State v. Noble , 2014 Ohio 5485 ( 2014 )

[Cite as State v. Noble, 2014-Ohio-5485.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT
LOGAN COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO,
PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, CASE NO. 8-14-06
v.
JUSTIN DYLAN NOBLE, OPINION
DEFENDANT-APPELLANT.
Appeal from Logan County Common Pleas Court
Trial Court No. CR13-07-0178
Judgment Affirmed
Date of Decision: December 15, 2014
APPEARANCES:
Natalie J. Bahan for Appellant
William T. Goslee for Appellee
Case No. 8-14-06
ROGERS, J.
{¶1} Defendant-Appellant, Justin Noble, appeals the judgment of the Court
of Common Pleas of Logan County convicting him of complicity to grand theft of
a motor vehicle, complicity to theft, theft of a motor vehicle, and possessing
criminal tools and sentencing him to an 18-month prison sentence. On appeal,
Noble argues that the trial court erred in running his 18-month sentence
consecutive to a separate 10-year prison sentence he is serving out of Clinton
County. Noble contends that the trial court erred by failing to make the statutorily
required findings and by imposing the maximum sentence. For the reasons that
follow, we affirm in part and reverse in part the trial court’s judgment.
{¶2} On June 27, 2013, a complaint was filed in the Bellefontaine
Municipal Court charging Noble with theft of a motor vehicle in violation of R.C.
2919.02(A)(1)(5), a felony of the fourth degree. Subsequently, Noble was bound
over to the Court of Common Pleas of Logan County and was released on his own
recognizance.
{¶3} On July 9, 2013, the Logan County Grand Jury indicted Noble on two
counts of complicity to grand theft of a motor vehicle in violation of R.C.
2923.03(A) and 2913.02(A)(1)(5), felonies of the fourth degree; one count of
complicity to theft in violation of R.C. 2923.03(A), 2913.02(A)(1), and
2913.71(A), a felony of the fifth degree; 12 counts of complicity to theft in
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violation of R.C. 2923.03(A) and 2913.02(A)(1), misdemeanors of the first
degree; one count of complicity to criminal damaging or endangering in violation
of R.C. 2923.03(A) and 2909.06(A)(1), a misdemeanor of the second degree; and
one count of complicity to grand theft in violation of R.C. 2923.03(A) and
2913.02(A)(1)/(B)(4), a felony of the third degree. On September 11, 2013, the
State filed an amended indictment and charged Noble with theft of a motor vehicle
in violation of R.C. 2913.02, a felony of the fourth degree; and one count of
possession of criminal tools in violation of R.C. 2923.24(A), a felony of the fifth
degree. The indictment arose from Noble’s alleged participation in a string of
break-ins throughout Logan County.
{¶4} While Noble was released on his own recognizance and awaiting trial
in this matter, he allegedly participated in another string of break-ins from July 9
to July 20, 2013. The break-ins occurred in Clinton, Greene, Warren, and
Highland Counties. Noble’s conduct in Clinton County resulted in the return of an
indictment with more than 50 counts. Noble subsequently pled guilty to 35
separate offenses with 35 separate victims. As a result of his guilty plea, Noble
received a 10-year prison sentence out of Clinton County in Case No. 2013-5229.
{¶5} On February 5, 2014, pursuant to a plea agreement, Noble entered
guilty pleas to counts I (complicity to grand theft of a motor vehicle), III
(complicity to theft), XVIII (theft of a motor vehicle), and XIX (possession of
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criminal tools). The State dismissed the remaining counts of the amended
indictment.
{¶6} On February 7, 2014, the trial court sentenced Noble to an 18-month
prison sentence for Counts I and XVIII, and a 12-month prison sentence for
Counts III and XIX. The court ordered that the prison terms run concurrently for a
total prison term of 18-months. However, the court found that the 18-month
prison term should run consecutive to Noble’s 10-year prison sentence he received
for Case No. 2013-5229 out of Clinton County. On March 28, 2014, the trial court
issued a judgment entry journalizing Noble’s conviction and sentence.
{¶7} Noble timely appealed this judgment, presenting the following
assignment of error for our review.
