
                                                   DEBBIE AUTREY
       SIXTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF TEXAS                Clerk

           THOMAS LANCE BELONEY
                   Appellant

                       v.
                STATE OF TEXAS
                    Appellee

APPEALED FROM THE 71 st JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

         OF HARRISON COUNTY, TEXAS
           TRIAL COURT NO. 14-0158x

             BRIEF OF APPELLANT

                                   KYLE DANSBY
                                   ATTORNEY AT LAW

                                   P.O. BOX 1914
                                   MARSHALL, TX 75671

                                   (903) 738-6162
                                   (888) 410-1583 (FAX)

                                   kdansbylaw@gtnail.com

                                   STATE BAR NO: 24059180

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                                           TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                                                                   Page
TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................... 2

INDEX OF AUTHORITIES ................................................................................. 3

IDENTIFICATION OF PARTIES .......................................................................... 3

STATEMENT OF THE CASE ................................................................................... 5

ISSUEPRESENTED                .......................................................................................... 5

         Appellant's sentence is not grossly disproportional to the crime committed in violation of
the Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution. This is assuming arguendo that trial
cotUlsel preserved this argument for appeal, as trial counsel did not object to the sentence and did
not file a motion for new trial or motion to arrest judgment.

STATEMENT OF FACTS ................................................................................... 5
SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT ....................................................................... 7
PRESERVATION OF ERROR .............................................................................. 8
ARGUMENT ................................................................................................... 8

PRAyER ......................................................................................................... .10
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE ...................................................................... 10

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE. ............................................................................ 10

                                                                                                                        2
                                      INDEX OF AUTHORITIES

CASES:
Harmelin v. Michigan, 501 U.S. 957 (1991) ............................................................... 9
Solem v. Helm, 463 U.S. 277, 291-92 (1983) .............................................................. 9
McGruderv. Puckett, 954 F.2d 313,316 (5th Cir.), cert. denied ....................................... 9
Currie v. State, 516 S.W.2d 684 (Tex. Crim. App. 1974) ................................................ 8
High v. State, 573 S.W.2d 807, 812 (Tex. Crim. App. 1978) ............................................ 8
Jordan v. State, 495 S.W.2d 949, 952 (Tex. Crim. App. 1973) ......................................... 8
Castaneda v. State, 135 S.W.3d 719, 723 (Tex. App.-Dal1as 2003, no pet) ........................... 8
Escochea v. State, 139 S.W.3d 67, 80 (Tex. App.-Corpus Christi 2004, no pet.) ..................... 8
Jacoby v. State, 227 S.w.3d 128, 130 (Tex. App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 2006, pet. ref'd) ............. 8
Mullins v. State, 208 S.W.3d 469,470 (Tex. App.-Texarkana 2006, 110 pet.) ......................... 9
Trevino v. State, 174 S.W.3d 925, 928 (Tex. App.-Corpus Christi 2005, pet. ref'd) .................. 8
Wilson v. State, 955 S.W.2d 693 (Tex. App. - Waco 1997, order), disp. on merits, 3 S.W.3d 223
        (Tex. App. - Waco, 1999, pet. ref d) ............................................................... 7

Winchesterv. State, 246 S.W.3d 386, 388 (Tex. App.-Amarillo 2008, pet. ref'd) .................... 9

STATUTES:
TEX. PEN. CODE ANN §12.33(a) (West2013) ......................................................... 9

TEX. PEN. CODE ANN. §49.04 (West 2013) ............................................................. 9
TEX. R. APP. P. 33.1(a)(I) .................................................................................. 8

IDENTIFICATION OF PARTIES
Thomas Lance Beloney: Appellant
        James Bradshaw State Jail (TDC # 01974276)
        P.O. Box 9000
        Henderson, TX 75653

                                                                                                              3
Kyle Dansby: Trial counsel for Appellant
       P.O. Box 1914
       Marshall, TX 75671
       kdansbylaw@gJl1ail.com
Kyle Dansby: Appellate counsel for Appellant
       P.O. Box 1914
       Marshall, TX 75671
       kdansbylaw@gmail.com
Shawn COlmally: Assistant District Attomey at open plea & sentencing
       Harrison County District Attorney's Office
       200 W. Houston, Ste. 206
       Marshall, TX 75670
       shawnc@co.harrison.tx.us
Tim Cariker: Assistant District Attomey on appeal
       Harrison County District Attorney's Office
       200 W. Houston, Ste. 206
       Marshall, TX 75670
       timc@co.harrison.tx.us
Brad Morin: trial judge, 71 st Judicial District Court, Harrison County, Texas
       200 W. Houston, Ste. 219
       Marshall, TX 75670
       lesliem@co.harrison.tx.us (court coordinator)

                                                                                 4
                                 STATEMENT OF THE CASE

Thomas Lance Beloney (hereinafter referred to as "Appellant") entered an open plea of guilty to

Driving While Intoxicated (enhanced) in the 71 st Judicial District Court on November 25, 2014.

