People of Michigan v. Melvin Jones ( 2017 )

STATE OF MICHIGAN
COURT OF APPEALS
PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN, UNPUBLISHED
December 12, 2017
Plaintiff-Appellee,
v No. 333935
Wayne Circuit Court
MELVIN JONES, also known as ELLIOT LC No. 14-008921-01-FH
RIVERS, also known as SHAKIR ABDUL
HALIM BEY,
Defendant-Appellant.
Before: JANSEN, P.J., and CAVANAGH and CAMERON, JJ.
PER CURIAM.
Defendant appeals as of right his jury convictions of assault of a prison employee, MCL
750.197c, and two counts of resisting or obstructing a police officer, MCL 750.81d(1). We
affirm.
Defendant was convicted of assaulting Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy Sylvester Foote,
and resisting two other officers, Wayne County Sheriff’s Corporals Jackie Reed and Eric
Peoples, at the Wayne County Jail on April 26, 2012. The prosecution presented evidence that
during transport to a different floor of the jail, defendant punched Dep. Foote, causing him to
fall, as the deputy attempted to escort defendant out of the elevator. While the deputy was on the
ground, defendant got on top of him and struck him several times. After Cpl. Reed observed the
attack on a live-feed monitor, he, along with Cpls. Peoples and Andrew Bush, rushed to the
deputy’s assistance and, after a struggle, managed to secure and handcuff defendant. The
defense theory at trial was that Deputy Foote transported defendant to the 13th floor of the jail in
order “to beat him,” and that Dep. Foote falsely claimed that an elevator malfunction caused the
elevator to stop on the 13th floor instead of the intended eighth floor. The defense asserted that
the testimony of the four officers was inconsistent and not credible.
I. DENIAL OF MOTION FOR A NEW TRIAL
Defendant argues that the trial court abused its discretion in denying his motion for a new
trial. We disagree. We review a trial court’s decision on a motion for a new trial for an abuse of
discretion. People v Cress, 468 Mich. 678, 691; 664 NW2d 174 (2003). A trial court abuses its
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discretion “when its decision falls outside the range of principled outcomes.” People v
Nicholson, 297 Mich. App. 191, 196; 822 NW2d 284 (2012).
A. EFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL
1. STANDBY COUNSEL
Defendant first argues that he is entitled to a new trial because he was denied the
effective assistance of counsel during a pretrial period when Attorney Tanisha Reed was
functioning as standby advisory counsel and was unable to consult with him. A claim alleging
ineffective assistance of counsel presents a mixed question of law and fact. People v LeBlanc,
465 Mich. 575, 579; 640 NW2d 246 (2002). Questions of law are reviewed de novo, and a trial
court’s findings of fact, if any, are reviewed for clear error. Id. “To demonstrate ineffective
assistance of counsel, a defendant must show that his or her attorney’s performance fell below an
objective standard of reasonableness under prevailing professional norms and that this
performance caused him or her prejudice.” People v Nix, 301 Mich. App. 195, 207; 836 NW2d
224 (2013) (citation omitted). “To demonstrate prejudice, a defendant must show the probability
that, but for counsel’s errors, the result of the proceedings would have been different.” Id.
“The United States and Michigan Constitutions guarantee a defendant the right to
effective assistance of counsel.” People v Johnson, 315 Mich. App. 163, 174; 889 NW2d 513
(2016). However, standby counsel is not “counsel” within the meaning of these constitutional
guarantees. People v Willing, 267 Mich. App. 208, 227-228; 704 NW2d 472 (2005). Although
standby counsel “may offer advice,” standby counsel does not “bear responsibility for [the]
defense” and “cannot substantially interfere with any significant tactical decisions[.]” Id.
(citation omitted). If a defendant has freely chosen to represent himself with only standby
counsel, the defendant cannot then claim ineffective counsel. People v Kevorkian, 248 Mich
App 373, 419; 639 NW2d 291 (2001). However, there may be an exception if standby counsel
was simply a title, and the attorney was actually acting throughout the proceedings as lawyer and
representative for the defendant. Id. at 425 (citation omitted).
