Court Opinion

ID: 4323554
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2018-10-23 16:51:06.803769+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:19:42.744948
License: Public Domain

FILED
                                                                   OCTOBER 23, 2018
                                                               In the Office of the Clerk of Court
                                                              WA State Court of Appeals, Division III

            IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
                               DIVISION THREE

STATE OF WASHINGTON,                         )
                                             )         No. 34716-8-III
                     Respondent,             )
                                             )
       v.                                    )
                                             )
NATHANIEL EVAN TILTON,                       )         UNPUBLISHED OPINION
                                             )
                     Appellant.              )

       KORSMO, J. — Nathaniel Tilton appeals from convictions for residential burglary,

second degree malicious mischief, and fourth degree assault, primarily arguing that the

evidence did not establish he was no longer allowed in his father’s home. Since the

evidence permitted the jury to draw that conclusion, we affirm.

                                         FACTS

       Mr. Tilton was released from prison with nowhere to stay. His father, Michael

Tilton, allowed his 32-year-old son to stay at his residence temporarily while he got on

his feet. The events that led to the criminal charges occurred within 36 hours of Mr.

Tilton’s release from incarceration.
No. 34716-8-III
State v. Tilton

       Mr. Tilton was released from the mental health unit of the Monroe Correctional

Complex on July 13, 2015. Some of his personal effects had been stored at his father’s

home during his incarceration. Mr. Tilton was allowed to temporarily stay in his father’s

house, where he had full run of the building, other than his father’s bedroom, for an

indefinite period of time while he got back on his feet and found his own place to live.

       On the morning of July 14, the father and son went fishing. Nathaniel Tilton

stopped fishing after ten or fifteen minutes due to a broken line and returned to his

father’s car. About an hour later, Michael Tilton returned to the vehicle only to see his

son 60 yards away, behaving strangely. The son started yelling at the father and the two

then got in the car to return home.

       When the car was parked at the house, Nathaniel slugged Michael in the ear with

his fist, sending the older man reeling through rose bushes and on to the ground. As

Michael struggled to his feet, Nathaniel slugged him again in the other ear. The father

once more fell to the ground. A neighbor saw the attack and called 911.

       Michael Tilton was able to get to his house, unlock the door, and then relock it

upon entering. Although he did not expressly state the fact to his son, the father believed

that locking his son out of the house informed the younger man that he was no longer

allowed in the dwelling. Nathaniel Tilton did not have a key to the building.

       Nathaniel smashed a door to the garage and left it hanging by its upper hinge; the

lower hinge had been separated from the door frame. He then kicked in the backdoor to

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No. 34716-8-III
State v. Tilton

the house, cracking the door jamb and breaking the door latch strike plate. Entering the

house, Nathaniel demanded his father’s car keys, while the older man asked that he not

be hit any more. The police arrived and took Nathaniel into custody. Michael Tilton was

bleeding profusely from one ear. In the yard, police discovered a propane torch and a

scorched light bulb in the yard. Methamphetamine remains were found inside the bulb.

       Prosecutors filed charges of residential burglary, fourth degree assault, second

degree malicious mischief, and possession of a controlled substance. After a contentious

twelve-month period of time that included ten trial continuances, a mental health

evaluation, and repeated conflicts with multiple assigned attorneys, Mr. Tilton’s case

eventually proceeded to jury trial.

       The jury failed to reach a verdict on the drug possession charge, but convicted Mr.

Tilton on the three remaining counts. The jury also entered findings that the offenses

constituted domestic violence and that the victim was present at the time of the residential

burglary. After supplemental instruction and deliberation, the jury found by special

verdicts that the two felony offenses were committed rapidly after release from

incarceration.

       The court imposed an exceptional sentence of 120 months on the residential

burglary count. The written findings of fact reference the jury’s finding of rapid

recidivism and the victim’s presence during the burglary. Mr. Tilton appealed to this

court, where a panel heard oral argument on the appeal.

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No. 34716-8-III
State v. Tilton

                                         ANALYSIS

       The brief filed by counsel raises five1 separate issues, while Mr. Tilton filed a

statement of additional grounds (SAG) that raises a sixth issue. We address the first five

issues in the order presented by counsel before turning to Mr. Tilton’s issue.

