Court Opinion

ID: 6496571
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-06-29 20:23:31.773173+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:54:26.040602
License: Public Domain

IN THE SUPREME COURT, STATE OF WYOMING

                                             2022 WY 76

                                                                    APRIL TERM, A.D. 2022

                                                                             June 16, 2022

  CHRISTOPHER DAVID HARRELL,

  Appellant
  (Defendant),

  v.                                                                 S-21-0276

  THE STATE OF WYOMING,

  Appellee
  (Plaintiff).

                      Appeal from the District Court of Campbell County
                          The Honorable Stuart S. Healy III, Judge

Representing Appellant:
      Christopher David Harrell, pro se.

Representing Appellee:
      Bridget Hill, Wyoming Attorney General; Jenny L. Craig, Deputy Attorney
      General; Joshua C. Eames, Senior Assistant Attorney General.

Before FOX, C.J., and KAUTZ, BOOMGAARDEN, GRAY, and FENN, JJ.

NOTICE: This opinion is subject to formal revision before publication in Pacific Reporter Third. Readers are
requested to notify the Clerk of the Supreme Court, Supreme Court Building, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002, of
any typographical or other formal errors so that correction may be made before final publication in the
permanent volume.
GRAY, Justice.

[¶1] Christopher David Harrell was convicted on three counts of first-degree sexual
assault, one count of kidnapping, and one count of aggravated assault and battery. We
affirmed his conviction on appeal. Harrell v. State, 2011 WY 129, ¶ 1, 261 P.3d 235, 236
(Wyo. 2011). In 2021, Mr. Harrell filed a motion to correct an illegal sentence arguing that
his sentence violated double jeopardy. The district court concluded that Mr. Harrell’s
claims were barred by res judicata and failed on the merits. Mr. Harrell appeals the district
court’s denial of his motion. We affirm.

                                           ISSUE

[¶2] Did the district court properly conclude that Mr. Harrell’s double jeopardy claim
was barred by res judicata?

                                          FACTS

[¶3] The facts underlying Mr. Harrell’s conviction are set forth in Harrell, 261 P. 3d 235
and need not be repeated here. On appeal, we affirmed Mr. Harrell’s convictions and
sentences of ten to fifty years on each of three counts of first-degree sexual assault to run
consecutively; twenty years to life on one count of kidnapping to run consecutive to the
three sexual assault sentences; and eight to ten years on one count of aggravated assault
and battery to run concurrent to the first sexual assault sentence. Harrell, ¶¶ 1, 5, 261 P.3d
at 236–37. Mr. Harrell subsequently filed two petitions for post-conviction relief, one in
2012 and the other in 2020. Both petitions were dismissed by the district court, and we
denied his petitions for review on those dismissals.

[¶4] In 2021, Mr. Harrell filed a motion to correct an illegal sentence claiming his
sentence violated double jeopardy because at least one of his first-degree sexual assaults
merged with his kidnapping conviction and sentence. The district court denied his motion
finding Mr. Harrell’s claims were barred by res judicata and his sentence did not violate
double jeopardy.

                                       DISCUSSION

I.     Mr. Harrell’s motion to correct an illegal sentence is barred by res judicata.

A.     Standard of Review

[¶5] “We review the denial of a motion to correct an illegal sentence for an abuse of
discretion.” Best v. State, 2022 WY 25, ¶ 5, 503 P.3d 641, 643 (Wyo. 2022) (citing Baker
v. State, 2011 WY 123, ¶ 10, 260 P.3d 268, 271 (Wyo. 2011)); see also Tucker v. State,
2015 WY 65, ¶ 9, 349 P.3d 987, 988 (Wyo. 2015). But “[w]e review whether a sentence

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is illegal and whether res judicata bars a motion to correct an illegal sentence de novo.”
Majhanovich v. State, 2021 WY 135, ¶ 7, 499 P.3d 995, 997 (Wyo. 2021) (citing Russell
v. State, 2021 WY 9, ¶ 9, 478 P.3d 1202, 1204 (Wyo. 2021)).

B.      Analysis

[¶6] As his only issue, Mr. Harrell claims a double jeopardy violation. He contends that
Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-2-201(d), 1 which sets out the maximum penalty for kidnapping, adds
an element to the offense of kidnapping—substantial harm. He submits that his kidnapping
conviction merged with his sexual assault conviction because the sexual assault was the
substantial harm element of the kidnapping conviction. Mr. Harrell also asserts res judicata
does not apply when his appointed attorneys were ineffective in failing to raise double
jeopardy in earlier proceedings, and because a W.R.Cr.P. 35 motion to correct can be made
at any time. We address Mr. Harrell’s res judicata arguments first.

[¶7] “Res judicata bars litigation of issues that were or could have been determined in a
prior proceeding.” Goetzel v. State, 2019 WY 27, ¶ 11, 435 P.3d 865, 868 (Wyo. 2019)
(Goetzel II) (citing Nicodemus v. State, 2017 WY 34, ¶ 11, 392 P.3d 408, 411 (Wyo.
2017)).