In this case, defendant was permitted to represent himself during pretrial proceedings,
and Attorney Reed was appointed to serve as standby advisory counsel for approximately one
week before trial. There is nothing in the record to indicate that while functioning as standby
counsel during this period, Attorney Reed acted as defendant’s lawyer. Instead, defendant
continued to represent himself. Because Attorney Reed, while serving as standby counsel, did
not act as defendant’s lawyer, defendant cannot now assert that his voluntary choice to represent
himself denied him the effective assistance of counsel. Accordingly, defendant’s claim that he
was denied the effective assistance of (standby) counsel cannot succeed.
2. TRIAL COUNSEL
Defendant also argues that he is entitled to a new trial because he was denied the
effective assistance of counsel at trial, when Attorney Reed was functioning as appointed trial
counsel. Defendant claims that because Attorney Reed was appointed as trial counsel on the first
day of trial and had not met with him before that day, she was unprepared and lacked knowledge
about potential defenses and witnesses. “A defendant is entitled to have his counsel prepare,
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investigate, and present all substantial defenses.” People v Kelly, 186 Mich. App. 524, 526; 465
NW2d 569 (1990). When claiming ineffective assistance due to defense counsel’s
unpreparedness, a defendant must show prejudice resulting from the lack of preparation. People
v Caballero, 184 Mich. App. 636, 640; 459 NW2d 80 (1990).
The record does not support defendant’s assertion that Attorney Reed was unprepared to
try the case. Preliminarily, we note that Attorney Reed, who argued defendant’s motion for a
new trial, did not express before trial or in her motion argument that she was unprepared to
proceed on the first day of trial. Although she had not consulted with defendant before being
appointed as trial counsel, she stated that during the week before trial she met with defendant’s
“friend” and they “discussed the case so that [she] could try to help [defendant].” She also talked
to defendant’s family members at the courthouse. In his brief in support of his motion for a new
trial, defendant admitted that trial counsel “spoke with [him] in Court on the day of trial,” and
that she “conducted an interview with [him] as they whispered across the table and tried to write
notes.” Defendant has not established that counsel’s conversations with him, his family
members, and his friend were insufficient to enable her to properly defend the case. More
significantly, he does not identify any specific evidence or other information that counsel failed
to present or explore at trial due to counsel’s alleged unpreparedness. Therefore, defendant has
not demonstrated that he was prejudiced by counsel’s alleged unpreparedness in that regard. See
id.
Defendant complains that the prosecutor gave trial counsel discovery materials, including
defendant’s medical records, on the day of trial. After receiving the discovery materials,
however, trial counsel requested a “brief recess” to review the materials, which the trial court
granted. The court also advised counsel, “[I]f you need more time, let me know.” Counsel
indicated that she reviewed the materials, and also “took these documents and [] conferred with
his family.” After the recess, trial counsel did not request additional time and only placed her
concerns on the record that jail personnel failed to preserve the live-feed video of the incident
and that defendant was dressed in prison attire. Defendant also references trial counsel’s receipt
of an audio recording on the day of trial. The prosecutor informed the court that he too had not
listened to the audio recording and suggested that both parties “go upstairs . . . and listen to that
right now.” Defendant has not provided the audio recording, or any specific information about
the contents of the recording, and does not indicate whether the parties ever listened to the
recording. Defendant also argues that trial counsel “could not challenge how serious the injuries
were” because she did not have Dep. Foote’s medical records. The deputy testified about his
injuries and defendant has not presented anything that would show that the medical records
would have been inconsistent with that testimony. Therefore, defendant has neither explained
nor established how receipt of the deputy’s medical records would have affected the outcome of
his trial. See id.
