State v. Rust , 2013 Ohio 2151 ( 2013 )

[Cite as State v. Rust, 2013-Ohio-2151.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT
MARION COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO,
PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, CASE NO. 9-12-49
v.
DONALD E. RUST, OPINION
DEFENDANT-APPELLANT.
Appeal from Marion County Common Pleas Court
Trial Court No. 11-CR-395
Judgment Affirmed
Date of Decision: May 28, 2013
APPEARANCES:
J.C. Ratliff for Appellant
Brent W. Yager and David J. Stamolis for Appellee
Case No. 9-12-49
PRESTON, P.J.
{¶1} Defendant-appellant, Donald E. Rust, appeals the Marion County
Court of Common Pleas’ sentence of 18 years imprisonment following his guilty
plea to six third degree felonies. Rust argues that the trial court failed to provide
adequate justification for imposing maximum, consecutive sentences, and that he
was denied effective assistance of counsel. For the following reasons, we affirm.
{¶2} On August 4, 2011, the Marion County Grand Jury indicted Rust on
Count One of aggravated burglary in violation of R.C. 2911.11(A)(1), a first
degree felony; Count Two of kidnapping in violation of R.C. 2905.01(B)(2), a first
degree felony; Count Three of burglary in violation of R.C. 2911.12(A)(4), a
fourth degree felony; Count Four of failure to comply in violation of R.C.
2921.331(B)/(C)(4), a fourth degree felony; Count Five of failure to comply in
violation of R.C. 2921.331(B)/(C)(5), a third degree felony; Count Six of
felonious assault (peace officer) in violation of R.C. 2903.11(A)(2), a first degree
felony; and, Count Seven of operating a vehicle under the influence in violation of
R.C. 4511.19(A)(1)(a), a first degree misdemeanor. (Doc. No. 1). The indictment
included a repeat violent offender specification as to Counts One, Two, and Six
and a forfeiture specification as to all of the felony counts. (Id.).
{¶3} The trial court arraigned Rust on August 8, 2011. (Doc. No. 4). At
that time, Rust pled not guilty to the charges. (Id.).
-2-
Case No. 9-12-49
{¶4} By April 9, 2012, Rust and plaintiff-appellee, State of Ohio, reached a
plea agreement. That morning, as part of the plea agreement, the State filed a bill
of information, charging Rust with Count Eight of burglary in violation of R.C.
2911.12(A)(3), a third degree felony; Count Nine of attempted felonious assault in
violation of R.C. 2903.11(A)(1), a third degree felony; and, Count Ten of
tampering with evidence in violation of R.C. 2921.12(A)(1), a third degree felony.
(Doc. No. 58).
{¶5} Later in the day on April 9, 2012, the trial court held a plea hearing.
(Apr. 9, 2012 Tr. at 1); (Doc. No. 86). At the hearing, also as part of the plea
agreement, the State moved to amend the indictment to reduce Count One to
burglary in violation of R.C. 2911.12(A)(3), a third degree felony, and to reduce
Count Two to abduction in violation of R.C. 2905.02(A)(2),1 a third degree felony.
(Id.); (Id.). The trial court granted the State’s motion to amend the indictment.
(Doc. No. 86).
{¶6} At the April 9, 2012 plea hearing, Rust withdrew his not-guilty plea
and pled guilty to Counts One and Two, as amended, and Count Five, all felonies
of the third degree. (Doc. Nos. 59, 86); (Apr. 9, 2012 Tr. at 19-20). Rust also
waived his right to indictment and pled guilty to the bill of information, containing
1
The trial court’s judgment entry of sentencing contains a typographical error, which does not impact our
disposition of this appeal. State v. Lux, 2d Dist. No. 2010 CA 30, 2012-Ohio-112, ¶ 42. The trial court
refers to the amended count of “Abduction [R.C. 2905.01(A)(2)], F3.” It appears the trial court intended to
cite R.C. 2905.02(A)(2), the abduction statute, rather than R.C. 2905.01(A)(2), the kidnapping statute.
