State v. Brooks ( 2024 )

[Cite as State v. Brooks, 2024-Ohio-420.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
ATHENS COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO, :
Plaintiff-Appellee, : CASE NO. 22CA17
v. :
RAYMOND E. BROOKS, : DECISION AND JUDGMENT ENTRY
Defendant-Appellant. :
_________________________________________________________________
APPEARANCES:
Christopher Pagan, Middletown, Ohio, for appellant1.
Keller J. Blackburn, Athens County Prosecuting Attorney, and Merry
M. Saunders, Athens County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Athens,
Ohio, for appellee.
__________________________________________________________________
CRIMINAL APPEAL FROM COMMON PLEAS COURT
DATE JOURNALIZED:2-1-24
ABELE, J.
{¶1} This is an appeal from an Athens County Common Pleas
Court judgment of conviction and sentence. Raymond Brooks,
defendant below and appellant herein, assigns five errors for
review:
FIRST ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR:
“BROOKS’ PLEA TO F2 AGGRAVATED ARSON WAS
UNCONSTITUTIONAL BECAUSE IT WAS NOT KNOWING,
1
Different counsel represented appellant during the trial
court proceedings.
2
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INTELLIGENT, NOR VOLUNTARY.”
SECOND ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR:
“TRIAL COUNSEL WAS INEFFECTIVE FOR FAILING TO
ENFORCE THE STATE’S PLEA AGREEMENT TO A 10-YEAR
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT.”
THIRD ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR:
“THE STATE BREACHED THE PLEA AGREEMENT’S TERM
FOR A 10-YEAR REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT.”
FOURTH ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR:
“THE PROSECUTOR’S FAILURE TO PROVIDE A BILL OF
INFORMATION [SIC.] WAS PREJUDICIAL BECAUSE IT
DEPRIVED BROOKS FROM UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE
OF THE VANDALISM OFFENSE.”2
FIFTH ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR:
“THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY IMPOSING COSTS.”
{¶2} Appellant broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home, stole a
dog crate, opened faucets, flooded her home, vandalized her new
boyfriend’s truck and belongings, and later hired another man to
set fire to her home.
{¶3} In May 2021, an Athens County Grand Jury returned an
indictment that charged appellant with (1) one count of aggravated
arson in violation of R.C. 2909.02(A)(2), a second-degree felony,
2
Here it is obvious that appellant intended to include a
“bill of particulars,” but due to scrivener’s error referred to a
“bill of information.”
3
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(2) one count of burglary in violation of R.C. 2911.12(A)(3), a
third-degree felony, and (3) one count of vandalism in violation of
R.C. 2909.05(B)(1)(b), a fifth-degree felony. Appellant pleaded
not guilty to all charges.
{¶4} Appellant filed a request for a bill of particulars on
August 18, 2021. After counsel withdrew and the trial court
appointed new counsel, new counsel filed a request for a bill of
particulars.
{¶5} At the August 9, 2022 change of plea hearing, appellee
noted that appellant would change his plea to “guilty to the
indictment,” that the state and appellant did not reach a joint
sentencing recommendation, and appellee sought a prison term. The
state further noted that appellant will be required to register
with the arson registry “annually for ten years.” The trial court
explained appellant’s maximum prison sentence, fines, restitution,
Reagan Tokes Act requirements, and postrelease control obligations.
In addition, the court informed appellant that he would be
“required to register annually [for the arson registry] for up to
ten years.” Appellant pleaded guilty to the indictment.
{¶6} At sentencing, appellee stated that appellant broke into
ex-girlfriend Sunshine Mayles’ apartment, stole a dog crate, turned
on the faucets, flooded her home, damaged Mayles’ new boyfriend
4
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Joseph Byers’ work truck, and, about a week later, hired another
man to set fire to Mayles’ home, drove him there and left. The
person who set the fire pleaded guilty and agreed to testify
against appellant. Appellee also pointed out that appellant has a
2001 arson conviction. The state requested 6 to 9 years in prison
and restitution of $12,602 to Sunshine Mayles, $3,841.70 to Joseph
Byers, and $1,200 to Joseph Bishop (home owner).
