Micah G. Hayes v. State of Indiana (mem. dec.) ( 2019 )

MEMORANDUM DECISION
Pursuant to Ind. Appellate Rule 65(D),
this Memorandum Decision shall not be
FILED
regarded as precedent or cited before any Mar 26 2019, 10:42 am
court except for the purpose of establishing CLERK
Indiana Supreme Court
the defense of res judicata, collateral Court of Appeals
and Tax Court
estoppel, or the law of the case.
ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLEE
Amy D. Griner Curtis T. Hill, Jr.
Mishawaka, Indiana Attorney General of Indiana
Chandra K. Hein
Deputy Attorney General
Indianapolis, Indiana
IN THE
COURT OF APPEALS OF INDIANA
Micah G. Hayes, March 26, 2019
Appellant-Defendant, Court of Appeals Case No.
18A-CR-1833
v. Appeal from the Elkhart Circuit
Court
State of Indiana, The Honorable Michael A.
Appellee-Plaintiff. Christofeno, Judge
Trial Court Cause No.
20C01-1609-F2-21
Riley, Judge.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1833| March 26, 2019 Page 1 of 13
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
[1] Appellant-Defendant, Micah Hayes (Hayes), appeals his conviction for dealing
in methamphetamine, a Level 2 felony, Ind. Code § 35-48-4-1.1(2)(C), (e)(1).
[2] We affirm.
ISSUES
[3] Hayes presents three issues on appeal, which we restate as follows:
(1) Whether the trial court abused its discretion by admitting certain evidence;
(2) Whether the State presented sufficient evidence beyond a reasonable doubt
to support Hayes’ conviction; and
(3) Whether Hayes’ sentence is inappropriate in light of the nature of the
offense and his character.
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
[4] On September 12, 2016, the Elkhart Police Department was monitoring a
suspected drug house in Elkhart County, Indiana. A man, later identified as
Hayes, was seen leaving the suspected drug house driving a silver Chevy
Avalanche. Indiana State Trooper Camryn Hottell (Trooper Hottell) was
thereafter radioed to follow the silver Chevy Avalanche and pull it over for any
traffic infraction. Soon thereafter, Trooper Hottell observed Hayes’ silver
Chevy Avalanche and she followed it east on Beardsley Avenue, then north on
Cassopolis. At the intersection of Cassopolis and Baldwin, Hayes properly
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1833| March 26, 2019 Page 2 of 13
signaled his turn, but made an immediate right turn into the parking lot of BJ
Stars, a restaurant, causing Trooper Hottell to slam on her brakes to avoid a
collision. Also, because Hayes had failed to signal while entering the BJ Stars’
parking lot, Trooper Hottell activated her emergency lights and initiated a
traffic stop.
[5] As Trooper Hottell exited her vehicle, Hayes also exited his vehicle and began
moving toward Trooper Hottell. Hayes was yelling at Trooper Hottell, asking
her why she pulled him over. Because Hayes was being confrontational,
Trooper Hottell displayed her Taser and repeatedly ordered Hayes to stop
moving toward her and to stop yelling. Moments later, other officers arrived at
the scene to aid Trooper Hottell, including a K-9 officer. After another officer
drew his firearm, Hayes complied with Trooper Hottell’s commands. Trooper
Hottell handcuffed Hayes and directed him to her vehicle. While standing
outside the vehicle, Hayes again questioned Trooper Hottell as to why she had
stopped him. Trooper Hottell explained to Hayes that she had stopped him for
failing to properly use his turn signal. Hayes thereafter admitted his mistake.
