State v. Pickett , 2016 Ohio 4593 ( 2016 )

[Cite as State v. Pickett, 2016-Ohio-4593.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
ATHENS COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO, :
Plaintiff-Appellee, : Case No. 15CA13
vs. :
TIMOTHY L. PICKETT, : DECISION AND JUDGMENT ENTRY
Defendant-Appellant. :
____________________________________________________________
APPEARANCES:
George W. Leach, Columbus, Ohio, for Appellant.
Keller J. Blackburn, Athens County Prosecuting Attorney, and Merry M. Saunders, Athens
County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Athens, Ohio, for Appellee.
____________________________________________________________
CRIMINAL CASE FROM COMMON PLEAS COURT
DATE JOURNALIZED: 6-20-16
ABELE, J.
{¶ 1} This is an appeal from an Athens County Common Pleas Court judgment of
conviction and sentence. The trial court found Timothy Pickett, defendant below and appellant
herein, guilty of (1) aggravated burglary in violation of R.C. 2911.11(A)(1), and (2) complicity to
felonious assault in violation of R.C. 2903.11(A)(1) and 2923.03(A)(2).
{¶ 2} Appellant assigns the following errors for review:
FIRST ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR:
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“THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN ALLOWING JEFF
MCCULLOCH AND MARK DOWDY TO REMAIN PRESENT
IN THE COURT ROOM DURING THE TRIAL AFTER
DEFENSE COUNSEL REQUESTED A SEPARATION OF
WITNESSES PURSUANT TO EVID.R. 615.”
SECOND ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR:
“THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN IT CONVICTED THE
APPELLANT OF AGGRAVATED BURGLARY AND
FELONIOUS ASSAULT AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT
OF EVIDENCE.”
THIRD ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR:
“APPELLANT DID NOT RECEIVE THE EFFECTIVE
ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL AS GUARANTEED BY THE
SIXTH AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES
CONSTITUTION.”
FOURTH ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR:
“THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN IT FAILED TO FIND
THAT AGGRAVATED BURGLARY AND FELONIOUS
ASSAULT WERE ALLIED OFFENSES WHICH WOULD
MERGE FOR SENTENCING PURPOSES.”
{¶ 3} On November 12, 2013, appellant and his son, Michael Wright, entered Jeffrey
McCulloch’s home, while McCulloch and his friend, Mark Dowdy, were present. The parties
dispute the precise series of events that transpired and the circumstances under which appellant
and Wright entered McCulloch’s home. What is not disputed, however, is that Wright stabbed
McCulloch, which caused McCulloch’s intestines to protrude.
{¶ 4} On April 28, 2014, an Athens County grand jury returned an indictment that
charged appellant with aggravated burglary and felonious assault. Appellant entered not guilty
pleas.
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{¶ 5} On March 10 and 11, 2015, the trial court held a bench trial. To start, the state
requested the court to allow the two victims, McCulloch and Dowdy, to remain in the courtroom.
Appellant, however, requested that the court prohibit the victims from remaining in the
courtroom during the other’s testimony. The court ruled that the victims could remain in the
courtroom throughout the trial and that the court would “take into consideration any weight that
it might give their testimony, after hearing the testimony of any other individuals in this case.”
{¶ 6} McCulloch testified and explained the November 12, 2013, incident as follows.
Shortly after Dowdy arrived at his home, McCulloch heard a knock on his door. McCulloch
asked who it was, and a voice responded, “John.” McCulloch asked, “John who?” The voice
responded, “Woolett.” McCulloch explained that he knew an individual named John Woolett so
he requested Dowdy to open the door. As soon as Dowdy opened the door, appellant and
Wright charged in the door. Wright had his hand in his pocket and McCulloch “kn[e]w
[Wright] had a weapon of some kind.” McCulloch, apparently discerning a threat, “took
[Wright] to the ground.” Wright extricated himself from McCulloch’s hold and threatened to
cut off McCulloch’s finger with a pocket knife and also threatened to slit his throat. McCulloch
stated that Wright wanted McCulloch’s “money or drugs.” McCulloch refused to cede to
Wright’s will, and Wright stabbed him. At that point, appellant stated, “I’m out of here,” and
both appellant and Wright fled the premises.
{¶ 7} Dowdy testified and explained the November 12, 2013 incident as follows. He
was visiting McCulloch when they heard a knock on the door. As soon as Dowdy opened the
door, appellant and Wright rushed in and asked where the “money and drugs” were located.
Appellant and Wright stated that they were “there to rob” McCulloch and Dowdy. McCulloch
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grabbed appellant by the throat, then turned his attention to Wright. Wright and McCulloch
fought in the kitchen, while appellant subdued Dowdy in the living area. Appellant then
attempted to help Wright by “tak[ing McCulloch] to the floor.” Dowdy started to get up, and
appellant came running back to Dowdy. Appellant sat on top of him, with a knife in his hand,
and stated, “I’ll fucking kill ya, where the shit at? [sic]” McCulloch started gaining “the upper
hand” on Wright, so appellant returned to the kitchen to help Wright “rob” McCulloch. Dowdy
grabbed a knife and stated, “now the tables are turned. * * * I feel like killing you fuckers.”
Appellant ran back towards Dowdy and again subdued him. During the struggle, appellant
apparently stabbed Dowdy’s hand with a knife. After Wright stabbed McCulloch, appellant and
Wright ran out of the house.
{¶ 8} After the state rested, appellant moved for a Crim.R. 29(A) judgment of acquittal
and asserted that the state failed to present sufficient evidence to support a felonious assault or
aggravated burglary conviction. Appellant pointed out that (1) the state did not present any
evidence that appellant caused McCulloch serious physical harm so as to support the felonious
assault conviction, and (2) the state failed to present evidence that he unlawfully entered
McCulloch’s premises with purpose to commit a theft offense. The state, however, asserted that
sufficient evidence supports a finding that appellant, at a minimum, gained entrance to
McCulloch’s residence by deception. The state also argued that sufficient evidence supported a
finding that appellant was complicit in causing McCulloch serious physical harm. The state
pointed out that Dowdy testified that appellant helped Wright subdue McCulloch, which led to
the stabbing. The trial court overruled appellant’s motion.
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{¶ 9} In his defense, appellant presented testimony from his wife, Carla Pickett. She
stated that she saw appellant and Wright after they had been to McCulloch’s house and that both
appeared upset. She noted that appellant had a knife sticking out of his coat pocket. Carla
stated that she had never seen this knife before and that appellant appeared surprised to find it
there.
{¶ 10} Appellant offered the following version of the events of November 12, 2013.
Appellant needed to pick up some money from an individual named "Jack." Wright and
appellant drove to Jack’s house, but Jack was not home. Wright suggested that while they wait
for Jack to return, they visit one of his friends. Wright drove to McCulloch’s trailer. Appellant
became concerned that Wright intended to purchase drugs during this visit, so he accompanied
Wright to the door. Wright knocked on the door. When the door opened, they both stepped
inside. McCulloch then attacked Wright. Appellant stated that he tried to help Wright so they
could leave, because he did not “know what in the heck is going on.” Dowdy grabbed appellant,
and appellant pushed Dowdy to the couch. Appellant tried to break up the fight between Wright
and McCulloch and Dowdy approached Wright with a knife and stated, “I’m going to kill ya.”