{¶7} Joseph Byers, victim in the vandalism count, stated that
appellant vandalized his 1998 GMC 3500 1-ton flatbed truck,
including the tires, window, door glasses, windshield, ignition
switch, and toolbox lock. Byers uses the truck for his “trader
business,” where he offers “handyman services[,] * * * hauling
stuff for people and helping clean out houses.” Byers has “been
out of work because of [the vandalism to his truck]” and lost
customers because he does not have the estimated $2,300 for
repairs. In addition to the vehicle, the flood and fire damaged
his Apple Macbook Pro with vehicle diagnostic software valued at
$1,400. In addition to the damage, appellant followed and
threatened him. With other damages, the state sought $3,841.70 for
Byers. Sunshine Mayles also sustained damages to property from the
fire and flood that totaled $12,602. She also testified that
appellant continued to threaten her after the crimes and while
5
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released on bond.
{¶8} The trial court sentenced appellant to (1) serve a 12-
month prison term on Count 3, vandalism, (2) serve a 36-month
prison term on Count 2, burglary, to be served concurrently with
Count 3, (3) serve an indefinite term of 8-12 years on Count 1
aggravated arson to be served concurrently to Counts 2 and 3 for a
term of 8-12 years, (4) serve an 18-month to 3-year postrelease-
control term, (5) pay $3,841.70 in restitution to Joseph Byers, (6)
pay $12,602 in restitution to Sunshine Mayles, (7) pay $1,200 in
restitution to Joseph Bishop, and (8) register with the R.C.
2904.14 arson offender registry annually for life. This appeal
followed.
I.
{¶9} In his first assignment of error, appellant asserts that
he did not enter a knowing, intelligent, and voluntary plea to the
aggravated arson charge. Specifically, appellant contends that he
“was made to believe that his F2 Aggravated Arson offense carried a
10-year registration requirement,” but the trial court sentenced
him to register with the Arson Offender Registry for life.
{¶10} “Crim.R. 11 governs the process of entering a plea.”
State v. Sarkozy, 117 Ohio St.3d 86, 2008-Ohio-509, 881 N.E.2d
1224, ¶ 8. “A defendant enters a plea in a knowing, intelligent,
6
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and voluntary manner when the trial court fully advises the
defendant of all the constitutional and procedural protections set
forth in Crim.R. 11(C) that a guilty plea waives.” State v. Day,
2019-Ohio-4816, 149 N.E.3d 112, ¶ 23 (4th Dist.), citing State v.
Clark, 119 Ohio St.3d 239, 2008-Ohio-3748, 893 N.E.2d 462, ¶ 25;
State v. Weber, 4th Dist. Hocking No. 20CA6, 2021-Ohio-1804, ¶ 7.
To achieve that goal, “the trial court should engage in a dialogue
with the defendant as described in Crim.R. 11(C).” State v. Ruby,
4th Dist. Adams No. 3CA780, 2004-Ohio-3708, ¶ 8, citing Crim.R.
11(C)(2)(a). During that colloquy, the court may not accept a plea
in a felony case under Crim.R. 11(C)(2) without doing all of the
following:
(a) Determining that the defendant is making the plea
voluntarily, with understanding of the nature of the
charges and of the maximum penalty involved, and if
applicable, that the defendant is not eligible for
probation or for the imposition of community control
sanctions at the sentencing hearing.
(b) Informing the defendant of and determining that the
defendant understands the effect of the plea of guilty or
no contest, and that the court, upon acceptance of the
plea, may proceed with judgment and sentence.
(c) Informing the defendant and determining that the
defendant understands that by the plea the defendant is
waiving the rights to jury trial, to confront witnesses
against him or her, to have compulsory process for
obtaining witnesses in the defendant's favor, and to
require the state to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a
reasonable doubt at a trial at which the defendant cannot
be compelled to testify against himself or herself.
7
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{¶11} A trial court must substantially comply with Crim.R.
11(C)(2)(a) and (b) when it reviews a defendant’s non-
constitutional rights (maximum penalty involved, understanding
effect of plea, etc.). State v. Veney, 120 Ohio St.3d 176, 2008-
Ohio-5200, 897 N.E.2d 621, ¶ 18. “‘[S]ubstantial compliance’ means
that ‘under the totality of the circumstances the defendant
subjectively understands the implications of his plea and the
rights he is waiving.’” State v. Morrison, 4th Dist. Adams No.
