State v. Becraft , 2015 Ohio 3911 ( 2015 )


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  • [Cite as State v. Becraft, 2015-Ohio-3911.]
    IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
    SECOND APPELLATE DISTRICT
    CLARK COUNTY
    STATE OF OHIO                                      :
    :   Appellate Case No. 2013-CA-54
    Plaintiff-Appellee                        :
    :   Trial Court Case No. 2012-CR-511A
    v.                                                 :
    :   (Criminal Appeal from
    RICHARD E. BECRAFT, JR.                            :    Common Pleas Court)
    :
    Defendant-Appellant                       :
    :
    ...........
    OPINION
    Rendered on the 25th day of September, 2015.
    ...........
    RYAN A. SAUNDERS, Atty. Reg. No. 0091678, Assistant Clark County Prosecuting
    Attorney, 50 East Columbia Street, Fourth Floor, Springfield, Ohio 45502
    Attorney for Plaintiff-Appellee
    S. TODD BRECOUNT, Atty. Reg. No. 0065276, 115 North Main Street, Suite A, Urbana,
    Ohio 43078
    Attorney for Defendant-Appellant
    .............
    FAIN, J.
    {¶ 1} Defendant-appellant Richard E. Becraft, Jr., appeals from his conviction and
    -2-
    sentencing for Aggravated Robbery.        Becraft contends that his guilty plea was not
    knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily made, and that he received ineffective assistance
    of counsel. Becraft also contends that in his sentencing, the trial court improperly relied
    on Becraft’s use of a firearm during the course of the offense, after the State stipulated
    that no firearm was used or possessed by Becraft. Finally, Becraft contends that the trial
    court erred in its order of restitution. We conclude that an error in the order of restitution
    and ineffective assistance of counsel at the sentencing hearing requires a reversal of
    Becraft’s sentence and a remand for resentencing. The judgment is affirmed in all other
    respects.
    I. The Course of Proceedings
    {¶ 2} Becraft was indicted on one count of Aggravated Robbery, with a firearm
    specification, a felony of the first degree. The indictment charges that Becraft and two co-
    defendants:
    [D]id, in attempting or committing a theft offense as defined by
    2913.01 of the Revised Code, or in fleeing immediately after the attempt or
    offense, have a deadly weapon, as defined by section 2923.11 of the
    Revised Code, on or about his/her person or under his/her control, and did
    display the weapon, brandish it, indicate that he/she possessed it, or used
    said weapon, in violation of 2911.01(A)(1) of the Revised Code, and against
    the peace and dignity of the State of Ohio.
    Dkt. #1.
    -3-
    {¶ 3} All three co-defendants were charged with Aggravated Robbery for the
    same offense, but only one of them, Jeremy Dover, had a gun and utilized it to commit
    the robbery. The indictment also contained a gun specification, alleging that the offenders
    had a firearm while committing the offense. Later, a bill of particulars identified co-
    defendant Dover as the only one of the three defendants who held and utilized a gun in
    the course of the offense and reflected that Becraft’s involvement was grabbing the
    victim’s purse as Dover confronted her with a gun. The bill of particulars specifies that the
    amount stolen was $1700.1 The victim was not physically harmed during the offense.
    {¶ 4} In exchange for his agreement to plead guilty, the State agreed to dismiss
    the gun specification and stipulated that Becraft did not have a firearm during the robbery
    offense. At the plea hearing, the trial court informed Becraft that he was eligible for
    community control, but that the offense of Aggravated Robbery carried a presumption of
    imprisonment. Plea Transcript at pg. 9. During the plea, the trial court recited the facts of
    the theft offense and the firearm specification, including facts alleging that Becraft
    possessed or used a weapon to facilitate the offense, and informed Becraft that by
    entering a plea he was waiving his right to require the State to prove, beyond a reasonable
    doubt, all the elements of Aggravated Robbery and the firearm specification. 
    Id. at 10-11.
    However, the trial court also acknowledged that the firearm specification had been
    1
    The record does not contain any statement of the victim or any documentation to verify
    the exact amount of her loss, or whether she recovered any of her losses from another
    co-defendant or another source, such as insurance or from the Crime Victims
    Compensation Fund. The record reveals that co-defendant Dozier was ordered to pay
    one-third of the victim’s losses, $583.33 as part of his plea and conviction. The facts
    leading to the conviction of the third co-defendant, Dover, are summarized in State v.
    Dover, 2d Dist. Clark No. 2013-CA-58, 2014-Ohio-2303, which does not include any
    reference to an order of restitution, but it does reflect that the actual loss was $1700, of
    which $1450 were assets of Springfield Liedertafel, a German Singing Club.
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    dismissed. 
    Id. at 12.
    Becraft acknowledged that he understood his rights, and was
    willingly waiving his rights by pleading guilty to the charge of Aggravated Robbery, with