Defendant also asserts that because of trial counsel’s “lack of consultation” with him
before trial, she did not know what witnesses he “had requested assistance from the court in
obtaining.” As an initial matter, it is apparent that trial counsel was aware of defendant’s
“witness list” because it was discussed on the first day of trial. At defendant’s request, trial
counsel argued that the trial court had failed to subpoena the witnesses that defendant had
provided to the court. Counsel confirmed that she had a copy of defendant’s witness list and the
proof of service. Although defendant does not identify those witnesses in his brief, the trial court
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read the names, which were “Wayne County personnel.” Although defendant asserts that the
alleged witnesses “would have testified as to the proper procedure for escorting a jail prisoner as
well as whether the elevator which transported prisoners was in fact operating improperly,” he
has not provided witness affidavits, or identified any other evidence of record establishing what
these witnesses actually knew, or showing that they could have provided favorable testimony.
Absent such a showing, defendant has not established that he was prejudiced by trial counsel’s
alleged inability to call the proposed witnesses at trial.
Further, the record belies defendant’s argument that trial counsel was unprepared and
lacked sufficient knowledge about the case in order to offer a proper defense. The record
demonstrates that counsel clearly understood the case, effectively cross-examined each of the
officers, and vigorously argued reasons why the officers should not be believed. Indeed, as the
trial court observed, trial counsel was successful in having one count against defendant dismissed
through a motion for directed verdict. Defendant fails to indicate what additional rational
argument trial counsel could have made. To the extent that defendant relies on the fact that trial
counsel’s argument was not successful, nothing in the record suggests that trial counsel’s
presentation of the defense was unreasonable or prejudicial. “The fact that trial counsel’s
strategy may not have worked does not constitute ineffective assistance of counsel.” People v
Stewart (On Remand), 219 Mich. App. 38, 42; 555 NW2d 715 (1996). Consequently, defendant
cannot establish a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel.
B. DUE PROCESS
Defendant’s last assertions for a new trial are based on claims that he was denied due
process. Due process claims, such as allegations of a Brady violation, are reviewed de novo.
People v Schumacher, 276 Mich. App. 165, 176; 740 NW2d 534 (2007).
1. RIGHT TO COMPULSORY PROCESS
Defendant argues that the trial court failed to assist him in obtaining witnesses for his
defense because it misplaced his request to subpoena witnesses. The Sixth Amendment to the
United States Constitution guarantees a defendant the right to compulsory process to obtain
witnesses in his defense. US Const, Am VI. The Michigan Constitution guarantees the same
right. Const 1963, art 1, § 20. “The right to offer the testimony of witnesses, and to compel their
attendance, if necessary, is in plain terms the right to present a defense[.]” Washington v Texas,
388 U.S. 14, 19; 87 S. Ct. 1920; 18 L. Ed. 2d 1019 (1967). Although the right to compulsory
process is fundamental, it is not absolute. People v McFall, 224 Mich. App. 403, 408; 569 NW2d
828 (1997). It requires a showing that the absent witnesses’ testimony would be both material
and favorable to the defense. Id. Unsupported claims that a witness is material or necessary are
insufficient to establish materiality. Id. at 410. For the reasons explained above, defendant has
failed to establish that the listed Wayne County personnel would have provided testimony
favorable and material to his case. Because defendant has not made the required showing, he
cannot establish his claim that he was deprived of his constitutional right to compulsory process.
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2. LATE DISCOVERY
Defendant argues that he was prejudiced because the prosecutor did not provide trial
counsel with the prosecution’s witness list, medical records, and an audio recording of witness
interviews until the first day of trial. “[T]he suppression by the prosecution of evidence
favorable to an accused upon request violates due process where the evidence is material either
to guilt or to punishment, irrespective of the good faith or bad faith of the prosecution.” Brady v
Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 87; 83 S. Ct. 1194; 10 L. Ed. 2d 215 (1963). To establish a Brady violation,
a defendant must prove: (1) that the prosecution suppressed evidence; (2) the evidence was
favorable to the accused; and (3) viewed in its totality, the evidence is material. People v
Chenault, 495 Mich. 142, 155; 845 NW2d 731 (2014). “Evidence is favorable to the defense
when it is either exculpatory or impeaching.” Id. at 150. Materiality is established when it is
shown “there is a reasonable probability that, had the evidence been disclosed to the defense, the
result of the proceeding would have been different. A ‘reasonable probability’ is a probability
sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome.” Id. (citation omitted).