07CA854, 2008-Ohio-4913, ¶ 9, quoting State v. Puckett, 4th Dist.
Scioto No. 3CA2920, 2005-Ohio-1640, ¶ 10, citing State v. Stewart,
51 Ohio St.2d 86, 364 N.E.2d 1163 (1977); State v. Carter, 60 Ohio
St.2d 34, 396 N.E.2d 757 (1979). When a trial court reviews a
defendant’s constitutional rights (right to a jury trial, right to
call witnesses, etc.), it must strictly comply with Crim.R.
11(C)(2)(c). See Veney at ¶ 18. However, “strict compliance” does
not mean literal compliance. State v. Adams, 4th Dist. Washington
No. 15CA44, 2016-Ohio-2757, ¶ 11, citing State v. Kerns, 4th Dist.
Highland No. 15CA6, 2016-Ohio-63, ¶ 30-33. Thus, a court need not
engage in a “word-for-word recitation of the criminal rule, so long
as the trial court actually explains the rights to the defendant.”
Id. at ¶ 12, citing Veney at ¶ 27.
8
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{¶12} “The ultimate inquiry when reviewing a trial court's
acceptance of a guilty plea is whether the defendant entered the
plea in a knowing, intelligent, and voluntary manner.” Day, supra,
at ¶ 23, citing Veney, supra, 120 Ohio St.3d 176 at ¶ 7. “In
determining whether a guilty or no contest plea is knowing,
intelligent, and voluntary, an appellate court must examine the
totality of the circumstances through a de novo review of the
record to ensure that the trial court complied with constitutional
and procedural safeguards.” State v. Meade, 4th Dist. Scioto No.
17CA3816, 2018-Ohio-3544, ¶ 6, citing State v. Billiter, 2018-Ohio-
733, 106 N.E.3d 785, ¶ 15 (4th Dist.), citing State v. Cooper, 4th
Dist. Athens No. 11CA15, 2011-Ohio-6890, ¶ 35.
{¶13} In general, when an erroneous understanding of the
applicable law induces a defendant’s plea, the plea is not knowing
or intelligent. See State v. Felts, 4th Dist. Ross No. 13CA3407,
2014-Ohio-2378, ¶ 21 (guilty plea based on misinformation
concerning an in limine ruling being appealable), citing State v.
Bryant, 4th Dist. Meigs No. 11CA19, 2012-Ohio-3189, ¶ 14-16 (guilty
plea based on misinformation concerning defendant’s eligibility for
judicial release). “A guilty plea that is not entered knowingly,
intelligently, and voluntarily is void.” State v. Collins, 4th
Dist. Lawrence No. 18CA11, 2019-Ohio-3428, ¶ 7, citing State v.
9
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Moore, 165 Ohio App.3d 538, 2006-Ohio-114, 847 N.E.2d 452, ¶ 22
(4th Dist.), citing McCarthy v. United States, 394 U.S. 459, 89
S.Ct. 1166, 22 L.Ed.2d 418 (1969).
{¶14} In the case sub judice, during the change of plea hearing
the prosecutor stated that appellant would be required to register
with the arson offender registry “* * * annually for ten years.”
The trial court also stated that appellant “would be required to
register annually for up to ten years.” Appellant contends that,
although the statute permitted the trial court to impose a lifetime
registration term, the prosecutor and trial court’s erroneous
statements “informed his decision” to plead guilty. Thus,
appellant did not enter his plea knowingly, intelligently, and
voluntarily if based on the mistaken impression that his arson
registry registration requirement would be ten years, when the
trial court subsequently imposed a lifetime registration.
{¶15} An arson offender must register annually, in person, with
the sheriff of the county in which he or she resides. R.C.
2909.15. This is a lifetime requirement, unless modified by the
trial court. R.C. 2909.15(D)(2). Further, registration is
mandatory for all arson offenders; an arson offender is any person
convicted of arson or aggravated arson, or any person convicted of
an attempt, conspiracy, or complicity in committing these crimes.