C.R. 19; R.R., II. After receiving all exhibits into evidence, and after hearing all the evidence,

the trial court sentenced Appellant to 18 years in the penitentiary. R.R. 105. Appellant filed an

appeal of this sentence.

                                      ISSUE PRESENTED

Appellant's sentence is not grossly disproportional to the crime committed in violation ofthe

Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution. This is assuming arguendo that trial

counsel preserved this argument for appeal, as trial counsel did not object to the sentence and did

not file a motion for new trial or motion to arrest judgment.

                                   STATEMENT OF FACTS

Appellant was indicted for Driving While Intoxicated in cause number 14-0158x on May 29,

2014. C.R.4. This offense was alleged to have occurred on or about MaTch 2,2014. Id. Based

upon enhancement paragraphs, the felony DWI was enhanced to a second degree punishment

range. Id. at 20.

At the open plea hearing, the State introduced certified judgments and sentences of Appellant's

convictions for driving while intoxicated and vehicular manslaughter. R.R., 12. The State then

called Donna Bell to testify. Id. She testified she was the mother of Michael Bell, who was the

victim in Appellant's conviction for vehicular manslaughter. Id. at 14-6. On cross examination

Donna Bell testified that Appellant and her son were friends in high school. Id. at 21. She also

                                                                                                     5
testified she was unaware that Louisiana did not send Appellant to inpatient rehabilitation, even

thongh it was part of his sentence for vehicular manslaughter. Id. 24-5.

The State next called Melissa Bell, who was the sister of Michael Bell. Id. at 26. She testified

that she was familiar with Appellant, and that her brother considered Appellant to be his best

friend. Id. at 27-S. She testified that most of the time she was with Appellant and her brother,

that both Appellant and her brother would drink. Id. at 2S.

After the State rested, Appellant's mother, Jessica Beloney, testified. Id. at 39. She testified that

she considered her son an alcoholic. Id. at 41. After his first DWI, Appellant's parents took him

to a counselor in Tyler, Texas for about six months. Id. at 43. After his second DWI,

Appellant's parents took him to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for a couple of months. Id. at

45. Ms. Beloney testified Appellant was never allowed to drink in their home, and he was never

allowed to drink and dlive. Id. at 45. She testified that causing his best friend's death devastated

her son, but that he continued to drink. Id. at 47. She was surprised when Appellant was paroled

from Louisiana without inpatient rehabilitation. Id. at 4S-9. She asked the trial court to grant her

son probation so he could be sentenced to inpatient rehabilitation. Id. at 52.

On cross examination, Ms. Beloney testified she had looked at an outpatient rehabilitation for

Appellant, but it cost approximately $3,500 and that was unaffordable. Id. at 63-4. On a

question from the trial court, Ms. Beloney stated that Appellant did want help; Appellant told her

he was "tired of being dependent on alcohol, that he wants to change his life." Id. at 67.

Appellant testified on his own behalf. Id. at SO. Appellant testified he was supposed to be sent

to inpatient rehabilitation as a condition of his penitentiary sentence for vehicular manslaughter,

but that he was paroled after spending a year in prison. Id. at S2. He testified that he was facing

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parole revocations in both Texas and Louisiana because of this new felony DWI conviction. Id.

at 83. Appellant admitted he is an alcoholic. Id. at 84. He admitted he had not made efforts

except for trying a facility for a couple of days. Id. at 85. Appellant testified he "absolutely"

wants to be sentenced to SAFPF. Id. at 86-7.

After hearing all the testimony and evidence, the trial court sentenced Appellant to 18 years, with

the finding that drugs and alcohol were contributing factors. Id. at 106. The trial court noted

that he had not seen Appellant make any efforts to seek help for his alcoholism. Id. at 105.

                              SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT

Appellate cotmsel can locate no arguable grounds for appeal, and as a result, files the Anders

brief with a corresponding Appellant's Counsel's Motion to Withdraw. A copy of the Briefin

Support of Motion to Withdraw and the corresponding motion has been forwarded to Appellant

with a letter explaining what has been done. See Exhibit A to Appellant's Counsel's Motion to

Withdraw. Appellant has been advised he has thirty days to file a pro se response or a motion

requesting an extension of time in which to file the response, pursuant to Wilson v. State, 955
S.W.2d 693 (Tex. App. - Waco 1997, order), disp. on merits, 3 S.W.3d 223 (Tex. App. - Waco,

1999, pet. ref d). See Appellant's Counsel's Motion to Withdraw.

Appellate counsel has thoroughly read and reviewed the entire appellate record in search of any

arguable grounds of error to raise that would support either a reversal of Appellant's sentence or

some other form of relief. After reviewing the record and researching the potential grounds for

appeal, appellate counsel is unable to find any error for which he, in good faith, can urge a

reversal of Appellant's sentence or any other relief.