           Sufficiency of the Evidence

       Mr. Tilton first argues that the evidence does not support the residential burglary

count because his revocation of permission to use his father’s house was not made

manifest to him. We conclude that the jury was permitted to find that his permission was

revoked when the older man locked him out of the house.

       Familiar standards govern review of this claim. We review sufficiency challenges

to see if there was evidence from which the trier of fact could find each element of the

offense proved beyond a reasonable doubt. Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319, 99 S.

Ct. 2781, 61 L. Ed. 2d 560 (1979); State v. Green, 94 Wn.2d 216, 221-222, 616 P.2d 628

(1980). The reviewing court will consider the evidence in a light most favorable to the

prosecution. Id. Reviewing courts also must defer to the trier of fact “on issues of

conflicting testimony, credibility of witnesses, and the persuasiveness of the evidence.”

       1
         The appellate brief also seeks a waiver of costs due to indigency. In the event
that the prosecutor files a cost bill our commissioner will consider the issue in accordance
with RAP 14.2.

                                              4
No. 34716-8-III
State v. Tilton

State v. Thomas, 150 Wn.2d 821, 874-875, 83 P.3d 970 (2004). “Credibility

determinations are for the trier of fact and are not subject to review.” Id. at 874.

       At issue in this challenge is the element of residential burglary that the accused

“enters or remains unlawfully in a dwelling.” RCW 9A.52.025. An entry is unlawful if

the person was “not then licensed, invited, or otherwise privileged to so enter or remain.”

RCW 9A.52.010(2). The State bears the burden of proving the entry is unlawful, but

may do so by circumstantial evidence. State v. McDaniels, 39 Wn. App. 236, 239-240,

692 P.2d 894 (1984).

       Mr. Tilton argues that his entry was not unlawful because his father had not orally

communicated that his permission to stay in the house had been revoked. However,

permission to remain on property impliedly can be revoked or limited. State v. Collins,

110 Wn.2d 253, 261-262, 751 P.2d 837 (1988). Whether a limitation exists depends on

the facts of the case. Id. at 261.

       Here, the evidence permitted the jury to determine that Nathaniel Tilton’s

temporary permission2 to reside in his father’s house had been revoked. Nathaniel had no

key to the house, a fact that Michael knew when he locked the younger man out of the

building. Nathaniel did not seek his father’s permission to enter the building upon

       2
         Nathaniel Tilton was a guest in his father’s house. That undisputed fact takes
this case outside of the fact pattern of State v. Wilson, 136 Wn. App. 596, 150 P.3d 144
(2007). The defendant in Wilson had signed a lease that allowed him to live in the
premises at issue there; he was not a permissive guest on the premises.

                                              5
No. 34716-8-III
State v. Tilton

finding himself locked out, but kicked in two doors to force entry. His sole stated

purpose for entering in this manner was to demand the keys to his father’s car. These

were not the actions of a man who believed he was still permitted in the house. More

critically for this analysis, the father’s actions in locking out his guest, knowing that the

young man could not enter without his new permission because he had no key, is a clear

expression that Nathaniel’s guest status has been revoked.

       Nathaniel’s argument that his father was merely protecting himself by locking his

son out was a proper claim to put in front of the jury, which was free to believe or reject

the contention. Nonetheless, the evidence also permitted the jury to find, as it did, that

the younger Tilton was no longer welcome in the residence. He had never been granted

permission to enter the building for the purpose of assaulting his father and stealing

property, nor could permission have been implied by the original granting of a place to

temporarily stay. The evidence permitted the jury to find that locking his son out

demonstrated the father’s removal of permission to enter. It also permitted them to

conclude that his actions in breaking into the house exceeded the scope of his original

permission to reside there temporarily. Under either theory, the evidence supported the

jury verdict. Collins, 110 Wn.2d at 260-261.

       The evidence was sufficient to support the jury’s verdict on the residential

burglary charge.

                                               6
No. 34716-8-III
State v. Tilton

       Conflict with Counsel

       Mr. Tilton next argues that the trial court should have inquired into whether he and

his attorney were in conflict in light of evidence that they had difficulties communicating.