10
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R.C. 2909.14(A), R.C. 2909.13(B)(1), and R.C. 2909.13(A).
Moreover, pursuant to R.C. 2909.14(A)(2), a trial court is not
required to notify the offender of the arson offender registry
requirements at sentencing if the court sentences the offender to a
term of confinement: “If an arson offender is sentenced on or after
the effective date of this section for an arson-related offense and
the judge does not sentence the arson offender to a prison term * *
* the judge shall provide the notice to the arson offender at the
time of the arson offender’s sentencing.” Consequently, in the
case at bar the statute does not require the trial court to notify
appellant about the arson registry requirements at sentencing, much
less at the plea hearing.
{¶16} The Second District Court of Appeals recently affirmed a
conviction when the trial court failed to mention the arson
registration notification during the plea hearing. In State v.
Perdue, 2022-Ohio-722 , 185 N.E.3d 683,(2d Dist.), the court
observed that, whether a consequence of a guilty plea is part of a
defendant’s maximum sentence turns on whether the consequence is
part of the defendant’s punishment or, instead, is a remedial,
collateral consequence of the plea. Id. at ¶ 15. The Perdue court
pointed to other appellate districts that have concluded that the
arson registration requirements are a remedial, collateral
11
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consequence, and a trial court’s failure at the plea hearing to
advise a defendant of the arson registration requirements does not
violate Crim.R. 11(C)(a) or affect the knowing, intelligent, and
voluntary nature of a defendant’s plea. Id., citing State v.
Rogers, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga Nos. 105335, 2017-Ohio-9161, ¶ 25
(because they are collateral consequences and not punishment,
Crim.R. 11 does not require a trial court to inform a defendant of
registration and notification requirements), State v. Magby, 7th
Dist. Mahoning No. 17MA6, 2019-Ohio-877, ¶ 33 (because appellant
sentenced to term of incarceration, trial court substantially
complied with non-constitutional advisements of Crim.R. 11(C) when
did not fully notify appellant of lifetime arson registration
requirement). Thus, with remedial registrations a trial court is
not required to inform defendants of registration and notification
requirements pursuant to Crim.R. 11. Magby at ¶ 30.
{¶17} In addition, other appellate districts that have
considered the issue in the context of retroactive application have
concluded that the arson registration scheme is remedial. See
State v. Caldwell, 2014-Ohio-3566, 18 N.E.3d 467,¶ 21, ¶ 35 (1st
Dist.), State v. Jones, 6th Dist. Lucas No. L-16-1014, 2017-Ohio-
413, ¶ 25; State v. Reed, 2014-Ohio-5463, 25 N.E.3d 480, ¶ 85 (11th
Dist.); State v. Galloway, 2015-Ohio-4949, 50 N.E.3d 1001, ¶ 36
12
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(5th Dist.)
{¶18} Therefore, although guilty pleas that involve some degree
of misinformation may be invalid, see Felts, supra, and Bryant,
supra, we conclude in the case sub judice that if the trial court
is not required to notify appellant of arson offender registry
requirements, the court’s misstatement did not affect the validity
of appellant’s plea. Moreover, a lifetime arson registry
registration requirement appears to pale in comparison to
appellant’s willingness to plead guilty to an indictment that
includes an 8-to 12-year prison sentence.
{¶19} Accordingly, based upon the foregoing reasons, we
overrule appellant’s first assignment of error.
II.
{¶20} In his second assignment of error, appellant asserts that
trial counsel provided ineffective assistance of counsel. In
particular, he argues that trial counsel failed to enforce what he
calls “the state’s plea agreement” to a 10-year registration
requirement.
{¶21} 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
13
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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); accord Hinton v. Alabama, 571 U.S.
263, 272, 134 S.Ct. 1081, 188 L.Ed.2d 1 (2014) (Sixth
Amendment right to counsel means “that defendants are entitled
to be represented by an attorney who meets at least a minimal
standard of competence”).
{¶22} To establish constitutionally ineffective assistance
of counsel, a defendant must show that (1) his counsel’s
performance is deficient and (2) the deficient performance
prejudiced the defense and deprived the defendant of a fair
trial. E.g., Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687; State v. Myers, 154
Ohio St.3d 405, 2018-Ohio-1903, 114 N.E.3d 1138, ¶ 183; State v.