Assignment of Error
THE RECORD DOES NOT SUPPORT THE IMPOSITION OF
CONSECUTIVE SENTENCES, THE TRIAL COURT DID
NOT MAKE THE SPECIFIC FINDINGS NECESSARY TO
SUPPORT THE IMPOSITION OF CONSECUTIVE
SENTENCES, AND THE SENTENCE IS CLEARLY AND
CONVINCINGLY CONTRARY TO LAW.
{¶8} In his sole assignment of error, Noble argues that the trial court erred
by imposing a maximum and consecutive sentences and by failing to make the
statutory findings required by R.C. 2929.14(C)(4). We disagree.
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Maximum Sentence
{¶9} Trial courts have full discretion to impose any sentence within the
statutory range. State v. Saldana, 3d Dist. Putnam No. 12-12-09, 2013-Ohio-1122,
¶ 20. Since Noble was convicted of fourth and fifth degree felonies, the relevant
prison sentence range is between six and eighteen months for a felony of the
fourth degree and between six and twelve months for a felony of the fifth degree.
R.C. 2929.14(A)(4), (5). “A trial court’s sentence will not be disturbed on appeal
absent a defendant’s showing by clear and convincing evidence that the sentence
is unsupported by the record or otherwise contrary to law.” State v. Barrera, 3d
Dist. Putnam No. 12-12-01, 2012-Ohio-3196, ¶ 20. Clear and convincing
evidence is that “which will produce in the mind of the trier of facts a firm belief
or conviction as to the facts sought to be established.” Cross v. Ledford, 161 Ohio
St. 469 (1954), paragraph three of the syllabus. An appellate court should not,
however, substitute its judgment for that of the trial court because the trial court is
in a better position to judge the defendant’s chances of recidivism and determine
the effects of the crime on the victim. State v. Watkins, 3d Dist. Auglaize No. 2-
04-08, 2004-Ohio-4809, ¶ 16.
{¶10} R.C. Chapter 2929 governs sentencing. R.C. 2929.11 provides, in
pertinent part, that the “overriding purposes of felony sentencing are to protect the
public from future crime and to punish the offender.” R.C. 2929.11(A). In
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advancing these purposes, sentencing courts are instructed to “consider the need
for incapacitating the offender, deterring the offender and others from future
crime, rehabilitating the offender, and making restitution to the victim of the
offense, the public, or both.” Id. Meanwhile, R.C. 2929.11(B) states that felony
sentences must be “commensurate with and not demeaning to the seriousness of
the offender's conduct and its impact upon the victim” and also be consistent with
sentences imposed in similar cases. In accordance with these principles, the trial
court must consider the factors set forth in R.C. 2929.12(B)-(E) relating to the
seriousness of the offender’s conduct and the likelihood of the offender’s
recidivism. R.C. 2929.12(A). However, the trial court is not required to make
specific findings of its consideration of the factors. State v. Kincade, 3d Dist.
Wyandot No. 16–09–20, 2010–Ohio–1497, ¶ 8.
{¶11} Here, the trial court sentenced Noble to 18 months for his fourth
degree felonies and 12 months for his fifth degree felonies, which fall within the
statutory range for fourth and fifth degree felonies. While the trial court did not
state on the record that it considered the required statutory factors at the
sentencing hearing, it made clear in its judgment entry that it did consider R.C.
2929.11 and 2929.12. After reviewing the record, we cannot find that the trial
court erred in imposing this sentence. Although the record does not indicate that
Noble’s offenses were more serious than others, it does reveal that he is at a high
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risk of recidivism. In addition to the Presentence Investigation Report indicating
that Noble was a “very high risk” for recidivism, a finding that he is likely to
commit future crimes is also supported by several statutory factors under R.C.
2929.12(D). Specifically, Noble has an extensive criminal record, R.C.
2929.12(D)(2); he has failed to conform his conduct to the law despite previously
being adjudicated a delinquent child, R.C. 2929.12(D)(3); he has failed to
adequately seek treatment for his drug use, R.C. 2929.12(D)(4); and he has not
offered remorse for his crimes, R.C. 2929.12(D)(5). In light of the extensive
evidence suggesting the likelihood of Noble’s recidivism, we find no error in the
trial court’s imposition of a maximum sentence.
Consecutive Sentences
{¶12} The revisions to the felony sentencing statutes under H.B. 86 now
require a trial court to make specific findings on the record, as set forth in R.C.