-3-
Case No. 9-12-49
Counts Eight, Nine, and Ten, all felonies of the third degree. (Id.); (Id. at 3, 20).
The State dismissed the remaining charges, the repeat violent offender
specification, and the forfeiture specification. (Doc. Nos. 59, 86).
{¶7} On July 16, 2012, the trial court held a sentencing hearing. (Doc. No.
86); (July 16, 2012 Tr. at 1). In addition to counsel and Rust, five people
presented statements to the trial court, including four people on behalf of Rust.
(July 16, 2012 Tr. at 1-32). Before sentencing, the trial court was informed of
Rust’s criminal history, which included multiple rape offenses, a grand theft
offense, and an escape offense. (Pre-Sentence Investigation Report (“PSI”)).
{¶8} The trial court accepted the State’s sentencing recommendation and
sentenced Rust to the maximum prison term—36 months imprisonment on each of
the six counts to which Rust pled guilty, to be served consecutively for a total of
18 years imprisonment. (July 16, 2012 Tr. at 29-30). The trial court filed its
judgment entry of sentencing on July 19, 2012. (Doc. No. 86).
{¶9} On August 17, 2012, Rust filed a notice of appeal. (Doc. No. 88).
Rust raises two assignments of error for our review.
Assignment of Error No. I
The trial court erred to the prejudice of defendant-appellant by
imposing maximum consecutive sentences without adequate
justification.
-4-
Case No. 9-12-49
{¶10} In his first assignment of error, Rust argues that the record does not
support the imposition of maximum, consecutive sentences. In particular, he
argues that his sentence is contrary to the purposes and principles for felony
sentencing set forth in R.C. 2929.11 and the factors relating to the seriousness of
the offense and the recidivism of the offender under R.C. 2929.12.
{¶11} 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; the sentencing statutes’ procedure was not followed or
there was not a sufficient basis for the imposition of a prison term; or that the
sentence is contrary to law. State v. Ramos, 3d Dist. No. 4-06-24, 2007-Ohio-767,
¶ 23 (the clear and convincing evidence standard of review set forth under R.C.
2953.08(G)(2) remains viable with respect to those cases appealed under the
applicable provisions of R.C. 2953.08(A), (B), and (C) * * *); State v. Rhodes,
12th Dist. No. CA2005-10-426, 2006-Ohio-2401, ¶ 4; State v. Tyson, 3d Dist. Nos.
1-04-38; 1-04-39, 2005-Ohio-1082, ¶ 19, citing R.C. 2953.08(G). 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; State v. Boshko,
139 Ohio App.3d 827, 835 (12th Dist.2000). An appellate court should not,
however, substitute its judgment for that of the trial court because the trial court is
-5-
Case No. 9-12-49
“‘clearly in the better position to judge the defendant’s dangerousness and to
ascertain the effect of the crimes on the victims.’” State v. Watkins, 3d Dist. No.
2-04-08, 2004-Ohio-4809, ¶ 16, quoting State v. Jones, 93 Ohio St.3d 391, 400
(2001).
{¶12} For each of the six third degree felonies to which Rust pled guilty,
“the prison term shall be nine, twelve, eighteen, twenty-four, thirty, or thirty-six
months.” State v. Snyder, 3d Dist. No. 13–11–37, 2012-Ohio-3069, ¶ 20, citing
R.C. 2929.14(A)(3)(b).2 Here, the trial court sentenced Rust to 36 months
imprisonment on each of the six counts to which Rust pled guilty, which terms are
all within the statutory range. Therefore, Rust’s sentence is not contrary to law.
{¶13} R.C. 2929.14(C)(4), as amended in 2011 by H.B. 86, requires a trial
court to make specific findings when imposing consecutive sentences. State v.
Bentley, 3d Dist. No. 9-12-31, 2013-Ohio-852, ¶ 11. Specifically, R.C.
