Court Opinion

ID: 4270039
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2018-04-26 07:08:54.762694+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:32:00.088715
License: Public Domain

STATE OF MICHIGAN

                           COURT OF APPEALS

PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN,                                   UNPUBLISHED
                                                                   April 24, 2018
              Plaintiff-Appellee,

v                                                                  No. 338012
                                                                   Kent Circuit Court
STEVE BERNARD BOGARD,                                              LC No. 16-010043-FH

              Defendant-Appellant.

Before: GLEICHER, P.J., and M. J. KELLY and CAMERON, JJ.

PER CURIAM.

        Following a jury trial, defendant, Steve Bogard, appeals as of right his convictions for
possession of a controlled substance in an amount less than 50 grams with intent to deliver, MCL
333.7401(2)(a)(iv); possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a felony (felon-in-
possession), MCL 750.224f; assault with a dangerous weapon, MCL 750.82; and possession of a
firearm when committing or attempting to commit a felony (felony-firearm), MCL 750.227b.
The trial court sentenced Bogard as a fourth-offense habitual offender, MCL 769.12, to serve 2
to 40 years’ imprisonment for possession of a controlled substance in an amount less than 50
grams with intent to deliver, 8 to 60 years’ imprisonment for felon-in-possession, 2 to 15 years’
imprisonment for assault with a dangerous weapon. The court also imposed a consecutive 2 year
sentence for the felony-firearm conviction. Because there are no errors warranting reversal, we
affirm.

                                       I. BASIC FACTS

        On September 20, 2016, Siad Brown called the police to report that someone had shot at
him. When the police arrived, he emerged from a hiding place in some bushes and consented to
the police searching his residence. The police knocked on the door, announced themselves, and
entered. Inside, Bogard walked toward them from an area that another witness testified was near
the basement. Bogard was searched. Although he was unarmed and had no drug paraphernalia
on his person, he was carrying $1,660 in cash. The police searched the basement of the house
and discovered 1.66 grams of cocaine and a loaded gun on some ductwork. They also searched
Bogard’s vehicle and discovered a digital scale and sandwich bags with the corner pieces torn
out.

       The prosecution’s theory was that Bogard shot at Brown. In support, they presented
testimony from Brown that Bogard pointed a gun at him, so he ran away. Brown stated that
while he was running, he thought he heard gunshots. Brown’s ex-girlfriend (who he was dating
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at the time) also testified that Bogard showed Brown the gun and pointed it at him. Based on the
testimony that Bogard possessed the gun, had drug paraphernalia in his vehicle, and had a large
sum of cash on his person, the prosecution also argued that the cocaine belonged to Bogard and
that he had essentially stashed both the drugs and the gun after shooting at Brown but before the
police arrived. In his defense, Bogard testified that he never went into the basement. He also
stated that he had a large sum of cash because he was going to get a money order for $1,000 to
pay his mother’s mortgage and that he was going to use $600 to pay his car insurance. Bogard
also testified that other individuals used his vehicle and that he had not personally checked to see
if anything out of the ordinary was in the vehicle before he used it. The jury convicted Bogard as
indicated above.

                                   II. EVIDENTIARY ERROR

                                  A. STANDARD OF REVIEW

       Bogard first argues that the trial court abused its discretion by finding that the prosecution
had shown due diligence in attempting to secure the appearance of Brown at trial. “This Court
reviews a trial court’s evidentiary ruling for an abuse of discretion.” People v Benton, 294 Mich
App 191, 195; 817 NW2d 599 (2011). “An abuse of discretion occurs when the trial court
reaches a result that is outside the range of principled outcomes.” Id. Further, whether a
defendant was denied his constitutional right to confront the witnesses against him is an issue
that we review do novo. Id.

                                          B. ANALYSIS

       The admission of preliminary examination testimony at trial does not violate a
defendant’s right of confrontation if (1) the witness is unavailable to testify at trial, (2) the
prosecution can demonstrate due diligence in trying to produce the absent witness, and (3) the
testimony meets satisfactory indicia of reliability. People v Bean, 457 Mich. 677, 682-683; 580
NW2d 390 (1998). In accordance with MRE 804(a)(5), the test for due diligence “is one of
reasonableness and depends on the facts and circumstances of each case, i.e., whether diligent
good-faith efforts were made to procure the testimony, not whether more stringent efforts would
have produced it.” Id. at 684.