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Appellate counsel is aware that he has a duty to advance all arguable grounds of error that would

Appellant a reversal of sentence or any other relief. Counsel must demonstrate why there are no

arguable grounds to be advanced. High v. State, 573 S.W.2d 807,812 (Tex. Crim. App. 1978);

Currie v. State, 516 S.W.2d 684 (Tex. Crim. App. 1974). Therefore, counsel presents to the

Court the following major issue reviewed:

                                  PRESERVATION OF ERROR

Trial counsel appears to have waived this issue for appeal. Trial counsel did not object to the

sentence when it was pronounced, and trial counsel did not file a motion for new trial or arrest of

judgment. Failure to do either of these results in a waiver. See Tex.R.App.P. 33.l(a)(I); Jacoby

v. State, 227 S.W.3d 128, 130 (Tex. App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 2006, pet. ref'd); Castaneda v.

State, 135 S.W.3d 719,723 (Tex. App.-Dallas 2003, no pet).

                                            ARGUMENT

Appellant's sentence is not grossly disproportional to the crime committed. While the sentence

is on the higher end of the punishment range, the sentences do not constitute cruel and unusual

plU1ishment under the Eighth Amendment. This aSSU1nes arguendo that trial counsel properly

preserved this issue for appeal, as trial cOlU1sel did not object to the sentence nor did he file a

motion for new trial or motion to arrest judgment.

As long as the sentence falls within the punishment range of the statute, then courts have long

held that the punislnnent is not grossly dispropOliional. See Jordan v. State, 495 S.W.2d 949,

952 (Tex. Crim. App. 1973); Trevino v. State, 174 S.W.3d 925, 928 (Tex. App.-Corpus Christi

2005, pet. ref'd); see also Escochea v. State, 139 S.W.3d 67, 80 (Tex. App.-Corpus Christi 2004,

no pet.). Appellant pled guilty to DWI. C.R. 19. This offense is a third degree felony, except it

                                                                                                      8
was enhanced due to previous convictions TEX. PEN., CODE §49.04 (West 2013). A second

degree felony is ptmishable by no less than two years and no more than 20 years in a

penitentiary. TEX. PEN. CODE ANN. §12.33(a).

Even though a sentence falls within the statutory ptmislunent range, appellate courts must

detennine whether the sentence is grossly disproportional under the Appellant's federal

constitutional rights. Winchester v. State, 246 S.W.3d 386,388 (Tex. App.-Amarillo 2008, pet.

rei'd); Mullins v. State, 208 S.W.3d 469, 470 (Tex. App.-Texarkana 2006, no pet.). First, courts

look at the gravity of the offense compared to the severity of the sentence. Solem v. Helm, 463
U.S. 277, 291-92 (1983); McGruder v. Puckett, 954 F.2d 313, 316 (5th Cir.), cert. denied.

Appellate courts then consider sentences for similar crimes in the same jurisdiction, and

sentences for the same crime in other jurisdictions. See Solem, 463 U.S. at 292. In light of

Harmelin v. .Michigan, courts do not address the second and third issue lmless the initial

comparison of tile gravity and severity create an inference that the sentence is grossly

disproportional. Harmelin v. Michigan, 501 U.S. 957 (1991); McGruder, 954 F.2d at 316.

The initial comparison does create an inference that the sentence is grossly disproportional.

Based on the testimony of Appellant, his criminal history, and the fact that he committed another

DWI after being released for vehicnlar manslaughter, there is no inference that the sentence is

grossly disproportional. Since no inference is created, the other two elements are not considered,

and no evidence was placed in the record for the Court to review sentences for tile same crime in

this jurisdiction or any other jurisdiction.

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                                           PRAYER

Wherefore, premises considered, appellate counsel respectfully requests that Appellant's

Counsel's Motion to Withdraw as Counsel be granted or for such other and further relief to

which Appellant may be entitled.

                                    Respectfully submitted,
                                         Kyle Dansby
                                        Attorney at Law
                                           P.O. 1914
                                      Marshall, TX 75671
                                        (903) 738-6162
                                      (888) 410-1583 (fax)
                                    kdansbylaw@gtnail.com

                                        lsi Kyle Dansby
                                          Kyle Dansby
                                    State Bar No: 24059180
                                     Attorney for Appellant

                             CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE

I certify tllat this brief contains 1,603 words according to me computer program used to prepare
                                            this document.
                                                                                lsi Kyle Dansby
                                                                                   Kyle Dansby

                                CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

                                                                                              10
A copy of this brief was sent via email to Tim Cariker, attorney for Appellee, on the 11 th day of
                                          March,2015.
                                                                                  lsi Kyle Dansby
                                                                                     Kyle Dansby

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