The record of communication difficulties here did not compel the trial court to inquire

into whether there was a breakdown of the attorney-client relationship, particularly in the

absence of a request to do so. Instead, the record3 strongly suggests that Mr. Tilton

refused to cooperate except when he chose to do so.

       If a criminal defendant is dissatisfied with appointed counsel, the defendant must

show good cause to warrant substitution of counsel, such as a conflict of interest, an

irreconcilable conflict, or a complete breakdown in communication between the attorney

and the defendant. State v. Stenson, 132 Wn.2d 668, 734, 940 P.2d 1239 (1997). This

court reviews a denial of a request for new counsel for abuse of discretion. Id. at 733.

Discretion is abused when it is exercised on untenable grounds or for untenable reasons.

State ex rel. Carroll v. Junker, 79 Wn.2d 12, 26, 482 P.2d 775 (1971).

       However, even a breakdown in communication is insufficient to warrant

substitution of counsel when a defendant “simply refuses to cooperate with his

attorneys.” State v. Schaller, 143 Wn. App. 258, 271, 177 P.3d 1139 (2007). In State v.

       3
         The evidence in question is well known to the parties and need not be detailed
here. The first counsel appointed for Mr. Tilton was allowed to withdraw and the next
had difficulties obtaining his client’s cooperation. Mr. Tilton also frequently acted out
during courtroom proceedings, both before and during trial.

                                             7
No. 34716-8-III
State v. Tilton

Thompson, the defendant filed a motion to dismiss counsel due to a conflict of interest

and a breakdown in communication; the trial court denied his motion. On appeal, this

court held that because “the conflict and communication breakdown were attributable

entirely to Thompson and could not be reasonably expected to resolve with substitution

of counsel, the court did not abuse its discretion by denying Thompson’s motions.” State

v. Thompson, 169 Wn. App. 436, 463, 290 P.3d 996 (2012). The Thompson court

elaborated:

       The collapse of the attorney-client relationship may so degrade the quality
       of the defense as to deny the accused effective representation. But that was
       clearly not so here. Despite Thompson’s unrelenting insolence, verbal
       abuse, and refusal to cooperate, [defense counsel] remained a capable and
       determined advocate. He filed motions to suppress evidence. He
       vigorously opposed the State’s efforts to present evidence of Thompson’s
       past sex crimes. He used cross-examination and closing argument to
       highlight gaps in the State’s evidence. [Defense counsel] even managed to
       “accommodate Mr. Thompson’s view that he was a victim of a conspiracy”
       in the rape case. Tavel, the attorney appointed as liaison counsel,
       performed Thompson’s direct examinations and attempted to minimize the
       damage resulting from his testimony while still allowing Thompson to
       express his view of the cases. And during closing arguments, [defense
       counsel] attempted to explain Thompson’s obviously untruthful testimony
       in a way the jury might understand. Thompson was effectively represented
       in spite of the breakdown in the relationship.

Id. at 463-464 (footnotes omitted).

       This case is even one step removed from those cases because Mr. Tilton never

sought another new attorney and trial counsel never advised the judge that there was in

fact a breakdown in communications. Instead, the record reflects that there were some

                                            8
No. 34716-8-III
State v. Tilton

communication difficulties, largely of Mr. Tilton’s own making, and that he would

cooperate with the court or with his counsel only when he desired to do so.

       In light of the entire record, which shows both occasional communication and

cooperation, along with the opposite, the trial court simply was not put on notice that an

actual breakdown had occurred. The trial judge is not a monitor of appointed counsel

with an obligation to regularly check in to see how well the defense is progressing. The

judge has an obligation to inquire upon request or when an obvious breakdown occurs in

the court’s presence, neither of which occurred here.

       Any difficulties displayed in the record were of the defendant’s own making and

did not, in light of the entire record, establish an actual breakdown of communications.

Appellant has not established that error occurred.

       Prosecutor’s Closing Argument

       Mr. Tilton next argues that the prosecutor engaged in misconduct during closing

argument. The errors that occurred were properly dealt with by the trial court.