Appellant subdued Dowdy, and then he and Wright left. Appellant was unaware that
McCulloch had been stabbed, and he did not know that Wright had carried a knife into
McCulloch’s trailer.
{¶ 11} Appellant also denied that either he or Wright claimed to be “John Woolet” when
they knocked on McCulloch’s door. He also denied knowing the origin of the knife that he
found in his coat pocket later in the evening. Appellant claimed that when he went to
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McCulloch’s trailer with Wright, he thought McCulloch was one of Wright’s friends. Appellant
denied having an intent to harm anyone and claimed that he was only trying to help Wright.
{¶ 12} On March 19, 2015, the trial court orally announced its decision and found
appellant guilty of aggravated burglary and complicity to felonious assault. The court explained
its findings and noted that McCulloch’s and Dowdy’s testimony revealed some inconsistencies,
but the court did not find them “so * * * different that it * * * leads the Court to a different
conclusion.” The court stated that it shared appellant’s counsel’s concerns regarding both
victims remaining in the courtroom during the testimony and explained: “I think it makes it * * *
certainly suspect at a minimum of what their testifying to by their own recollection as [o]pposed
to what they just heard. [sic]” The court considered appellant’s assertion that he was a tacit
participant in the events, but found evidence to the contrary. The court observed that it had
reviewed videotaped surveillance footage of appellant’s and Wright’s conduct before knocking
on McCulloch’s door and found that “they did not immediately go to the door upon entering the
driveway.” The court believed that their conduct showed that they had “preplanned” this
“mission.” The court further noted that Dowdy testified that appellant asked for money during
the encounter. The court further found that appellant inflicted, or threatened to inflict, physical
harm upon Dowdy and that he had a deadly weapon (a knife) on or about his person or under his
control. The court additionally determined that appellant’s conduct facilitated Wright in
stabbing McCulloch and that he thereby aided or abetted Wright in committing felonious assault.
{¶ 13} On April 13, 2015, the trial court found appellant guilty of (1) aggravated burglary
in violation of R.C. 2911.11(A)(1), and (2) complicity to felonious assault in violation of R.C.
ATHENS, 15CA13 7
2903.11(A)(1) and R.C. 2923.03(A)(2). The court determined that the offenses did not merge
and sentenced appellant on both counts. The court explained:
“Although these crimes could be committed with the same act, the
Aggravate[d] Burglary was completed upon Defendant forcing his way into the
home, demanding money and threatening the victims and, indeed, by sitting on the
one victim’s chest and kneeling on his arms. The felonious assault against the
other victim occurred after the burglary was complete, and in which Defendant
was found to be complicit. Defendant had separate animi for each of the crimes
and there were separate victims of each of the crimes.”
The court sentenced appellant to serve four years in prison for aggravated burglary and two years
for felonious assault with the sentences to be served consecutively. This appeal followed.
I
{¶ 14} In his first assignment of error, appellant asserts that the trial court abused its
discretion by permitting the alleged victims, McCulloch and Dowdy, to remain in the courtroom
during trial. Appellant contends that permitting them to remain in the courtroom violated his
right to a fair trial. Appellant argues that permitting both alleged victims to remain in the
courtroom allowed the second victim who testified, Dowdy, to ensure that his testimony was
consistent with the first victim’s testimony.
Appellant additionally contends that the trial court wrongly determined that Dowdy was a
“victim” of the crime and, thus, not subject to the separation of witnesses rule. Appellant notes
that the indictment identified McCulloch and Dowdy as aggravated burglary victims and
identified McCulloch as the only felonious assault victim. Appellant asserts, however, that
Dowdy could not have been an aggravated burglary victim because he did not own the house and
was not deprived of his possessions or property.
ATHENS, 15CA13 8
{¶ 15} Generally, a trial court possesses discretion to allow a victim to remain in the
courtroom during testimony. State v. Jackson, 107 Ohio St. 3d 53, 2005-Ohio-5981, 836 N.E.2d
1173, ¶96; State v. Shifflet, 2015-Ohio-4250, 44 N.E.3d 966 (4th Dist.), ¶67, citing In re Morris,
12th Dist. Butler No. CA2002–03–054, 2002-Ohio-5881, 2002 WL 31414557; State v. Maley, 1st
Dist. No. C–120599, 2013–Ohio–3452, ¶3; State v. Klusty, 5th Dist. Delaware No.
14CAA070040, 2015-Ohio-2843, ¶32. Consequently, a reviewing court will not reverse a trial
court’s decision to allow a victim to remain in the courtroom during testimony unless the trial
court abused its discretion. “An abuse of discretion is more than a mere error of law or
judgment.” State v. Thompson, 141 Ohio St. 3d 254, 2014–Ohio–4751, 23 N.E.3d 1096, ¶91;
accord State v. Johnson, 144 Ohio St. 3d 518, 2015–Ohio–4903, 45 N.E.3d 208, ¶75. Instead,
“‘[a] trial court abuses its discretion when it makes a decision that is unreasonable,
unconscionable, or arbitrary.’” State v. Keenan, 143 Ohio St. 3d 397, 2015-Ohio–2484, 38
N.E.3d 870, ¶7, quoting State v. Darmond, 135 Ohio St. 3d 343, 2013–Ohio–966, 986 N.E.2d
971, ¶34. An abuse of discretion includes a situation in which a trial court did not engage in a
“‘sound reasoning process.’” State v. Morris, 132 Ohio St. 3d 337, 2012–Ohio–2407, 972
N.E.2d 528, ¶14, quoting AAAA Ents., Inc. v. River Place Community Urban Redevelopment
Corp., 50 Ohio St. 3d 157, 161, 553 N.E.2d 597 (1990). Moreover, “[a]buse-of-discretion
review is deferential and does not permit an appellate court to simply substitute its judgment for
that of the trial court.” Darmond at ¶34.
{¶ 16} Evid.R. 615 governs the separation of witnesses during testimony and provides:
(A) Except as provided in division (B) of this rule, at the request of a party
the court shall order witnesses excluded so that they cannot hear the testimony of
other witnesses, and it may make the order of its own motion. An order directing
ATHENS, 15CA13 9
the “exclusion” or “separation” of witnesses or the like, in general terms without
specification of other or additional limitations, is effective only to require the
exclusion of witnesses from the hearing during the testimony of other witnesses.
The purpose of a separation order is “‘so that [witnesses] cannot hear the testimony of other
witnesses,’ Evid.R. 615, and tailor their own testimony accordingly.” State v. Waddy, 63 Ohio
St.3d 424, 434, 588 N.E.2d 819 (1992). Evid.R. 615 “‘is predicated on the well-established and
time-honored practice of separating witnesses in order to facilitate the exposure of
inconsistencies in their testimony and to prevent the possibility of a witness shaping his or her
testimony to conform with that of another.’ Weissenberger’s Ohio Evidence, Treatise, Section
615.1.” State v. Beavers, 2nd Dist. Montgomery No. 26036, 2015-Ohio-1161, ¶66, quoting
State v. Hartzell, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 17499, 1999 WL 957746 (Aug. 20, 1999).