    dismissal of the firearm specification. 
    Id. at 12.
    Becraft also signed a written plea
    agreement, Dkt. #28, in which he specifically admitted to committing the offense of
    Aggravated Robbery. At no time during the plea hearing did Becraft’s counsel object to
    the recitation of facts, the statement of rights, presumptions or conclusions, or raise any
    procedural defect.
    {¶ 5} A pre-sentence investigation was prepared and reviewed by the trial court
    prior to sentencing. It reveals that Becraft had a significant history of prior misdemeanor
    offenses, but no prior felony convictions. The pre-sentence investigation report does not
    contain a statement from the victim, and she did not testify at the sentencing hearing.
    Relying on a statement made by the probation officer at the sentencing hearing, the trial
    court ordered Becraft to pay restitution to the victim in the amount of $2,000, even though
    the police report in the pre-sentence investigation report and the bill of particulars
    specified the victim’s loss at $1700.
    {¶ 6} At the sentencing hearing, the trial court recited factual statements about
    the effect of the crime on the victim, although she did not testify and no victim impact
    statement was included in the pre-sentence investigation. The trial court stated,
    The victim of this offense did suffer serious psychological and
    economic harm. There was no physical harm caused as by the victim’s
    statement. Whether or not - - I doubt seriously that it was expected. I believe
    the individuals thought that the use of a firearm and the fact that they
    outnumbered the victim three to one would cause sufficient fear in her to
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    keep her from putting up a struggle; therefore, there would be no need for
    physical harm; but it was threatened, and the firearm was used to threaten
    that harm.
    Transcript at pgs. 6-7. Becraft’s counsel did not object to the lack of evidence to verify the
    impact or loss to the victim, and did not request a hearing on the issue of restitution.
    {¶ 7} The judgment entry recites that after considering the record, oral statements
    made at the plea and dispositional hearings, any victim impact statements, the
    presentence report, the purposes and principles of sentencing under R.C. 2929.11, the
    seriousness and recidivism factors relevant to the offense and offender pursuant to R.C.
    2929.12, the need for deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation, restitution and the
    sentencing guidelines in R.C. 2929.13, the trial court sentenced Becraft to serve a prison
    term of nine years. The judgment entry of conviction also recites several factual findings
    addressing factors considered in its sentencing decision, including:
    The victim of the offense suffered serious psychological and
    economic harm as a result of the offense.2
    In committing the offense, the defendant did not cause or expect to
    cause physical harm to any person or property.
    The sentencing court considered all of the following regarding the
    defendant, and any other relevant factors, as factors indicating that the
    defendant is likely to commit further crimes:
    The defendant has a history of criminal convictions. The defendant
    2 The record does not contain a victim impact statement, or testimony from the victim to
    support this finding of fact.
    -6-
    has not responded favorably to sanctions previously imposed for criminal
    convictions.
    Prior [to] committing the offense, the defendant had not been
    adjudicated a delinquent child.
    In committing the offense, the defendant made an actual threat of
    physical harm to a person with a deadly weapon.3
    {¶ 8} From the judgment, Becraft appeals.
    II. Standard of Review
    {¶ 9} “An appellate court must determine whether the record affirmatively
    demonstrates that a defendant's plea was made knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily.”
    State v. Carter, 2d Dist. Clark No. 2013-CA-115, 2014-Ohio-4856, ¶ 4. Our review of an
    alleged error in the trial court's acceptance of a guilty plea is focused on whether, before
    accepting the plea, the trial court substantially complies with the procedure set forth in
    Crim.R. 11(C)(2)(a) & (b). State v. Nawman, 2d Dist. Clark No. 2014-CA-6, 2015-Ohio-
    447, ¶ 29, citing State v. Nero, 
    56 Ohio St. 3d 106
    , 108, 
    564 N.E.2d 474
    (1990).
    “Substantial compliance means that under the totality of the circumstances the defendant
    subjectively understands the implications of his plea and the rights he is waiving.” 
    Id. Additionally, the
    record must demonstrate that the trial court strictly complied with the
    requirements of Crim.R. 11(C)(2)(c), as they pertain to the waiver of federal constitutional
    rights. State v. Arnold, 2d Dist. Clark Nos. 2014-CA-23, 2014-CA-24, 2014-CA-25, 2014-
    3The record does not support this finding of fact. The Bill of Particulars specifies that
    Becraft’s only involvement in the offense was grabbing the victim’s purse as the co-
    defendant confronted the victim with a gun.
    -7-
    CA-26, 2015-Ohio-1580, ¶ 11, citing State v. Clark, 
    119 Ohio St. 3d 239
    , 2008-Ohio-3748,
    
