State v. Jenkins , 2014 Ohio 3123 ( 2014 )

[Cite as State v. Jenkins, 2014-Ohio-3123.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
ROSS COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO, :
Plaintiff-Appellee, : Case No. 13CA3413
vs. :
ERNEST L. JENKINS, : DECISION AND JUDGMENT ENTRY
Defendant-Appellant. :
APPEARANCES:
COUNSEL FOR APPELLANT: Jess A. Atkins, Atkins & Atkins Attorneys at Law, LLC.,
600 South High Street, Suite 100, Columbus, Ohio 43215
COUNSEL FOR APPELLEE: Sherri K. Rutherford, Chillicothe Law Director, and Carrie
L. Rowland, Chillicothe Assistant Law Director, 97 West
Main Street, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
CRIMINAL APPEAL FROM MUNICIPAL COURT
DATE JOURNALIZED: 7-10-14
ABELE, P.J.
{¶ 1} This is an appeal from a Chillicothe Municipal Court judgment of conviction and
sentence. The jury found Ernest L. Jenkins, defendant below and appellant herein, guilty of
operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol in violation of R.C.
4511.19(A)(1)(a).
{¶ 2} Appellant raises the following assignments of error for review:
[Cite as State v. Jenkins, 2014-Ohio-3123.]
FIRST ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR:
“APPELLANT WAS DENIED HIS RIGHT TO EFFECTIVE
ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL GUARANTEED BY ARTICLE
I[,] SECTION 10 OF THE OHIO CONSTITUTION AND THE
SIXTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT[S] TO THE
UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION WHEN DEFENSE
COUNSEL FAILED TO CHALLENGE, EITHER FOR CAUSE
OR PEREMPTORILY, A BIASED JUROR.”
SECOND ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR:
“APPELLANT WAS DENIED HIS RIGHT TO EFFECTIVE
ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL GUARANTEED BY ARTICLE
I[,] SECTION 10 OF THE OHIO CONSTITUTION AND THE
SIXTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT[S] TO THE
UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION WHEN DEFENSE
COUNSEL INVITED TESTIMONY REGARDING THE
POSSIBILITY THAT APPELLANT WAS UNDER THE
INFLUENCE OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES.”
THIRD ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR:
“THE APPELLANT’S CONVICTION FOR DRIVING WHILE
UNDER THE INFLUENCE WAS AGAINST THE MANIFEST
WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE.”
{¶ 3} On July 24, 2013, Ron Hinton’s horse trailer and appellant’s vehicle collided.
The accident investigator determined that appellant’s vehicle had crossed the center line and hit
Hinton’s trailer. Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Rachel Efaw interviewed appellant after
the accident and determined that appellant was under the influence of alcohol. Trooper Efaw
thus issued citations to appellant for (1) operating a motor vehicle while under the influence in
ROSS, 13CA3413 3
violation of R.C. 4511.19(A)(1)(a), and (2) driving left of center in violation of R.C. 4511.25.
{¶ 4} At trial, Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Bobby Brown testified that he
responded to the accident involving Hinton’s trailer. He testified that the tire and gouge marks
were located on Hinton's side of the road and he concluded that the impact occurred in Hinton’s
lane of travel. Trooper Brown stated that his investigation led him to conclude that appellant
drove left of center and side-swiped Hinton’s trailer.
{¶ 5} Trooper Efaw testified that when she first made contact with appellant, he was
smoking a cigarette and wearing sunglasses. She obtained his driver’s license, registration, and
insurance certificate and brought him to her patrol car. Once in the patrol car, she noticed
slurred speech, and “slow” demeanor and an odor of alcohol. She asked appellant when he last
consumed alcohol, and appellant informed her that it had been the weekend after July 4. When
she advised appellant that she smelled alcohol, appellant stated that he may have had a sip of a
friend’s beer.
{¶ 6} Trooper Efaw decided to conduct some field sobriety tests to determine whether
appellant was impaired. The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test revealed six out of six
clues. Trooper Efaw explained that she noticed (1) lack of smooth pursuit, i.e., involuntary
jerking, in both of appellant’s eyes, (2) appellant’s eyes bounced when she asked him to hold
them for a minimum of four seconds, (3) his eyes jerked during the onset nystagmus prior to 45
degree angle test, (4) his eyes were glassy and bloodshot, and (5) his pupils were constricted.