{¶ 17} Evid.R. 615(B)(4) does not, however, authorize trial courts to exclude “in a
criminal proceeding, a victim of the charged offense to the extent that the victim’s presence is
authorized by statute enacted by the General Assembly.” R.C. 2930.09 authorizes a victim of
the charged offense(s) to remain in the courtroom “whenever the defendant * * * in the case is
present during any stage of the case against the defendant * * * that is conducted on the record,
other than a grand jury proceeding, unless the court determines that exclusion of the victim is
necessary to protect the defendant’s * * * right to a fair trial * * *.” Thus, under Evid.R.
615(B)(4) and R.C. 2930.09, a trial court may not exclude a victim from the courtroom during
other witnesses’ testimony, unless the court finds that doing so is necessary to protect the
defendant’s right to a fair trial.
{¶ 18} The defendant bears the burden of establishing that the victim’s presence
compromises the defendant’s right to a fair trial. State v. Ricco, 11th Dist. Lake No.
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2008-L-169, 2009-Ohio-5894, ¶27. “[F]or a defendant to show that a victim’s presence would
result in an unfair trial, she must present particularized evidence that the victim’s testimony will
be so affected by the victim’s presence during the testimony of other witnesses that her right to a
fair trial would be violated. General assertions that it is possible are insufficient.” State v.
Maley, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C120599, 2013-Ohio-3452, ¶7.
{¶ 19} In the case sub judice, we do not believe that the trial court abused its discretion
by permitting both victims to remain in the courtroom. Appellant has not shown how permitting
the two alleged victims to remain in the courtroom prejudiced his right to a fair trial. We point
out that appellant chose to be tried by the court, and not by a jury. The trial court specifically
stated that it understood appellant’s concerns that the victims might tailor their testimony to
conform to the other and took this consideration into account. See State v. Ricco, 11th Dist.
Lake No. 2008-L-169, 2009-Ohio-5894, ¶27 (determining that in bench trial, defendant’s right to
fair trial not violated by permitting victim to remain in courtroom during testimony).
Furthermore, appellant’s counsel cross-examined each victim regarding his testimony and
questioned each about apparent inconsistencies in their versions of the events that transpired on
November 12, 2013. Maley at ¶8 (stating that defendant’s “argument that the victim ‘tailored’
his testimony to what he heard from [other witnesses] is negated by his cross-examination”);
State v. Marshall, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2008-03-093, 2009-Ohio-2197, ¶44 (noting that
defendant’s attorney cross-examined alleged victims “and therefore had the opportunity to test
whether their testimony was tailored or truthful”); State v. Barney, 4th Dist. Meigs No. 97CA12,
1999 WL 378755, *7 (June 7, 1999). We additionally observe that the victims’ testimony did
not mirror each other in a manner to suggest that the second victim who testified, Dowdy,
ATHENS, 15CA13 11
attempted to tailor his testimony to match the first victim’s testimony. Indeed, the victims
offered somewhat differing accounts of the precise series of events that led to McCulloch’s
stabbing. This fact tends to support the likelihood that each testified according to his own
recollection, rather than according to what the other victim stated while testifying. Thus, we do
not believe that appellant established that the victims’ presence compromised his right to a fair
trial. Consequently, we do not believe that the trial court abused its discretion by permitting the
two alleged victims to remain in the courtroom during other witnesses’ testimony.
{¶ 20} Furthermore, we reject appellant’s argument that the trial court erred by
determining that Dowdy was a “victim” not subject to exclusion. We observe that appellant did
not argue during the trial court proceedings that the court erred by concluding that Dowdy was a
“victim” of the crime and not subject to exclusion. Thus, appellant forfeited the right to raise
this issue on appeal. It is well-established that “‘an appellate court will not consider any error
which counsel for a party complaining of the trial court’s judgment could have called but did not
call to the trial court’s attention at a time when such error could have been avoided or corrected
by the trial court.’” State v. Quarterman, 140 Ohio St. 3d 464, 2014-Ohio-4034, 19 N.E.3d 900,
¶15, quoting State v. Awan, 22 Ohio St. 3d 120, 122, 489 N.E.2d 277 (1986), quoting State v.
Childs, 14 Ohio St. 2d 56, 236 N.E.2d 545 (1968), paragraph three of the syllabus. Appellate
courts nevertheless have discretion to consider forfeited issues using a plain-error analysis. E.g.,
Risner v. Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources, Ohio Div. of Wildlife, 144 Ohio St. 3d 278,
2015-Ohio-3731, 42 N.E.3d 718, ¶27. Crim.R. 52(B) provides appellate courts with discretion
to correct “[p]lain errors or defects affecting substantial rights.” “To prevail under the
plain-error standard, a defendant must show that an error occurred, that it was obvious, and that it
ATHENS, 15CA13 12
affected his substantial rights,” i.e., the trial court’s error must have affected the outcome of the
trial. State v. Obermiller, 2016-Ohio-1594, ¶62, citing State v. Barnes, 94 Ohio St. 3d 21, 27,
2002-Ohio-68, 759 N.E.2d 1240. “We take ‘[n]otice of plain error * * * with the utmost
caution, under exceptional circumstances and only to prevent a manifest miscarriage of justice.’”
Obermiller at ¶62, quoting State v. Long, 53 Ohio St. 2d 91, 97, 372 N.E.2d 804 (1978).
“Reversal is warranted only if the outcome of the trial clearly would have been different absent
the error.” State v. Hill, 92 Ohio St. 3d 191, 203, 749 N.E.2d 274 (2001).
{¶ 21} In the case sub judice, assuming, arguendo, that the trial court improperly
determined that Dowdy was a “victim,”1 and thus, improperly permitted him to remain in the
courtroom during other witnesses’ testimony, appellant cannot show that Dowdy’s exclusion
from the courtroom during other witnesses’ testimony would have changed the result of his trial.
As we explained, appellant has not shown that Dowdy’s testimony closely mirrored McCulloch’s
so as to suggest that Dowdy tailored his testimony to match McCulloch’s testimony.
Additionally, nothing in the record suggests that Dowdy otherwise tailored his testimony to
match any other witnesses’ testimony. Given these circumstances, we do not see how excluding
Dowdy from the courtroom during other witnesses’ testimony would have affected the outcome
of the trial.
{¶ 22} Accordingly, based upon the foregoing reasons, we hereby overrule appellant’s
first assignment of error.
II
1
“The question of who constitutes a ‘victim’ under the statute is a question of law that is reviewed de
novo.” State v. Harris, 6th Dist. Wood No. WD–14–069, 2015–Ohio–4412, ¶8; accord State v. Hunter, 2d Dist.
Montgomery No. 25521, 2013-Ohio-3759, 2013 WL 4716164, ¶7.
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{¶ 23} In his second assignment of error, appellant raises three arguments: (1) the trial
court erred by denying his Crim.R. 29(A) motion for judgment of acquittal; (2) the state did not
present sufficient evidence to support his convictions; and (3) his convictions are against the
manifest weight of the evidence.
{¶ 24} Initially, we observe that although appellant combines the sufficiency 2 and
manifest weight of the evidence arguments, “sufficiency” and “manifest weight” present two
distinct legal concepts. Eastley v. Volkman, 132 Ohio St. 3d 328, 2012-Ohio-2179, 972 N.E.2d
517, ¶23 (stating that “sufficiency of the evidence is quantitatively and qualitatively different
from the weight of the evidence”); State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St. 3d 380, 678 N.E.2d 541
(1997), syllabus. A claim of insufficient evidence invokes a due process concern and raises the
question whether the evidence is legally sufficient to support the verdict as a matter of law.