    893 N.E.2d 462
    , ¶ 31. “Furthermore, when non-constitutional rights are at issue, a
    defendant who challenges his guilty plea on the basis that it was not knowingly,
    intelligently, and voluntarily made generally must show a prejudicial effect.” State v.
    Haney, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 25344, 2013-Ohio-1924, ¶ 16, citing State v. Veney,
    
    120 Ohio St. 3d 176
    , 2008-Ohio-5200, 
    897 N.E.2d 621
    , ¶ 17. “Prejudice in this context
    means that the plea would otherwise not have been entered.” Veney at ¶ 15.
    {¶ 10} We review assignments of error raising the ineffective assistance of
    counsel to determine if the counsel’s deficient performance prejudiced the outcome. To
    prevail on a claim for ineffective assistance, Becraft must not only show that his counsel's
    performance was deficient, but that a reasonable probability exists that, but for his
    counsel's omissions, the resulting outcome would have been different. State v. Jones, 1st
    Dist. Hamilton No.C-130359, 2014-Ohio-3110, ¶ 27, citing Strickland v. Washington, 
    466 U.S. 668
    , 687, 694, 
    104 S. Ct. 2052
    , 
    80 L. Ed. 2d 674
    (1984); State v. Bradley, 42 Ohio
    St.3d 136, 
    538 N.E.2d 373
    (1989), paragraphs two and three of the syllabus.
    {¶ 11} We review errors regarding orders of restitution using the same standard
    of review as any other sentencing issue. Pursuant to R.C. 2929.18, the trial court may
    order restitution as part of a sentence and therefore exercises discretion in deciding
    whether to impose a financial sanction, in addition to imprisonment or community control
    sanctions. We recently stated that “we will review the sentence in the case before us to
    determine whether it is clearly and convincingly unsupported by the record, or contrary to
    law, recognizing that reviewing the trial court’s proper application of law involving the use
    of discretion is a part of the sentencing review process.” State v. Mansley, 2d Dist.
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    Montgomery No. 26417, 2015-Ohio-2785, ¶ 10. “Unless the trial court has ‘clearly abused
    its discretion and the defendant has been materially prejudiced thereby, [appellate courts]
    should be slow to interfere’ with the exercise of such discretion.” State v. Byrd, 2d Dist.
    Montgomery No. 25842, 2014-Ohio-2553, ¶ 26, quoting State v. Hymore, 
    9 Ohio St. 2d 122
    , 128, 
    224 N.E.2d 126
    (1967). “A trial court abuses its discretion when it makes a
    decision that is unreasonable, arbitrary, or unconscionable.” State v. Renner, 2d Dist.
    Montgomery No. 25514, 2013-Ohio-5463, ¶ 24.
    III. Trial Court Did Not Err by Informing Becraft of his
    Eligibility for Community Control Sanctions
    {¶ 12} Becraft’s First Assignment of Error asserts as follows:
    THE APPELLANT WAS DEPRIVED OF HIS RIGHT TO DUE
    PROCESS UNDER THE FIFTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS OF
    THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION AND ARTICLE 1, SECTION 10
    OF THE OHIO CONSTITUTION WHEN THE TRIAL COURT ACCEPTED
    AN UNKNOWING, UNINTELLIGENT AND INVOLUTARY GUILTY PLEA.
    {¶ 13} Becraft argues that prison is mandatory for the offense of Aggravated
    Robbery, and therefore the trial court erred by informing him that community control
    sanctions was a sentencing option. The offense of Aggravated Robbery is a first-degree
    felony pursuant to R.C. 2911.01(C), which carries a presumption of imprisonment
    pursuant to R.C. 2929.13(D)(1). However, pursuant to R.C. 2929.13(D)(2), this
    presumption can be overcome by proof that:
    (a) A community control sanction or a combination of community
    -9-
    control sanctions would adequately punish the offender and protect the
    public from future crime, because the applicable factors under section
    2929.12 of the Revised Code indicating a lesser likelihood of recidivism
    outweigh the applicable factors under that section indicating a greater
    likelihood of recidivism.
    (b) A community control sanction or a combination of community
    control sanctions would not demean the seriousness of the offense,