Defendant has not established that the prosecutor committed a Brady violation. Despite
the delayed receipt of the prosecution’s witness list, medical records, and the audio recording,
there is nothing in the record to support that the prosecutor suppressed or withheld favorable
evidence in violation of Brady. Regarding the late disclosure of the medical records, the records
that were furnished were defendant’s own medical records. Defendant has not provided a copy
of the prosecution’s witness list, but the prosecution presented only four witnesses at trial—the
four officers who were involved in the incident—and their identities had been known to the
parties since the inception of the case. Defendant fails to establish any prejudice in this regard.
Lastly, defendant has not shown how the audio recording would have changed the outcome of
trial. In fact, defendant provides no information about the content of the recording, including
which witness interviews it contains and how the content differed, if at all, from the trial
testimony about the interviews. In addition, the trial court gave defense counsel an opportunity
to review the discovery materials before trial. In sum, defendant fails to demonstrate that, absent
the delay, a reasonable probability exists that the outcome of the trial would have been different.
Therefore, defendant’s claim necessarily fails.
For these reasons, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying defendant’s
motion for a new trial. See Cress, 468 Mich. at 691.
II. JURY INSTRUCTIONS
Defendant argues that he is entitled to a new trial because the trial court assured him that
it would instruct the jury to disregard his jail attire, but failed to do so. We disagree.
Preliminarily, defendant’s substantive claim of instructional error is waived. After the
trial court completed its final instructions and the jury was excused to begin deliberations, the
court asked the parties whether there were any objections. Trial counsel stated, “No, objection,
Judge.” By expressly approving the jury instructions, defendant waived review of his
substantive claim of instructional error. See People v Kowalski, 489 Mich. 488, 504; 803 NW2d
200 (2011). Defendant’s waiver extinguished any error, leaving no error to review. See People
v Carter, 462 Mich. 206, 215-216; 612 NW2d 144 (2000).
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Defendant alternatively argues that trial counsel was ineffective for failing to object to
the instructions as given. Because defendant failed to raise this ineffective assistance of counsel
claim in the trial court, our review of that claim is limited to mistakes apparent from the record.
See People v Heft, 299 Mich. App. 69, 80; 829 NW2d 266 (2012).
Defendant’s complaint considers only the trial court’s final jury instructions. However,
in its preliminary instructions, the trial court stated:
You also will notice that [defendant] is attired in what may be known as
prison attire, but you cannot consider that as evidence of his guilty. That he was
in fact ever actually incarcerated at the time of this alleged offense. You must pay
no attention to his attire, and you cannot consider that in anyway [sic] when you
decide the facts of this case.
In both its preliminary and final instructions, the trial court also reminded the jury that it took an
oath to decide the case based only on the properly admitted evidence and the law as instructed by
the court. It is well established that jurors are presumed to have followed their instructions.
People v Breidenbach, 489 Mich. 1, 13; 798 NW2d 738 (2011). Given the trial court’s
instructions, there was no basis for trial counsel to object. “Failing to advance a meritless
argument or raise a futile objection does not constitute ineffective assistance of counsel.” People
v Ericksen, 288 Mich. App. 192, 201; 793 NW2d 120 (2010). Accordingly, this claim has no
merit.
Affirmed.
/s/ Kathleen Jansen
/s/ Mark J. Cavanagh
/s/ Thomas C. Cameron
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