State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St. 3d 380, 386, 678 N.E.2d 541 (1997). When reviewing the
sufficiency of the evidence, our inquiry focuses primarily upon the adequacy of the evidence; that
is, whether the evidence, if believed, reasonably could support a finding of guilt beyond a
reasonable doubt. Id. at syllabus. The standard of review is whether, after viewing the
probative evidence and inferences reasonably drawn therefrom in the light most favorable to the
prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found all the essential elements of the offense
2
Crim.R. 29(A) states:
The court on motion of a defendant or on its own motion, after the evidence on
either side is closed, shall order the entry of a judgment of acquittal of one or
more offenses charged in the indictment, information, or complaint, if the
evidence is insufficient to sustain a conviction of such offense or offenses.
“A motion for acquittal under Crim.R. 29(A) is governed by the same standard as the one for determining
whether a verdict is supported by sufficient evidence.” State v. Tenace, 109 Ohio St. 3d 255, 2006–Ohio–2417, 847
N.E.2d 386 (2006), ¶37.
ATHENS, 15CA13 14
beyond a reasonable doubt. E.g., Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319, 99 S. Ct. 2781, 61
L. Ed. 2d 560 (1979); State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St. 3d 259, 273, 574 N.E.2d 492 (1991).
Furthermore, a reviewing court is not to assess “whether the state’s evidence is to be believed,
but whether, if believed, the evidence against a defendant would support a conviction.”
Thompkins, 78 Ohio St. 3d at 390 (Cook, J., concurring).
{¶ 25} Thus, when reviewing a sufficiency-of-the-evidence claim, an appellate court
must construe the evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution. E.g., State v. Hill, 75
Ohio St. 3d 195, 205, 661 N.E.2d 1068 (1996); State v. Grant, 67 Ohio St. 3d 465, 477, 620
N.E.2d 50 (1993). A reviewing court will not overturn a conviction on a
sufficiency-of-the-evidence claim unless reasonable minds could not reach the conclusion that
the trier of fact did. State v. Tibbetts, 92 Ohio St. 3d 146, 162, 749 N.E.2d 226 (2001); State v.
Treesh, 90 Ohio St. 3d 460, 484, 739 N.E.2d 749 (2001).
{¶ 26} “Although a court of appeals may determine that a judgment of a trial court is
sustained by sufficient evidence, that court may nevertheless conclude that the judgment is
against the weight of the evidence.” Thompkins, 78 Ohio St. 3d at 387. When an appellate
court considers a claim that a conviction is against the manifest weight of the evidence, the court
must dutifully examine the entire record, weigh the evidence and all reasonable inferences, and
consider the witness credibility. State v. Dean, 2015-Ohio-4347, ¶151, citing Thompkins, 78
Ohio St. 3d at 387. A reviewing court must bear in mind, however, that credibility generally is
an issue for the trier of fact to resolve. State v. Issa, 93 Ohio St. 3d 49, 67, 752 N.E.2d 904
(2001); State v. Murphy, 4th Dist. Ross No. 07CA2953, 2008–Ohio–1744, ¶31. “‘Because the
trier of fact sees and hears the witnesses and is particularly competent to decide “whether, and to
ATHENS, 15CA13 15
what extent, to credit the testimony of particular witnesses,” we must afford substantial deference
to its determinations of credibility.’” Barberton v. Jenney, 126 Ohio St. 3d 5, 2010–Ohio–2420,
929 N.E.2d 1047, ¶20, quoting State v. Konya, 2nd Dist. Montgomery No. 21434,
2006–Ohio–6312, ¶6, quoting State v. Lawson, 2nd Dist. Montgomery No. 16288 (Aug. 22,
1997). As the court explained in Eastley v. Volkman, 132 Ohio St. 3d 328, 2012–Ohio–2179,
972 N.E.2d 517:
“‘[I]n determining whether the judgment below is manifestly against the
weight of the evidence, every reasonable intendment must be made in favor of the
judgment and the finding of facts. * * *
If the evidence is susceptible of more than one construction, the reviewing
court is bound to give it that interpretation which is consistent with the verdict and
judgment, most favorable to sustaining the verdict and judgment.’”
Id. at ¶21, quoting Seasons Coal Co., Inc. v. Cleveland, 10 Ohio St. 3d 77, 80, 461 N.E.2d 1273
(1984), fn.3, quoting 5 Ohio Jurisprudence 3d, Appellate Review, Section 60, at 191–192 (1978).
Thus, an appellate court will leave the issues of weight and credibility of the evidence to the
fact-finder, as long as a rational basis exists in the record for its decision. State v. Picklesimer,
4th Dist. Pickaway No. 11CA9, 2012–Ohio–1282, ¶24; accord State v. Howard, 4th Dist. Ross
No. 07CA2948, 2007–Ohio–6331, ¶6 (“We will not intercede as long as the trier of fact has
some factual and rational basis for its determination of credibility and weight.”).
{¶ 27} Once the reviewing court finishes its examination, the court may reverse the
judgment of conviction only if it appears that the fact-finder, when resolving the conflicts in
evidence, “‘clearly lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the
conviction must be reversed and a new trial ordered.’” Thompkins, 78 Ohio St. 3d at 387,
quoting State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App. 3d 172, 175, 485 N.E.2d 717 (1st Dist.1983). If the
ATHENS, 15CA13 16
prosecution presented substantial credible evidence upon which the trier of fact reasonably could
conclude, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the essential elements of the offense had been
established, the judgment of conviction is not against the manifest weight of the evidence. E.g.,
State v. Eley, 56 Ohio St. 2d 169, 383 N.E.2d 132 (1978), syllabus, superseded by state
constitutional amendment on other grounds in State v. Smith, 80 Ohio St. 3d 89, 684 N.E.2d 668
(1997). Accord Eastley at ¶12, quoting Thompkins, 78 Ohio St. 3d at 387, quoting Black’s Law
Dictionary 1594 (6th ed.1990) (explaining that a judgment is not against the manifest weight of
the evidence when “‘“the greater amount of credible evidence”’” supports it). Furthermore,
“‘“[w]hen conflicting evidence is presented at trial, a conviction is not against the manifest
weight of the evidence simply because the jury believed the prosecution testimony.”’” State v.
Cooper, 170 Ohio App. 3d 418, 2007-Ohio-1186, 867 N.E.2d 493, ¶17, quoting State v. Mason,
9th Dist. No. 21397, 2003-Ohio-5785, 2003 WL 22439816, ¶17, quoting State v. Gilliam, 9th
Dist. No. 97CA006757, 1998 WL 487085 (Aug. 12, 1998). Moreover, a conviction is not
against the manifest weight of the evidence even if the “evidence is subject to different
interpretations.” State v. Adams, 2d Dist. Greene Nos. 2013CA61, 2013-CA-62,
2014-Ohio-3432, 2014WL3887215, ¶24. Instead, a reviewing court should find a conviction
against the manifest weight of the evidence only in the “‘exceptional case in which the evidence
weighs heavily against the conviction.’” Thompkins, 78 Ohio St. 3d at 387, quoting Martin, 20
Ohio App. 3d at 175. Accord State v. Lindsey, 87 Ohio St. 3d 479, 483, 721 N.E.2d 995 (2000).
