State v. McClure , 2015 Ohio 5203 ( 2015 )

[Cite as State v. McClure, 2015-Ohio-5203.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
TWELFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT OF OHIO
CLERMONT COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO, :
Plaintiff-Appellee, : CASE NO. CA2015-06-045
: OPINION
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:
JOEL VINCENT MCCLURE, :
Defendant-Appellant. :
CRIMINAL APPEAL FROM CLERMONT COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Case No. 2015 CR 001918
D. Vincent Faris, Clermont County Prosecuting Attorney, Nicholas Horton, 76 South
Riverside Drive, 2nd Floor, Batavia, Ohio 45103, for plaintiff-appellee
Christine D. Tailer, P.O. Box 14, Georgetown, Ohio 45121, for defendant-appellant
PIPER, P.J.
{¶ 1} Defendant-appellant, Joel McClure, appeals his sentence and a decision of the
Clermont County Court of Common Pleas to accept his waiver of a conflict of interest.
{¶ 2} McClure, who had previously been convicted of aggravated robbery, entered a
salon and demanded that the employee give him cash from the register. McClure
brandished a knife during the robbery, and absconded with $600 cash. McClure was later
charged with aggravated robbery and a repeat offender specification.
Clermont CA2015-06-045
{¶ 3} McClure entered into plea negotiations with the state, and agreed to plead
guilty to one count of aggravated robbery in return for the state dismissing the repeat
offender specification. During the plea negotiations, McClure's counsel was informed that he
had a potential conflict of interest in that another member of the public defender's office
represented an individual in another matter, and that person was identified as a potential
witness against McClure. McClure's counsel and another member of the public defender's
office discussed the issue fully with McClure and informed McClure that he could obtain
different counsel. McClure's counsel gave McClure the weekend to consider the issue.
McClure informed his counsel that he wanted to waive the conflict and proceed with the plea
after acknowledging that his attorney discussed the nature of the conflict, its potential
consequences, and McClure's options.
{¶ 4} During the plea hearing, the trial court and the parties discussed the conflict of
interest issue in full, with the trial court personally addressing McClure regarding the conflict
and his options. The trial court offered several times to appoint different counsel for McClure,
and further explained the impact of waiving the conflict and proceeding with the guilty plea.
However, McClure was steadfast in his desire to waive the conflict, and in his desire to
accept the state's offer of a plea agreement.
{¶ 5} The trial court held a sentencing hearing after ordering a presentence
investigation, and sentenced McClure to ten years in prison. McClure now appeals the trial
court's decision to accept his waiver of his counsel's conflict of interest as well as his
sentence, raising the following assignments of error.
{¶ 6} Assignment of Error No. 1:
{¶ 7} THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN, EVEN THOUGH IT DID DISCUSS THE
EFFECT OF A WAIVER OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH APPELLANT, IT DID NOT
INQUIRE AS TO THE NATURE OF THE ACTUAL CONFLICT.
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{¶ 8} McClure argues in his first assignment of error that the trial court erred in
accepting his waiver of his trial counsel's conflict of interest without first inquiring into the
conflict.
{¶ 9} "Where a trial court knows or reasonably should know of an attorney's possible
conflict of interest in the representation of a person charged with a crime, the trial court has
an affirmative duty to inquire whether a conflict of interest actually exists." State v. Gillard, 64
Ohio St.3d 304, 311(1992). A trial court has substantial latitude in determining the existence
and waiver of an actual or potential conflict of interest. State v. Keenan, 81 Ohio St.3d 133(1998).
{¶ 10} After reviewing the record, we find that the trial court inquired into whether a
conflict of interest actually existed and determined a conflict did exist. At the beginning of the
plea hearing, McClure's trial counsel informed the court that it had "identified a conflict
between a witness in this case and Mr. McClure. Specifically another attorney in our office
represents – represents someone who was approached to be a witness." McClure's attorney
then told the trial court that he and another member of his office "laid out the conflict for
[McClure], what it means at trial, offered to withdraw or we could proceed today to a plea with
his consent and his waiver of that conflict." After giving McClure the weekend to consider the
issue, McClure "indicated that he wanted to go forward with the plea * * * he was willing to
waive the conflict" and executed the plea agreement form with his counsel.