        Here, the record demonstrates that Brown never gave the police the impression that he
would not show up for trial, and instead he was cooperative at the preliminary examination.
Additionally, the process server for the Grand Rapids Police Department attempted to serve
Brown at his last known address multiple times but was unsuccessful. An officer then contacted
Brown’s ex-girlfriend, who informed him that the two had been evicted from their residence and
had ended their relationship. The ex-girlfriend told the officer that she did not know where
Brown was located; however, at trial, she admitted that she spoke with Brown daily and that he
was in Atlanta, Georgia. When asked if she told the police about Brown living in Atlanta, she
stated she did not. On appeal, Bogard argues that Brown was easily located through the ex-
girlfriend, yet the record does not support this statement because the ex-girlfriend failed to
disclose this information to law enforcement before the trial. Moreover, although there was
evidence that Brown had been on probation, he had been released and no other forwarding
address was provided. Lastly, the phone number for Brown did not work, and a search of LEIN

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turned up nothing on him. Thus, based on the record before the court, we conclude that the trial
court did not err by finding the prosecution exercised due diligence to produce Brown at trial.
Although Bogard argues that the prosecution should have made additional efforts, due diligence
requires the prosecution to “do everything reasonable, not everything possible, to obtain the
presence of the witness.” People v Eccles, 260 Mich. App. 379, 391; 677 NW2d 76 (2004).
Moreover, because Brown was unavailable under MRE 804(a)(5), his preliminary examination
testimony was admissible under MRE 804(b)(1) because Bogard had a prior opportunity and
similar motive to develop the witness’s testimony on cross-examination. See Bean, 457 Mich. at
682-684.

                            III. PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT

                                  A. STANDARD OF REVIEW

        Bogard next argues that the prosecutor improperly shifted the burden of proof during her
closing argument. To review a claim of prosecutorial misconduct, this Court must examine the
challenged remarks in contest to determine whether the defendant received a fair and impartial
trial. People v Aldrich, 246 Mich. App. 101, 110; 631 NW2d 67 (2001). However, because
Bogard failed to preserve this issue with a timely objection, our review is for plain error affecting
Bogard’s substantial rights. See id. Additionally, “[n]o error requiring reversal will be found if
the prejudicial effect of the prosecutor’s comments could have been cured by a timely
instruction.” People v Watson, 245 Mich. App. 572, 586; 629 NW2d 411 (2001) (quotation marks
and citation omitted).

                                          B. ANALYSIS

       Bogard contends that the following argument by the prosecutor improperly shifted the
burden of proof:

                So let’s go to count one. The possession with intent to deliver cocaine.
       We know [an officer] finds, in Exhibit 13, there’s a photograph of it. The
       handgun and the baggie of rocks of the crack cocaine. And we know that he finds
       it in the basement. And—well, how do we know the defendant put those there?
       For one thing, zero evidence that anybody else put it there. Zero evidence that
       [Brown] used drugs, possessed guns, went down there at any point that day. Zero
       evidence, in fact an outright denial from [the ex-girlfriend], that she’s involved in
       any kind of drug use or guns. An outright denial even though she’s not here to
       testify, but [the ex-girlfriend] says, no [her friend] wasn’t involved in any of that
       stuff either.

We disagree. “Prosecutors are typically afforded great latitude regarding their arguments and
conduct at trial.” People v Unger, 278 Mich. App. 210, 236; 749 NW2d 272 (2008). “They are
generally free to argue the evidence and all reasonable inferences from the evidence as it relates
to their theory of the case.” Id. The challenged comments reflect the prosecutor’s recitation of
the circumstantial evidence linking Bogard to the firearm and drugs located in the basement.
And, although the prosecutor commented on the lack of evidence linking others to the crime, that
was not improper given that the defense theory was that the items found by the police belonged

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to someone other than Bogard. Consequently, we conclude that there was no prosecutorial
misconduct.