Powell, 132 Ohio St.3d 233, 2012-Ohio-2577, 971 N.E.2d 865, ¶
85. “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) (a defendant’s failure to satisfy
one of the ineffective-assistance-of-counsel elements “negates a
14
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court’s need to consider the other”).
{¶23} Moreover, 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. Additionally, “[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 counsel failed to
function “as the ‘counsel’ guaranteed * * * by the Sixth
Amendment.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687; e.g., 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, 524 N.E.2d 476 (1988).
{¶24} To establish prejudice, a defendant must demonstrate
that a reasonable probability exists that “‘but for counsel’s
errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different.
A reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to
[Cite as State v. Brooks, 2024-Ohio-420.]
undermine the outcome.’” Hinton, 571 U.S. at 275, quoting
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694; e.g., State v. Short, 129 Ohio
St.3d 360, 2011-Ohio-3641, 952 N.E.2d 1121, ¶ 113; State v.
Bradley, 42 Ohio St.3d 136, 538 N.E.2d 373 (1989), paragraph
three of the syllabus; accord State v. Spaulding, 151 Ohio St.3d
378, 2016-Ohio-8126, 89 N.E.3d 554, ¶ 91 (prejudice component
requires a “but for” analysis). “‘[T]he question is whether
there is a reasonable probability that, absent the errors, the
factfinder would have had a reasonable doubt respecting guilt.’”
Hinton, 571 U.S. at 275, quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 695.
Furthermore, courts ordinarily may not simply presume the existence
of prejudice but, instead, must require a 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, 2002 WL 507529 (Apr. 2, 2002); see
generally Roe v. Flores-Ortega, 528 U.S. 470, 483, 120 S.Ct. 1029,
145 L.Ed.2d 985 (2000) (prejudice may be presumed in limited
contexts, none of which are relevant here).
{¶25} In the case sub judice, we first point out that the
parties did not submit to the court a joint sentencing
recommendation. Second, we conclude that even if we assume,
arguendo, that a plea agreement limited the arson registration
requirement to 10 years, we do not believe appellant has been
[Cite as State v. Brooks, 2024-Ohio-420.]
prejudiced. As appellee points out, a trial court is not required
to notify an arson offender of his registration requirements if the
offender is sentenced to a term of confinement. State v. Magby,
supra, at ¶ 32. R.C. 2909.14(A)(2), Notice of arson offender’s
duty to register, provides:
(A) Each arson offender shall be provided notice of the
arson offender's duty to register personally with the
sheriff of the county in which the arson offender resides
or that sheriff's designee. The following persons shall
provide the notice at the following times:
* * *
(2) If an arson offender is sentenced on or after the
effective date of this section for an arson-related offense
and the judge does not sentence the arson offender to a
prison term, term of imprisonment, or other term of
confinement in a jail, workhouse, state correctional
institution, or other institution for that offense, the
judge shall provide the notice to the arson offender at
the time of the arson offender's sentencing. (Emphasis
added).
Moreover, the record submitted in the case sub judice indicates
that the change of plea document, that appellant signed, does not
mention arson registration requirements. Further, the transcript
from the change of plea hearing reveals that, concerning the Notice
of Duty to Register as an Arson Offender, defense counsel stated,
“We’ll complete this at Sentencing at the conclusion of the case.”
{¶26} Accordingly, based upon the foregoing reasons and because
appellant did not establish prejudice, we overrule appellant’s
[Cite as State v. Brooks, 2024-Ohio-420.]
second assignment of error.
III.
{¶27} In his third assignment of error, appellant asserts that
the state breached the plea agreement’s term for a ten-year
registration requirement. However, our resolution of assignments
one and two renders appellant’s third assignment of error moot.
IV.
{¶28} In his fourth assignment of error, appellant asserts that
the prosecutor’s failure to provide “a bill of information [sic.]”
prejudiced him because it deprived him of understanding the nature
of the vandalism offense. In particular, appellant argues that the
subsection of the vandalism statute listed in the indictment, R.C.
