State Of Washington v. David Levice Phillips , 431 P.3d 1056 ( 2018 )

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
CI
e...3 01 CI
c='
THE STATE OF WASHINGTON, ) No. 76518-3-I co .11:F
t=1rn--"
) C) CP -11
Respondent, )
) DIVISION ONE 7
, -vm
tnrric3
v. )
) c)())
DAVID LEVICE PHILLIPS, ) PUBLISHED OPINION „c- Ci
)
Appellant. ) FILED: December 17, 2018
)
MANN, A.C.J. — David Phillips appeals his conviction for assault with domestic
violence aggravators. Phillips contends that the trial court(1) violated his right to an
impartial jury by failing to sua sponte excuse a juror,(2) abused its discretion under ER
801(d)(1)(i) when it admitted a victim statement as evidence, and (3) erred in entering a
n'-contact order between Phillips, the victim (Phillips's wife), and his stepdaughter.
In a supplemental assignment of error, Phillips seeks remand to the trial court to
strike the imposition of a $100 fee for collection of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
pursuant to our Supreme Court's recent decision in State v. Ramirez, 191 Wn.2d 732,
426 P.3d 714(2018). The State concedes that remand to strike the DNA collection fee
is appropriate. We accept the State's concession. We otherwise affirm Phillips's
conviction and sentence.
No. 76518-3-1/2
I.
On July 1, 2016, Phillips came home late after his wife Sara Phillips was in bed
asleep with their infant daughter. After Sara told Phillips to leave her alone, an
argument ensued that then became physical. Sara's daughter, Joe'll Talbert, and Sara
and Phillips's infant daughter were in the house. At some point, Sara gave the phone to
Talbert, telling her to call the police if the fight continues or if Phillips hits Sara. Talbert
called 911 and reported that Phillips was hitting Sara.' When Phillips saw that Talbert
was calling the police, he knocked the phone from her hands.
King County Sheriff's deputies responded to the 911 call and found the house in
chaos and Sara in the living room crying. Sheriff Deputy Daniel Spiewak interviewed
Sara and asked her to describe the altercation and prepared a written victim statement
based on what Sara described. In her statement, Sara told Spiewak that Phillips tried to
take her baby from her, punched her in the chin, choked her until she felt she would
pass out, kicked her, and then tried to throw her down the stairs. Sara signed the victim
statement "under penalty of perjury." Sara also told the responding paramedic that
Phillips choked her, and that she had neck pain.
Phillips was arrested and booked into jail on July 1, 2016. From jail, Phillips
repeatedly called Sara demanding that she get him out and expressing his anger at the
police having been called. During these calls Sara made several references to Phillips
choking her, at one point stating that he was in jail because he "sat there and fuckin'
choked the fuck outta me." The State charged Phillips with assault in the second
degree, domestic violence. The State alleged two aggravators. First, that the assault
occurred within sight or sound of the victim's or the offender's minor child under the
-2-
No. 76518-3-1/3
authority of RCW 9.94A.535(3)(h)(ii), and second, that the assault was part of an
ongoing pattern of psychological, physical, or sexual abuse under the authority of RCW
9.94A.535(3)(h)(i). The State also charged Phillips with tampering with a witness.
A jury found Phillips guilty of second degree assault and found the State proved .
both aggravating circumstances. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on the
tampering charge, and it was dismissed. Phillips had an offender score above nine due
to multiple previous domestic violence offenses. Based on Phillips's high offender
score, and the jury's findings of two aggravating circumstances, the trial court imposed
the statutory maximum sentence of 120 months. The court also imposed a no-contact
order with respect to both Sara and Talbert for the duration of his sentence of 120
months.
Phillips appeals.
II.
Phillips first contends that the trial court violated his Sixth and Fourteenth
Amendment right to an impartial jury when it failed to, sua sponte, strike juror 10 for
bias. We disagree.
A.
During voir dire, the trial court asked if any of the jurors had personal experience
with domestic violence. Juror 10 was among the venire members who raised their
hand. When asked to elaborate, he explained that his sister and his wife's sister-in-law
were both involved in abusive relationships with intimate partners. The State then
asked,
-3-
No. 76518-3-1/4
The question for you, as a juror, is whether you cannot ignore your past
experiences but remain open-minded and hold the State—that is, hold me
to my burden of proof, that I have to prove this case to you beyond a
reasonable doubt. Can you [h]old me to that burden and keep an open
mind until you've heard from all of the witnesses?
Juror 10 responded that the issue "weighed" on him heavily, and stated, "I
consider myself to be fair and objective by nature, but this is a deeply emotional issue
and I don't know." The State responded, "Why don't you think about this as we're kind
of talking with everyone, and you'll let us know if you're feeling like this is not the right
case for you. Does that work?" Juror 10 then elaborated, ``What's unknown for me is
what will come up in the course of the story and how will that affect me." The trial court
asked if juror 10 had another issue that he wanted to talk about privately, and stated
they would discuss those issues later.