[6] While Trooper Hottell was dealing with Hayes, Officer Jason Ray (Officer Ray)
of the Elkhart Police Department and his narcotics-trained K-9 officer
conducted a dog sniff around Hayes’ vehicle by walking around the perimeter
of the vehicle. The K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics on the back door
behind the driver’s seat. Due to the K-9’s alert, Officer Ray opened the back
door to Hayes’ vehicle. The K-9 jumped in and he further alerted to a lunchbox
inside the vehicle. Inside the lunchbox, Officer Ray found a clear plastic bag
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1833| March 26, 2019 Page 3 of 13
containing a crystalized rock substance, which was later determined to be 27.84
grams of methamphetamine. Also, there was a can with a false bottom that
contained six individually wrapped baggies containing crystalized rocky
substances. Subsequent laboratory testing revealed that each of the six baggies
contained one gram of methamphetamine.
[7] On September 16, 2016, the State filed an Information, charging Hayes with
Level 2 felony dealing in methamphetamine. Prior to trial, Hayes filed a
motion to suppress any evidence obtained from the search of his vehicle. On
June 4 through June 6, 2018, a jury trial was held. At the start of his trial,
Hayes resurrected his suppression motion, but was denied. At the close of the
evidence, the jury found Hayes guilty as charged. On July 12, 2018, the trial
court sentenced Hayes to thirty years in the Department of Correction, with five
years suspended to probation.
[8] Hayes now appeals. Additional facts will be provided as necessary.
DISCUSSION AND DECISION
I. Admission of the Evidence
[9] The admission or exclusion of evidence falls within the sound discretion of the
trial court, and its determination regarding the admissibility of evidence is
reviewed on appeal only for an abuse of discretion. Wilson v. State, 765 N.E.2d
1265, 1272 (Ind. 2002). An abuse of discretion occurs when the trial court’s
decision is clearly against the logic and effect of the facts and circumstances
before the court. Doolin v. State, 970 N.E.2d 785, 787 (Ind. Ct. App. 2012).
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1833| March 26, 2019 Page 4 of 13
[10] Hayes claims that the stop and search of his silver Chevy Avalanche violated
Article 1, Section 11 of the Indiana Constitution. 1
[11] Prior to the commencement of the jury trial, Hayes filed a motion to suppress,
but that motion was denied. At the start of his trial, Hayes revived his motion,
but was again denied. When the State offered evidence derived from the search
of his vehicle, Hayes failed to make a contemporaneous objection or a
continuing objection at trial that the stop and search of his silver Chevy
Avalanche violated Article 1, Section 11 of the Indiana Constitution. See Brown
v. State, 929 N.E.2d 204, 207 (Ind. 2010) (holding that a contemporaneous
objection at the time the evidence is introduced at trial is required to preserve
the issue for appeal, whether or not the appellant has filed a pretrial motion to
suppress), reh’g denied.
[12] Waiver notwithstanding, we may review an unpreserved claim on appeal if
fundamental error occurs. Id. The State argues, and we agree, that Hayes does
not make an independent claim that the trial court’s admission of the
methamphetamine evidence was fundamental error; therefore any fundamental
error claim is also waived. See Cobbs v. State, 987 N.E.2d 186, 191 n. 1 (Ind. Ct.
App. 2013) (noting that where a defendant fails to raise a claim in his brief,
1
Hayes also invokes the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution; however, Hayes fails to
provide us with an analysis of his federal constitutional claim separate from his Article 1, Section 11 analysis,
as such, we confine our analysis to his Article I, Section 11 claim only. See Francis v. State, 764 N.E.2d 641,
646-67 (Ind. Ct. App. 2002) (Indiana courts interpret and apply Article 1, section 11 independently from
federal Fourth Amendment jurisprudence, and failure by a defendant to provide separate analysis waives any
claim of error.).
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1833| March 26, 2019 Page 5 of 13
such claim is waived for review). Waiver aside, we will address his claim on
the merits.
[13] Hayes contends that the traffic stop violated the protections afforded by Article
I, Section 11 of the Indiana Constitution. “When police conduct is challenged
as violating this section, the burden is on the State to show that the search [or
seizure] was reasonable under the totality of the circumstances.” State v.