{¶ 28} When an appellate court concludes that the weight of the evidence supports a
defendant’s conviction, this conclusion necessarily includes a finding that sufficient evidence
supports the conviction. See State v. Pollitt, 4th Dist. Scioto No. 08CA3263, 2010-Ohio-2556,
ATHENS, 15CA13 17
¶15. “‘Thus, a determination that [a] conviction is supported by the weight of the evidence will
also be dispositive of the issue of sufficiency.’” State v. Lombardi, 9th Dist. Summit No. 22435,
2005-Ohio-4942, ¶9, quoting State v. Roberts, 9th Dist. Lorain No. 96CA6462 (Sept. 17, 1997).
In the case sub judice, therefore, we first consider whether appellant’s convictions are against the
manifest weight of the evidence.
{¶ 29} In the case at bar, we believe that the state presented substantial competent and
credible evidence to support appellant’s aggravated burglary and complicity to felonious assault
convictions. This is not one of those exceptional circumstances where the evidence weighs
heavily against conviction.
{¶ 30} The aggravated burglary statute, R.C. 2911.11(A), provides:
No person, by force, stealth, or deception, shall trespass in an occupied
structure or in a separately secured or separately occupied portion of an occupied
structure, when another person other than an accomplice of the offender is
present, with purpose to commit in the structure or in the separately secured or
separately occupied portion of the structure any criminal offense, if any of the
following apply:
(1) The offender inflicts, or attempts or threatens to inflict physical harm
on another;
(2) The offender has a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance on or about
the offender’s person or under the offender’s control.
{¶ 31} We believe, after our review of the record, that substantial competent and credible
evidence supports a finding that appellant unlawfully trespassed in McCulloch’s home with
purpose to commit theft and that he inflicted, or attempted or threatened to inflict, physical harm
on McCulloch or Dowdy. Both McCulloch and Dowdy testified that appellant and Wright
gained entry to the home by claiming to be “John Woolet.” After Dowdy opened the door
ATHENS, 15CA13 18
expecting John Woolet, appellant charged through the doorway. Neither Dowdy nor McCulloch
gave appellant permission to enter the premises. Dowdy stated that appellant appeared to be the
leader of the two and that appellant asked, “where the shit at,” meaning the money and drugs.
Dowdy also testified that appellant and Wright indicated that they were at McCulloch’s trailer to
“rob” them. Moreover, the trial court judge noted that the surveillance video of the moments
preceding appellant’s entrance into McCulloch’s residence shows that appellant and Wright did
not immediately knock on the door. The court determined that their conduct lent support to the
theory that appellant and Wright discussed the plan to deprive McCulloch of his drugs and/or
money before they knocked on his door. The court explained that the surveillance video showed
appellant and Wright engaged in “casual time” between the time that they exited the vehicle and
the time that they knocked on McCulloch’s front door. The court found that their conduct
illustrated that they were not innocently visiting McCulloch’s residence, but rather, “this was
some sort of preplanned mission to accomplish what was originally set out to be * * * a theft * *
* .” Furthermore, substantial evidence supports a finding that appellant inflicted, or attempted
or threatened to inflict physical harm upon Dowdy and that he possessed a deadly weapon.
Dowdy testified that appellant held a knife to his neck and later cut his hand. Investigating
officers observed injuries to Dowdy’s hand. Thus, given all of the foregoing evidence, we
believe that substantial competent and credible evidence supports appellant’s aggravated burglary
conviction. Appellant’s aggravated burglary conviction is not, therefore, against the manifest
weight of the evidence.
{¶ 32} Additionally, we do not believe that appellant’s complicity to felonious assault
conviction is against the manifest weight of the evidence. The felonious assault statute, R.C.
ATHENS, 15CA13 19
2903.11, prohibits a person from knowingly causing serious physical harm to another. “A
person acts knowingly, regardless of his purpose, when he is aware that his conduct will probably
cause a certain result or will probably be of a certain nature. A person has knowledge of
circumstances when he is aware that such circumstances probably exist.” R.C. 2901.22(B).
The complicity statute, R.C. 2923.03(A)(2), states in pertinent part: “No person, acting with the
kind of culpability required for the commission of an offense, shall * * * [a]id or abet another in
committing the offense[.]” Thus, to sustain appellant’s complicity to felonious assault
conviction, the evidence must show that he knowingly aided or abetted Wright in committing
felonious assault. See State v. Ramey, 2015-Ohio-5389, — N.E.3d — (2nd Dist.), ¶54
(explaining that complicity to felonious assault conviction requires proof that the defendant
knowingly aided or abetted the principal offender in committing felonious assault); State v.
Perry, 9th Dist. Lorain No. 00CA7634 (Feb. 14, 2001) (stating that complicity to felonious assault
conviction proper when evidence shows that defendant knowingly aided or abetted the principal
offender in causing serious physical harm to the victim).
“To support a conviction for complicity by aiding and abetting pursuant to
R.C. 2923.03(A)(2), the evidence must show that the defendant supported,
assisted, encouraged, cooperated with, advised, or incited the principal in the
commission of the crime, and that the defendant shared the criminal intent of the
principal. Such intent may be inferred from the circumstances surrounding the
crime.”
State v. Johnson, 93 Ohio St. 3d 240, 754 N.E.2d 796 (2001), syllabus; accord In re T.K., 109
Ohio St. 3d 512, 2006-Ohio-3056, 849 N.E.2d 286, ¶13. “‘Participation in criminal intent may
be inferred from presence, companionship and conduct before and after the offense is
committed.’” Johnson, 93 Ohio St. 3d at 245, 754 N.E.2d 796, quoting State v. Pruett, 28 Ohio
ATHENS, 15CA13 20
App.2d 29, 34, 273 N.E.2d 884 (4th Dist. 1971). However, “‘the mere presence of an accused at
the scene of a crime is not sufficient to prove, in and of itself, that the accused was an aider and
abettor.’” Id. at 243, quoting State v. Widner, 69 Ohio St. 2d 267, 269, 431 N.E.2d 1025 (1982).
“This rule is to protect innocent bystanders who have no connection to the crime other than
simply being present at the time of its commission.” Id.