{¶ 7} Trooper Efaw also administered the walk-and-turn test and appellant exhibited
six out of eight clues. Trooper Efaw explained that appellant (1) was unable to hold the
beginning position while she gave instructions and a demonstration, (2) raised his arms, (3)
ROSS, 13CA3413 4
stepped off the line, (4) stopped the test, (5) started over again, (6) lost his balance, and (7) took
eight steps instead of nine.
{¶ 8} Also, during the one-leg stand test, appellant swayed, raised his arms, and put his
foot down twice.
{¶ 9} After conducting the tests, Trooper Efaw concluded that appellant was under the
influence of alcohol. Efaw then took appellant to the patrol post and offered appellant a urine
test. Trooper Efaw twice explained the consequences of failing to take the test, but appellant
refused to take the test.
{¶ 10} On cross-examination, appellant’s counsel asked Trooper Efaw why she chose to
offer a urine test. She stated that she asked for a urine test “so that we did not have to go to the
hospital and then I also asked for the urine over the breath because I saw that his pupils were
constricted and I wanted a further test.” The trooper explained that she requests a breath test if
she “suspect[s] alcohol only.”
{¶ 11} Appellant testified that he had been visiting another individual who had been
drinking beer from a clear mug and that he accidentally picked it up and took a large sip.
Appellant explained that he thought he had picked up a glass containing Coke. Appellant stated
that he did not perform well on the HGN test due to the bright sun light, and that he had knee
problems that affected his ability to perform the walk-and-turn and the one-leg stand tests.
{¶ 12} After hearing the evidence, the jury found appellant guilty of operating a motor
vehicle while under the influence. Also, the trial court found appellant guilty of driving
left-of-center. This appeal followed.
I
ROSS, 13CA3413 5
INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL
{¶ 13} In his first and second assignments of error, appellant argues that trial counsel did
not provide effective assistance of counsel. In particular, appellant contends that trial counsel
performed ineffectively by failing to challenge an allegedly biased juror and by inviting
testimony that appellant possibly was under the influence of controlled substances.
A
INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL STANDARD
{¶ 14} The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 10
of the Ohio Constitution provide that defendants in all criminal proceedings shall have the
assistance of counsel for their defense. The United States Supreme Court has generally
interpreted this provision to mean a criminal defendant is entitled to the “reasonably effective
assistance” of counsel. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d
674 (1984); McMann v. Richardson, 397 U.S. 759, 770, 90 S.Ct. 1441, 25 L.Ed.2d 763 (1970);
State v. Creech, 188 Ohio App.3d 513, 2010–Ohio–2553, 936 N.E.2d 79, ¶39 (4th Dist.).
{¶ 15} To establish constitutionally ineffective assistance of counsel, a defendant must
show (1) that his counsel’s performance was deficient and (2) that the deficient performance
prejudiced the defense and deprived him of a fair trial. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668,
687, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d 674 (1984); State v. Powell, 132 Ohio St.3d 233,
2012–Ohio–2577, 971 N.E.2d 865, ¶85. “In order to show deficient performance, the defendant
must prove that counsel’s performance fell below an objective level of reasonable representation.
To show prejudice, the defendant must show a reasonable probability that, but for counsel’s
errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different.” State v. Conway, 109 Ohio
ROSS, 13CA3413 6
St.3d 412, 2006–Ohio–2815, 848 N.E.2d 810, ¶95 (citations omitted); accord State v. Wesson,
137 Ohio St.3d 309, 2013–Ohio–4575, 999 N.E.2d 557, ¶81. “Failure to establish either
element is fatal to the claim.” State v. Jones, 4th Dist. Scioto No. 06CA3116, 2008–Ohio–968,
¶14. Therefore, if one element is dispositive, a court need not analyze both. State v. Madrigal,
87 Ohio St.3d 378, 389, 721 N.E.2d 52 (2000) (stating that a defendant’s failure to satisfy one of
the elements “negates a court’s need to consider the other”).
