Court Opinion

ID: 2698539
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2014-08-04 17:51:49.143284+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:51:05.245685
License: Public Domain

[Cite as State v. Kraft, 2013-Ohio-4658.]

                                         COURT OF APPEALS
                                     DELAWARE COUNTY, OHIO
                                     FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT

STATE OF OHIO                                 :       JUDGES:
                                              :       Hon. William B. Hoffman, P.J.
        Plaintiff-Appellee                    :       Hon. Sheila G. Farmer, J.
                                              :       Hon. Patricia A. Delaney, J.
-vs-                                          :
                                              :
MARC C. KRAFT                                 :       Case No. 13 CAA 03 0013
                                              :
        Defendant-Appellant                   :       OPINION

CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING:                              Appeal from the Court of Common
                                                      Pleas, Case No. 12 CR I 11 0437

JUDGMENT:                                             Affirmed/Reversed in Part and
                                                      Remanded

DATE OF JUDGMENT:                                     October 21, 2013

APPEARANCES:

For Plaintiff-Appellee                                For Defendant-Appellant

KYLE ROHRER                                           WILLIAM T. CRAMER
140 North Sandusky Street                             470 Olde Worthington Road
3rd Floor                                             Suite 200
Delaware, OH 43015                                    Westerville, OH 43082
Delaware County, Case No. 13 CAA 03 0013                                               2

Farmer, J.

       {¶1}   On November 8, 2012, appellant, Marc Kraft, drove his vehicle into the

back of another vehicle, killing one person and seriously injuring two others. Upon

investigation, it was discovered that appellant had a blood alcohol content of .214.

       {¶2}   On November 15, 2012, the Delaware County Grand Jury indicted

appellant on two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide in violation of R.C.

2903.06(A)(1)(a) and (2)(a) while under the influence and under a driver's license

suspension and a specification for prior OVIs, two counts of aggravated vehicular

assault in violation of R.C. 2903.08(A)(1)(a) while under the influence and under a

driver's license suspension, two counts of vehicular assault in violation of R.C.

2903.08(A)(2)(b) while under a driver's license suspension, and two counts of operating

a motor vehicle while under the influence in violation of R.C. 4511.19(A)(1)(a) and (f)

with prior OVIs.

       {¶3}   A bench trial commenced on February 5, 2013.          The trial court found

appellant guilty as charged. By judgment entry filed February 13, 2013, the trial court

merged the alternative counts and sentenced appellant on Counts 1, 3, 4, and 7 to an

aggregate term of twenty-nine years and six months in prison, with three years

mandatory.

       {¶4}   Appellant filed an appeal and this matter is now before this court for

consideration. Assignments of error are as follows:

                                            I

       {¶5}   "APPELLANT WAS DEPRIVED OF HIS RIGHTS TO DUE PROCESS AS

GUARANTEED BY THE FIFTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS TO THE UNITED
Delaware County, Case No. 13 CAA 03 0013                                                  3

STATES CONSTITUTION AND THE OHIO CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE I, SECTION 16,

BECAUSE       THERE     WAS     INSUFFICIENT       EVIDENCE      OF    HIS   PRIOR     OVI

CONVICTIONS."

                                             II

       {¶6}   "APPELLANT WAS DEPRIVED OF HIS RIGHTS TO DUE PROCESS AS

GUARANTEED BY THE FIFTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS TO THE UNITED

STATES CONSTITUTION AND THE OHIO CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE I, SECTION 16,

BECAUSE A PENNSYLVANIA DRIVER'S LICENSE SUSPENSION CANNOT BE

USED TO ELEVATE AGGRAVATED VEHICULAR ASSAULT TO A SECOND-

DEGREE FELONY."

                                             III

       {¶7}   "THE TRIAL COURT VIOLATED DOUBLE JEOPARDY AND R.C.

2941.25 BY FAILING TO MERGE APPELLANT'S OVI CONVICTION WITH HIS

CONVICTIONS FOR AGGRAVATED VEHICULAR HOMICIDE/ASSAULT."

                                              I

       {¶8}   Appellant claims his convictions relating to prior OVIs were against the

sufficiency of evidence. We disagree.

       {¶9}   On review for sufficiency, a reviewing court is to examine the evidence at

trial to determine whether such evidence, if believed, would support a conviction. State

v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259 (1991). "The relevant inquiry is whether, after viewing the

evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have

found the essential elements of the crime proven beyond a reasonable doubt." Jenks at

paragraph two of the syllabus, following Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307 (1979).
Delaware County, Case No. 13 CAA 03 0013                                                 4

       {¶10} Under the merger doctrine (R.C. 2941.25), appellant was sentenced on

Count 1 (aggravated vehicular homicide) and Count 7 (operating a motor vehicle while

under the influence) along with the enhanced specifications of prior OVIs. On Count 1,

three or more prior OVIs subjected appellant to a minimum mandatory term of three

years [R.C. 2941.1415 and 2929.14(B)(6)]. On Count 7, three or four prior OVIs within

six years or five or more prior OVIs within twenty years elevated the charge to a fourth

degree felony [R.C. 4511.19(G)(1)(d)]. Appellant argues the evidence presented on his

prior OVIs was insufficient to satisfy Crim.R. 32(C) and State v. Lester, 130 Ohio St.3d

303, 2011-Ohio-5204.