The State and the defense questioned several other jurors about their ability to
hold the State to its burden. In the process, seven jurors were dismissed for cause
because they expressed an inability to be fair. When juror 10 was given the opportunity
to speak privately in the courtroom, he revealed an experience in college after an
intermural basketball game when an African American player on the opposing team
assaulted him. Juror 10 explained,"nothing came of it, but it left an emotional imprint."
He further elaborated,
And this is an emotional truth. I don't live this way; I don't believe
this; but I'm also aware that feelings happen in reality that black men are
more prone to violence.
It was also notable that afterwards when, you know, the gym
supervisor was called and there was just a huddle on the spot, and then,
of course there was denial and, you know, dismissiveness of it.
-4-
No. 76518-3-1/5
And that's another narrative; that those who are violent try to get
out of it; so those are two personal emotions imprints that are there, as
well.
Phillips is an African American male.
Juror 10 expounded further on what he called "emotional truths" relating to his
family members dealing with domestic violence, his concern that "domestic violence is
underreported and underrecognized" in society, and his belief that "domestic violence
that isn't prosecuted or isn't punished leads to worse tragedy and grief." Finally, juror
10 stated,
On the other hand, I trained as a scientist and I hold it as a
personal principle to be fair and objective, and I do believe that I could
hear and see what happens in this trial fairly and objectively. What I don't
know is what the life of those emotional truths will have when push comes
to shove, so I feel I owe it to the alleged and to this Court for you all to
know that.
In response, the trial court informed juror 10 that the attorneys had some follow-
up questions. The State relayed that nobody is suggesting any of the jurors would
believe "domestic violence is fine," the question is whether he is "going to hold the State
to its burden." The State further offered, "if at some point you feel like,'Look, this just
isn't something that I think I can hold the State to its burden and not be fair,' just let us
know."
Defense counsel then asked about juror 10's statements regarding his "emotional
pull to think that maybe African-American men are more likely to be violent or more
likely to try to get out of it if they are. . ." Juror 10 clarified that it was "those who
perpetrate violence" that are more likely to try to get out of it. Defense counsel asked,
Q. Do you think that in this case where we have a[n] African-American
man who is being charged with a crime of violence, that that feeling is
-5-
No. 76518-3-1/6
something that's going to tip the scale, even if it's just a grain of sand;
that that kind of underpinning that it sounds like this comes back from
your college years, so we're talking about years of battling with that. Is
that something that you think might tip the scale?
A. I don't think so.
Defense counsel then asked if, like another juror, juror 10 believed being aware of his
history made it easier to consciously deal with any bias or prejudice. Juror 10 agreed.
Defense counsel moved on to ask a few follow-up questions about his history
with domestic violence. Defense counsel asked if juror 10 believed he "could look at
this case in isolation" and not as a societal problem. Juror 10 explained that it is "very
difficult for the evidence and the truth of domestic violence to be revealed." However,
he also stated, "I understand and ascribe to the principal that it must be the merits of
this situation and the evidence and the stories that are presented here that need to
establish what the reality is in this particular case." Defense counsel also asked if juror
10 would want a juror like him deciding his case. Juror 10 said yes because of his
"ability and intent to be objective and fair," but that his history is a consideration. Finally,
defense counsel asked,
Q. Are you comfortable taking an oath and saying that, "I'm here and I'm
going to abide by the law, and I'm going to look at this case in the way
that the judge instructs me and I'm going to go look at the evidence in
this case," and swearing to that up front and holding yourself to it at the
end?
A. Absolutely.
Q. Okay.
A. If it's in your judgment that I'm worthy and appropriate, I will absolutely
do my best.
-6-
No. 76518-3-1/7
Neither party asked for juror 10 to be excused for cause. Following the
remainder of individual voir dire, the State accepted the panel without exercising any
peremptory challenges. Phillips used all but one peremptory challenge to strike
several jurors. With one peremptory challenge left, Phillips accepted the panel. Juror
10 was seated.
B.
The Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution, and
article 1, section 22, of the Washington Constitution, guarantee a criminal defendant the
right to trial by an impartial jury. State v. Davis, 175 Wn.2d 287, 312, 290 P.3d 43(2012).1 To ensure this constitutional right, the trial court will excuse a juror for cause if
the juror's views "would prevent or substantially impair the performance of his duties as
a juror in accordance with his instructions and his oath." State v. Gonzales, 111 Wn.
App. 276, 277-78,45 P.3d 205(2002)(quoting State v. Hughes, 106 Wn.2d 176, 181,
721 P.2d 902 (1986)). "The presence of a biased juror cannot be harmless; the error
requires a new trial without a showing of prejudice." State v. Irby, 187 Wn. App. 183,
193, 347 P.3d 1103(2015), review denied, 184 Wn.2d 1036 (2016).