       Well settled standards also govern review of this issue. The appellant bears the

burden of demonstrating prosecutorial misconduct on appeal and must establish that the

conduct was both improper and prejudicial. Stenson, 132 Wn.2d at 718. Prejudice

occurs where there is a substantial likelihood that the misconduct affected the jury’s

verdict. Id. at 718-719. The allegedly improper statements should be viewed within the

context of the prosecutor’s entire argument, the issues in the case, the evidence discussed

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No. 34716-8-III
State v. Tilton

in the argument, and the jury instructions. State v. Brown, 132 Wn.2d 529, 561, 940 P.2d

546 (1997).

        Reversal is not required where the alleged error could have been obviated by a

curative instruction. State v. Gentry, 125 Wn.2d 570, 596, 888 P.2d 1105 (1995). The

failure to object constitutes a waiver unless the remark was so flagrant and ill-intentioned

that it evinced an enduring and resulting prejudice that could not have been neutralized

by an admonition to the jury. Id.; State v. Swan, 114 Wn.2d 613, 665, 790 P.2d 610

(1990); State v. Belgarde, 110 Wn.2d 504, 507, 755 P.2d 174 (1988). Finally, a

prosecutor has “wide latitude” in arguing inferences from the evidence presented.

Stenson, 132 Wn.2d at 727.

        The trial court granted a defense motion in limine, largely agreed to by the

prosecutor, to exclude evidence of “past” drug use by the defendant and any opinion

testimony by Michael Tilton concerning whether his son was under the influence. The

ruling expressly exempted “demeanor” testimony and the evidence found in the front

yard.

        In closing, the prosecutor twice mentioned possible methamphetamine use during

the incident. In the first instance, the prosecutor stated that the defendant knew what he

was doing when he kicked the door in and asked “was there any evidence” that the

defendant “had so much methamphetamine in him that he didn’t know what he was

doing?” In the second instance, the prosecutor explained to jurors that a search of Mr.

                                             10
No. 34716-8-III
State v. Tilton

Tilton revealed no methamphetamine “because he had already used it all.” In each

instance, the court sustained defense objections, and on the second occasion the court

advised the jury to disregard the statement.

        The basis for the trial court’s rulings is unclear—we do not know if the court

believed the statements violated the ruling in limine concerning past usage or were

improper inferences from the evidence. However, assuming actual error, the two

comments were not prejudicial and were properly addressed by the trial court. In the

context of the first statement—that defendant knew what he was doing—the negation of

methamphetamine use does not appear to be prejudicial to the defendant at all. In the

second instance, the court struck the remark and the defense did not seek any additional

remedy. Neither remark was so prejudicial that we can say that they deprived Mr. Tilton

of a fair trial.

        The remaining claim involves a remark, not challenged in the trial court, likening

the facts of the burglary case to entering a store with the intent to steal merchandise. The

prosecutor concedes that it was error not to mention the unlawful entry element. In light

of the instruction that jurors are not to treat attorney remarks as evidence and the correct

statement of the law in the instructions and in the remainder of the closing arguments by

both parties, there is no likelihood this one mistake rendered this trial unfair. A timely

objection could easily have cured the misstatement.

                                               11
No. 34716-8-III
State v. Tilton

        Mr. Tilton has not established that the prosecutor’s remarks prejudiced his right to

a fair trial.

        Exceptional Sentence

        The trial court imposed an exceptional sentence on the residential burglary count

by sentencing Mr. Tilton to the statutory maximum sentence of 120 months in prison.

The standard range had been 63 to 84 months. Mr. Tilton argues that the sentence is

clearly excessive. We disagree.

        An exceptional sentence may be imposed if the trial court finds “substantial and

compelling” reasons to go outside the standard range. RCW 9.94A.535. The trial court

must enter written findings of fact and conclusions of law if it does impose an

exceptional sentence. Id. A nonexclusive list of mitigating factors is recognized by

statute. RCW 9.94A.535(1). However, an exceptional sentence above the standard range

must be based on a recognized statutory factor. RCW 9.94A.535(2), (3).

        Either party may appeal an exceptional sentence. RCW 9.94A.585(2). The

statutory scheme for review of an exceptional sentence has long been in place. An

exceptional sentence is reviewed to see if either (a) the reasons for the exceptional

sentence are not supported by the record or do not justify an exceptional sentence, or (b)

the sentence imposed is clearly excessive or clearly too lenient. RCW 9.94A.585(4).