                           IV. SUFFICIENCY OF THE EVIDENCE

                                 A. STANDARD OF REVIEW

       Bogard next argues that there was insufficient evidence to support his conviction for
possession with intent to deliver. Challenges to the sufficiency of the evidence are reviewed de
novo, with the evidence viewed in the light most favorable to the prosecution. People v Bennett,
290 Mich. App. 465, 471; 802 NW2d 627 (2010).

                                         B. ANALYSIS

       The elements of possession with intent to deliver cocaine in an amount less than 50
grams are as follows: “(1) that the recovered substance is cocaine, (2) that the cocaine is in a
mixture weighing less than fifty grams, (3) that defendant was not authorized to possess the
substance, and (4) that defendant knowingly possessed the cocaine with intent to deliver.”
People v Wolfe, 440 Mich. 508, 516-517; 489 NW2d 748 (1992), amended 441 Mich. 1201
(1992). Bogard only challenges the sufficiency of the evidence that he possessed the cocaine.

        Here, an officer found a handgun and a 1.66 grams of cocaine in Brown’s basement. The
cocaine was on top of the gun. Bogard was the only individual identified as possessing a
handgun, but when the police arrived he did not have a gun on him. Instead, he was moving
toward the police from the direction of the basement. That evidence allows for a reasonable
inference that Bogard placed the gun in the basement before the police arrived. Because the
cocaine was on top of the gun, it also allows for an inference that he was connected to the
cocaine. Additionally, there was other testimony and evidence tying Bogard to the drugs.
Namely, he had a large sum of cash on him, which can be indicative of the sale of illegal drugs,
and he had drug paraphernalia in his vehicle.1 We note that, although Bogard claimed he was
paying bills with the money, it is important to note that “[t]his Court will not interfere with the
trier of fact’s role of determining the weight of the evidence or the credibility of witnesses.”
People v Williams, 268 Mich. App. 416, 419; 707 NW2d 624 (2005). Accordingly, viewed in the
light most favorable to the prosecution, there was sufficient evidence to establish that Bogard
had possession of the cocaine in the basement.

                           V. PROPORTIONALITY OF SENTENCE

                                 A. STANDARD OF REVIEW

1
  Two police witnesses explained that drugs are inserted into the corner of sandwich bags and
then are twisted off when sold. In addition, a digital scale can be used to weigh cocaine before it
is sold.

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        Bogard next argues he is entitled to resentencing because his minimum term was
unreasonable and disproportionate. A trial court’s sentence is reviewed for reasonableness.
People v Lockridge, 498 Mich. 358, 365; 870 NW2d 502 (2015). “[A]ppellate review of
departure sentences for reasonableness requires review of whether the trial court abused its
discretion by violating the principle of proportionality set forth in our decision in [People v
Milbourn, 435 Mich. 630; 461 NW2d 1 (1990)].” People v Steanhouse, 500 Mich. 453, 477; 902
NW2d 327 (2017).

                                         B. ANALYSIS

        The trial court calculated Bogard’s minimum sentencing guidelines range for the felon-
in-possession conviction was 14 to 58 months. However, the trial court deemed this sentence
inadequate and departed upward to a minimum of 96 months’ imprisonment. “Where there is a
departure from the sentencing guidelines, an appellate court’s first inquiry should be whether the
case involves circumstances that are not adequately embodied within the variables used to score
the guidelines.” Milbourn, 435 Mich. at 659-660 (emphasis added). Here, contrary to Bogard’s
argument on appeal, the trial court articulated its reasons for the upward departure, which also
support its finding for the extent of the departure. When imposing the departure sentence, the
trial court noted that Bogard’s background consisted of 27 convictions, seven prior felonies, and
20 prior misdemeanors. Bogard has also served 14 jail sentences, three prison sentences, and
multiple probationary and parole periods of supervision. In fact, Bogard was also on parole
when this incident occurred. As the trial court stated during sentencing, Bogard has shown an
ongoing disregard for the criminal justice system as evidenced by his repeated probation and
parole violations and escapes. Further, the court stressed the numerous assaultive crimes and
linked them to the specific offense on which it departed upward. Because the extent of Bogard’s
criminal record was not fully accounted for in the guidelines, we conclude that the trial court
properly imposed a reasonable and proportionate sentence in this case after taking into account
the nature of the offense and the offender. See People v Walden, 319 Mich. App. 344, 352; 901
NW2d 142 (2017).