{¶ 16} When considering whether trial counsel’s representation amounts to deficient
performance, “a court must indulge a strong presumption that counsel’s conduct falls within the
wide range of reasonable professional assistance.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689. Thus, “the
defendant must overcome the presumption that, under the circumstances, the challenged action
might be considered sound trial strategy.” Id. “A properly licensed attorney is presumed to
execute his duties in an ethical and competent manner.” State v. Taylor, 4th Dist. Washington
No. 07CA11, 2008–Ohio–482, ¶10, citing State v. Smith, 17 Ohio St.3d 98, 100, 477 N.E.2d
1128 (1985). Therefore, a defendant bears the burden to show ineffectiveness by demonstrating
that counsel’s errors were so serious that he or she failed to function as the counsel guaranteed by
the Sixth Amendment. State v. Gondor, 112 Ohio St.3d 377, 2006–Ohio–6679, 860 N.E.2d 77,
¶62; State v. Hamblin, 37 Ohio St.3d 153, 156, 524 N.E.2d 476 (1988).
{¶ 17} To establish prejudice, a defendant must demonstrate that a reasonable probability
exists that but for counsel’s errors, the result of the trial would have been different. State v.
Short, 129 Ohio St.3d 360, 2011–Ohio–3641, 952 N.E.2d 1121, ¶113; State v. White, 82 Ohio
St.3d 16, 23, 693 N.E.2d 772 (1998); State v. Bradley, 42 Ohio St.3d 136, 538 N.E.2d 373(1989), paragraph three of the syllabus. Furthermore, courts may not simply assume the
ROSS, 13CA3413 7
existence of prejudice, but must require the defendant to affirmatively establish prejudice. State
v. Clark, 4th Dist. Pike No. 02CA684, 2003–Ohio–1707, ¶22; State v. Tucker, 4th Dist. Ross No.
01CA2592 (Apr. 2, 2002).
B
FAILURE TO CHALLENGE JUROR
{¶ 18} Appellant first asserts that trial counsel was ineffective for failing to excuse or
further voir dire a juror who, appellant alleges, held a bias against individuals who drink alcohol.
Appellant alleges that the juror had a “disdain for alcohol and fear of law enforcement” that
affected her ability to serve as an unbiased juror. Appellant contends that if trial counsel had
requested to excuse the juror, “[t]he empaneled jury would not have been tainted with a biased
member and there is a reasonable probability that the jury would have rendered a not guilty
verdict.”
{¶ 19} Generally, jury selection falls within the realm of trial strategy and tactics. State
v. Mundt, 115 Ohio St.3d 22, 2007–Ohio–4836, 873 N.E.2d 828, ¶63; State v. Keith, 79 Ohio
St.3d 514, 521, 684 N.E.2d 47 (1997). Thus, reviewing courts should not second-guess trial
counsel’s voir dire strategy or “impose ‘hindsight views about how current counsel might have
voir dired the jury differently.’” Mundt at ¶63, quoting State v. Mason, 82 Ohio St.3d 144, 157,
694 N.E.2d 932 (1998); accord State v. Mammone, — Ohio St.3d —, 2014-Ohio-1942, —
N.E.2d —, ¶153. Trial counsel, who observed the jurors firsthand, is in a much better position
than a reviewing court to determine whether a prospective juror should be peremptorily
challenged, State v. Trimble, 122 Ohio St.3d 297, 2009–Ohio–2961, 911 N.E.2d 242, ¶99, and
“whether any potential juror should be questioned and to what extent.” State v. Murphy, 91
ROSS, 13CA3413 8
Ohio St.3d 516, 539, 747 N.E.2d 765 (2001). As the Ohio Supreme Court explained in Mundt
at ¶¶64-65:
“‘Few decisions at trial are as subjective or prone to individual attorney
strategy as juror voir dire, where decisions are often made on the basis of
intangible factors.’ Miller v. Francis (C.A.6, 2001), 269 F.3d 609, 620. ‘The
selection of a jury is inevitably a call upon experience and intuition. The trial
lawyer must draw upon his own insights and empathetic abilities. Written
records give us only shadows for measuring the quality of such efforts. * * * [T]he
selection process is more an art than a science, and more about people than about
rules.’ Romero v. Lynaugh (C.A.5, 1989), 884 F.2d 871, 878. For these
reasons, we have recognized that ‘counsel is in the best position to determine
whether any potential juror should be questioned and to what extent.’ Murphy,
91 Ohio St.3d at 539, 747 N.E.2d 765; see also Bradley, 42 Ohio St.3d at 143, 538
N.E.2d 373.