2929.14(C)(4) states:
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
2
R.C. 2929.14(A)(3)(a) provides for a 60-month maximum penalty for certain offenses, including burglary
in violation of R.C. 2911.12, if the offender previously has been convicted of or pled guilty in two or more
separate proceedings to two or more aggravated robbery, robbery, aggravated burglary, or burglary
offenses. Snyder, 2012-Ohio-3069, at ¶ 20, fn.3. While Rust pled guilty to burglary in violation of R.C.
2911.12, his prior criminal history does not satisfy the prerequisite for the 60-month maximum penalty
under R.C. 2929.14(A)(3)(a). Therefore, the maximum penalty for the burglary count to which Rust pled
guilty, as with the other third degree felonies to which he pled guilty, was 36 months.
-6-
Case No. 9-12-49
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:
(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.
{¶14} Although R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) requires the trial court to make
findings before imposing a consecutive sentence, following the enactment of H.B.
86, the statute does not require the trial court to give its reasons for imposing the
-7-
Case No. 9-12-49
sentence. Bentley, 2013-Ohio-852, at ¶ 12; State v. Alexander, 1st Dist. Nos. C-
110828, C-110829, 2012-Ohio-3349, ¶ 18; State v. Nowlin, 5th Dist. No. CT2012-
0015, 2012-Ohio-4923, ¶ 69; State v. Parsons, 7th Dist. No. 12 BE 11, 2013-Ohio-
1281, ¶ 23; State v. Just, 9th Dist. No. 12CA0002, 2012-Ohio-4094, ¶ 49; State v.
Frasca, 11th Dist. No. 2011-T-0108, 2012-Ohio-3746, ¶ 57; State v. Smith, 12th
Dist. No. CA-2012-01-004, 2012-Ohio-4523, ¶ 34.
{¶15} Additionally, in sentencing an offender, a trial court must consider
R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12. State v. Pence, 3d Dist. No. 2-11-18, 2012-Ohio-1794,
¶ 9. The purposes and principles for felony sentencing provided in R.C. 2929.11
are:
to protect the public from future crimes by the offender and others
and to punish the offender, and shall be commensurate with and not
demeaning to the seriousness of the offender’s conduct and its
impact upon the victim, and consistent with sentences imposed for
similar crimes committed by similar offenders. State v. Hites, 3d
Dist. No. 6-11-07, 2012-Ohio-1892, ¶ 8.
R.C. 2929.12(B) further requires the sentencing court to consider factors that
indicate the offender’s conduct is more or less serious than conduct that normally
constitutes the offense and factors that indicate the offender is likely or not likely
-8-
Case No. 9-12-49
to commit future offenses. State v. Billeg, 3d Dist. No. 16-12-03, 2013-Ohio-219,
¶ 22.
{¶16} In sentencing Rust to consecutive terms, the trial court made the
findings required by R.C. 2929.14(C)(4). The trial court stated in its journal entry
of sentencing:
The Court finds consecutive service is necessary to protect the
public from future crime, and the sentences are not disproportionate
to the seriousness of the Defendant’s conduct and to the danger the
Defendant poses to the public. The Defendant’s history of criminal
conduct demonstrates consecutive sentences are necessary to protect
the public from future crime by the Defendant. (Doc. No. 86).
The trial court also stated these findings at the sentencing hearing. (July 16, 2012
Tr. at 30).
{¶17} In sentencing Rust to maximum, consecutive terms of imprisonment,
the trial court considered R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12. In its judgment entry of
sentencing, the trial court stated that it considered “the record, oral statements, any
victim impact statement and pre-sentence report prepared, as well as the principles
and purposes of sentencing under R.C. 2929.11, and the appropriate factors under
R.C. 2929.12.” (Doc. No. 86). The transcript of the sentencing hearing also
-9-
Case No. 9-12-49
reflects that the trial court considered the sentencing statutes when sentencing
Rust. (July 16, 2012 Tr. at 28-29).