[¶8] Mr. Harrell’s argument that res judicata is inapplicable because a W.R.Cr.P. 35
motion to correct can be made at any time is foreclosed by our precedent. In Goetzel I, we
said:

                       W.R.Cr.P. 35(a) allows a court to correct an illegal
                sentence “at any time.” However:

                        Our precedent is clear that the principle of res judicata
                        may be applied to claims brought pursuant to W.R.Cr.P.
                        35(a). See, e.g., Hamill v. State, 948 P.2d 1356, 1358–
                        59 (Wyo. 1997). In Hamill, we rejected the appellant’s
                        argument that, because Rule 35 states that a motion to
                        correct an illegal sentence may be brought at any time,
                        it is not subject to bar under the doctrine of res judicata.
                        Id.

Goetzel v. State, 2017 WY 141, ¶ 7, 406 P.3d 310, 311 (Wyo. 2017) (Goetzel I) (quoting
Gould v. State, 2006 WY 157, ¶ 14, 151 P.3d 261, 266 (Wyo. 2006)); see also

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  Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-2-201(d) provides, “If the defendant does not voluntarily release the victim
substantially unharmed and in a safe place prior to trial, kidnapping is a felony punishable by imprisonment
for not less than twenty (20) years or for life . . . .” Under Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-2-201(c), the penalty is
decreased if a defendant releases the victim “substantially unharmed.”

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Majhanovich, ¶ 8, 499 P.3d at 997 (“Motions to correct illegal sentences are subject to res
judicata.” (citing Russell, ¶ 11, 478 P.3d at 1205)). Mr. Harrell’s argument that the doctrine
of res judicata does not apply to a claim brought under W.R.Cr.P. 35 is without merit.

[¶9] Next, Mr. Harrell asserts that his attorneys were ineffective in failing to raise his
double jeopardy claims in earlier proceedings. He maintains that his attorneys’ alleged
ineffectiveness excuses his failure to raise the issue earlier. Generally, “[w]e have
recognized that application of the res judicata bar to a claim is discretionary, and we will
not apply the bar if good cause is shown for the defendant’s failure to raise his claim in
prior proceedings.” Hicks v. State, 2018 WY 15, ¶ 15, 409 P.3d 1256, 1259 (Wyo. 2018)
(citing Goetzel I, ¶ 10, 406 P.3d at 312; Nicodemus, ¶ 12, 392 P.3d at 411–12). In
Ferguson, the appellant made an argument nearly identical to the one Mr. Harrell raises
here—that ineffective assistance of counsel may constitute “good cause” for failure to raise
an issue in an earlier proceeding. Ferguson v. State, 2013 WY 117, ¶ 12, 309 P.3d 831,
834 (Wyo. 2013). In Ferguson, we said that “Failing to recognize the factual or legal basis
for a claim or failing to raise a claim despite recognizing it does not constitute good cause
for not bringing an issue to the court’s attention.” Id. ¶ 12, 309 P.3d at 834 (quoting
Winstead v. State, 2011 WY 137, ¶ 12, 261 P.3d 743, 746 (Wyo. 2011), overruled in part
on unrelated grounds by Sweets v. State, 2013 WY 98, ¶ 2, 307 P.3d 860, 863 n.1 (Wyo.
2013)).

[¶10] We then analyzed Mr. Ferguson’s ineffective assistance of counsel claim. Finding
no deficient performance by Mr. Ferguson’s counsel, we said:

              [E]ven if we were to hold that good cause for failure to raise
              an issue in an earlier proceeding could be established by a
              showing of ineffective assistance of counsel, we would be
              unable to find that [Mr. Ferguson] has satisfied his burden.

                     In order to demonstrate ineffective assistance of
              counsel, Appellant must show that (1) counsel’s performance
              was deficient, and that (2) counsel’s deficient performance
              prejudiced the defense. Gleason v. State, 2002 WY 161, ¶ 44,
              57 P.3d 332, 346–47 (Wyo. 2002). The failure to make the
              required showing of either deficient performance or prejudice
              will result in a finding that counsel was not ineffective.
              Osborne v. State, 2012 WY 123, ¶ 19, 285 P.3d 248, 252 (Wyo.
              2012).

Ferguson, ¶¶ 12–13, 309 P.3d at 834. It is axiomatic that to establish ineffective assistance
of counsel, Mr. Harrell must first demonstrate error, and so we turn to Mr. Harrell’s double
jeopardy claim.

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[¶11] Mr. Harrell contends that the elements of first-degree sexual assault were included
in the “substantially harmed” element of his kidnapping sentence because the sexual
assaults were substantial harm, and therefore, he was sentenced twice for the same crime.
As a result, he asserts his sentence violates double jeopardy under the Fifth Amendment to
the United States Constitution and Article 1, Section 11 of the Wyoming Constitution
which both “provide that a person cannot be placed twice in jeopardy of . . . punishment
for the same criminal offense.” King v. State, 2017 WY 129, ¶ 11, 403 P.3d 1070, 1073
(Wyo. 2017).