At trial, either party may challenge a prospective juror for cause. RCW 4.44.130.
Actual bias is a ground for challenging a juror for cause. RCW 4.44.170(2). Actual bias
occurs when there is "the existence of a state of mind on the part of the juror in
reference to the action, or to either party, which satisfies the court that the challenged
1 While neither party contests this issue, seating a biased juror is a manifest error affecting a
constitutional right, and may be raised for the first time on appeal. State v. Irby, 187 Wn. App. 183, 192,
347 P.3d 1103(2015), review denied, 184 Wn.2d 1036 (2016).
-7-
No. 76518-3-1/8
person cannot try the issue impartially and without prejudice to the substantial rights of
the party challenging." RCW 4.44.170(2); see also RCW 4.44.130.
The trial judge has an independent obligation to excuse a juror, regardless of
inaction by counsel or the defendant. Irby, 187 Wn. App. at 193 (citing Davis, 175
Wn.2d at 316). Under RCW 2.36.110,
It shall be the duty of a judge to excuse from further jury service
any juror, who in the opinion of the judge, has manifested unfitness as a
juror by reason of bias, prejudice, indifference, inattention or any physical
or mental defect or by reason of conduct or practices incompatible with
proper and efficient jury service.
And, under CrR 6.4(c)(1), "If the judge after examination of any juror is of the opinion
that grounds for challenge are present, he or she shall excuse that juror from the trial of
the case."
We accord the trial court broad discretion in considering "all the circumstances"
and determining whether to excuse a juror for cause. Irbv, 187 Wn. App. at 193. A trial
court need not excuse a juror with preconceived ideas if the juror can set those ideas
aside and decide the case on the evidence presented at the trial and the law as
provided by the court. RCW 4.44.190; State v. Rupe, 108 Wn.2d 734, 748, 743 P.2d
210(1987). Rather, to excuse a juror based on actual bias the trial court "must be
satisfied, from all the circumstances, that the juror cannot disregard such opinion and try
the issue impartially." RCW 4.44.190. "The trial judge is in the best position to
evaluate whether a particular potential juror is able to be fair and impartial based on
observation of mannerisms, demeanor, and the like." Irby, 187 Wn. App. at 194
(quoting Gonzales, 111 Wn. App. at 278.)
-8-
No. 76518-3-1/9
C.
Phillips argues juror 10's statements relating to his "emotional imprints" and
"emotional truths" about African American men being more violent, that violent people
try to avoid punishment, and that domestic violence is underreported displayed actual
bias, requiring that he be dismissed. See Irby, 187 Wn. App. at 196. Phillips relies
primarily on Irbv, arguing there is more evidence of actual bias in this case than in Irby,
accordingly we should reverse.
In Irbv, the defendant had elected to proceed pro se, and waived his right to be
present during jury selection. During voir dire, two jurors expressed reservations about
their ability to be fair. In response to a general question about whether anyone had a
particularly good or bad experience with the police, juror 27 described herself as "pro
police officer." Irby, 187 Wn. App. at 191. Upon further questioning by the State, juror
27 explained that her father was a retired county sheriff, and that "she was predisposed
to believe police officers because of family relationships and work experience." Irby,
187 Wn. App. at 196. The State then asked whether she would be able to put her own
personal connections aside and try the case on the evidence. Juror 27 responded, "I
think it will be hard for me just because he isn't represented at all. So I'm kind of pro
police officer." Juror 27 summarized that "Yes, it causes me concern. I will try, but it
does cause me some concern." Irby, 187 Wn. App. at 191. There was no follow-up
exchange, and juror 27 was not heard from again during voir dire.
Juror 38 also expressed concerns with potential bias, explaining first that "I'm a
little concerned because I did work for the government, Child Protective Services, I'm
more inclined towards the prosecution I guess." In response, the court asked,"would
-9-
No. 76518-3-1/10
that impact your ability to be a fair and impartial juror? Do you think you could listen to
both sides, listen to the whole story so to speak?" To which, juror 38 replied, "I would
like to say he's guilty." There was no follow-up to this statement. Irby, 187 Wn. App. at
190. Jurors 27 and 38 were seated on the jury.
On review, we considered in what circumstances the trial court must, sua sponte,
intercede and strike a juror for actual bias. In reaching our conclusion, we considered
the Sixth Circuit's decision in Hughes v. United States, 258 F.3d 453(6th Cir. 2001),
and our decision in Gonzales, 111 Wn. App. 276. In Hughes, one of the jurors
volunteered that she had "quite close' connections to police officers. When the trial
court asked her if anything in those connections would prevent her from being fair, she
responded "I don't think I could be fair." The trial court asked her again,"You don't
think you could be fair?' The juror responded "No." Irby, 187 Wn. App. at 194 (quoting
Hughes, 258 F.3d at 456). There was no subsequent follow-up and the juror was
seated. The Hughes court, while recognizing that appellate courts should be
circumspect to the trial court when it comes to determining actual juror bias,
nonetheless found the juror's clear declaration that she did not think she could be a fair
juror compelling evidence of actual bias. Hughes, 258 F.3d at 458-59.