{¶ 33} In the case sub judice, we believe that substantial competent and credible evidence
supports a finding that appellant was more than an innocent bystander to the felonious assault,
but instead, that he knowingly aided or abetted Wright in committing felonious assault. The
state presented evidence that appellant participated in the fight between Wright and McCulloch
and that his assistance facilitated Wright’s stabbing of McCulloch. The court explained that it
did not have “difficulty” finding appellant guilty of “felonious assault because it is almost
essentially due to [appellant]’s actions that * * * the stabbing of Mr. McCulloch was able to take
place according to how the events unfolded.” Additionally, Dowdy testified that appellant
expressed an intent to kill. Thus, the evidence supports a finding that appellant possessed at
least the same criminal intent as Wright. Furthermore, according to both McCulloch and
Dowdy, appellant and Wright each expressed either verbally or through their conduct, their intent
to harm McCulloch and Dowdy in order to obtain drugs and money. Additionally, the trial court
found that appellant had a knife in his possession during the melee. Although appellant offered
an innocent explanation and claimed that he discovered the knife in his coat pocket after leaving
McCulloch’s house, the trial court was free to reject appellant’s explanation and believe that
appellant went to McCulloch’s house armed with a knife. The evidence concerning appellant’s
presence in McCulloch’s house, his companionship with Wright, and his conduct before and
ATHENS, 15CA13 21
after the offense amply supports a finding that appellant knowingly aided or abetted Wright in
committing felonious assault. We do not believe that the fact-finder clearly lost its way by
convicting appellant. Consequently, appellant’s complicity to felonious assault conviction is not
against the manifest weight of the evidence. participated in Wright’s criminal intent.
{¶ 34} Accordingly, based upon the foregoing reasons, we hereby overrule appellant’s
second assignment of error.
III
{¶ 35} In his third assignment of error, appellant asserts that trial counsel performed
ineffectively in the following respects: (1) by failing to object to hearsay; (2) by failing to object
to leading questions; (3) by failing to view the exhibits handed to witnesses to confirm that they
were the correct exhibits; (4) by failing to review the documents to which trial counsel stipulated;
(5) by stipulating to the admission of medical records instead of cross-examining medical
providers and objecting on the basis of hearsay; (6) by stipulating to the “serious physical injury”
element of felonious assault instead of requiring medical testimony; and (7) by failing to advise
appellant that trial counsel, a former Athens County assistant prosecuting attorney, prosecuted
appellant in 2008 for aggravated possession of drugs.
A
INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL STANDARD
{¶ 36} The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 10
of the Ohio Constitution provide that defendants in all criminal proceedings shall have the
assistance of counsel for their defense. The United States Supreme Court has generally
interpreted this provision to mean a criminal defendant is entitled to the “reasonably effective
ATHENS, 15CA13 22
assistance” of counsel. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 104 S. Ct. 2052, 80 L. Ed. 2d
674 (1984); McMann v. Richardson, 397 U.S. 759, 770, 90 S. Ct. 1441, 25 L. Ed. 2d 763 (1970);
State v. Creech, 188 Ohio App. 3d 513, 2010–Ohio–2553, 936 N.E.2d 79, ¶39 (4th Dist.).
{¶ 37} To establish constitutionally ineffective assistance of counsel, a defendant must
show (1) that his counsel’s performance was deficient and (2) that the deficient performance
prejudiced the defense and deprived the defendant of a fair trial. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687;
State v. Powell, 132 Ohio St. 3d 233, 2012–Ohio–2577, 971 N.E.2d 865, ¶85. “In order to show
deficient performance, the defendant must prove that counsel’s performance fell below an
objective level of reasonable representation. To show prejudice, the defendant must show a
reasonable probability that, but for counsel’s errors, the result of the proceeding would have been
different.” State v. Conway, 109 Ohio St. 3d 412, 2006–Ohio–2815, 848 N.E.2d 810, ¶95
(citations omitted); accord State v. Wesson, 137 Ohio St. 3d 309, 2013–Ohio–4575, 999 N.E.2d
557, ¶81. “Failure to establish either element is fatal to the claim.” State v. Jones, 4th Dist.
Scioto No. 06CA3116, 2008–Ohio–968, ¶14. Therefore, if one element is dispositive, a court
need not analyze both. State v. Madrigal, 87 Ohio St. 3d 378, 389, 721 N.E.2d 52 (2000) (stating
that a defendant’s failure to satisfy one of the elements “negates a court’s need to consider the
other”).
{¶ 38} When considering whether trial counsel’s representation amounts to deficient
performance, “a court must indulge a strong presumption that counsel’s conduct falls within the
wide range of reasonable professional assistance.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689. Thus, “the
defendant must overcome the presumption that, under the circumstances, the challenged action
might be considered sound trial strategy.” Id. “A properly licensed attorney is presumed to
ATHENS, 15CA13 23
execute his duties in an ethical and competent manner.” State v. Taylor, 4th Dist. Washington
No. 07CA11, 2008–Ohio–482, ¶10, citing State v. Smith, 17 Ohio St. 3d 98, 100, 477 N.E.2d
1128 (1985). Therefore, a defendant bears the burden to show ineffectiveness by demonstrating
that counsel’s errors were so serious that he or she failed to function as the counsel guaranteed by
the Sixth Amendment. State v. Gondor, 112 Ohio St. 3d 377, 2006–Ohio–6679, 860 N.E.2d 77,
¶62; State v. Hamblin, 37 Ohio St. 3d 153, 156, 524 N.E.2d 476 (1988).
{¶ 39} To establish prejudice, a defendant must demonstrate that a reasonable probability
exists that but for counsel’s errors, the result of the trial would have been different. State v.
Short, 129 Ohio St. 3d 360, 2011–Ohio–3641, 952 N.E.2d 1121, ¶113; State v. White, 82 Ohio
St.3d 16, 23, 693 N.E.2d 772 (1998); State v. Bradley, 42 Ohio St. 3d 136, 538 N.E.2d 373
(1989), paragraph three of the syllabus. Furthermore, courts may not simply assume the
existence of prejudice, but must require the defendant to affirmatively establish prejudice. State
v. Clark, 4th Dist. Pike No. 02CA684, 2003–Ohio–1707, ¶22; State v. Tucker, 4th Dist. Ross No.
01CA2592 (Apr. 2, 2002). As we have repeatedly recognized, speculation is insufficient to
demonstrate the prejudice component of an ineffective assistance of counsel claim. E.g., State
v. Jenkins, 4th Dist. Ross No. 13CA3413, 2014–Ohio–3123, ¶22; State v. Simmons, 4th Dist.
Highland No. 13CA4, 2013–Ohio–2890, ¶25; State v. Halley, 4th Dist. Gallia No. 10CA13,
2012–Ohio–1625, ¶25; State v. Leonard, 4th Dist. Athens No. 08CA24, 2009–Ohio–6191, ¶68;
accord State v. Powell, 132 Ohio St. 3d 233, 2012–Ohio–2577, 971 N.E.2d 865, ¶86 (stating that
an argument that is purely speculative cannot serve as the basis for an ineffectiveness claim).
B
HEARSAY
ATHENS, 15CA13 24
{¶ 40} Appellant first complains that trial counsel performed ineffectively by failing to
object to inadmissible hearsay. Specifically, he asserts trial counsel performed ineffectively by
failing to object to (1) Dowdy’s testimony that he went to the hospital due to the injury appellant
allegedly caused, that the injury was infected, and that the injury “cut down to the bone, and hit a
tendon”; (2) another witness’s testimony that Wright was looking for drugs; (3) testimony that
McCulloch “always had crack cocaine, that he’s been robbed before” [sic]; and (4) testimony that
“the doctor even said that there had been several defensive wounds.”
{¶ 41} First, we observe that “‘[t]he failure to object to error, alone, is not enough to
sustain a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel.’” State v. Fears, 86 Ohio St. 3d 329, 347,
715 N.E.2d 136 (1999), quoting State v. Holloway, 38 Ohio St. 3d 239, 244, 527 N.E.2d 831
(1988). A defendant must also show that he was materially prejudiced by the failure to object.