{¶18} Rust acknowledges that the trial court made the findings required by
R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) and considered the “statutory factors.” (Appellant’s Brief at 6,
9). Rust argues, however, that the sentence is contrary to the purposes and
principles of felony sentencing and the factors relating to the seriousness of the
offense and the recidivism of the offender. Rust also argues that the record was
insufficient to support the imposition of consecutive sentences. After reviewing
the record, we are not persuaded by these arguments.
{¶19} Rust’s sentence was not contrary to the purposes and principles set
forth in R.C. 2929.11. In its journal entry of sentencing, the trial court noted
Rust’s criminal history, finding that it warranted consecutive sentences to protect
the public from future crimes by Rust. (Doc. No. 86). The record also reflects the
harm suffered by at least one of the victims of Rust’s crimes. That victim, whose
home Rust burglarized and who Rust held at knifepoint, explained at the
sentencing hearing the serious psychological harm she has suffered: “[Rust] has
no idea how he changed me. That day was very emotional. It’s been very
emotional since. I went through two months of treatment. Just somebody
knocking on the door would set me off.” (July 16, 2012 Tr. at 6); (see also PSI).
Rust’s sentence is, therefore, not contrary to R.C. 2929.11.
- 10 -
Case No. 9-12-49
{¶20} Nor is Rust’s sentence contrary to R.C. 2929.12. Among the factors
for determining whether the offense is more serious than conduct that normally
constitutes the offense is any “serious physical, psychological, or economic harm”
suffered by a victim as a result of the offense. R.C. 2929.12(B)(2). The victim
who Rust held at knifepoint described in a victim impact statement and at the
sentencing hearing the serious psychological harm she suffered. (PSI); (July 16,
2012 Tr. at 6). The record reflects that none of the factors for determining
whether the offender’s conduct is less serious than conduct that normally
constitutes the offense favor Rust: no victims induced the offense; Rust did not
act under strong provocation; Rust caused physical harm to property, most notably
by ramming his pickup truck into an Ohio Highway Patrol cruiser (Apr. 9, 2012
Tr. at 18-19); and, there are no substantial grounds to mitigate Rust’s conduct.
R.C. 2929.12(C). When considering the likelihood of recidivism, R.C.
2929.12(D) allows the trial court to consider “any other relevant factors” in
addition to those listed in the statute. The record reflects that while Rust was out
on bond, he went out of state without permission, and the trial court considered
that relevant factor in its sentencing decision. (July 16, 2012 Tr. at 29). For these
reasons, after reviewing the record, we cannot conclude that Rust’s sentence is
contrary to R.C. 2929.11 or 2929.12 or not adequately supported by the record.
{¶21} Rust’s first assignment of error is, therefore, overruled.
- 11 -
Case No. 9-12-49
Assignment of Error No. II
Defendant-appellant was denied effective assistance of counsel as
guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment to the United States
Constitution and Article I, Section 10 of the Ohio Constitution.
{¶22} In his second assignment of error, Rust argues that he was denied
effective assistance of counsel because his trial counsel failed to argue to the trial
court the findings of the psychologist who examined him and to present to the trial
court any evidence of sentences imposed in similar cases.
{¶23} A defendant asserting a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel
must establish: (1) the counsel’s performance was deficient or unreasonable under
the circumstances; and (2) the deficient performance prejudiced the defendant.
State v. Kole, 92 Ohio St.3d 303, 306 (2001), citing Strickland v. Washington, 466
U.S. 668, 687, 104 S.Ct. 2052 (1984). To establish prejudice when ineffective
assistance of counsel relates to a guilty plea, a defendant must show there is a
reasonable probability that but for counsel’s deficient or unreasonable
performance the defendant would not have pled guilty. State v. Xie, 62 Ohio St.3d
521, 524 (1992), citing Hill v. Lockhart, 474 U.S. 52, 59, 106 S.Ct. 366 (1985);
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687.
{¶24} In order to show counsel’s conduct was deficient or unreasonable,
the defendant must overcome the presumption that counsel provided competent
representation and must show that counsel’s actions were not trial strategies
- 12 -
Case No. 9-12-49
prompted by reasonable professional judgment. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687.