In some cases, asking few or no questions of a prospective juror ‘may be
the best tactic for a number of reasons. For example, questioning by other parties
may convince counsel that the juror would be favorable for the defense, and that
further questions might only antagonize the juror or give the prosecution a reason
to use a peremptory challenge or even grounds for a challenge for cause.’ People
v. Freeman (1994), 8 Cal.4th 450, 485, 34 Cal.Rptr.2d 558, 882 P.2d 249.”
“‘”Because the use of peremptory challenges is inherently subjective and intuitive, an appellate
record will rarely disclose reversible incompetence in this process.”’” Id. at ¶83, quoting
Freeman, 8 Cal.4th at 485, 34 Cal.Rptr.2d 558, 882 P.2d 249, quoting People v. Montiel, 5
Cal.4th 877, 911, 21 Cal.Rptr.2d 705, 855 P.2d 1277 (1993).
{¶ 20} In the case at bar, we are unable to conclude that trial counsel performed
deficiently by failing to excuse or to further question the juror. Trial counsel could have made a
strategic decision not to excuse the juror or not to ask further questions. Trial counsel was
entitled to consult his experience and intuition to determine whether to excuse or further question
the juror. We find nothing objectively unreasonable with counsel’s decisions.
{¶ 21} Moreover, “[c]ounsel exercise discretionary judgment when they question jurors
ROSS, 13CA3413 9
and ‘need not repeat questions about topics already covered by * * * opposing counsel, or the
judge.’” State v. Coleman, 85 Ohio St.3d 129, 135, 707 N.E.2d 476 (1999), quoting State v.
Watson, 61 Ohio St.3d 1, 13, 572 N.E.2d 97 (1991). In the case sub judice, trial counsel could
have determined that the court and the prosecutor sufficiently questioned the prospective juror
about her prior experiences. Additionally, the trial court had questioned the prospective juror
regarding her impartiality. Thus, trial counsel did not need to repeat those same questions.
Consequently, we are unable to conclude that trial counsel’s failure to excuse the allegedly biased
juror or to further question her constituted deficient performance.
{¶ 22} Even if we assume, arguendo, that counsel performed deficiently by failing to
remove the juror or by failing to further question the juror, appellant is unable to demonstrate a
reasonable probability exists that the result of the proceeding would have been different.
Appellant can only speculate that the jury would have returned a not guilty verdict if trial counsel
had excused the juror. As we have repeatedly recognized, speculation is insufficient to
demonstrate the prejudice component of an ineffective assistance of counsel claim. E.g., State
v. Simmons, 4th Dist. Highland No. 13CA4, 2013-Ohio-2890, ¶25; State v. Halley, 4th Dist.
Gallia No. 10CA13, 2012-Ohio-1625, ¶25; State v. Leonard, 4th Dist. Athens No. 08CA24,
2009-Ohio-6191, ¶68; accord State v. Powell, 132 Ohio St.3d 233, 2012-Ohio-2577, 971 N.E.2d
865, ¶86 (stating that an argument that is purely speculative cannot serve as the basis for an
ineffectiveness claim)
{¶ 23} Furthermore, to establish the prejudice element when a defendant alleges
ineffective assistance of counsel due to trial counsel failing to excuse a biased juror, “the
defendant ‘must show that the juror was actually biased against him.’” Mundt at ¶67, quoting
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Miller v. Francis, 269 F.3d at 616. “So long as a juror indicates that he can be fair and impartial,
counsel is not ineffective in declining to exercise a peremptory challenge.” State v. Monford,
190 Ohio App.3d 35, 2010-Ohio-4732, 940 N.E.2d 634 (10th Dist.), ¶94 (citations omitted);
accord Trimble at ¶99 (determining that defendant could not establish prejudice resulting from
trial counsel’s failure to excuse jurors when jurors indicated that they could decide the case based
upon the facts presented at trial and could fairly and impartially decide the case).
“Moreover, ‘[j]urors need not be totally ignorant of the facts and issues
involved in the case. * * * “[I]t is beyond question that mere prior knowledge of
the existence of the case, or familiarity with the issues involved, or even some
preexisting opinion as to the merits, does not in and of itself raise a presumption
of jury taint; such a standard would be certainly unsalutary, and likewise
impossible to achieve.”’ Miller v. Francis, 269 F.3d at 616, quoting DeLisle v.