2929.14(C)(4), when imposing consecutive sentences. State v. Hites, 3d Dist.
Hardin No. 6-11-07, 2012-Ohio-1892, ¶ 11. Revised Code 2929.14(C)(4) now
provides:
If multiple prison terms are imposed on an offender for convictions
of multiple offenses, the court may require the offender to serve the
prison terms consecutively if the court finds that the consecutive
service is necessary to protect the public from future crime or to
punish the offender and that consecutive sentences are not
disproportionate to the seriousness of the offender’s conduct and to
the danger the offender poses to the public, and if the court also
finds any of the following:
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(a) The offender committed one or more of the multiple offenses
while the offender was awaiting trial or sentencing, was under a
sanction imposed pursuant to section 2929.16, 2929.17, or
2929.18 of the Revised Code, or was under post-release control
for a prior offense.
(b) At least two of the multiple offenses were committed as part of
one or more courses of conduct, and the harm caused by two or
more of the multiple offenses so committed was so great or
unusual that no single prison term for any of the offenses
committed as part of any of the courses of conduct adequately
reflects the seriousness of the offender’s conduct.
(c) The offender’s history of criminal conduct demonstrates that
consecutive sentences are necessary to protect the public from
future crime by the offender.
{¶13} When imposing consecutive sentences, Crim.R. 32(A)(4) provides
that “a trial court must state the required findings as part of the sentencing hearing,
and by doing so it affords notice to the offender and to defense counsel.” State v.
Bonnell, 140 Ohio St.3d 209, 2014-Ohio-3177, ¶ 30. Further, the court should
also include its statutory findings in the sentencing entry because a court speaks
through its journal. Id. at ¶ 29, citing State v. Brooke, 113 Ohio St.3d 199, 2007-
Ohio-1533, ¶ 47. However, a trial court is not required to give a “talismanic
incantation” of R.C. 2929.14(C)(4), nor is it required to state reasons that support
its finding. Bonnell at ¶ 37.
{¶14} At Noble’s sentencing hearing, the court stated:
Court finds that a consecutive sentence between the two counties is
necessary to protect the public, to punish the defendant, and that
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such finding is not disproportionate. Court finds that in Logan
County the harm was so great or unusual that a single term does not
adequately reflect the seriousness of the conduct. The court finds
that defendant’s criminal history shows that consecutive terms are
needed to protect the public.
Sentencing Tr., p. 20. Thus, the trial court made the three statutorily required
findings. First, the court found that a consecutive sentence was necessary to
protect the public and to punish Noble. It also found that the sentence was not
disproportionate to the crime. Lastly, the court found that Noble’s criminal history
demonstrated that consecutive sentences were necessary to protect the public.1
{¶15} On appeal, Noble argues that these findings are not supported on the
record. He argues that he does not have a significant criminal history because his
convictions in Case No. 2013-5229 from Clinton County were his first adult
felony convictions and he was only 19-years old at the time. However, Noble fails
to acknowledge that he has five separate cases from juvenile court, and that his
“first adult felony convictions” were for 24 different felonies with 24 separate
victims. In the same case, he also pled guilty to 11 first degree misdemeanor
charges. Clearly, Noble’s time spent in juvenile court did not deter him from
committing future crimes as a 19-year old.
1
We also note that the trial court made another finding that Noble’s conduct resulted in a great or unusual
harm but failed to find that the offenses were committed as part of Noble’s course of criminal conduct.
However, because the trial court properly made a finding pursuant to R.C. 2929.14(C)(4)(c), it does not
matter to our analysis.
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{¶16} Noble also argues that consecutive sentences are disproportionate to
the offenses he committed. However, Noble does not explain why his sentences
are disproportionate, either by citing to the sentences of his codefendants or other
defendants in similar cases. We note that Noble was originally indicted on 17
different counts in this case, and pursuant to a plea agreement, the State dismissed
all but four counts. Further, Noble was originally indicted on over 50 counts in
Clinton County, and Noble eventually pled guilty to 35 counts. Noble’s criminal
conduct is extensive and running his 18-month sentence in this case to his prison
sentence in Case No. 2013-5229, was not disproportionate to the offenses he
committed.