Holloway, 38 Ohio St. 3d at 244. Accord State v. Hale, 119 Ohio St. 3d 118, 2008–Ohio–3426,
892 N.E.2d 864, ¶233.
{¶ 42} Additionally, tactical decisions, such as whether and when to object, ordinarily do
not give rise to a claim for ineffective assistance. State v. Johnson, 112 Ohio St. 3d 210,
2006-Ohio-6404, 858 N.E.2d 1144, ¶139–140. As the court explained in Johnson at ¶139–140:
“[F]ailure to object to error, alone, is not enough to sustain a claim of
ineffective assistance of counsel. To prevail on such a claim, a defendant must
first show that there was a substantial violation of any of defense counsel’s
essential duties to his client and, second, that he was materially prejudiced by
counsel’s ineffectiveness. State v. Holloway (1988), 38 Ohio St. 3d 239, 244, 527
N.E.2d 831. * * *
[E]xperienced trial counsel learn that objections to each potentially objectionable
event could actually act to their party’s detriment. * * * In light of this, any single
failure to object usually cannot be said to have been error unless the evidence
sought is so prejudicial * * * that failure to object essentially defaults the case to
the state. Otherwise, defense counsel must so consistently fail to use objections,
ATHENS, 15CA13 25
despite numerous and clear reasons for doing so, that counsel’s failure cannot
reasonably have been said to have been part of a trial strategy or tactical choice.
Lundgren v. Mitchell (C.A.6, 2006), 440 F.3d 754, 774. Accord State v.
Campbell, 69 Ohio St. 3d 38, 52–53, 1994–Ohio–492, 630 N.E.2d 339.”
{¶ 43} In the case sub judice, we believe that trial counsel’s decision not to object fell
within the broad realm of trial strategy and did not constitute deficient performance. Moreover,
even if trial counsel performed deficiently by failing to object to alleged hearsay testimony,
appellant cannot demonstrate that the failure to object affected the outcome of the trial. Even if
the statements had been excluded, the evidence still amply establishes that appellant committed
aggravated burglary (i.e., that appellant and Wright unlawfully entered McCulloch’s house, took
McCulloch’s money, and injured both McCulloch and Dowdy) and that he knowingly aided or
abetted Wright in committing felonious assault. While appellant speculates that some of the
alleged hearsay statements bolstered the state’s theory of the case, his speculation is not sufficient
to demonstrate ineffective assistance of counsel. Had trial counsel objected to the statements
and the court excluded them, we cannot find a reasonable probability that the outcome of the
proceedings would have been different.
C
LEADING QUESTIONS
{¶ 44} Appellant next argues that trial counsel performed ineffectively by failing to
object to leading questions. We do not agree.
{¶ 45} “Evid.R. 611(C) does not preclude the use of leading questions on direct
examination; instead, the rule provides that ‘it is within the trial court’s discretion to allow
ATHENS, 15CA13 26
leading questions on direct examination.’”3 State v. Williams, 4th Dist. Jackson No. 15CA3,
2016-Ohio-733, ¶34, quoting State v. Jackson, 92 Ohio St. 3d 436, 449, 751 N.E.2d 946 (2001).
Accordingly, “the failure to object to leading questions does not constitute ineffective assistance
of counsel.” Id., quoting Jackson, 92 Ohio St.3d at 449, and citing State v. Stairhime, 3d Dist.
Defiance No. 4–13–06, 2014–Ohio–1791, ¶46 (stating that “we cannot find that any failure to
object to any leading questions would rise to the level of ineffective assistance of counsel”).
Consequently, we reject appellant’s claim that trial counsel performed ineffectively by failing to
object to leading questions.
D
EXHIBITS AND STIPULATIONS
{¶ 46} Appellant next argues that trial counsel performed ineffectively (1) by failing to
ask to see State’s Exhibits 35 and 36, copies of the lineup photographs, before the prosecutor
showed them to the witness, (2) by failing to review the two hundred eighty pages of medical
records to which counsel had stipulated, (3) by stipulating to the admission of medical records
and, thus, forgoing the opportunity to cross-examine the medical providers, and (4) by stipulating
to the “serious physical harm” element of felonious assault.
3 Evid.R. 611(C) states:
Leading questions should not be used on the
direct examination of a witness except as may
be necessary to develop his testimony.
Ordinarily leading questions should be
permitted on cross-examination. When a party
calls a hostile witness, an adverse party, or
a witness identified with an adverse party,
interrogation may be by leading questions.
ATHENS, 15CA13 27
{¶ 47} Assuming, arguendo, that trial counsel performed deficiently in any of these
respects, appellant cannot show how counsel’s alleged deficient performance affected the
outcome of the trial. Appellant cannot establish that the result of his trial would have been
different if counsel had reviewed Exhibits 35 and 36 or the two hundred eighty pages of medical
records. Furthermore, he cannot show that the result of his trial would have been different if
counsel had cross-examined the medical providers or had not stipulated to the “serious physical
harm” requirement. The evidence clearly documents that the stabbing caused McCulloch’s
intestines to protrude. Cross-examining his medical providers would not have changed those
facts or have led any reasonable fact-finder to conclude that McCulloch did not suffer serious
physical harm. Additionally, if counsel had disputed the “serious physical harm” element, the
nature of McCulloch’s injury shows that it would have been a fruitless dispute. Consequently,
we reject these ineffectiveness claims.
E
Alleged conflict of interest
{¶ 48} Appellant additionally claims that trial counsel, a former Athens County assistant
prosecutor, performed ineffectively by failing to advise appellant that counsel previously
prosecuted appellant for aggravated drug possession.
{¶ 49} The Sixth Amendment right to effective assistance of counsel includes the right to
counsel free from conflicts of interest. State v. Gillard, 64 Ohio St. 3d 304, 312, 595 N.E.2d 878
(1992); accord State v. McGhee, 4th Dist. Lawrence No. 04CA15, 2005-Ohio-1585, ¶21.
“Defense counsel have an ethical obligation to avoid conflicting representations and to advise the
court promptly when a conflict of interest arises during the course of trial.” Cuyler v. Sullivan,
ATHENS, 15CA13 28
446 U.S. 335, 346, 100 S. Ct. 1708, 1717, 64 L. Ed. 2d 333 (1980). A court that is determining
whether defense counsel rendered ineffective assistance based upon conflicting interests will
presume prejudice “if the defendant demonstrates that counsel ‘actively represented conflicting
interests’ and that ‘an actual conflict of interest adversely affected his lawyer’s performance.’”
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 692, quoting Cuyler, 446 U.S. at 350, 348 (footnote omitted). Accord
Gillard, 78 Ohio St. 3d at 552. “[T]he possibility of conflict is insufficient to impugn a criminal
conviction.” Cuyler, 446 U.S. at 350.