    because one or more factors under section 2929.12 of the Revised Code
    that indicate that the offender's conduct was less serious than conduct
    normally constituting the offense are applicable, and they outweigh the
    applicable factors under that section that indicate that the offender's
    conduct was more serious than conduct normally constituting the offense.
    {¶ 14} Becraft asserts that when an offender is convicted of Aggravated Robbery
    for an offense that involves a firearm, the trial court is required to impose a mandatory
    sentence of imprisonment, and therefore he was not properly informed of the plea options,
    making his plea unknowing or unintelligent. In the case before us, the facts admitted by
    Becraft included all the elements of an Aggravated Robbery offense, including the use of
    a deadly weapon (but not necessarily a firearm). Neither the indictment, nor the admitted
    facts, included a claim that Becraft used, possessed or had control of a firearm in the
    course of the offense. Mandatory imprisonment or “definite prison terms” are controlled
    by the provisions of R.C. 2929.13 and 2929.14, which do not include the offense of
    Aggravated Robbery under R.C. 2911.01, unless additional factors are present, such as
    the use of a firearm. Aggravated Robbery, a violation of R.C. 2911.01, does not require
    -10-
    the use, possession or control of a firearm. Therefore, a conviction for the offense of
    Aggravated Robbery, committed with a deadly weapon, not a firearm, is eligible for
    community control sanctions. R.C. 2929.13(F)(8) mandates a definite prison term for
    any felony, other than a violation of R.C. 2923.12, including the offense of Aggravated
    Robbery when the offender “had a firearm on or about the offender’s person or under the
    offender’s control while committing the offense” or when the offender is also charged and
    convicted of a firearm specification, pursuant to R.C. 2929.14(B)(1)(a).
    {¶ 15} In the case before us, the trial court correctly advised Becraft that his
    conviction for a felony of the first degree did carry a presumption of imprisonment, but
    that he could overcome the presumption by meeting the proof required by R.C. 2929.13.
    Thus, Becraft’s plea was not based on erroneous information regarding sentencing
    options, and his First Assignment of Error is overruled.
    IV. The Factual Basis of the Charge of Aggravated Robbery Was
    Properly Recited in the Plea Hearing
    {¶ 16} Becraft’s Second Assignment of Error asserts as follows:
    THE APPELLANT WAS DEPRIVED OF HIS RIGHT TO DUE
    PROCESS UNDER THE FIFTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS OF
    THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION AND ARTICLE 1, SECTION 10
    OF THE OHIO CONSTITUTION WHEN THE TRIAL COURT ACCEPTED
    AN UNKNOWING, UNINTELLIGENT AND INVOLUNTARY GUILTY PLEA
    BECAUSE THE STATE’S ALLEGATIONS DID NOT MEET THE
    ELEMENTS OF THE CHARGED OFFENSE.
    -11-
    {¶ 17} Becraft argues that because he did not possess, utilize or have control of
    a firearm, the facts recited and admitted by Becraft as part of his guilty plea did not include
    all the required elements of the offense of Aggravated Robbery. However, the charge of
    Aggravated Robbery only requires that the offender have a deadly weapon in his
    possession or under his control at the time of the offense. Pursuant to R.C. 2923.11(A)
    " ‘[d]eadly weapon’ means any instrument, device, or thing capable of inflicting death, and
    designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried, or used as a
    weapon.” Therefore, a deadly weapon does not have to be a firearm to meet the elements
    of Aggravated Robbery.
    {¶ 18} The State argues that an accomplice to an Aggravated Robbery can be
    charged and convicted of Aggravated Robbery when there is sufficient evidence to show
    that the principal and the accomplice acted in concert and shared the same intent to
    commit robbery with the use of a deadly weapon. R.C. 2923.03(F) allows an
    accomplice to be prosecuted and punished as if he were the principal offender. As
    acknowledged by the Supreme Court of Ohio in State v. Moore, 
    16 Ohio St. 3d 30
    , 33,
    