Irby summarized our decision in Gonzales as follows:
In Gonzales, a juror candidly admitted she would have a "very difficult"
time disbelieving a police officer and was not certain she could apply the
presumption of innocence. We recognized this statement as a clear
indicator of bias that was never neutralized by further questioning. "At no
time did Juror 11 express confidence in her ability to deliberate fairly or to
follow the judge's instructions regarding the presumption of innocence."
We held that the juror demonstrated actual bias, and the trial court abused
its discretion by denying a challenge for cause.
-10-
No. 76518-3-1/1 1
Irby, 187 Wn. App. at 195-96 (internal citations omitted).
Based on this analysis, in Irby, we found the trial court did not err in striking juror
27, holding that, "the record does not clearly demonstrate actual bias on the part of juror
27." Irby, 187 Wn. App. at 196. Although juror 27 stated a predisposition to believe
police officers, she also responded that she would "try" to set aside those
predispositions. We determined it "was within the court's discretion to view juror 27's
answers as an adequate assurance of impartiality." Irby, 187 Wn. App. at 196. See
also State v. Lawler, 194 Wn. App. 275, 283, 287, 374 P.3d 278, review denied, 186
Wn.2d 1020 (2016).2
In contrast, however, we concluded that juror 38 demonstrated actual bias. As
we explained,
The same cannot be said about juror 38. In response to a question
designed to gauge her ability to judge Irby fairly, her answer was she
"would like to say he's guilty." This is like the Hughes juror's unqualified
statement that she did not think she could be fair. And like in Hughes,
there was a "conspicuous lack of response." Hughes, 258 F.3d at 458.
Neither the trial court nor the prosecutor attempted to elicit from juror 38,
individually, an assurance that she had an open mind on the issue of guilt.
At the end of voir dire, the prosecutor reiterated the State's burden of proof
and questioned the group generally:"Does everybody here think that they
can basically make a finding of guilty or not guilty based on the evidence
that you hear?" The State contends juror 38's impartiality can be inferred
from the fact that she, like the rest of the potential jurors, made no
response to this question. But such questions directed to the group cannot
substitute for individual questioning of a juror who has expressed actual
bias.
2 In Lawler, Division Two of this court held that a juror's statements responding to questions
concerning partiality "I don't see how I could be objective with all that past experience" and "Honestly, I
think that would be a pain in the neck, you know. I don't think I would be able to do that with all these
experiences" to be "at least slightly equivocal" and therefore not unqualified statements of bias. Lawler,
194 Wn. App. at 283, 287.
-11-
No. 76518-3-1/12
Irbv, 187 Wn. App. at 196. We concluded that seating juror 38 was manifest
constitutional error requiring reversal and remand for a new trial. Irby, 187 Wn. App. at
197.
Thus, under Irby, a trial court has the duty to strike jurors with actual bias.
Irby also demonstrates the distinction between a juror that says they cannot be fair,
without redemption, and a juror that only expresses reservations. When the juror has
expressed reservations, but agrees they can set those aside to be fair and impartial, it is
within the trial court's discretion to allow that juror to remain.
The present case is distinguishable from Irby for two distinct reasons. First,
unlike juror 38 in Irby, juror 10 did not express "unqualified statement[s] expressing
actual bias." Irby, 187 Wn. App. at 188. While juror 10 admitted domestic violence was
an emotional issue, he stated that he did not know how the facts would affect him.
Similarly, while he said he did not believe it, he was aware of feelings that African
American men are more prone to violence. Juror 10 explained, further, that as a
scientist he was trained and held it as a personal principal to be fair and objective and
that he believed he "could hear and see what happens in this trial fairly and objectively."
Moreover, both the State and Phillips's counsel pressed juror 10 about his ability to be
fair, and received responses from him clarifying that he felt he could be fair and
consider the case on the merits. He agreed "absolutely" that he could look at the case
as instructed and based on the evidence in the case. The trial court did not err in failing
to sua sponte excuse juror 10.
Second, this case is also readily distinguishable from Irby because in Irby the
defendant both waived his right to counsel and his right to be present at trial. Thus, the
-12-
No. 76518-3-1/13
jury was selected without any participation by the defendant. Irby, 187 Wn. App. at 189.
As we recognized,"The record reflects that the trial judge and the prosecutor knew that
Irby's refusal to participate did not excuse them from the duty of impaneling a fair and
impartial jury." Irbv, 187 Wn. App. at 196. Phillips, in contrast, was represented by
counsel throughout his trial, including voir dire. While a trial court may have a duty to
sua sponte intercede where actual bias is evident or where the defendant is not
represented by counsel, this duty must also be balanced with the defendant's right to be
represented by competent counsel.