“A possible conflict of interest exists where the ‘”interests of the
defendants may diverge at some point so as to place the attorney under
inconsistent duties.”’ State v. Dillon (1995), 74 Ohio St. 3d 166, 168, 657 N.E.2d
273, 275–276, quoting Cuyler, 446 U.S. at 356, 100 S.Ct. at 1722, 64 L. Ed. 2d at
351–352, fn.3. It follows, then, that an actual conflict of interest exists if,
‘“during the course of the representation, the defendants’ interests do diverge with
respect to a material factual or legal issue or to a course of action.”’ Id. at 169,
657 N.E.2d at 276, quoting Cuyler, 446 U.S. at 356, 100 S.Ct. at 1722, 64 L. Ed. 2d
at 351–352, fn.3; see, also, Winkler[ v. Keane], 7 F.3d [304,] 307 [(C.A.2, 1993).
Indeed, we have said that a lawyer represents conflicting interests ‘when, on
behalf of one client, it is his duty to contend for that which duty to another client
requires him to oppose.’ [State v.] Manross, 40 Ohio St. 3d 180,] 182, 532
N.E.2d [735,] 738 [(1988)].”
Gillard, 78 Ohio St. 3d at 552-53 (emphases omitted.).
{¶ 50} In the case at bar, appellant has not identified how his trial counsel represented
divergent interests. His conclusory allegation that trial counsel was ineffective for failing to
inform appellant that counsel previously prosecuted appellant in a criminal trial does not
sufficiently show an actual conflict of interest. State v. Stewart, 4th Dist. Washington No.
02CA29, 2003-Ohio-4850, ¶19. Consequently, appellant has not shown that trial counsel
rendered ineffective assistance of counsel.
ATHENS, 15CA13 29
{¶ 51} Accordingly, based upon the foregoing reasons, we hereby overrule appellant’s
third assignment of error.
IV
{¶ 52} In his fourth assignment of error, appellant argues that the trial court erred by
failing to merge his aggravated burglary and felonious assault convictions. He asserts that the
two offenses were of similar import, occurred contemporaneously, and were committed with the
same animus.
{¶ 53} Appellate courts conduct a de novo review of a trial court’s R.C. 2941.25 merger
determination. State v. Williams, 134 Ohio St. 3d 482, 2012-Ohio-5699, 983 N.E.2d 1245, ¶28;
accord State v. Neal, 4th Dist. Hocking No. 15CA1, 2016-Ohio-64, ¶52. We therefore afford no
deference to the trial court’s legal conclusion, but instead, independently determine whether the
established facts satisfy the applicable legal standard. Williams at ¶¶25-27 (explaining de novo
standard in merger context and stating that fact-finder determines facts and appellate court
determines whether facts satisfy applicable legal standard).
{¶ 54} “R.C. 2941.25 codifies the protections of the Double Jeopardy Clause of the Fifth
Amendment to the United States Constitution and Section 10, Article I of the Ohio Constitution,
which prohibits multiple punishments for the same offense.” State v. Underwood, 124 Ohio St. 3d
365, 2010-Ohio-1, 922 N.E.2d 923, ¶23; accord State v. Miranda, 138 Ohio St. 3d 184,
2014–Ohio–451, 5 N.E.3d 603; State v. Washington, 137 Ohio St. 3d 427, 2013–Ohio–4982, 999
N.E.2d 661, ¶11. The statute provides:
(A) Where the same conduct by defendant can be construed to constitute
two or more allied offenses of similar import, the indictment or information may
ATHENS, 15CA13 30
contain counts for all such offenses, but the defendant may be convicted of only
one.
(B) Where the defendant’s conduct constitutes two or more offenses of
dissimilar import, or where his conduct results in two or more offenses of the
same or similar kind committed separately or with a separate animus as to each,
the indictment or information may contain counts for all such offenses, and the
defendant may be convicted of all of them.
{¶ 55} Courts conduct a three-part inquiry to determine whether offenses are allied
offenses of similar import within the meaning of R.C. 2941.25: “(1) Were the offenses dissimilar
in import or significance? (2) Were they committed separately? and (3) Were they committed
with separate animus or motivation? An affirmative answer to any of the above will permit
separate convictions. The conduct, the animus, and the import must all be considered.” State
v. Earley, 2015-Ohio-4615, ¶12, citing State v. Ruff, 143 Ohio St. 3d 114, 2015-Ohio-995, 34
N.E.3d 892, ¶31 and paragraphs one, two, and three of the syllabus.
{¶ 56} Offenses are of dissimilar import “if they are not alike in their significance and
their resulting harm.” Ruff at ¶21. Thus, “two or more offenses of dissimilar import exist
within the meaning of R.C. 2941.25(B) when the defendant’s conduct constitutes offenses
involving separate victims or if the harm that results from each offense is separate and
identifiable.” Id. at ¶23. We further note that the defendant bears the burden to establish that
R.C. 2941.25 prohibits multiple punishments. State v. Washington, 137 Ohio St. 3d 427,
2013–Ohio–4982, 999 N.E.2d 661, ¶18, citing State v. Mughni, 33 Ohio St. 3d 65, 67, 514
N.E.2d 870 (1987).
ATHENS, 15CA13 31
{¶ 57} In the case sub judice, we do not believe that the trial court incorrectly determined
that appellant could be subjected to multiple punishments for his aggravated burglary and
complicity to felonious assault convictions. The trial court determined that appellant committed
the offenses separately. The court found that appellant completed his aggravated burglary before
committing the complicity to felonious assault offense. The court noted that appellant
trespassed into McCulloch’s residence with purpose to commit a theft offense and that he
inflicted physical harm upon Dowdy and that he also possessed a deadly weapon. Apart from
this conduct, the court found that appellant possessed a separate intent to aid or abet Wright in
causing serious physical harm to McCulloch. Given the trial court’s factual considerations, we
are unable to determine that it inappropriately determined that appellant’s conduct constituted
two offenses of dissimilar import. See State v. Ortiz, 6th Dist. Lucas No. L-14-1251,
2016-Ohio-974 (determining that defendant’s conduct–hitting victim and forcing his way inside
residence, punching victim and demanding victim’s wallet, and stomping on victim–constituted
three separate offenses of aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, and felonious assault that did
not merge for sentencing purposes).
{¶ 58} Accordingly, based upon the foregoing reasons, we hereby overrule appellant’s
fourth assignment of error and affirm the trial court’s judgment.
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED.
ATHENS, 15CA13 32
JUDGMENT ENTRY
It is ordered that the judgment be affirmed and that appellee recover of appellant the costs
herein taxed.
The Court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this Court directing the 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, it is
continued for a period of sixty days upon the bail previously posted. The purpose of said stay is
to allow appellant to file with the Ohio Supreme Court an application for a stay during the
pendency of the proceedings in that court. The stay as herein continued will terminate at the
expiration of the sixty day period.
The stay will also terminate if appellant fails to file a notice of appeal with the Ohio
Supreme Court in the forty-five day period pursuant to Rule II, Sec. 2 of the Rules of Practice of
the Ohio Supreme Court. Additionally, if the Ohio Supreme Court dismisses the appeal prior to
the expiration of said sixty days, the stay will terminate as of the date of such dismissal.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute that mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of the
Rules of Appellate Procedure.
For the Court
McFarland, J. & Hoover, J.: Concur in Judgment & Opinion
BY:
Peter B. Abele, Judge
ATHENS, 15CA13 33
NOTICE TO COUNSEL
Pursuant to Local Rule No. 14, this document constitutes a final judgment entry and the time
period for further appeal commences from the date of filing with the clerk.