       {¶11} Crim.R. 32(C) states in pertinent part: "A judgment of conviction shall set

forth the fact of conviction and the sentence. Multiple judgments of conviction may be

addressed in one judgment entry." In Lester at paragraph one of the syllabus, the

Supreme Court of Ohio held: "A judgment of conviction is a final order subject to appeal

under R.C. 2505.02 when it sets forth (1) the fact of the conviction, (2) the sentence, (3)

the judge's signature, and (4) the time stamp indicating the entry upon the journal by the

clerk. (Crim.R. 32(C), explained; State v. Baker, 119 Ohio St.3d 197, 2008-Ohio-3330,

893 N.E.2d 163, modified.)"

       {¶12} In order to analyze the sufficiency of the evidence argument, it is of first

import to review what was presented at trial.

       {¶13} Seven stipulations were entered on the record, and the trial court took

judicial notice of former Pennsylvania Consolidated Statute 75, Section 3731 (OVI

statute applicable to appellant's Pennsylvania convictions). T. at 5-6, 8-9.
Delaware County, Case No. 13 CAA 03 0013                                                    5

       {¶14} Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Christopher Appollonio testified

appellant provided him with his name, date of birth, and social security number. T. at

92. Appellant told the trooper he had a driver's license through Pennsylvania, but it was

suspended. T. at 92-93, 95. Appellant also admitted to drinking three to four beers that

evening, and to having prior OVIs "[b]ack in the '90's." T. at 95, 97; State's Exhibit 7.

       {¶15} As part of the investigation, Trooper Appollonio received a printout of

appellant's Pennsylvania driving record. T. at 100; State's Exhibit 9A. The exhibit was

a certified driving history from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania dated November 9,

2012, signed by Janet Dolan, Director, Bureau of Driver Licensing for Secretary of

Transportation, and certified by Barry J. Schoch, P.E., Secretary of Transportation. T.

at 100. The exhibit listed the name of appellant, Marc Christian Kraft, date of birth July

29, 1967, and driver's license no. 21352636.            Trooper Appollonio verified that

appellant's name and date of birth were consistent with the information given to him by

appellant. T. at 101. He then identified State's Exhibits 9B-G regarding the dates of

prior OVI offenses and convictions vis-à-vis a comparison of appellant's certified driving

history.1

       {¶16} Defense counsel cross-examined the trooper on the exhibits. T. at 106-

111. At the conclusion of the evidence, defense counsel argued State's Exhibits 9B, D,

E, F, and G did not conform to Crim.R. 32 as they were devoid of either the nature of a

plea or a judge's signature or both. T. at 208-209, 211. The trial court found the

exhibits were admissible as they had been properly authenticated under Evid.R. 902

1
 Appellant was convicted of OVIs on November 21, 1989, March 19, 1992, March 15,
1994, two on January 21, 1998, and March 11, 2003. T. at 101-106; State's Exhibits
9B-G.
Delaware County, Case No. 13 CAA 03 0013                                                      6

and Crim.R. 27, but reserved ruling on whether they were sufficient to prove "beyond a

reasonable doubt the fact of prior convictions." T. at 210-213. The matter was again

raised to the trial court's attention via a Crim.R. 29 motion for acquittal. T. at 232-233.

       {¶17} Although the trial court rejected the application of Civ.R. 44 (proof of

official record) to the proceeding (T. at 210-211), we find it would have been appropriate

under Crim.R. 27 which states: "The proof of official records provisions of Civil Rule 44,

and the judicial notice and determination of foreign law provisions of Civil Rule

44.1 apply in criminal cases." Civ.R. 44(A)(1) states the following:

              (1) Domestic. An official record, or an entry therein, kept within a

       state or within the United States or within a territory or other jurisdiction of

       the United States, when admissible for any purpose, may be evidenced by

       an official publication thereof or by a copy attested by the officer having

       the legal custody of the record, or by his deputy, and accompanied by a

       certificate that such officer has the custody. The certificate may be made

       by a judge of a court of record in which the record is kept or may be made

       by any public officer having a seal of office and having official duties in the

       political subdivision in which the record is kept, authenticated by the seal

       of his office.