{¶17} Noble states that “there is simply nothing in the record to indicate
that this was anything other than a bunch of kids out after dark breaking into cars
stealing spare change, cd’s and the like, and ultimately, driving away in a car that
was vulnerable to theft.” (Appellant’s Br., p. 7). It is apparent from this statement
that Noble lacks any accountability for his actions and his failure to show any
remorse supports the trial court’s conclusion that Noble is a danger to the public
and is likely to recidivate. See State v. Upkins, 3d Dist. Shelby No. 17-13-02,
2013-Ohio-3986, ¶ 22.
{¶18} Lastly, Noble contends that he is being punished “twice for the same
behavior.” (Appellant’s Br., p. 7). While certainly both trial courts considered all
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of Noble’s criminal history when imposing his sentence, it is what they were
statutorily required to do. Further, Noble is not being punished twice for the same
behavior, but being punished twice for different sets of crimes that happened on
different dates, and in different locations. Noble also claims that he likely
received a longer sentence in Clinton County because that court was aware of his
pending charges in Logan County. We cannot find that this argument is supported
by the record. Indeed, it appears that the court in Clinton County was rather
lenient toward Noble. For example, Noble pled guilty to five separate counts of
burglary in Clinton County, facing a maximum sentence of eight years for each
count, a total of 40 years in prison. The sentencing court in Clinton County did
not impose the maximum sentence, but instead sentenced Noble to a five-year
prison term and ran his burglary convictions concurrently to one another.
{¶19} Accordingly, we find that the imposition of maximum and
consecutive sentences was not clearly and convincingly contrary to law.
Sentencing Entry
{¶20} Albeit making the statutorily required findings at the sentencing
hearing, the trial court failed to incorporate these findings in its sentencing entry.
Pursuant to Bonnell, a trial court must not only make the statutory findings at the
sentencing hearing, but incorporate those findings into its sentencing entry.
Bonnell, 2014-Ohio-3177, ¶ 29. However, Bonnell also stated that “[a] trial
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court’s inadvertent failure to incorporate the statutory findings in the sentencing
entry after properly making those findings at the sentencing hearing does not
render the sentence contrary to law; rather, such a clerical mistake may be
corrected by the court through a nunc pro tunc entry to reflect what actually
occurred in open court.” Id. at ¶ 30, citing State v. Qualls, 131 Ohio St.3d 499,
2012-Ohio-111, ¶ 15. In this case, the court made the requisite findings in open
court but did not incorporate those findings into its sentencing entry. Therefore,
we sustain Noble’s sole assignment of error only to the extent that the trial court
failed to include the statutory findings in its sentencing entry. Otherwise, we
overrule Noble’s sole assignment of error.2
{¶21} In conclusion, we find that the record supports maximum and
consecutive sentences, that the trial court made the necessary consecutive-sentence
findings at the sentencing hearing, and that Noble’s sentence is not contrary to
law. However, we find that the trial court erred insofar as it failed to incorporate
its findings into its judgment entry. Therefore, we affirm Noble’s sentence but
reverse as to the clerical mistake omitted from the judgment entry, and remand this
2
Moreover, the trial court did not identify Noble’s prior conviction from Clinton County to which the
sentence in this case was to be consecutively served. In situations where the trial court is ordering a
sentence to be served consecutive to a sentence in a different case, we have found that a trial court should
make clear the nature of the previous offense and the length of the current sentence as well as the case
number for the previous offense. See State v. Good, 3d Dist. Logan No. 8-04-37, 2005-Ohio-2660, ¶ 4, fn.
1; see also State v. Raymond, 3d Dist. Allen No. 1-13-23, 2014-Ohio-556, ¶ 29 (Rogers, J., dissenting)
(“[A]n order imposing a consecutive sentence is incomplete when it cannot be determined from a reading
of the sentencing entry as to what case the current sentence is to be served consecutive.”). Therefore, the
trial court made another clerical error by failing to identify Noble’s prior conviction to which his sentence
was to be served consecutively and the trial court should also correct this error when issuing a nunc pro
tunc sentencing entry.
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matter for the trial court to incorporate its consecutive-sentence findings into its
judgment entry.
Judgment Affirmed in Part
Reversed in Part and
Cause Remanded
SHAW and PRESTON, J.J., concur.
/jlr
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