Rivers (C.A.6, 1998), 161 F.3d 370, 382.”
Mundt at ¶70.
{¶ 24} In Monford, for example, the court concluded that the defendant, charged with
murder, was unable to show prejudice as a result of trial counsel’s failure to excuse a juror who
had witnessed a close relative die of a gunshot wound. The court observed that the prospective
juror initially stated, “I do have some knowledge so I wouldn’t be able to serve as a juror.” Id. at
¶91. The prospective juror later explained that he had witnessed a family member die from a
gunshot wound, which “would make it hard for him to hear the evidence and sit as a juror.” Id.
The prospective juror “agreed with the trial judge’s assessment that his experience might make it
‘distracting’ for him to listen to the evidence.” Id. The prospective juror further indicated,
however, “that he had no concerns about anything else that had been discussed that might affect
his ability to be fair and impartial.” Id.
{¶ 25} When defense counsel questioned the prospective juror, the juror stated “that he
ROSS, 13CA3413 11
was comfortable with the concepts of the presumption of innocence and proof beyond a
reasonable doubt. He also indicated that he had nothing to add to the topics that had previously
been discussed with the other jurors.” Id. at ¶92. The trial court then asked defense counsel if
counsel wished to raise a challenge for cause. Id. at ¶93. Defense counsel replied that the
defendant wanted to keep the prospective juror. Id.
{¶ 26} The court then questioned the prospective juror. During this questioning, the
juror “clarified that he had not witnessed the actual shooting of his uncle, but that he was present
when his uncle died as a result of a gunshot wound.” Id. The juror also “assured the court that
even if the testimony was distasteful or uncomfortable, he would be able to listen to and evaluate
the evidence, be fair and impartial to both sides, and sign his name to a verdict form for either
guilty or not guilty.” Id. The juror further “assured defense counsel that he still would be able
to think independently in this matter, despite his prior experience.” Id.
{¶ 27} The appellate court thus determined that trial counsel did not perform
ineffectively by failing to excuse the juror. Id. at ¶94. The court pointed out that the juror
expressed that he could be fair and impartial. Id. at 94. The court further concluded that the
defendant failed to show that the juror was actually biased against him. Id.
{¶ 28} In the case sub judice, appellant cannot show that the juror was actually biased
against him. At most, the juror may have held some preconceived notions about other people
whom she knew drank alcohol. However, none of her statements shows that she had an actual
bias towards appellant. Furthermore, when the court questioned her regarding her prior
experiences and whether she could decide the case based on the facts presented at trial, the juror
responded: “If it was a domestic violence case then I would have a hard time being impartial.
ROSS, 13CA3413 12
Or if it was the problem that my son had I would have difficulty being impartial but with the
drinking, that was a long time ago.”1 The court then asked her if she believes she will have “a
problem being impartial[.]” The juror answered: “I don’t think so.” Additionally, when
defense counsel voir dired the prospective jurors, he asked whether any of them held “any strong
feelings about people charged with DUI.” The juror appellant claims held a bias did not offer
any response to this question. Consequently, appellant is unable to show that a reasonable
probability exists that the jury would have returned a not guilty verdict if trial counsel had
excused or further questioned the juror. Thus, he is unable to demonstrate that trial counsel
rendered constitutionally ineffective assistance of counsel by failing to excuse or further question
the juror.
{¶ 29} Accordingly, based upon the foregoing reasons, we overrule appellant’s first
assignment of error.
C
INVITED ERROR
{¶ 30} In his second assignment of error, appellant contends that trial counsel performed
ineffectively by inviting testimony that appellant may have been under the influence of controlled
substances. Appellant observes that trial counsel asked the trooper why she asked for a urine
test, which led to the trooper’s “testimony that [a]ppellant’s pupils were allegedly constricted.”
Trial counsel asked other questions that led the trooper to answer that she normally requests a
breath test when she “suspect[s] alcohol only.” Appellant asserts: “[T]he repeated questions
1
The record does not reveal the exact nature of this juror’s prior experience with domestic violence, what happened
to her son, and what she meant by “the drinking.”