Washington, 898 N.E.2d 1200, 1205 (Ind. 2008). Relevant considerations in
determining the reasonableness of a search or seizure “turns on a balancing of:
‘1) the degree of concern, suspicion, or knowledge that a violation has occurred,
2) the degree of intrusion the method of the search or seizure imposes on the
citizen’s ordinary activities, and 3) the extent of law enforcement needs.’”
Johnson v. State, 992 N.E.2d 955, 959 (Ind. Ct. App. 2013), trans. denied.
(quoting Litchfield v. State, 824 N.E.2d 356, 361 (Ind. 2005)).
[14] As to the first Litchfield factor, the degree of concern, suspicion, or knowledge
that a violation had occurred was high. Hayes maintains that the traffic stop
was illegal because Trooper Hottell had a mistaken belief that he had
committed a traffic violation when he failed to use his turn signal when entering
the BJ Stars’ parking lot. Indiana Code section 9-21-8-25 requires that the
signal of intention to turn right or left be given continuously during not less
than 200 feet. Hayes argues that it was physically impossible for him to commit
a traffic infraction because the turn into BJ Stars’ parking lot was 188 feet from
the intersection of Cassopolis and Baldwin. This argument is unavailing. At
trial, Trooper Hottell testified she stopped Hayes for failing to use his turn
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1833| March 26, 2019 Page 6 of 13
signal before turning into the BJ Stars’ parking lot. Trooper Hottell further
testified that after Hayes repeatedly demanded to know why she had stopped
him, she explained the traffic infraction to Hayes, and Hayes admitted the
mistake. Further, Indiana Code section 9-21-8-25 requires that a person may
not slow down or stop a vehicle “unless the movement can be made with
reasonable safety.” Trooper Hottell also testified that Hayes turned so quickly
that she had to slam on her brakes to avoid a collision. Not only did Hayes fail
to signal his turn as required by Indiana Code section 9-21-8-25, he also turned
so suddenly and unsafely in front of Trooper Hottell that she had to brake
suddenly to avoid hitting him. As such, Trooper Hottell’s traffic stop of Hayes
was appropriate because she observed Hayes committing two traffic infractions.
[15] In addition, we find that the degree of suspicion was high after the traffic stop
was initiated. While Trooper Hottell was securing Hayes for the traffic stop,
Officer Ray and his narcotics-trained K-9 walked around Hayes’ vehicle. The
K-9 gave a positive alert on the vehicle in which Hayes was driving. Thus there
was a high degree of suspicion that Hayes actually or constructively possessed
illegal drugs inside his vehicle.
[16] As for the second Litchfield factor, the degree of intrusion, if any, was modest:
Trooper Hottell turned her emergency lights on and pulled Hayes over. Hayes,
however, escalated the situation quickly by exiting the vehicle and confronting
Trooper Hottell. In order to protect herself, Trooper Hottell displayed her
Taser, and another officer was required to display his firearm before Hayes
complied with any orders. As Trooper Hottell secured Hayes, Officer Ray and
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1833| March 26, 2019 Page 7 of 13
his K-9 walked around Hayes’ vehicle and conducted a dog sniff. Inasmuch as
the dog sniff may be considered to intrude in a person’s ordinary activities, the
level of intrusion was minimal since Hayes was already detained by Trooper
Hottell.
[17] Finally, as to the extent of law enforcement needs, we find that the K-9’s
positive alert for narcotics turned the traffic stop into a narcotics investigation
and gave rise to a reasonable belief that Hayes had illegal drugs inside his
vehicle. Similarly, we find that this factor also weighs in favor of the State.
[18] For all of these reasons, we conclude that the warrantless search of Hayes’
vehicle was not unreasonable under the totality of these circumstances and did
not violate Article 1, Section 11 of the Indiana Constitution. Accordingly, we
conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion when it admitted the
challenged evidence.