                              VI. INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE

                                 A. STANDARD OF REVIEW

        Finally, in a Standard 4 brief filed pursuant to Michigan Supreme Court Administrative
Order 2004-6, Bogard argues that his trial lawyer provided ineffective assistance. “When no
Ginther2 hearing has been conducted, our review of the defendant's claim of ineffective
assistance of counsel is limited to mistakes that are apparent on the record.” People v Mack, 265
Mich. App. 122, 125; 695 NW2d 342 (2005).

2
    People v Ginther, 390 Mich. 436; 212 NW2d 922 (1973).

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                                           B. ANALYSIS

       To demonstrate ineffective assistance, a defendant must show that his lawyer’s
performance was deficient and that it prejudiced the defense. People v Carbin, 463 Mich. 590,
600; 623 NW2d 884 (2001). A defendant’s lawyer is presumed effective and the defendant bears
the heavy burden of proving otherwise. People v Solmonson, 261 Mich. App. 657, 663; 683
NW2d 761 (2004).

        Bogard first argues that his lawyer failed to prepare appropriately for his trial. More
specifically, he contends that his lawyer failed to conduct a background investigation into the
prosecution’s case-in-chief. However, there is no evidence on the record supporting a finding
that Bogard’s lawyer failed to conduct a background investigation or was otherwise unprepared
for trial. As a result, Bogard has failed to meet his burden of showing that his lawyer’s
performance was deficient. Moreover, even assuming arguendo that Bogard’s lawyer’s
performance was deficient, given that there is no indication of what Bogard’s lawyer would have
discovered if he had conducted a more thorough background investigation, we cannot conclude
that the alleged error would have affected the outcome of the trial.

        Next, Bogard argues that he was prejudiced by his lawyer’s failure to challenge the
legality of his arrest by seeking suppression of illegally seized evidence. Bogard states that his
lawyer failed to move for suppression of the handgun and cocaine, as well as the circumstantial
evidence of sandwich baggies with the corner pieces torn out and a digital scale. Failing to file a
suppression motion is not per se ineffective assistance; a defendant must still demonstrate that
his lawyer’s performance was objectively unreasonable and that “but for” that deficient
performance, the outcome of the trial would have been different. People v Trakhtenberg, 493
Mich. 38, 51; 826 NW2d 136 (2012). Bogard fails to provide any support for his contention that
the search and seizure of the evidence was illegal. He likewise fails to provide any support for
his contention that his arrest was illegal. “An appellant may not merely announce his position
and leave it to this Court to discover and rationalize the basis for his claims, nor may he give
only cursory treatment [of an issue] with little or no citation of supporting authority.” People v
Kelly, 231 Mich. App. 627, 640-641; 588 NW2d 480 (1998). Consequently, we decline to address
his contention that the arrest or the search were illegal. Further, without first establishing that the
arrest and search were illegal, Bogard cannot prove that his lawyer was deficient in failing to
move to suppress evidence or by failing to establish that his arrest was illegal. See Carbin, 463
Mich. at 600 (stating that to succeed on a claim of ineffective assistance, a defendant must
establish the factual predicate for his or her claim).

        Next, to the extent that Bogard argues that his lawyer provided ineffective assistance by
subjecting him to the court’s jurisdiction when she “appeared” before the trial court, we find his
argument wholly without merit. The trial court had jurisdiction over Bogard. See People v
Lown, 488 Mich. 242, 268; 794 NW2d 9 (2011) (“Michigan circuit courts are courts of general
jurisdiction and unquestionably have jurisdiction over felony cases.”).

       Finally, Bogard argues that the cumulative effect of his trial lawyer’s errors resulted in an
unconstitutional deprivation of his right to the effective assistance of a lawyer. There cannot be
cumulative error, however, in the absence of any errors. Stated differently, we cannot reverse on

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the basis of cumulative error when no errors have been presented. Thus, we reject Bogard’s
claim of ineffective assistance.

      Affirmed.

                                                       /s/ Elizabeth L. Gleicher
                                                       /s/ Michael J. Kelly
                                                       /s/ Thomas C. Cameron

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