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inviting repeated insinuations that drugs of abuse were suspected were not objectively
reasonable.” Appellant claims that counsel’s questions inviting this testimony prejudiced him,
because in the absence of these questions, the jury “would not have been tainted with a picture of
the Appellant as a drug abuser and the jury would have been at liberty to render a not guilty
verdict.”
{¶ 31} Assuming, arguendo, that trial counsel’s questioning that invited the testimony
suggesting that appellant may have been under the influence of a substance other than alcohol
constituted deficient performance, appellant cannot demonstrate a reasonable probability that the
result of the trial would have been different.2 Instead, he can only speculate that the jury would
have returned a not guilty verdict if it had not heard testimony insinuating that appellant may
have been under the influence of a substance other than alcohol. As we previously stated,
speculation is insufficient to establish the prejudice component of an ineffective assistance of
2
We further note that some courts refuse to recognize an ineffective assistance of counsel claim when the allegation
is that trial counsel invited the alleged error. The Eighth District Court of Appeals explained the rationale as follows:
“[T]o allow such a claim, where counsel induced the error, would defeat the purpose of the invited
error doctrine:
‘[C]onsidering an ineffective assistance of counsel claim brought about as a result of invited error
would necessarily vitiate our ruling on invited error. There is no point in having a stringent invited error
doctrine only to allow it to be overcome by finding counsel ineffective for having invited the error.’
th
State v. West, 8 Dist. Nos. 97391 and 97900, 2013–Ohio–96, ¶27, quoting Doss, 8th Dist. No. 84433,
2005–Ohio–775, ¶9. Regardless, invited error involves the exercise of trial strategy, and courts have
consistently held that an appellate court ‘will not question matters of trial strategy.’ Id.”
State v. Benitez, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 98930, 2013-Ohio-2334, ¶35.
In the case at bar, we do not deem it necessary to consider the merits of this rationale. Instead, we can dispose of
appellant’s ineffective assistance of counsel claim due to the lack of prejudice.
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counsel claim. Additionally, as we discuss under appellant’s third assignment of error, the
record contains ample competent, credible evidence to support appellant’s conviction even in the
absence of the testimony that he may have been under the influence of a substance other than
alcohol. Thus, we see no danger that the jury convicted appellant as a result of this testimony.
Consequently, appellant cannot establish that trial counsel rendered constitutionally ineffective
assistance of counsel.
{¶ 32} Accordingly, based upon the foregoing reasons, we overrule appellant’s second
assignment of error.
II
WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE
{¶ 33} In his third assignment of error, appellant contends that his conviction for driving
while under the influence of alcohol is against the manifest weight of the evidence. Appellant
argues that Trooper Efaw’s testimony that she noticed that appellant’s eyes appeared constricted
contradicted her earlier testimony that she did not notice anything abnormal about appellant
when she first saw him. He asserts that the more credible evidence suggests that appellant’s
eyes were constricted due to the bright sun. Appellant further contends that Trooper Efaw was
unable to state that appellant was swaying or moving in a drunken manner when she first saw
him, but rather, could state only that he was “fumbling through his wallet.” Appellant
additionally points out that Trooper Efaw did not notice an odor of alcohol emanating from
appellant when she first approached him, but rather, noticed it within the confines of her patrol
car. Appellant also argues that Trooper Efaw’s testimony that appellant was cooperative is
inconsistent with someone who is under the influence of alcohol. He suggests that his behavior
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was consistent with a person who had “been in a collision with a multi-ton truck and horse
trailer.” Appellant contends that all of the foregoing evidence demonstrates that the jury clearly
lost its way when it convicted him of driving while under the influence of alcohol.
{¶ 34} When an appellate court reviews whether a trial court’s decision is against the
manifest weight of the evidence, the court “‘”weighs the evidence and all reasonable inferences,
considers the credibility of witnesses and determines whether in resolving conflicts in the
evidence, the [fact-finder] clearly lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice
that the [judgment] must be reversed * * *.”’” Eastley v. Volkman, 132 Ohio St.3d 328,
2012–Ohio–2179, 972 N.E.2d 517, ¶20 (clarifying that the same manifest-weight standard
applies in civil and criminal cases), quoting Tewarson v. Simon, 141 Ohio App.3d 103, 115, 750
N.E.2d 176 (9th Dist.2001); State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 387, 678 N.E.2d 541(1997). A reviewing court may find a trial court’s decision against the manifest weight of the
evidence only in the “‘exceptional case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the
[decision].’” Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d at 387, quoting State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d 172,
175, 485 N.E.2d 717 (1983); accord State v. Lindsey, 87 Ohio St.3d 479, 483, 721 N.E.2d 995(2000). Moreover, when reviewing evidence under the manifest weight of the evidence
standard, an appellate court generally must defer to the fact-finder’s credibility determinations.