       {¶18} We note under Civ.R. 44(A)(1), an official public record does not have to

be signed by a judge, but may be attested to "by the officer having the legal custody of

the record" and certificate may be made "by any public officer having a seal of office."
Delaware County, Case No. 13 CAA 03 0013                                                  7

       {¶19} In Ohio, pursuant to Crim.R. 32(C) cited above, in order for a judgment of

conviction to be a final appealable order, the judgment must include the fact of the

conviction and the sentence, and must be signed by a judge.

       {¶20} In practical application from State v. Baker, 119 Ohio St.3d 197, 2008-

Ohio-3330, and its progeny, we have never found no conviction or sentence, but rather

no final appealable order making it ripe for appellate review.        We find appellant's

reliance on Crim.R. 32(C) and Lester to be in error.

       {¶21} The gravamen of this appeal is whether State's Exhibits 9B-G were

sufficient to establish appellant's prior OVI convictions in Pennsylvania. Because the

state has conceded that the 1989 conviction (State's Exhibit 9B) is beyond the twenty

year limitation of the statute, it will not be addressed.

       {¶22} The totality of the evidence presented (certified and authenticated

documents, appellant's admission to previous OVIs, the identification of appellant via his

date of birth and social security number as tracking devices) is sufficient to establish the

out-of-state OVI convictions. However, appellant did not have three or four prior OVIs

within six years or five or more prior OVIs within twenty years under R.C.

4511.19(G)(1)(d).      Therefore, we remand for resentencing on Count 7 as a

misdemeanor in the first degree, not a felony in the fourth degree.                    R.C.

4511.19(G)(1)(a).

       {¶23} Assignment of Error I is granted in part and denied in part.
Delaware County, Case No. 13 CAA 03 0013                                             8

                                           II

       {¶24} Appellant claims the trial court erred because it used his Pennsylvania

driver's license suspension to enhance his aggravated vehicular assault convictions to

second degree felonies. We disagree.

       {¶25} R.C. 2903.08 governs aggravated vehicular assault and enhancement of

penalty. Appellant argues subsection (B)(1)(a) pertains to driver's license suspensions

from the State of Ohio only:

              (B)(1) Whoever violates division (A)(1) of this section is guilty of

       aggravated vehicular assault.     Except as otherwise provided in this

       division, aggravated vehicular assault is a felony of the third degree.

       Aggravated vehicular assault is a felony of the second degree if any of the

       following apply:

              (a) At the time of the offense, the offender was driving under a

       suspension imposed under Chapter 4510. or any other provision of the

       Revised Code.

       {¶26} Appellant argues because his driver's license was suspended under

Pennsylvania statutes, the suspension cannot be used to enhance his sentence under

R.C. 2903.08(B)(1)(a), Ohio law. R.C. 4510.01(H) defines a driver's license suspension

as follows:
Delaware County, Case No. 13 CAA 03 0013                                                   9

              "Suspend" or "suspension" means the permanent or temporary

       withdrawal, by action of a court or the bureau of motor vehicles, of a

       driver's license, commercial driver's license, temporary instruction permit,

       probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege for the period of

       the suspension or the permanent or temporary withdrawal of the privilege

       to obtain a license, permit, or privilege of that type for the period of the

       suspension.

       {¶27} R.C. 4510.61 incorporated into R.C. Chapter 4150, which governs Driver's

License Suspension and Cancellation, the interstate driver's license compact.            Said

section under Article I(b)(2) adopts by reference and gives full faith and credit to driver's

license suspensions from other states:

              The driver license compact is hereby enacted into law and entered

       into with all other jurisdictions legally joining therein in the form

       substantially as follows:

              ***

              (b) It is the policy of each of the party states to:

              (2) Make the reciprocal recognition of licenses to drive and eligibility

       therefor more just and equitable by considering the over-all compliance

       with motor vehicle laws, ordinances, and administrative rules and

       regulations as a condition precedent to the continuance or issuance of any
Delaware County, Case No. 13 CAA 03 0013                                            10

       license by reason of which the licensee is authorized or permitted to

       operate a motor vehicle in any of the party states.

       {¶28} In accordance with State v. Stafford, 158 Ohio App.3d 509, 2004-Ohio-

3893 (1st.Dist.), we find there was no error in using appellant's Pennsylvania driver's

license suspension to enhance his Ohio convictions to second degree felonies.

       {¶29} Assignment of Error II is denied.

                                            III

       {¶30} Appellant claims the trial court erred in sentencing him to consecutive

sentences as the consecutive nature is barred by double jeopardy under R.C. 2941.25.

We disagree.

       {¶31} Appellant was convicted of operating a motor vehicle while under the

influence in violation of R.C. 4511.19 and aggravated vehicular homicide/assault in

violation of R.C. 2903.06 and 2903.08. Appellant argues under R.C. 2941.25, his OVI

conviction should have been merged with the other convictions which were predicated

on the OVI.