2929.05(B)(1)(b), criminalizes damaging property “necessary” for
the victim’s business, trade, or occupation. Thus, appellant
contends, the state must prove the damaged truck was necessary for
the victim’s business or trade and the state’s failure to provide a
bill of particulars prejudiced him.
{¶29} Our review of the record reveals that appellant filed a
request for a bill of particulars each time the trial court
appointed a new attorney, but the state failed to furnish appellant
[Cite as State v. Brooks, 2024-Ohio-420.]
with a bill of particulars notwithstanding those requests.
Crim.R. 7(E) provides:
When the defendant makes a written request within twenty-
one days after arraignment but not later than seven days
before trial, or upon court order, the prosecuting attorney
shall furnish the defendant with a bill of particulars
setting up specifically the nature of the offense charge
and of the conduct of the defendant alleged to constitute
the offense. A bill of particulars may be amended at any
time subject to such conditions as justice requires.
(Emphasis added.) See also State v. Haynes, __Ohio St.3d
__, 2022-Ohio-4473, __ N.E.3d. __, ¶ 19 and ¶ 22.
Thus, appellee should have provided appellant with a bill of
particulars. However, because appellant failed to raise this issue
in the trial court, he has waived all but plain error. See State
v. Cooper, 3d Dist. Marion No. 9-22-69, 2023-Ohio-2100, ¶ 13
(defendant waived all but plain error when failed to raise in trial
court concerns about lack of bill of particulars, much less raise
his constitutional argument).
{¶30} To establish plain error under Crim.R. 52(B), the party
claiming error must establish: (1) that an error, i.e., a deviation
from a legal rule, occurred; (2) that the error was an “obvious”
defect in the trial proceedings; and (3) that this obvious error
affected substantial rights, i.e., the error must have affected the
outcome of the trial. State v. Morgan, 153 Ohio St.3d 196, 2017-
Ohio-7565, 103 N.E.3d 784, ¶ 36. Consequently, the appellant must
[Cite as State v. Brooks, 2024-Ohio-420.]
demonstrate a reasonable probability exists that, but for the trial
court's error, the outcome of the proceeding would have been
otherwise. State v. West, 168 Ohio St.3d 605, 2022-Ohio-1556, 200
N.E.3d 1048, ¶ 35-36. Under the plain error standard, “the
defendant bears the burden of ‘showing that but for a plain or
obvious error, the outcome of the proceeding would have been
otherwise, and reversal must be necessary to correct a manifest
miscarriage of justice.’ ” West at ¶ 22, quoting State v.
Quarterman, 140 Ohio St.3d 464, 2014-Ohio-4034, 19 N.E.3d 900, ¶
16. Appellant bears the burden to establish prejudice. See State
v. Davis, 3d Dist. Seneca No. 13-16-30, 2017-Ohio-2916, ¶ 23. An
appellate court has discretion to notice plain error and therefore
is not required to correct it. Id.; State v. Dixon, 2022-Ohio-
4454, 203 N.E.3d 770, ¶ 41 (4th Dist.).
{¶31} Here, appellant did not raise any plain error argument.
State v. Schneider, 4th Dist. Athens No. 19CA1, 2021-Ohio-653, ¶ 47
(appellant did not suggest plain error and not appellate court's
duty to construct argument), citing State v. Steers, 4th Dist.
Washington No. 11CA33, 2013-Ohio-3266, ¶ 20. Accord State v.
Brown, 9th Dist. Lorain Nos. 20CA011646, 2021-Ohio-2161, ¶ 15
(declining to construct plain-error argument on appellant's
behalf); State v. Oghojafor, 2023-Ohio-44, 205 N.E.3d 687, ¶ 104
(12th Dist.)(declining to construct plain-error argument on
[Cite as State v. Brooks, 2024-Ohio-420.]
appellant's behalf). Furthermore, it is apparent that appellee
provided many details that surrounded the commission of the
offenses so that it is extremely doubtful that appellant did not
have a complete understanding of the allegations and of his
involvement.
{¶32} Thus, based upon the foregoing reasons, we overrule
appellant’s fourth assignment of error.
V.
