Court Opinion

ID: 4174071
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2017-06-02 15:15:24.420485+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:38:55.073231
License: Public Domain

[Cite as State v. Hackley, 2017-Ohio-4094.]

                             IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
                                SECOND APPELLATE DISTRICT
                                     CHAMPAIGN COUNTY

 STATE OF OHIO                                      :
                                                    :
         Plaintiff-Appellee                         :   Appellate Case No. 2016-CA-24
                                                    :
 v.                                                 :   Trial Court Case No. 2016-CR-179
                                                    :
 DAVID E. HACKLEY                                   :   (Criminal Appeal from
                                                    :   Common Pleas Court)
         Defendant-Appellant                        :
                                                    :

                                               ...........

                                              OPINION

                              Rendered on the 2nd day of June, 2017.

                                               ...........

KEVIN S. TALEBI, Atty. Reg. No 0069198, Assistant Champaign County Prosecutor, 200
North Main Street, Urbana, Ohio 43078
      Attorney for Plaintiff-Appellee

ANN M. RINGLER, Atty. Reg. No. 0082305, P.O. Box 30258, Springfield, Ohio 45501
     Attorney for Defendant-Appellant

                                              .............

WELBAUM, J.
                                                                                        -2-

       {¶ 1} Defendant-appellant, David E. Hackley, appeals from his conviction and

sentence in the Champaign County Court of Common Pleas after pleading guilty to one

count of Domestic Violence, a felony of the fourth degree, in violation of R.C. 2919.25(A).

In proceeding with the appeal, Hackley’s appointed counsel filed a brief under the

authority of Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738, 87 S. Ct. 1396, 18 L. Ed. 2d 493 (1967),

indicating that there are no issues with arguable merit to present on appeal. Hackley’s

counsel then identified four potential assignments of error for us to consider. Hackley’s

counsel also sent a copy of the appellate brief and a letter to Hackley to inform him that

he could file his own brief raising assignments of error. No separate appellate brief has

been filed by Hackley.

       {¶ 2} After conducting a review as prescribed by Anders, we also find no issues

with arguable merit. Accordingly, the judgment of the trial court will be affirmed.

                                 I. Course of Proceedings

       {¶ 3} On July 7, 2016, the Champaign County Grand Jury indicted Hackley on one

count of Domestic Violence, a felony of the third degree, in violation of R.C. 2919.25(A).

Dkt. 1. At the initial arraignment in the Champaign County Court of Common Pleas, the

trial court determined that Hackley was indigent. Dkt. 5. Hackley pled not guilty to the

one count of Domestic Violence.

       {¶ 4} On August 22, 2016, Hackley agreed to withdraw his not guilty plea and

instead enter a plea of guilty to Domestic Violence, a felony of the fourth degree. Hackley

signed a Plea Agreement in which he acknowledged that, among other things, the
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possible penalty for this crime was between six and eighteen months in prison and a

maximum fine of $5,000; court costs, restitution, and other financial sanctions may be

imposed; he was giving up his right to a jury trial; and he entered his plea voluntarily.

Dkt. 21.

       {¶ 5} On September 19, 2016, the trial court entered a judgment of conviction and

sentence. Dkt. 25. Hackley was found guilty of one count of Domestic Violence, a

felony of the fourth degree, in violation of R.C. 2919.25(A). The trial court sentenced him

to fourteen months in prison. The trial court imposed a $250 fine and ordered that

Hackley will be responsible for paying back the costs of his defense. Hackley appeals

from this conviction and sentence.

                                   II. Law and Analysis

       {¶ 6} In Anders cases, the appellate court must conduct a thorough examination

of the proceedings to determine whether the appeal is frivolous, and if it is, the court may

“grant counsel’s request to withdraw and then dismiss the appeal without violating any

constitutional requirements, or the court can proceed to a decision on the merits if state

law requires it.” State v. McDaniel, 2d Dist. Champaign No. 2010 CA 13, 2011-Ohio-

2186, ¶ 5, citing Anders at 744.      “If we find that any issue presented or which an

independent analysis reveals is not wholly frivolous, we must appoint different appellate

counsel to represent the defendant.” (Citation omitted.) State v. Marbury, 2d Dist.