{¶ 11} The trial court confirmed with McClure that his counsel's representations
regarding the conflict were accurate, and then personally addressed McClure regarding the
possibility of a conflict and its impact. During his direct conversation with McClure, the trial
court stated,
This is a big matter. I mean you've got a very - - very serious
charge, a felony of the first degree, and you can be sentenced to
what you're pleading to today to up to 11 years in prison, which
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means if – if you would rather me appoint someone else, and - -
and unless you waive the conflict I'm going to appoint someone
else. Then I will - - then I'll appoint someone. So I'll - - we have
a lot of attorneys in Clermont County, and I would make sure you
have one that I feel is very competent to represent you. So I will
do that whether you want to go to trial or whether you want to
plea. So, in other words, I'm – you—you are entitled to counsel
that does not have any conflict, and you're entitled to effective
representation. So if - - do you understand I'm willing to do that
for you?
{¶ 12} Once McClure indicated his understanding, the trial court again offered to
appoint different counsel. The trial court also assured McClure that appointing a different
attorney would not cause delay, and that the appointment would occur that day. Still,
McClure expressed his desire to move forward and waive the conflict of interest. The trial
court then inquired as to whether McClure felt that his trial counsel had "fully disclosed the
nature" of the conflict and that McClure understood the conflict and impact of waiver fully.
McClure answered that he fully understood, and affirmed his understanding multiple times.
{¶ 13} McClure asserts that despite his indication during the plea hearing that he
waived the conflict, the waiver was invalid because the trial court, itself, did not have a
complete understanding of the conflict. We disagree. During the same plea hearing, and
after the trial court inquired into the conflict issue and whether McClure wished to waive the
conflict, the trial court once again addressed McClure to further develop the issue. The trial
court stated, "you understand there's a witness who if - - if the case went to trial would - -
would - - their office is represented would testify presumably against you." The trial court
directly referred to the representation by the public defender's office of the potential witness
as a conflict, and asked once more if McClure wished to waive the conflict and proceed with
his trial counsel representing him during the plea process.
{¶ 14} The trial court's discussion of the duel representation as a conflict demonstrates
that the trial court made a valid inquiry into the possibility of a conflict of interest and what it
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entailed as required by the Ohio Supreme Court in Gillard. While McClure argues that the
trial court had no "knowledge as to the extent of the conflict or whether or not that conflict
could even be waived," the record clearly indicates that the court inquired into the issue
enough to determine that a conflict did in fact exist, and that the conflict was based upon
McClure's trial counsel working in the same office as an attorney who represented a potential
state's witness.
{¶ 15} Although the trial court did not obtain specific details as to the identity of the
witness or the substance of that witness' testimony, the facts of the case were relatively
simple and straightforward, and McClure never denied having committed the crime. In fact,
McClure chose to plead guilty in return for the state dismissing the repeat offender
specification, and there is absolutely no indication in the record that McClure's acceptance of
the state's plea offer was in any way impacted by the public defender's office representing
multiple parties.
{¶ 16} We find the case sub judice distinguishable from Gillard in which the Ohio
Supreme Court set forth the rule of law regarding the trial court's duty to inquire into the
possibility of a conflict. In Gillard, the same attorney represented Gillard and his brother both
of whom were suspected of committing two murders and attempted murder. While Gillard
went to trial on the charges against him, Gillard's brother pled no contest to a reduced
charge. Gillard's brother appeared at trial as a defense witness, and the state raised the
issue of a possible conflict of interest. In so doing, the state noted that it was still
investigating the possibility that the brother was involved in the homicides and attempted
murder separate from the charge to which he pled no contest. Gilliard's attorney did not
believe a conflict existed, and the trial court only addressed the brother/witness regarding his
right to have separate counsel and his right to remain silent given that the investigation
against him was ongoing. However, the trial court did not address the issue with Gillard, nor
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inquire into what impact the possible conflict would have on him.
{¶ 17} The Ohio Supreme Court remanded the case to the trial court to determine
whether there was a conflict of interest created by Gillard's counsel representing both Gillard
and his brother. In so doing, the court held as noted above that a trial court has an
affirmative duty to inquire whether a conflict of interest actually exists when the trial court
knows or reasonably should know of an attorney's possible conflict of interest in the
representation of a person charged with a crime.
{¶ 18} The record is clear that the trial court in the case sub judice complied with the
mandate set forth in Gillard. As previously stated, the trial court inquired into the possibility of
a conflict, and determined that there was one. Unlike the attorney in Gilliard, McClure's
attorney never denied there was a potential conflict of interest. The trial court directly
indicated that the conflict was that two attorneys from the same public defender's office
represented both McClure and a potential state's witness. Because of the conflict, the trial
court gave McClure multiple opportunities to have different counsel appointed and ensured
that McClure gave a valid waiver of the right to have conflict-free representation. See State
v. Myles, 3d Dist. Marion No. 9-2000-93, 2001 WL 542115, (May 23, 2001) (finding trial court
made sufficient inquiry where the trial court explained to the appellant that there was a
conflict of interest, what the conflict could potentially mean, and that appellant had the right to
have different counsel represented).