[¶12] To determine whether sentences should be merged, we apply the same elements test
first articulated in Blockburger v. United States, 284 U.S. 299, 304, 52 S.Ct. 180, 182, 76
L.Ed. 306 (1932). See Sweets, ¶¶ 49–50, 307 P.3d at 875–76 (adopting the same elements
test to determine whether convictions and sentences should merge for purposes of double
jeopardy); Webb v. State, 2017 WY 108, ¶ 45, 401 P.3d 914, 929 (Wyo. 2017). Double
jeopardy is not violated under the same elements test “if each crime ‘requires proof of an
element that the other does not.’” Winters v. State, 2019 WY 76, ¶ 101, 446 P.3d 191, 221
(Wyo. 2019) (quoting Jones v. State, 2016 WY 110, ¶ 15, 384 P.3d 260, 264 (Wyo. 2016)).

[¶13] In applying the same elements test, “we look only to the language used by the
legislature to describe the elements which must be proven to bring a particular defendant’s
specific conduct within the reach of the statute.” Winters, ¶ 101, 446 P.3d at 221 (quoting
Jones, ¶ 12, 384 P.3d at 264). The legislature defined the crime of kidnapping as:

              (a)    A person is guilty of kidnapping if he unlawfully
              removes another from his place of residence or business or
              from the vicinity where he was at the time of the removal, or if
              he unlawfully confines another person, with the intent to:

                     (i)   Hold for ransom or reward, or as a shield or
                     hostage;

                     (ii)   Facilitate the commission of a felony; or

                     (iii) Inflict bodily injury on or to terrorize the victim
                     or another.

              (b)  A removal or confinement is unlawful if it is
              accomplished:

                     (i)    By force, threat or deception; or

                     (ii)   Without the consent of a parent, guardian or
                     other person responsible for the general supervision of

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                      an individual who is under the age of fourteen (14) or
                      who is adjudicated incompetent.

               (c)   If the defendant voluntarily releases the victim
               substantially unharmed and in a safe place prior to trial,
               kidnapping is a felony punishable by imprisonment for not
               more than twenty (20) years.

               (d)     If the defendant does not voluntarily release the
               victim substantially unharmed and in a safe place prior to
               trial, kidnapping is a felony punishable by imprisonment for
               not less than twenty (20) years or for life except as provided in
               W.S. 6-2-101.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-2-201 (LexisNexis 2021) (emphasis added).

[¶14] The elements of kidnapping are described in Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-2-201(a) and (b).
Rathbun v. State, 2011 WY 116, ¶ 25, 257 P.3d 29, 37–38 (Wyo. 2011). Subsection (c)
and (d) do not contain elements. Subsection (c) “describes mitigating conduct subsequent
to the kidnapping that may allow for a reduced sentence.” Id. (citing Loomer v. State, 768
P.2d 1042, 1046–47 (Wyo. 1989)). Kidnapping is one crime “for which the maximum
sentence is as stated in Subsection (d).” Id. ¶ 30, 257 P.3d at 39. Neither subsection (c) or
(d) adds or subtracts elements to the offense of kidnapping.

[¶15] The elements of kidnapping are: (1) the defendant unlawfully confines another
person, and (2) with the intent to inflict bodily injury on or to terrorize the victim or another.
Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-2-201(a)(iii). Unlawful confinement is accomplished by force, threat,
or deception. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-2-201(b)(i). The elements of first-degree sexual assault
are: (1) the defendant inflicts sexual intrusion on a victim; (2) the defendant causes
submission of the victim by threat of death or serious bodily injury; and (3) the victim
reasonably believes that the defendant had the present ability to execute those threats.
Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-2-302(a)(ii). Applying the same elements test, first-degree sexual
assault and kidnapping each require proof of an element that the other does not. First-
degree sexual assault requires sexual intrusion. Kidnapping does not. Kidnapping requires
the unlawful confinement of the victim. First-degree sexual assault does not. Mr. Harrell’s
claim of double jeopardy is without merit.

[¶16] Where there is no error, there is no basis to claim ineffective assistance of counsel.
As in Ferguson, even if we were to hold that ineffective assistance of counsel establishes
good cause for failure to raise an issue in an earlier proceeding, Mr. Harrell has not
established good cause here.

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                                      CONCLUSION

[¶17] Mr. Harrell’s motion to correct an illegal sentence is barred by res judicata. Mr.
Harrell was not subject to double jeopardy, and his assertion of ineffective assistance of
counsel does not establish good cause for failing to raise his present claim on direct appeal.
See Ferguson, ¶¶ 12–13, 309 P.3d at 834. Affirmed.

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