Montgomery No. 19226, 2003-Ohio-3242, ¶ 7.

       {¶ 7} “Anders equates a frivolous appeal with one that presents issues lacking in

arguable merit. An issue does not lack arguable merit merely because the prosecution
                                                                                       -4-

can be expected to present a strong argument in reply, or because it is uncertain whether

a defendant will ultimately prevail on that issue on appeal.” Id. at ¶ 8, citing State v.

Pullen, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 19232, 2002-Ohio-6788.          Rather, “[a]n issue lacks

arguable merit if, on the facts and law involved, no responsible contention can be made

that it offers a basis for reversal.” Marbury at ¶ 8.

       {¶ 8} In conducting our independent review, Hackley’s appellate counsel has

requested that we consider the following four potential assignments of error: (1) whether

the trial court appropriately considered the factors in R.C. 2929.12 in determining the

length and nature of Hackley’s sentence; (2) whether the trial court abused its discretion

in sentencing Hackley to fourteen months in prison; (3) whether Hackley entered a plea

that was knowing and intelligent given the exchange between the trial court and Hackley

at the end of the plea colloquy; and (4) whether the trial court appropriately ordered

indigent Hackley to pay a fine and repay the costs of his defense.

       {¶ 9} The first potential assignment of error raised by Hackley’s appellate counsel

concerns whether the trial court appropriately considered the factors in R.C. 2929.12 in

determining the length and nature of Hackley’s sentence.

       {¶ 10} At the sentencing hearing, the trial court stated (Transcript of Sentencing

Hearing, p. 17-19):

              THE COURT: Thank you. Court has reviewed the pre-sentence

       investigation report, statements of counsel, statements of the Defendant,

       and Court’s interaction with the Defendant. Court has also reviewed the

       victim impact statement as well as the oral statements of [C.P.].

              In imposing sentence, the Court has considered and applied the
                                                                                  -5-

purposes and principles of sentencing set forth in 2929.11 divisions A, B,

and C.    The Court also considered the seriousness of the conduct,

likelihood of recidivism, and lack of service in the Armed Forces. With

regard to more serious factors, the Court finds that Defendant’s relationship

with the victim facilitated the offense. That during the domestic violence

incident that the Defendant assaulted the victim in two separate occasions.

That during the domestic violence incident the Defendant strangled the

victim in two separate occasions.       That during the domestic violence

incident the Defendant punched the victim in the abdominal region knowing

she had had a previous surgery in that area. She had had recent previous

surgery in that area.

       With regard to less serious factors, the Court finds none. The Court

concludes that the factors establishing the Defendant’s conduct is more

serious outweigh factors establishing conduct is less serious. With regard

to recidivism factors, the Court finds that Defendant has a history of criminal

convictions, has not responded favorably to sanctions previously imposed,

and shows no genuine remorse for the offense.

       With regard to less likely to commit future crimes, the Court finds that

prior to committing the offense the Defendant was not adjudicated a

delinquent child. And prior to committing the offense the Defendant led a

law-abiding life for a significant number of years. Significant, in this case,

is four. The Court finds that although you may not think that four is very

long. You, meaning, anyone reading this record. Given the Defendant’s
                                                                                        -6-

       criminal history record, four years is significant.

              Court concludes, however, that factors establishing the Defendant’s

       recidivism is more likely outweigh factors establishing Defendant’s

       recidivism is less likely. Court considered the Defendant’s military service.

       Finds he has no military service record.              Court also makes the

       2929.13(B)(1)(b) findings that the Defendant at the time of the offense had

       previously served a prison term.

              Upon consideration of all sentencing matters, the Court imposes on

       Count One imprisonment of 14 months to the Ohio Department of

       Corrections. * * *

       {¶ 11} In its September 19, 2016 judgment entry of conviction and sentence, the

trial court made findings under R.C. 2929.11, R.C. 2929.12, and R.C. 2929.13. Dkt. 25.