In addition to guaranteeing an impartial jury, the Sixth and Fourteenth
Amendments of the United States Constitution and article 1, section 22 of the
Washington Constitution guarantee the right to effective assistance of counsel.
Strickland v. Washington,466 U.S. 668, 685-86, 104 S. Ct. 2052,80 L. Ed. 2d 674(1984); State v. Grier, 171 Wn.2d 17, 32, 246 P.3d 1260(2011). Strickland set forth the
standard under the Sixth Amendment for reversal of criminal convictions based on
ineffective assistance of counsel. Grier, 171 Wn.2d at 32. The first prong requires
determining whether counsel was deficient. In evaluating whether counsel is deficient,
we look to whether counsel's conduct could be characterized as a legitimate trial
strategy. Grier, 171 Wn.2d at 33. 'When counsel's conduct can be characterized as
legitimate trial strategy or tactics, performance is not deficient." State v. Kyllo, 166
Wn.2d 856, 863, 215 P.3d 177(2009). Consequently, where the defendant is
represented by competent counsel acting within the confines of Strickland, the trial court
should weigh whether counsel's failure to object may be a legitimate trial strategy before
sua sponte interceding.
-13-
No. 76518-3-1/14
Here, the record is clear that defense counsel was alert to the possibility of
biased jurors. Defense counsel actively questioned juror 10, including questioning
whether, despite juror 10's concerns, the juror would follow the court's instructions and
base his decision on the evidence presented. As a result, defense counsel did not
challenge juror 10. This suggests that defense counsel observed something during voir
dire that led counsel to believe juror 10 could be fair. It is also significant that Phillips
used his peremptory challenges to strike several jurors, but had one peremptory
challenge remaining when he accepted the jury, including juror 10. Again, this suggests
that defense counsel either wanted juror 10 on the jury, or did not want one or both the
next potential jurors on the panel.
Based on these factors, we hold that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in
failing to sua sponte excuse juror 10 for cause.
Phillips next contends that the trial court abused its discretion when it admitted
Sara's victim statement to the responding deputy that Phillips had choked her. We
disagree.
A.
Under ER 801(d)(1)(i), a prior inconsistent statement is not hearsay if: "[t]he
declarant testifies at the trial or hearing and is subject to cross examination concerning
the statement, and the statement is inconsistent with the declarant's testimony, and Was
given under oath subject to the penalty of perjury at a trial, hearing, or other proceeding,
or in a deposition." "Because such a statement is not hearsay, it is admissible at trial as
-14-
No. 76518-3-1/15
substantive evidence, that is, to prove the truth of matter asserted in the statement."
State v. Otton, 185 Wn.2d 673, 679, 374 P.3d 1108 (2016).
In determining whether evidence should be admitted under ER 801(d)(1)(i),
"reliability is the key." State v. Smith, 97 Wn.2d 856,861, 651 P.2d 207(1982). "In
many cases, the inconsistent statement is more likely to be true than the testimony at
trial as it was made nearer in time to the matter to which it relates and is less likely to be
influenced by factors such as fear or forgetfulness." Smith, 97 Wn.2d at 861. A
decision to admit or exclude evidence is generally reviewed for an abuse of discretion.
State v. Griffin, 173 Wn.2d 467,473, 268 P.3d 924(2012).
B.
At trial, both Talbert and Sara were reluctant to cooperate with the State. Sara
testified under subpoena on October 18, 2016. Sara questioned why she needed to
testify when the police already had her statement, stating, "you guys have a written
statement for that, so what's the purpose of me being here?"
When the State asked Sara about the victim statement she signed on the night of
the offense, Sara testified that she did not write the statement, and that it was not in her
words. When asked if the statement was what she remembered occurring that evening,
she responded,"some of it, yes." Sara was then asked to describe what she meant by
"some of it," and she simply stated that she had an "altercation" with Phillips at her
house.
In describing the altercation, Sara stated that it got physical with "grabbing and
pushing and pulling." Sara denied that Phillips ever punched her in the chin. Sara
denied that Phillips pushed her to the ground. Sara then testified that she was unable
-15-
No. 76518-3-1/16
to remember whether Phillips choked her. Sara did say she remembered telling the
police that Phillips "was grabbing my throat for about a minute and 1 felt like 1 was going
to pass out," and saying that was the reason she had fallen to the ground, but she
reiterated that she did not remember if that happened. Sara testified that she did not
remember Phillips kicking her on the ground. When asked if she recalled Phillips
grabbing her arm and attempting to push her down the stairs, Sara responded that they
were "sitting there both tussling with each other." Sara stated she did not remember if a
firefighter came, who talked to her, if she had any pain when the police arrived, or
having any bruises or pain in the following days.
The State moved to admit Sara's victim statement as a Smith affidavit, which
would allow it to be considered as substantive evidence. Smith, 97 Wn.2d at 861.