Counsel is entitled to a strong presumption that all decisions fall within the wide
range of reasonable professional assistance. State v. Sallie, 81 Ohio St.3d 673,
675 (1998). Tactical or strategic trial decisions, even if unsuccessful, do not
generally constitute ineffective assistance. State v. Frazier, 61 Ohio St.3d 247,
255 (1991). Rather, the errors complained of must amount to a substantial
violation of counsel’s essential duties to his client. See State v. Bradley, 42 Ohio
St. 3d 136, 141-142 (1989), citing State v. Lytle, 48 Ohio St.2d 391, 396 (1976).
{¶25} A review of the record shows that Rust’s trial counsel’s assistance
was not ineffective. First, the record does not indicate that Rust’s trial counsel’s
performance was deficient or unreasonable. Rust suggests that his trial counsel
should have argued to the trial court the findings in the psychologist’s report, but
the transcript of the sentencing hearing reveals that trial counsel did refer the trial
court to that report: “And by reading Dr. Smaldon’s [sic] report, under
psychological evaluation, Your Honor, I think it is clear for this analysis that is
[sic] was the drinking that caused this incident over the background of Mr. Knots,
excuse me, as [sic] Mr. Rust as he described.” (July 16, 2012 Tr. at 26).
{¶26} Rust further argues that his trial counsel should have had the
psychologist present a statement at the sentencing hearing, but the decision
whether to call a witness is “within the rubric of trial strategy and will not be
- 13 -
Case No. 9-12-49
second-guessed by a reviewing court.” State v. Stiles, 3d Dist. No. 1-08-12, 2009-
Ohio-89, ¶ 58 (citation and internal quotation marks omitted); see also State v.
Lang, 129 Ohio St.3d 512, 2011-Ohio-4215, ¶ 278 (concluding that the decision
not to call a psychologist as a witness during the penalty phase of a capital murder
trial “was a tactical choice as part of a trial strategy” and, therefore, not ineffective
assistance). With the psychologist’s report available to the trial court, it was far
from unreasonable to forego a statement by the psychologist at the sentencing
hearing, particularly when trial counsel offered statements from four individuals
on behalf of Rust, in addition to the statements of Rust and trial counsel. Stiles,
2009-Ohio-89, at ¶ 58-59.
{¶27} Nor was it unreasonable or deficient not to offer to the trial court
information concerning sentences imposed in similar cases because presentation of
mitigation evidence at a sentencing hearing is a matter of trial strategy. Id. at ¶ 59.
Rust has, therefore, failed to demonstrate that trial counsel’s performance was
deficient or unreasonable.
{¶28} Rust has likewise failed to demonstrate that he was prejudiced by his
trial counsel’s performance. Indeed, Rust does not argue that but for his trial
counsel’s deficient or unreasonable performance, he would not have pled guilty.
Xie, 62 Ohio St.3d at 524. As originally indicted, Rust faced a multi-decade total,
maximum sentence. (Doc. No. 1). His trial counsel negotiated a plea agreement
- 14 -
Case No. 9-12-49
under which the State agreed to dismiss six counts, the repeat violent offender
specification, and the forfeiture specification. (Doc. No. 86). Under the
negotiated plea agreement, Rust faced a total maximum sentence of 18 years—a
substantial reduction from the possible total term of imprisonment as charged in
the original indictment. From at least as early as the hearing at which Rust entered
his guilty plea, the State requested an 18-year sentence, and Rust acknowledged as
much. (Apr. 9, 2012 Tr. at 2, 6). Therefore, even assuming Rust could establish
that his trial counsel’s performance were deficient or unreasonable, he cannot
demonstrate that he was prejudiced. For these reasons, Rust has failed to establish
that his trial counsel’s assistance was ineffective under the law.
{¶29} Rust’s second assignment of error is, therefore, overruled.
{¶30} Having found no error prejudicial to the appellant herein in the
particulars assigned and argued, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Judgment Affirmed
WILLAMOWSKI and ROGERS, J.J., concur.
/jlr
- 15 -