With respect to R.C. 2929.12, the trial court considered the factors set forth in R.C.

2929.12(B) and (C) relating to the seriousness of the conduct, the factors in R.C.

2929.12(D) and (E) relating to the likelihood of recidivism, the factors in R.C. 2929.12(F)

pertaining to any service in the armed forces, and any other relevant factors as called for

in R.C. 2929.12(A).

       {¶ 12} Based on the trial court’s thorough analysis of the factors set forth in R.C.

2929.12, both at the sentencing hearing and in its judgment entry, we can find no arguably

meritorious claim that the trial court failed to appropriately consider the factors in R.C.

2929.12 in determining the length and nature of Hackley’s sentence.

       {¶ 13} The second potential assignment of error raised by Hackley’s appellate

counsel concerns the trial court’s decision to impose a fourteen-month prison sentence.
                                                                                       -7-

Under R.C. 2953.08(G)(2), an appellate court may increase, reduce, or modify a

sentence, or it may vacate the sentence and remand for resentencing, only if it “clearly

and convincingly” finds either (1) that the record does not support certain specified

findings or (2) that the sentence imposed is contrary to law.

       {¶ 14} In State v. Rodeffer, 2013-Ohio-5759, 5 N.E.3d 1069, ¶ 32 (2d Dist.), we

stated that:

          [a]lthough [State v. Kalish, 120 Ohio St. 3d 23, 2008-Ohio-4912, 896
N.E.2d 124] no longer provides the framework for reviewing felony

       sentences, it does provide * * * adequate guidance for determining whether

       a sentence is clearly and convincingly contrary to law. * * * According to

       Kalish, a sentence is not contrary to law when the trial court imposes a

       sentence within the statutory range, after expressly stating that it had

       considered the purposes and principles of sentencing set forth in R.C.

       2929.11, as well as the factors in R.C. 2929.12.

       {¶ 15} The trial court imposed a fourteen-month term of prison on Hackley, which

is within the statutory range of six to eighteen months for a fourth-degree felony. R.C.

2929.14(A)(4). Moreover, as we noted above, the trial court expressly stated that it

considered the purposes and principles of sentencing set forth in R.C. 2929.11, as well

as the factors in R.C. 2929.12. The evidence in the record supports the findings made

by the trial court. Based on our review of the record, we can find no arguably meritorious

claim that the fourteen-month prison sentence was clearly and convincingly contrary to

law or not supported by the record.

       {¶ 16} The third potential assignment of error raised by Hackley’s appellate
                                                                                           -8-

counsel concerned whether Hackley entered a plea that was knowing and intelligent given

the exchange that occurred between the trial court and Hackley at the end of the plea

colloquy.

       {¶ 17} Prior to accepting Hackley’s guilty plea, the trial court asked Hackley a

series of questions in order to determine whether Hackley was making a knowing,

intelligent, and voluntary plea. A number of these questions went over all of the rights

that Hackley was waiving, as required by Crim.R. 11(C). The trial court then presented

Hackley with a written waiver form to review with his attorney and then sign. Hackley

signed the written waiver.       The trial court then accepted Hackley’s guilty plea.

Transcript of Plea Hearing, p. 4-14.

       {¶ 18} After accepting Hackley’s guilty plea, the trial court then stated that it would

order a pre-sentence investigation report.       As part of this process, the trial court

explained to Hackley the need to fill out two forms before his pre-sentence investigation

meeting (id. at 19):

              THE COURT: The Bailiff will place in front of you two forms for you

       to complete before you meet with the pre-sentence investigation writer

       Addie King. Addie King is her name. One will be an authorization to

       release information.    The second will be a pre-sentence investigation

       questionnaire. Don’t leave any question on the form blank. If the question

       doesn’t apply to you, then mark it NA meaning not applicable. So if they

       ask you, for example, what are the ages of your children and you didn’t have

       any children, you wouldn’t skip over the question. You would just mark it

       NA, meaning, this question doesn’t apply to me and move on to the next
                                                                                      -9-

      question. That way I know you paid attention to all the questions on the

      form. Do you understand that?