{¶ 19} The key difference therefore between Gillard and what occurred here is that the
trial court personally addressed McClure, identified the conflict, explained in detail the ability
to have different counsel appointed, and then accepted a valid waiver of the conflict from
McClure. As such, the trial court fulfilled its duty as set forth in Gillard.
{¶ 20} After reviewing the record, we find that the trial court properly inquired into the
nature of the conflict of interest, and properly accepted McClure's waiver of that conflict.
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McClure's first assignment of error is therefore overruled.
{¶ 21} Assignment of Error No. 2:
{¶ 22} THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN IT IMPOSED A SENTENCE THAT WAS
CONTRARY TO LAW BY SENTENCING APPELLANT TO A MANDATORY STATED
PRISON TERM OF TEN YEARS.
{¶ 23} McClure argues in his second assignment of error that the trial court erred in
imposing a ten-year sentence.
{¶ 24} R.C. 2953.08(G)(2) shall govern all felony sentences. State v. Crawford, 12th
Dist. Clermont No. CA2012-12-088, 2013-Ohio-3315, ¶ 6. Pursuant to R.C. 2953.08(G)(2),
when hearing an appeal of a trial court's felony sentencing decision, "the appellate court may
increase, reduce, or otherwise modify a sentence that is appealed under this section or may
vacate the sentence and remand the matter to the sentencing court for resentencing."
However, as explicitly stated in R.C. 2953.08(G)(2), "[t]he appellate court's standard for
review is not whether the sentencing court abused its discretion."
{¶ 25} Instead, an appellate court may only take action authorized by R.C.
2953.08(G)(2) if the court "clearly and convincingly finds" that the sentence is contrary to law.
A sentence is not clearly and convincingly contrary to law where the trial court considers the
purposes and principles of R.C. 2929.11, as well as the seriousness and recidivism factors
listed in R.C. 2929.12, and sentences appellant within the permissible statutory range. State
v. Elliott, 12th Dist. Clermont No. CA2009-03-020, 2009-Ohio-5926, ¶ 10.
{¶ 26} After reviewing the record, the trial court's sentence is not contrary to law. The
trial court discussed the factors related to the principles and purposes of Ohio's sentencing
statutes at the sentencing hearing, and expressly stated in its entry that it had considered the
purposes and principles of sentencing according to R.C. 2929.11 and had balanced the
seriousness and recidivism factors within R.C. 2929.12.
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{¶ 27} While the trial court did not expressly cite R.C. 2929.11 and R.C. 2929.12
during the sentencing hearing, its discussion of the individual factors found within those
statutes indicates that it gave due consideration to the purposes and principles of sentencing,
as well as the seriousness and recidivism factors. This is especially true where the trial court
also included the specific citations to R.C. 2929.11 and R.C. 2929.12 in its sentencing entry.
See State v. Back, 2d Dist. Clark No. 2013-CA-62, 2014-Ohio-1656, ¶ 14 (affirming a
sentence where the trial court failed to cite R.C. 2929.11 or 2929.12 during the sentencing
hearing but stated in its judgment entry of conviction that it had considered the principles and
purposes of sentencing pursuant to R.C. 2929.11 and balanced the seriousness and
recidivism factors pursuant to R.C. 2929.12); and State v. Lancaster, 12th Dist. Butler No.
CA2007-03-075, 2008-Ohio-1665 (affirming a sentence where the trial court did not state at
the sentencing hearing that the court considered R.C. 2929.11 or R.C. 2929.12 specifically,
but stated its consideration of both statutes in its judgment entry of conviction). Based on the
record, it is clear that the trial court gave the proper consideration to the purposes and
principles of sentencing as well as the seriousness and recidivism factors as required by
Ohio's sentencing statutes.
{¶ 28} McClure was convicted of aggravated robbery in violation of R.C.
2911.01(A)(1), which is a first-degree felony. According to R.C. 2929.14(A)(1), "For a felony
of the first degree, the prison term shall be three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or
eleven years." As such, McClure's ten-year sentence was within the sentencing range for a
first-degree felony.