II. Sufficiency of the Evidence
[19] Hayes claims that there was insufficient evidence to convict him of the Level 2
felony dealing in methamphetamine. When reviewing a claim of insufficient
evidence, it is well established that our court does not reweigh evidence or
assess the credibility of witnesses. Walker v. State, 998 N.E.2d 724, 726 (Ind.
2013). Instead, we consider all of the evidence, and any reasonable inferences
that may be drawn therefrom, in a light most favorable to the verdict. Id. We
will uphold the conviction “‘if there is substantial evidence of probative value
supporting each element of the crime from which a reasonable trier of fact
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1833| March 26, 2019 Page 8 of 13
could have found the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.’” Id.(quoting Davis v. State, 813 N.E.2d 1176, 1178 (Ind. 2004)).
[20] To convict Hayes of Level 2 felony dealing in methamphetamine, the State was
required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Hayes did knowingly possess,
with intent to deliver, methamphetamine, pure or adulterated, and the amount
of the drug involved weighed at least ten (10) grams. See I.C. § 35-48-4-
1.1(a)(2)(C), (e)(1).
[21] As stated, 27.84 grams of methamphetamine, and an additional six individually
wrapped baggies containing 1 gram of methamphetamine, were recovered in
Hayes’ vehicle. Hayes’ sole contention is that the State failed to prove beyond a
reasonable doubt that he possessed the methamphetamine with the intent to
deliver. In making this argument, Hayes asserts that the “State’s only evidence
to support the inference that [he] intended to deliver the methamphetamine was
the quantity being greater than a typical user amount.” (Appellant’s Br. p. 11)
[22] Because intent is a mental state, the trier of fact must generally resort to the
reasonable inferences arising from the surrounding circumstances in order to
determine whether the requisite intent exists. Love v. State, 741 N.E.2d 789, 792
(Ind. Ct. App. 2001), trans. denied. “Circumstantial evidence showing
possession with intent to deliver may support a conviction. Possessing a large
amount of a narcotic substance is circumstantial evidence of intent to deliver.
The more narcotics a person possesses, the stronger the inference that he
intended to deliver it and not consume it personally.” Id.Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1833| March 26, 2019 Page 9 of 13
[23] Sergeant Andrew Whitmyer (Sergeant Whitmyer), of the Elkhart City Police
Department, testified that based on his training and experience with drug
dealing and the typical practices of users, 27.58 grams of methamphetamine did
not suggest a user amount. He further averred that “[a]n ounce of meth is quite
a bit of meth. It’s more consistent with a dealer.” (Tr. Vol. III, p. 14). He
further noted that the 27.58 grams of methamphetamine that Hayes possessed
would typically be repackaged and distributed for sale.
[24] Regarding the six baggies of methamphetamine, Sergeant Whitmyer
additionally testified that “one of the things that we see a lot in drug
distribution is the small Ziploc baggies, which is [] individually packaged for []
distribution.” (Tr. Vol. III, p. 15). See Hape v. State, 903 N.E.2d 977, 998 (Ind.
Ct. App. 2009) (holding that the amount of methamphetamine, the packaging
of the drugs in multiple bags, coupled with an officer’s testimony, was sufficient
to prove Hape’s intent to deliver the methamphetamine.), trans. denied.