               THE WITNESS: Yes, Your Honor.

               THE COURT: Addie will meet with you, interview you, and write a

      report. The Court will use the report to decide what to do with your case

      before you come back to Court for sentencing. Are you able to read and

      write?

               THE WITNESS: Yes, Your Honor.

      {¶ 19} The trial court then explained to Hackley the requirements of his release on

personal recognizance bond and adjourned the plea hearing. Id. at 19-22. But the trial

court then came back on the record to address a question Hackley had addressed to the

bailiff. The following exchange then occurred between Hackley and the trial court (id. at

22-24):

               THE COURT:      Mr. Hackley, the Bailiff has indicated that you

      requested a different time period for your pre-sentence investigation report

      interview because you needed assistance in filling out the questionnaire

      because of difficulty reading; is that accurate?

               THE WITNESS: Yes.

               THE COURT: Now, did I just ask you not more than two minutes

      ago whether you had any trouble reading?

               THE WITNESS: I don’t have any trouble reading. I can read. I

      can write. Yes, Your Honor, you did.

               THE COURT: Why didn’t you say anything to me?
                                                                                   -10-

        THE WITNESS: I don’t understand some of the questions on here

that it’s asking, Your Honor.

        THE COURT: I know. That is why I asked you if you had any

difficulty.

        THE WITNESS: I’m sorry, Your Honor.

        THE COURT: I’m sorry too. And the reason I’m sorry is because

it makes me question whether you understood anything else I explained to

you. Including your responses to my questions about your obligations on

bond. Do you understand what I’m saying?

        THE WITNESS: Yes, Your Honor.

        THE COURT: And because I have questions about it, it makes me

want to reconsider whether you should be released on bond. As well as

whether you can even complete your PSI.             Maybe we should have

sentencing today. Do you understand that?

        THE WITNESS: Yes, Your Honor.

        THE COURT: Out of an abundance of caution, Attorney Brecount,

are you able to assist your client in filling out the questionnaire?

        MR. BRECOUNT: Yes, I can. But I don’t know if I can do it before

this Wednesday.

        THE COURT: We’ll reschedule the PSI interview to accommodate

your schedule. Bailiff, if it means that Ms. King is not able to do it, then let

the Prosecutor know so he can send the discovery to Marcie Reynolds if it

comes to that.
                                                                                       -11-

             Mr. Hackley, it’s my expectation that when I ask you a question, that

      you understand it and able to respond to it. And if you don’t, and I find out

      later that you didn’t understand, it’s going to be deemed to be a negative

      consequence for you. Do you understand that?

             THE WITNESS: Yes, Your Honor.

             THE COURT: Is there anything that you want to go over with me

      before you leave here today about something you didn’t understand?

             THE WITNESS: No, Your Honor.

             THE COURT: You better start answering my questions with a full

      understanding.

             THE WITNESS: Yes, Your Honor.

      {¶ 20} This exchange between Hackley and the trial court took place after the trial

court had accepted Hackley’s guilty plea.      The trial court appeared frustrated that

Hackley did not understand some of the questions on the form that needed to be filled

out to begin the pre-sentence investigation process. During this exchange, the trial court

questioned whether Hackley understood previous questions asked by the trial court. In

particular, the trial court wondered whether Hackley in fact understood what his

obligations would be while he was out on bond. The trial court, however, then received

an assurance from Hackley that he did understand the previous questions that the trial

court had asked him during the plea hearing.

      {¶ 21} Moreover, prior to accepting Hackley’s guilty plea, the trial court asked a

series of questions that ensured that Hackley’s plea was knowing, voluntary, and

intelligent. Hackley was represented by counsel and read and signed the written waiver
                                                                                      -12-

form. “A written waiver of constitutional rights is presumed to have been voluntary,

knowing, and intelligent.” State v. Starr, 5th Dist. Ashland No. 16-COA-19, 2016-Ohio-

8179, ¶ 25, citing State v. Tuner, 105 Ohio St. 3d 331, 2005-Ohio-1938, 826 N.E.2d 266,

¶ 25. Based on our review of the record, we can find no arguably meritorious claim that

Hackley’s guilty plea was anything but knowing and intelligent.