       {¶32} R.C. 2929.41 governs multiple sentences. Subsection (B)(3) specifically

states the following:

               (3) A jail term or sentence of imprisonment imposed for a

       misdemeanor violation of section 4510.11, 4510.14, 4510.16, 4510.21, or

       4511.19 of the Revised Code shall be served consecutively to a prison

       term that is imposed for a felony violation of section 2903.06, 2903.07,
Delaware County, Case No. 13 CAA 03 0013                                               11

      2903.08, or 4511.19 of the Revised Code or a felony violation of section

      2903.04 of the Revised Code involving the operation of a motor vehicle by

      the offender and that is served in a state correctional institution when the

      trial court specifies that it is to be served consecutively.

      {¶33} In State v. Bayer, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 11AP–733, 2012–Ohio–5469,

our brethren from the Tenth District addressed whether merger was required in light of

R.C. 2929.41(B)(3) when a defendant is convicted of operating a motor vehicle while

under the influence in violation of R.C. 4511.19 and aggravated vehicular assault in

violation of R.C. 2903.08.       The Bayer court considered the language of R.C.

2929.14(B)(3) and held the following at ¶ 21-22 (citations omitted):

             The General Assembly thereby clearly reflected its intent that a trial

      court may, in its discretion, sentence a defendant for both OVI and AVA.

      That intent conflicts with the intent reflected in R.C. 2941.25. That is, R.C.

      2929.41 evidences the intent of the legislature that those two offenses

      should not merge-a conclusion that necessarily follows from the fact that a

      trial court could not order sentences to be served consecutively unless the

      court had first imposed more than just one sentence. Pursuant to the

      merger analysis for allied offenses established by the general rule of R.C.

      2941.25, the prosecutor in appellant's case would have been required to

      elect between the two allied offenses to which the defendant pled guilty

      and then pursued sentencing on only one. This is so because, in applying
Delaware County, Case No. 13 CAA 03 0013                                               12

        the merger of allied offenses rule established in R.C. 2941.25, "the trial

        court must accept the state's choice among allied offenses, 'merge the

        crimes into a single conviction for sentencing, and impose a sentence that

        is appropriate for the merged offense.' " (Emphasis added.)***

              In short, we find that, where a defendant is found guilty of operating

        a motor vehicle while intoxicated and is also found guilty of aggravated

        vehicular assault, that defendant may be found guilty and sentenced on

        both. Assuming, arguendo, that OVI and AVA are allied offenses, R.C.

        2929.41(B)(3) creates an exception to the general rule provided in R.C.

        2941.25 that allied offenses must be merged so that a defendant may be

        convicted, i.e., found guilty and sentenced, on either the OVI or the AVA,

        but not both. Accordingly, the trial court had the discretion, pursuant to

        R.C. 2929.419(B)(3), to enter convictions of both OVI and AVA and to

        sentence appellant to serve consecutive sentences for those two crimes.

Accord State v. Demirci, 11th Dist. Lake No. 2011-L-142, 2013-Ohio-2399.

        {¶34} We concur with the Bayer analysis, and note the Supreme Court of Ohio

did not accept the appeal for review. State v. Bayer, 136 Ohio St.3d 1453, 2013-Ohio-

3210.

        {¶35} Assignment of Error III is denied.
Delaware County, Case No. 13 CAA 03 0013                                          13

      {¶36} The judgment of the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County, Ohio is

hereby affirmed in part and reversed in part.

By Farmer, J.

Hoffman, P.J. and

Delaney, J. concur.

                                                _______________________________
                                                Hon. Sheila G. Farmer

                                                _______________________________
                                                Hon. William B. Hoffman

                                                _______________________________
                                                Hon. Patricia A. Delaney

SGF/sg 924
[Cite as State v. Kraft, 2013-Ohio-4658.]

                  IN THE COURT OF APPEALS FOR DELAWARE COUNTY, OHIO

                                     FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT

STATE OF OHIO                                   :
                                                :
        Plaintiff-Appellee                      :
                                                :
-vs-                                            :       JUDGMENT ENTRY
                                                :
MARC C. KRAFT                                   :
                                                :
        Defendant-Appellant                     :       CASE NO. 13 CAA 03 0013

        For the reasons stated in our accompanying Memorandum-Opinion, the

judgment of the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County, Ohio is affirmed in part

and reversed in part, and the matter is remanded to said court for resentencing on

Count 7 as a misdemeanor in the first degree. Costs to appellant.

                                                _______________________________
                                                Hon. Sheila G. Farmer

                                                _______________________________
                                                Hon. William B. Hoffman

                                                _______________________________
                                                Hon. Patricia A. Delaney