Eastley at ¶21. As the Eastley court explained:
“‘[I]n determining whether the judgment below is manifestly against the
weight of the evidence, every reasonable intendment must be made in favor of the
judgment and the finding of facts. * * *
If the evidence is susceptible of more than one construction, the reviewing
court is bound to give it that interpretation which is consistent with the verdict and
judgment, most favorable to sustaining the verdict and judgment.’”
[Cite as State v. Jenkins, 2014-Ohio-3123.]
Id., quoting Seasons Coal Co., Inc. v. Cleveland, 10 Ohio St.3d 77, 80, 461 N.E.2d 1273 (1984),
fn.3, quoting 5 Ohio Jurisprudence 3d, Appellate Review, Section 60, at 191–192 (1978).
{¶ 35} Additionally, as this court previously explained in State v. Murphy, 4th Dist. No.
07CA2953, 2008–Ohio–1744, ¶31:
“It is the trier of fact’s role to determine what evidence is the most credible
and convincing. The fact finder is charged with the duty of choosing between
two competing versions of events, both of which are plausible and have some
factual support. Our role is simply to insure the decision is based upon reason
and fact. We do not second guess a decision that has some basis in these two
factors, even if we might see matters differently.”
{¶ 36} In the case at bar, we do not believe that the jury committed a manifest
miscarriage of justice. The state presented substantial credible and competent evidence to
establish that appellant had been under the influence of alcohol. Trooper Efaw testified that she
administered several field sobriety tests to appellant and that he exhibited multiple clues on each
one. She also stated that she smelled a moderate odor of alcohol emanating from appellant
when he entered her patrol car. She testified that in her experience, appellant’s demeanor was
consistent with someone who was impaired.
{¶ 37} We recognize that appellant offered conflicting testimony and explanations for his
actions. However, the jury as the trier of fact was free to reject appellant’s evidence and accept
the state’s evidence. State v. Browning, 4th Dist. Highland No. 09CA36, 2010–Ohio–5417, ¶41
(stating that trier of fact may believe “all, some, or none” of a witness’s testimony). Nothing in
the record leads us to conclude that the jury acted unreasonably by doing so. Consequently, we
do not believe that the jury lost its way and that appellant’s conviction is against the manifest
weight of the evidence.
{¶ 38} Accordingly, based upon the foregoing reasons, we hereby overrule appellant’s
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third assignment of error and affirm the trial court’s judgment.
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED.
[Cite as State v. Jenkins, 2014-Ohio-3123.]
JUDGMENT ENTRY
It is ordered that the judgment be affirmed and that appellee shall recover of appellant the
costs herein taxed.
The Court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this Court directing the Chillicothe
Municipal Court to carry this judgment into execution.
If a stay of execution of sentence and release upon bail has been previously granted, it is
continued for a period of sixty days upon the bail previously posted. The purpose of said stay is
to allow appellant to file with the Ohio Supreme Court an application for a stay during the
pendency of the proceedings in that court. The stay as herein continued will terminate at the
expiration of the sixty day period.
The stay will also terminate if appellant fails to file a notice of appeal with the Ohio
Supreme Court in the forty-five day period pursuant to Rule II, Sec. 2 of the Rules of Practice of
the Ohio Supreme Court. Additionally, if the Ohio Supreme Court dismisses the appeal prior to
the expiration of said sixty days, the stay will terminate as of the date of such dismissal.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute that mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of the
Rules of Appellate Procedure.
Harsha, J. & Hoover, J.: Concur in Judgment & Opinion
For the Court
BY:
Peter B. Abele
Presiding Judge
NOTICE TO COUNSEL
Pursuant to Local Rule No. 14, this document constitutes a final judgment entry and the
time period for further appeal commences from the date of filing with the clerk.