Phillips objected to the admission, arguing Sara's testimony that she did not remember
was not "inconsistent" with the victim statement and because the victim statement had
not been shown to be reliable or voluntary.3
The trial court ruled that Sara's testimony was inconsistent with her original
statement, noting Sara "indicated, for example, that she was not slapped or punched
and the statement says that she was punched in the chin." The trial court reserved
ruling on whether the statement was truthful and voluntary.
The next day, Sara testified that she did not remember Deputy Spiewak reading
her the statement or whether she read it. She also testified that she did not remember
3 After the deputy's testimony, defense counsel stated "With respect to the Smith affidavit, I
imagine the Court is likely now satisfied that the foundation has been laid and that the question
becomes—at least, from the Defense perspective—that its the manner in which this becomes admitted."
The State argues this was a concession that the affidavit was admissible. This argument is without merit.
Simply acknowledging the court's ruling after repeated objections is not conceding an issue or "inviting
error" on appeal.
-16-
No. 76518-3-1/17
the deputy telling her that she was signing the statement under penalty of perjury before
she signed it. Deputy Spiewak testified that after he finished preparing the victim
statement he read it back to Sara and told her it was under penalty of perjury, then let
Sara read it herself, after which Sara signed the statement.
Following Deputy Spiewak's testimony, the trial court admitted the victim
statement as evidence.
C.
Phillips argues that Sara's testimony about not remembering whether she was
choked, kicked, or nearly thrown down the stairs was not inconsistent with her previous
statement made to police as required under ER 801(d)(1)(i). We conclude that Sara's
statements were inconsistent.
First, as the trial court noted, there were several clearly inconsistent statements
made during Sara's testimony. Specifically, Sara denied that Phillips punched her in the
chin or pushed her to the ground. Second, the trial judge has considerable discretion in
determining whether testimony is "inconsistent" with prior statements. "To be
admissible for impeachment purposes, a witness's in-court testimony need not directly
contradict the witness's prior statement." State v. Newbern, 95 Wn. App. 277, 294, 975
P.2d 1041 (1999). "Inconsistency is to be determined, not by individual words or
phrases alone, but by the whole impression or effect of what has been said or done."
State v. Dickenson,48 Wn. App. 457,467, 740 P.2d 312(1987)(quoting 5 KARL B.
TEGLAND, WASHINGTON PRACTICE: EVIDENCE LAW AND PRACTICE § 256(2d ed. 1982)
(quoting Sterling v. Radford, 126 Wash. 372, 218 P. 205 (1923))). This is consistent
with federal courts that have long held "inconsistency is not limited to diametrically
-17-
No. 76518-3-1/18
opposed answers but may be found in evasive answers, inability to recall, silence, or
changes of position." United States v. Dennis, 625 F.2d 782, 795 (8th Cir. 1980).4
Here, Sara's forgeffulness was sporadic, and seemed to demonstrate an intent to
be evasive, and not actual loss of memory. For example, Sara testified she did not
remember being choked, but that she did remember telling the police that she had been
choked. The impression or effect of these statements would be that she was never
choked by Phillips on the night of the assault, and is undoubtedly inconsistent with her
victim statement.
The next issue is whether the statement "was given under oath subject to the
penalty of perjury at a trial, hearing, or other proceeding, or in a deposition." An
unsworn written statement will satisfy the oath requirement under ER 801(d)(1)(i) if it is
signed and contains language such as, "I certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury
under the laws of the State of Washington that the foregoing is true and correct." State
v. Nieto, 119 Wn. App. 157, 161, 79 P.3d 473(2003)(citing RCW 9A.72.085); see also
State v. Nelson, 74 Wn. App. 380, 389-90, 874 P.2d 170(1994). In this case, Sara
signed her statement under language stating "I certify (or declare) under penalty of
perjury, under the laws of the State of Washington, that the foregoing is true and
correct."
4 See also United States v. Barrett, 539 F.2d 244, 254 (1st Cir. 1976)("To be received as a prior
inconsistent statement, the contradiction need not be 'in plain terms. It is enough if the proffered
testimony, taken as a whole, either by what it says or by what it omits to say, affords some indication that
the fact was different from the testimony of the witness whom it is sought to contradict."(quoting
Commonwealth v. West, 312 Mass. 438, 440, 45 N.E.2d 260(1942))); United States v. Williams, 737 F.2d
594,608 (7th Cir. 1984)(holding a purported change in memory can also produce "inconsistent" answers,
"[p]articularly in a case of manifest reluctance to testify"); United States v. Distler, 671 F.2d 954, 958 (6th
Cir.), cert. denied, 454 U.S. 827(1981); United States v. Thompson,708 F.2d 1294, 1302(8th Cir. 1983).