{¶33} In his fifth assignment of error, appellant asserts that
the trial court erred when it imposed costs. In particular,
appellant argues that his indigency affidavit showed no employment
income, and, although he received disability, he parented two
dependent children. Therefore, appellant contends, insufficient
evidence existed to conclude that he could pay the confinement and
assigned-counsel costs. Further, appellant argues that the trial
court only announced prosecution costs at the sentencing hearing,
but later included supervision, confinement, and assigned-counsel
costs in the sentencing judgment entry.
{¶34} Appellee, however, argues that because the joint plea
agreement included the requirement that appellant pay costs, the
[Cite as State v. Brooks, 2024-Ohio-420.]
trial court does not need to determine whether appellant has the
ability to pay.
Here, the plea agreement states:
Plead to the indictment and argue sentencing. Joint
recommendation for a presentence investigation. State to
request the following restitution figures: Joseph Bishop:
$1,200, Sunshine Mayles: $13,990, Joseph Byers, $3841.70.
Mandatory post release control from 18 months to 3 years.
Court costs to be paid at a time provided by the Court.
Consequently, appellant arguably agreed to pay all court costs as
part of the negotiated plea agreement. Additionally, appellant has
not lost the ability to seek a waiver of costs [under R.C.
2947.23(C)].) State v. Savage, 4th Dist. Meigs No. 15CA2, 2015–
Ohio–4205, ¶ 32 (defendant not precluded from seeking waiver of
costs based on claimed indigency since R.C. 2947.23(C) amendment);
State v. Williams, 3d Dist. Auglaize No. 2–13–31, 2014–Ohio–4425, ¶
17 (any error trial counsel made by failing to object to costs at
sentencing not prejudicial when appellant retained ability to seek
waiver under court's continuing jurisdiction granted in R.C.
2947.23(C)); State v. Willison, 4th Dist. Athens No. 18CA18, 2019-
Ohio-220, ¶ 27. However, it does appear that the trial court’s
imposition of “costs” may have included components beyond those
that the parties contemplated at the time of their agreement.
{¶35} In State v. Taylor, 163 Ohio St.3d 508, 2020-Ohio-6786,
171 N.E.3d 290, the Supreme Court of Ohio held that, although a
[Cite as State v. Brooks, 2024-Ohio-420.]
trial court may assess court appointed counsel fees without making
an ability-to-pay finding, those fees should not be included as
part of a sentence for a criminal conviction and, instead, should
be listed separately as a civil matter and in a separate entry. It
appears that Taylor may be applicable in the case at bar and the
trial court and the parties should have an opportunity to re-visit
this issue.
{¶36} Thus, based upon the foregoing reasons, we sustain
appellant’s final assignment of error. Accordingly, we hereby
affirm the trial court’s judgment in part, reverse the judgment in
part, and remand the matter for further consideration of the
imposition of court costs.
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED IN PART,
REVERSED IN PART AND REMANDED
FOR FURTHER PROCEEDINGS
CONSISTENT WITH THIS OPINION.
ATHENS, 22CA17 23
JUDGMENT ENTRY
It is ordered that the judgment be affirmed in part, reversed
in part, and remanded for further proceedings. Appellant shall
recover of appellee 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 Athens County Common Pleas Court to carry this
judgment into execution.
If a stay of execution of sentence and release upon bail has
been previously granted by the trial court or this court, it is
temporarily continued for a period not to exceed 60 days upon the
bail previously posted. The purpose of a continued stay is to
allow appellant to file with the Supreme Court of Ohio an
application for a stay during the pendency of the proceedings in
that court. If a stay is continued by this entry, it will
terminate at the earlier of the expiration of the 60-day period, or
the failure of the appellant to file a notice of appeal with the
Supreme Court of Ohio in the 45-day appeal period pursuant to Rule
II, Sec. 2 of the Rules of Practice of the Supreme Court of Ohio.
Additionally, if the Supreme Court of Ohio dismisses the appeal
prior to expiration of 60 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.
Smith, P.J. & Hess, J.: Concur in Judgment & Opinion
For the Court
BY:_____________________________
Peter B. Abele, Judge
NOTICE TO COUNSEL
Pursuant to Local Rule No. 14, this document constitutes a
final judgment entry and the time period for further appeal
ATHENS, 22CA17 24
commences from the date of filing with the clerk.