    476 N.E.2d 355
    (1985),
    [E]ven accepting appellant's characterization of his role in this crime
    as one of “accomplice,” appellant is criminally culpable to the same degree
    as the principal offender and, in fact, may be prosecuted for the principal
    offense. See, e.g., State v. Graven (1977), 
    52 Ohio St. 2d 112
    , 115-116, 
    369 N.E.2d 1205
    [6 O.O.3d 334]. In this sense, appellant's conviction under R.C.
    2911.01(A)(1) is identical in degree and quality to a conviction of a principal
    offender under the same section.
    -12-
    {¶ 19} We conclude that the trial court did not err in accepting Becraft’s plea to an
    indictment alleging that he committed the offense of Aggravated Robbery that involved
    the use of a deadly weapon, even though the facts established that he did not possess
    or utilize a firearm in the course of the offense. Accordingly, Becraft’s Second Assignment
    of Error is overruled.
    V. The Trial Court Did Not Err By Including the Elements of the Firearm
    Specification In the Plea Colloquy
    {¶ 20} Becraft’s Third Assignment of Error asserts as follows:
    THE TRIAL COURT ABUSED ITS DISCRETION AND VIOLATED
    BECRAFT’S DUE PROCESS RIGHTS UNDER THE FIFTH AND
    FOURTEENTH         AMENDMENTS           OF     THE      UNITED      STATES
    CONSTITUTION AND ARTICLE 1 SECTION 10 OF THE OHIO
    CONSTITUTION WHEN IT RELIED ON THE USE OF A FIREARM AT
    SENTENCING AFTER THE STATE STIPULATED THAT NO FIREARM
    HAD BEEN USED OR POSSESSED BY BECRAFT.
    {¶ 21} Becraft argues that the trial court erred by imposing a sentence on the
    basis that Becraft utilized a firearm in the course of the offense, when in fact the State
    stipulated that Becraft did not have a firearm during the commission of the robbery.
    Nothing in the record indicates that the trial court’s sentencing decision was influenced
    by whether or not Becraft had possession or control of a firearm during the course of the
    offense. The trial court did not impose the maximum sentence for Aggravated Robbery
    or add on extra time for the dismissed firearm specification. The maximum sentence for
    -13-
    Aggravated Robbery, as a first-degree felony is eleven years, pursuant to R.C.
    2929.14(A)(1). If the trial court had considered the firearm specification contained in the
    indictment, it could have added an additional three years imprisonment pursuant to R.C.
    2929.14 (B)(1)(a)(ii).
    {¶ 22} Moreover, it appears that the trial court’s purpose in including a recitation
    of the facts required for the firearm specification was to advise Becraft of the facts the
    State would be required to prove if the plea agreement was not executed and the case
    proceeded to trial. This was proper advice, which facilitated Becraft’s knowing and
    intelligent consideration of the plea agreement.
    {¶ 23} Therefore, we conclude that Becraft was not prejudiced by the trial court’s
    recitation that the elements of the firearm specification, as charged in the indictment,
    included facts pertaining to the possession, use or control of a firearm in the course of the
    offense. Thus, Becraft’s Third Assignment of Error is overruled.
    VI. Failure to Object at Sentencing Was Prejudicial
    {¶ 24} Becraft’s Fourth Assignment of Error alleges as follows:
    THE DEFENDANT RECEIVED INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF
    COUNSEL IN VIOLATION OF THE SIXTH AND FOURTEENTH
    AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION AND ARTICLE
    1, SECTION 10 OF THE OHIO CONSTITUTION.
    {¶ 25} Becraft argues that his attorney was ineffective when he failed to raise
    objections or correct misstatements made during the plea hearing. “An attorney who is
    properly licensed in the State of Ohio is presumed to be competent; therefore, the burden
    -14-
    of proving such a claim is on the defendant.” State v. Fairman, 2d Dist. Montgomery No.
    24299, 2011-Ohio-6489, ¶ 31, citing State v. Jackson, 
    64 Ohio St. 2d 107
    , 111, 
    413 N.E.2d 819
    (1980). “In order to prevail on a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, the
    defendant must show both deficient performance — i.e., that counsel's representation fell
    below an objective standard of reasonableness — and resulting prejudice.” 
    Id., citing Strickland
    v. Washington 
    466 U.S. 668
    , 
    104 S. Ct. 2052
    , 
    80 L. Ed. 2d 674
    (1984); State v.
    Bradley, 
    42 Ohio St. 3d 136
    , 
    538 N.E.2d 373
    (1989). “To demonstrate prejudice, the
    defendant must show that there is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's
    unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different. A
    reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome.”
    State v. Gondor, 
    112 Ohio St. 3d 377
    , 390-91, 2006-Ohio-6679, 
    860 N.E.2d 77
    , ¶ 62,
    citing 
    Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694