-18-
No. 76518-3-1/19
To determine whether the interview was an "other proceeding," courts analyze
the facts of the case and the purposes of the hearsay rule. Nieto 119 Wn. App. at 162
(citing Smith 97 Wn.2d at 861). In assessing this question, the court considers the
reliability of a prior inconsistent statement, using the following factors:
(1) whether the witness voluntarily made the statement,(2) whether there
were minimal guaranties of truthfulness,(3) whether the statement was
taken as standard procedure in one of the four legally permissible
methods for determining the existence of probable cause, and (4) whether
the witness was subject to cross examination when giving the subsequent
inconsistent statement.
State v. Thach, 126 Wn. App. 297, 308,106 P.3d 782(2005)(citing Smith, 97 Wn.2d at
861-63).
It is well settled that the police obtaining Sara's signed victim statement is one of
the four legally permissible methods for determining the existence of probable cause
under factor three. Thach, 126 Wn. App. at 309; see also Smith 97 Wn.2d at 862-63.5
It is also undisputed that Sara testified at Phillips's trial and that she was subject to
cross-examination about her prior written statement. Phillips also does not provide any
argument or evidence that the statement Sara made to police, or her signature on the
affidavit, was not voluntary. Palmer v. Jensen, 81 Wn. App. 148, 153, 913 P.2d 413(1996)("Passing treatment of an issue or lack of reasoned argument is insufficient to
merit judicial consideration"). Therefore, the only issue is whether there was insufficient
evidence to demonstrate there were minimal guaranties of truthfulness under factor two.
5 The four methods are:(1)filing of an information by the prosecutor in superior court;(2) grand
jury indictment;(3) inquest proceedings; and (4)filing of a criminal complaint before a magistrate. Smith,
97 Wn.2d at 862-63. The first method "is usually the result of police investigations into alleged criminal
activity, and the taking of statements from witnesses and the presentment of them to the prosecuting
attorney. The prosecuting attorney then exercises discretion in finding probable cause and files an
information." Smith, 97 Wn.2d at 862-63. Such was the method used in Smith, and in this case.
-19-
No. 76518-3-1/20
Phillips argues this case is distinguishable from Smith, where the minimal
guarantees of truthfulness were satisfied because "the statement was attested to before
a notary, under oath and subject to penalty for perjury," and the witness wrote the
statement in her own words. Smith, 97 Wn.2d at 862. In this case, Sara did sign the
statement under the "penalty of perjury" language, however, Sara testified that she did
not read the statement, and that the statement was not in her own words. Phillips
contends the penalty of perjury language alone is insufficient by itself to satisfy the
minimal guarantees of truthfulness requirement.
In Nelson, this court held the mere fact that the victim did not write the statement
herself does not, by itself, render it unreliable. 74 Wn. App. at 389. In Nelson, as in this
case, the victim was speaking in a noncoercive environment and was telling the officer
what to write down. Although Sara testified that the statement was not in her words and
that she did not read the statement, she also testified that she had told the police officer
the information in the statement, and simply declared she did not remember if she had
been told the statement was made under penalty of perjury. Moreover, Deputy Spiewak
testified to reading the statement back to Sara, including the "penalty of perjury"
language, and allowing her to read it herself before getting her to sign it. Based on this
evidence, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in finding the affidavit satisfies the
required minimal guarantees of truthfulness.
IV.
Phillips next asserts that the trial court erred in entering a no-contact order as to
Sara and Talbert because the result impairs his right to parent his infant daughter. We
disagree.
-20-
No. 76518-3-1/21
A.
The Sentencing Reform Act of 1981, RCW 9.94A.505(8), authorizes the trial
court to impose "crime-related prohibitions" as a condition of sentence. State v. Warren,
165 Wn.2d 17, 32, 195 P.3d 940(2008). A no-contact order with the victim is a crime-
related prohibition and may be imposed for the statutory maximum of the crime when
the jury verdict reflects the facts warranting the prohibition. In re Pers. Restraint of
Rainey, 168 Wn.2d 367, 376, 229 P.3d 686(2010)(citing State v. Armendariz, 160
Wn.2d 106, 112, 156 P.3d 201 (2007)).
"[B]ecause the imposition of crime-related prohibitions is necessarily fact-specific
and based upon the sentencing judge's in-person appraisal of the trial and the offender,
the appropriate standard of review [is] abuse of discretion." Rainey, 168 Wn.2d at 374-
75. However, the appellate court reviews conditions interfering with a fundamental
constitutional right, such as the fundamental right to one's children, more carefully to
ensure that they are "sensitively imposed" and are "reasonably necessary to accomplish
the essential needs of the State and public order." Rainey, 168 Wn.2d at 374 (quoting
Warren, 165 Wn.2d at 32). 'The extent to which a sentencing condition affects a
constitutional right is a legal question subject to strict scrutiny." Rainey, 168 Wn.2d at
374 (quoting Warren, 165 Wn.2d at 34).
B.