       {¶ 22} The fourth potential assignment of error raised by Hackley’s appellate

counsel was whether the trial court appropriately ordered indigent Hackley to pay a $250

fine and repay the costs of his defense.

       {¶ 23} At the sentencing hearing, the trial court stated, at pages 20-21 of the

transcript:

              THE COURT: You have jail time credit of 56 days as of today’s

       date. You’ll receive additional jail-time credit pending delivery to prison.

       The Court has considered your present and future ability to pay the amount

       of financial obligation before imposing a financial sanction on you.     By

       considering the pre-sentence report and statements made here you are

       ordered to pay back the cost of the case. Judgment is granted for cost.

       Execution for cost is awarded. If you fail to pay as ordered, the Court may

       order community service. Community service will apply as a credit to the

       cost judgment.

              On Count One fine is imposed of $250.         It’s an ordinary fine.

       Restitution was not requested. You are also ordered to pay back the cost

       of the legal fees and expenses.     The legal fees and expenses will be

       separately collected by the clerk. They are not to be taxed as part of court
                                                                                          -13-

       cost. I’m just setting forth notice of your obligation to be responsible for the

       repayment.

       {¶ 24} In its judgment entry, the trial court stated the following regarding Hackley’s

financial obligations (Dkt. 25, p. 7-8):

              In imposing the following financial obligations upon the Defendant,

       the Court has reviewed and considered the information contained in the pre-

       sentence investigation report (relating to the Defendant’s age, health,

       education and employment history) and the statements of the Prosecutor,

       Defense Counsel and Defendant in considering the Defendant’s present

       and future ability to pay the amount of the financial obligation before

       imposing such a financial sanction. R.C. 2929.19(B)(5).

              The Court found from the information presented that the Defendant

       is not indigent for costs, fine, and court-appointed legal fees and expenses

       purposes.

              The Court found from the information presented that the Defendant

       is employable and in good health.

              The Court found from the information presented that the Defendant

       is able to pay costs, fine, and court-appointed legal fees and expenses upon

       release from confinement.

       {¶ 25} R.C. 2929.19(B)(5) provides “Before imposing a financial sanction under

section 2929.18 of the Revised Code or a fine under section 2929.32 of the Revised

Code, the court shall consider the offender's present and future ability to pay the amount

of the sanction or fine.” The trial court found that Hackley, at the time of sentencing, was
                                                                                       -14-

not indigent. Further, the trial court considered Hackley’s present and future ability to

pay the fine and defense costs. Dkt. 25. The fact that the trial court previously found

Hackley indigent for purposes of appointing trial counsel does not require the trial court

to later find Hackley indigent for purposes of the imposition of any fines or repayment of

defense costs. Rather, there must be some evidence that the trial court considered

Hackley’s present and future ability to pay. State v. Cole, 6th Dist. Lucas Nos. L-03-1163

and L-03-1162, 2005-Ohio-408, ¶ 26. There is such evidence in the record before us.

       {¶ 26} The trial court also properly noted that the fees and expenses associated

with Hackley’s defense would be separately collected by the Clerk pursuant to R.C.

2941.51(D). As a result, we can find no arguably meritorious claim that the trial court

erred in imposing a fine and requiring Hackley to repay the costs of his defense. Further,

in compliance with our responsibility under Anders, we have independently reviewed the

record and find no non-frivolous issues for appellate review.

                                      III. Conclusion

       {¶ 27} The potential assignments of error presented by appellate counsel are

wholly frivolous, and we find no issues with arguable merit to present on appeal.

Accordingly, appointed appellate counsel’s request to withdraw from further

representation is granted, and the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.

                                     .............

HALL, P.J. and DONOVAN, J., concur.
                         -15-

Copies mailed to:

Kevin S. Talebi
Ann M. Ringler
David E. Hackley
Hon. Nick A. Selvaggio