{¶ 29} After reviewing the record, we find that McClure's sentence was not clearly and
convincingly contrary to law where the trial court considered the purposes and principles of
sentencing according to R.C. 2929.11, as well as the seriousness and recidivism factors
listed in R.C. 2929.12, and sentenced McClure within the permissible statutory range. As
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such, McClure's sentence was not contrary to law, and his second assignment of error is
overruled.
{¶ 30} Judgment affirmed.
S. POWELL, J., concurs.
RINGLAND, J., dissents.
RINGLAND, J., dissenting.
{¶ 31} I respectfully dissent from the majority's decision. I would find that the trial court
failed to adequately inquire about the conflict of interest in order to ensure that McClure's
waiver was voluntary and intelligent.
{¶ 32} As stated above, when a trial court becomes aware of a potential conflict of
interest, the court has an affirmative duty to inquire about the potential conflict. Gillard at
311. If the conflict of interest exists, the trial court must alert the defendant to the possible
consequences of the conflict and obtain a voluntary and intelligent waiver of such a conflict.
State v. Garcia, 6th Dist. Huron No. H-06-003, 2007-Ohio-1525, at ¶ 16; State v. Crosky,
10th Dist. Franklin No. 06AP-816, 2007-Ohio-6533, ¶ 17.
{¶ 33} The court's duty to inquire into the specifics of the conflict is imperative where
some conflicts of interest cannot be waived. The court in State v. Johnson, 185 Ohio App.3d
654, 2010-Ohio-315, ¶ 7 (3d Dist.), recognized that "if the representation of the informant
was related to matters that led to the current charges against the defendant, there might be a
conflict significant enough to override even the most thorough of admonishments."
{¶ 34} In the present case, the trial court presumed that the witness would testify
against McClure, but there is nothing to indicate the extent of that potential testimony and the
witness' significance to the state's case against McClure. While the trial court asked McClure
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whether he fully understood the conflict and McClure affirmed his understanding, the trial
court had no way of knowing whether his understanding was accurate without itself knowing
the exact circumstances of the conflict. McClure's counsel stated that he and another
member of the office fully described the conflict to McClure, but the trial court cannot be sure
that is true without further inquiry into the circumstances of the conflict.
{¶ 35} Furthermore, the Ohio Supreme Court has recognized that the Ohio Rules of
Professional Conduct forbid the waiver of conflicts of interest in some instances. Columbus
Bar Assn. v. Ross, 107 Ohio St.3d 354, 2006-Ohio-5. This is true even where the attorney
obtains a written waiver of the conflict, something which is absent from the record in the
present case.1 Prof.Cond.R. 1.7(c)(2) provides that an attorney shall not accept or continue
representation if "the representation would involve the assertion of a claim by one client
against another client represented by the lawyer in the same proceeding."
{¶ 36} While the Supreme Court exercises exclusive jurisdiction over admission to the
practice of law and discipline of persons so admitted, a trial court retains the "'authority and
duty to see to the ethical conduct of attorneys in proceedings before it * * * [and] [u]pon
proper grounds it can disqualify an attorney.'" Royal Indemn. Co. v. J.C. Penney Co., 27
Ohio St.3d 31, 34 (1986), quoting Hahn v. Boeing Co., 95 Wash.2d 28, 34 (1980). As
explained further in Mentor Lagoons, Inc. v. Rubin, 31 Ohio St.3d 256, 259-260 (1987):
This includes the inherent authority of dismissal or
disqualification from a case if an attorney cannot, or will not,
comply with the Code of Professional Responsibility when
representing a client. This power is distinct from the exclusive
authority of the Supreme Court of Ohio over attorney disciplinary
proceedings, and does not conflict with such power. Indeed we
hasten to approve and encourage courts throughout this state in
their efforts to halt unprofessional conduct and meet their
responsibilities in reporting violations of the Code.
1. A review of the record does not indicate that counsel for McClure obtained informed consent, confirmed in
writing, as required by Prof.Cond.R. 1.7(b)(2).
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(Internal citations omitted.)
{¶ 37} Without inquiring into the full extent and nature of the conflict between the
witness and McClure, the trial court could not be sure that counsel's continued representation
of McClure was not subject to Prof.Cond.R. 1.7(c)(2) and ineligible for waiver on ethical
grounds.
{¶ 38} Thus, I would find that the trial court could not obtain a voluntary and intelligent
waiver of the conflict if the court itself was not fully aware of the extent of conflict, nor whether
the conflict was eligible for waiver.
{¶ 39} Accordingly, I respectfully dissent from the majority's decision and would find
that the trial court erred in failing to inquire further into the conflict of interest.
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