[25] Based on the 27.58 grams of methamphetamine, the six baggies each containing
one-gram of methamphetamine, and Sergeant Whitmyer’s testimony, the jury
could reasonably infer that the methamphetamine was not solely for personal
use but instead was intended to be sold to other users. In sum, we conclude
that the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Hayes intended to deal the
methamphetamine he possessed.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1833| March 26, 2019 Page 10 of 13
III. Inappropriate Sentence
[26] Hayes finally contends that his sentence is inappropriate in light of the nature of
the offense and his character. Indiana Appellate Rule 7(B) empowers us to
independently review and revise sentences authorized by statute if, after due
consideration, we find the trial court’s decision inappropriate in light of the
nature of the offense and the character of the offender. Reid v. State, 876 N.E.2d
1114, 1116 (Ind. 2007). The “nature of the offense” compares the defendant’s
actions with the required showing to sustain a conviction under the charged
offense, while the “character of the offender” permits a broader consideration of
the defendant’s character. Cardwell v. State, 895 N.E.2d 1219, 1224 (Ind. 2008);
Douglas v. State, 878 N.E.2d 873, 881 (Ind. Ct. App. 2007). An appellant bears
the burden of showing that both prongs of the inquiry favor a revision of his
sentence. Childress v. State, 848 N.E.2d 1073, 1080 (Ind. 2006). Whether we
regard a sentence as appropriate at the end of the day turns on our sense of the
culpability of the defendant, the severity of the crime, the damage done to
others, and a myriad of other considerations that come to light in a given case.
Cardwell, 895 N.E.2d at 1224. Our court focuses on “the length of the aggregate
sentence and how it is to be served.” Id.
The advisory sentence is the starting point the legislature has selected as an
appropriate sentence for the crime committed. Abbott v. State, 961 N.E.2d 1016,
1019 (Ind. 2012). Indiana Code section 35-50-2-4.5 provides that “A person
who commits a Level 2 felony shall be imprisoned for a fixed term of between
ten (10) and thirty (30) years, with the advisory sentence being seventeen and
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1833| March 26, 2019 Page 11 of 13
one-half (17½) years.” The trial court sentenced Hayes to the maximum
sentence of thirty years.
[27] Turning to the nature of his offense, Hayes asserts that he “possessed a
relatively small quantity” of methamphetamine, which does not warrant a
maximum sentence. (Appellant’s Br. p. 12). Contrary to his assertion, we note
that for the Level 2 felony dealing in methamphetamine, Hayes was required to
possess at least 10 grams of methamphetamine to be convicted of that offense.
See I.C. § 35-48-4-1.1(a)(2)(C),(e)(1). The facts show that Hayes possessed
nearly three times the amount of methamphetamine required for his offense—
i.e., 27.58 grams methamphetamine, and six baggies each containing one-gram
of methamphetamine.
[28] Concerning the character of the offender, according to the pre-sentencing
investigation report, Hayes, born in 1974, was first convicted of two Counts of
aggravated robbery when he was seventeen years old in Wilmington, Ohio.
Hayes then served approximately 18 months through the Ohio Department of
Youth Services. As an adult, Hayes’ criminal history of misdemeanor and
felony convictions from Florida and Ohio consist of the following: Obstruction
by disguised person, driving while suspended (7), possession of marijuana (3),
retail theft, obstructing justice without violence (2), disorderly conduct,
possession of an open container of alcohol, check deception, obstructing or
resisting officer without violence (2), theft, possession of methamphetamine,
and battery on a law enforcement officer without violence. At the time Hayes
committed the instant offense, he had a pending charge in Elkhart County for a
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1833| March 26, 2019 Page 12 of 13
Class A misdemeanor battery causing bodily injury. In addition, we note that
on multiple occasions, Hayes had been placed on probation in Indiana and
Florida, which he violated various times. After due consideration of the trial
court’s decision and in light of Hayes’ criminal history, we cannot say that the
thirty-year sentence imposed by the trial court is inappropriate in light of the
nature of the offense and Hayes’ character.
CONCLUSION
[29] Based on the foregoing, we conclude that the trial court did not abuse its
discretion in admitting the evidence of the methamphetamine recovered
through the search of Hayes’ vehicle. Also, we conclude that there was
sufficient evidence beyond a reasonable doubt to sustain Hayes’ conviction, and
his sentence is not inappropriate in light of the nature of the offense and his
character.
[30] Affirmed
[31] Kirsch, J. and Robb, J. concur
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1833| March 26, 2019 Page 13 of 13