                                             12
No. 34716-8-III
State v. Tilton

Thus, appellate courts review to see if the exceptional sentence has a factual basis in the

record, is a legally justified reason, and is not too excessive or lenient. State v. Law, 154

Wn.2d 85, 93, 110 P.3d 717 (2005). Differing standards of deference or nondeference

apply to those three issues. Id.

       At issue here is whether the sentence is “clearly excessive.” This determination is

reviewed for abuse of discretion. Id. Discretion is abused when it is exercised on

untenable grounds or for untenable reasons. Junker, 79 Wn.2d at 26.

       The jury found two aggravating factors present on the burglary count—the victim

was present and the crime was committed shortly after Mr. Tilton had been released from

custody. The court’s written findings reflect that the jury made these determinations, and

also reflect that the actual period of time was not more than 36 hours. Although Mr.

Tilton argues that the court needed to explain its reasoning more fully, he cites no

statutory or case law requiring such or even that findings need detail the reasons for

sentence length. The trial court did not need to do more than it did.

       The two aggravating factors certainly were tenable bases for imposing the

exceptional term that exceeded the standard range by a mere 36 months. Mr. Tilton also

argues that he would be better served by a shorter sentence term. However, his personal

preferences or needs do not determine the appropriate length for a sentence, let alone

establish that a sentence is excessive.

                                             13
No. 34716-8-III
State v. Tilton

       Instead, the trial court could properly focus on the fact that the defendant, on the

day following his release from prison, continued to demonstrate an inability to conform

to the requirements of the law and had already lost the support of the parent who was

willing to assist him. The judge could determine that a maximum sentence was required

in order to protect both the needs of society and of Mr. Tilton himself. Mr. Tilton

demonstrated that he was not able to care for himself and needed a structured

environment. Although there was no need to demonstrate that a sentence is not

excessive, the record would support such a conclusion.

       However, the question presented is whether appellant has demonstrated that the

sentence is clearly excessive. Mr. Tilton’s arguments do not establish that the court

imposed an untenable sentence. It is not clearly excessive.

       Financial Obligations

       The trial court imposed only the assessments that were mandatory financial

obligations at the time of sentencing and waived discretionary costs. Since sentencing in

this case, two of the formerly mandatory costs—the criminal filing fee and the DNA

collection fee if assessed previously—have become discretionary costs. The new statutes

are applicable to cases on appeal. State v. Ramirez, ___ Wn.2d ___, ¶¶ 30-36, 426 P.3d

714 (2018).

                                             14
No. 34716-8-III
State v. Tilton

       In light of these changes and the trial court’s expressed desire to waive

discretionary costs, we remand for the trial court to strike those two discretionary costs.

Accordingly, we need not consider Mr. Tilton’s other challenge to those assessments.

       Statement of Additional Grounds

       In his SAG, Mr. Tilton argues that his time for trial rights guaranteed by CrR 3.3

were violated when he was not accorded his trial within 60 days. In particular, he claims

that trial was sometimes continued because he was under restraint in a chair in a “rubber

room.”

       However, the right to a trial within 60 days of arraignment is subject to many

exceptions, all of which serve to either reset the 60 day calculation or exclude time from

that period. See CrR 3.3(d)(2), (e). While we need not discuss the matter exhaustively,

there are several reasons this CrR 3.3 challenge fails. First, our record shows no written

objection, let alone a motion to reset the trial within the perceived time for trial period.

Thus, the challenge was waived. CrR 3.3(d)(3), (4). Second, Mr. Tilton also has not

explained why any of the trial continuances were improper. Thus, even if there had been

proper objections, these periods of time were properly excluded from the time for trial

calculation. CrR 3.3(f)(2).

       The SAG does not demonstrate any violation of CrR 3.3.

                                              15
No. 34716-8-III
State v. Tilton

       The convictions and exceptional sentence are affirmed. The matter is remanded to

strike the two discretionary financial obligations.

       A majority of the panel has determined this opinion will not be printed in the

Washington Appellate Reports, but it will be filed for public record pursuant to RCW

2.06.040.

WE CONCUR:

       Pennell, A.CJ.

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