    , 
    104 S. Ct. 2052
    , 
    80 L. Ed. 2d 674
    .
    {¶ 26} As discussed above, we have concluded that no error occurred by the trial
    court’s explanation, during the plea hearing, that the offense of Aggravated Robbery
    carries a presumption of imprisonment, and therefore, community control was an option
    if the presumption was overcome. We have also concluded that Becraft was not
    prejudiced by his counsel’s failure to object to the trial court’s recitation of the facts
    underlying the firearm specification during the plea hearing.
    {¶ 27} However, as discussed below, we do conclude that Becraft was prejudiced
    by his counsel’s failure to object to the order of restitution or to request a restitution
    hearing, when the record did not support the amount of the restitution order. We are also
    concerned about the failure of Becraft’s counsel to object to erroneous factual statements
    made at the sentencing hearing that led the trial court to make findings of fact in the
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    sentencing entry which are not supported in the record, including a finding that Becraft
    threatened the victim with a deadly weapon and that the victim suffered severe
    psychological harm. These factual issues can be readdressed at a new sentencing
    hearing. There is a reasonable probability that the sentence would have been different if
    Becraft’s counsel had made appropriate objections at the sentencing hearing.
    {¶ 28} Accordingly, Becraft’s Fourth Assignment of Error is sustained.
    VII.   The Amount of Restitution Ordered Is Not Supported by the Record
    {¶ 29} As explained by the Supreme Court of Ohio in State v. Lalain, 136 Ohio
    St.3d 248, 255, 2013-Ohio-3093, 
    994 N.E.2d 423
    , ¶ 27:
    A trial court has discretion to order restitution in an appropriate case
    and may base the amount it orders on a recommendation of the victim, the
    offender, a presentence investigation report, estimates or receipts
    indicating the cost of repairing or replacing property, and other information,
    but the amount ordered cannot be greater than the amount of economic
    loss suffered as a direct and proximate result of the commission of the
    offense. A trial court is required to conduct a hearing on restitution only if
    the offender, victim, or survivor disputes the amount of restitution ordered.
    {¶ 30} The Third District Court of Appeals has held that the statute, R.C. 2929.18,
    allowing the imposition of restitution does not require apportionment. State v. Kline, 3d
    Dist. Henry No. 7-12-03, 2012-Ohio-4345, ¶ 12. However, the statute also does not
    prohibit apportionment. Since the statute specifically limits an order of restitution to the
    victim’s actual economic losses, suffered as a direct and proximate result of the offense,
    -16-
    it can be concluded that the victim is not entitled to double recovery from multiple
    offenders. Therefore, it would be a sound and reasonable practice for a trial court to
    designate the liability for restitution among co-defendants as joint and several. If an order
    of restitution is not designated as imposing joint and several liability among co-
    defendants, the statute, R.C. 2929.18(A)(1), allows the offender to file a motion for
    modification of the payment terms of any restitution ordered. If the movant establishes
    that the victim was compensated by any other source, the amount of the restitution should
    be reduced.
    {¶ 31} In the case before us, Becraft alleges that the order of restitution was
    incorrect because the trial court failed to designate joint and several liability, and is
    contrary to the statute governing financial sanctions in felony cases, R.C. 2929.18. Our
    review of the record reveals that the amount of the restitution ordered — $2,000 — is
    clearly and convincingly unsupported by the record because it does “exceed the amount
    of the economic loss suffered by the victim as a direct and proximate result of the
    commission of the offense,” which was specified in the bill of particulars as $1,700.
    Therefore, we conclude that the restitution order is contrary to law and Becraft’s Fifth
    Assignment of Error is sustained.
    VIII.   Conclusion
    {¶ 32} Becraft’s First, Second, and Third Assignments of Error having been
    overruled, and his Fourth and Fifth Assignments of Error have been sustained, the
    sentence imposed by the trial court is Reversed, the judgment is Affirmed in all other
    -17-
    respects, and this cause is Remanded for resentencing.
    .............
    FROELICH, P.J., and DONOVAN, J., concur.
    Copies mailed to:
    Ryan A. Saunders
    S. Todd Brecount
    Hon. Richard J. O’Neill
    

Document Info

Docket Number: 2013-CA-54

Citation Numbers: 2015 Ohio 3911

Judges: Fain

Filed Date: 9/25/2015

Precedential Status: Precedential

Modified Date: 9/25/2015