As a condition of sentence, the sentencing court ordered Phillips to have no
contact with Sara and Talbert for the entire term of his sentence. The court did not
impose a no-contact order as to Sara and Phillips's infant child. It was confirmed at trial
-21-
No. 76518-3-1/22
that Phillips could still see his child, "for example,... Phillipe[s] relatives can bring the
child to see him."
Sara and Phillips both requested that some contact be allowed, and suggested
contact by mail. The trial court denied this request, ruling,
I am going to impose the no-contact order. I'm not doing it because
I want to ignore you. I'm not doing it because I want to punish you. I'm
not doing it because I want to deprive a baby of her father. I'm doing it
because I don't think I have a safe alternative, so I am going to impose the
no-contact order for the statutory maximum in this instance, as well.
The court further explained,'The facts in this case were just too egregious and I don't
think that even communication that's nonphysical in nature would necessarily be safe or
appropriate." At Sara's request, the court agreed that it would be willing to revisit the
issue if Phillips completes an anger management program while incarcerated.
Phillips acknowledges on appeal that the trial court did not impose a no-contact
order between him and his child. Phillips instead argues the no-contact order baring
any contact with Sara and Talbert makes it impossible for him to parent his child and
violates his fundamental constitutional right to raise his child without state interference.
U.S. Const. amend XIV; In re Custody of Smith, 137 Wn.2d 1, 13, 15, 969 P.2d 21(1998), aff'd sub nom. Troxel v. Granville, 530 U.S. 57, 120 S. Ct. 2054, 147 L. Ed. 2d
49(2000)(plurality opinion). We reject this argument.
In this case, the court did not restrict communication between Phillips and his
child, only between Phillips and Sara and Talbert. Phillips does not contest the legality
of the order. All of the cases Phillips relies upon specifically consider no-contact orders
directly baring contact between a parent and their child. Although not having contact
with Sara will make access to his child more difficult, it does not necessarily restrict
-22-
No. 76518-3-1/23
contact between Phillips and his child. Rainey even suggests,"supervised visitation
without the mother's presence" as an alternative to a no-contact order with the child.
Rainey, 168 Wn.2d at 378.
The State has a compelling interest in preventing future harm to the victims of the
crime and in protecting children. Rainey, 168 Wn.2d at 377; State v. Corbett, 158 Wn.
App. 576, 598, 242 P.3d 52(2010). Here, Sara was a victim of the assault, and the jury
found the aggravator that Talbert and the infant child were present at the time of the
assault. The evidence even demonstrated the infant was in the middle of the physical
altercation. It was within the trial court's discretion to enter a 10-year no-contact order,
and, based on the facts in this case, doing so was reasonably necessary to protect Sara
and Talbert from Phillips.
V.
Phillips submitted a pro se statement of additional grounds pursuant to RAP
10.10. Phillips's statement is limited to providing three cases in support of two
propositions. First, that it is prosecutorial misconduct to include a knowing
misstatement or reference to excluded evidence during opening statements. See
United States v. Cardenas-Mendoza, 579 F.3d 1024, 1030 (9th Cir. 2009). Second,
that the prosecutor erroneously asked Dr. Wigren a hypothetical question that assumed
the guilt of the accused. See United States v. Shwayder, 312 F.3d 1109, 1121 (9th Cir.
2002), amended on denial of reh'g, 320 F.3d 889(9th Cir. 2003); United States v.
Laurienti, 611 F.3d 530, 549 (9th Cir. 2010). However, Phillips provides no information
as to when the alleged error occurred, whether it was brought to the attention of the trial
court, or how it might have resulted in prejudice.
-23-
No. 76518-3-1/24
We decline to consider these claims. We consider only issues raised in a
statement of additional grounds that adequately inform us of the nature and occurrence
of the alleged errors. State v. Alvarado, 164 Wn.2d 556, 569, 192 P.3d 345(2008);
RAP 10.10(c). We are also "not obligated to search the record in support of claims
made in a defendant's statement of additional grounds for review." RAP 10.10(c). In
this case, Phillips's citation to authority, without supporting argument or explanation, is
too conclusory to permit appellate review.
VI.
Phillips filed a supplemental brief challenging the imposition of a $100 fee for
collection of DNA. At the time Phillips was sentenced, the collection fee was
mandatory. A legislative enactment effective June 7, 2018, added the words "unless
the state has previously collected the offender's DNA as a result of a prior conviction."
ROW 43.43.7541; Second Substitute H.B. 1783,§ 18, 65th Leg., Reg. Sess.(Wash.
2018). This amendment applies prospectively to cases pending on appeal. Ramirez,
191 Wn.2d at 747-50. The State concedes that Phillips's DNA was previously collected
prior to sentencing and is on file with the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab and that
remand is appropriate. We accept the State's concession and agree.
-24-
No. 76518-3-1/25
We remand to the trial court for a ministerial order striking the $100 DNA fee.
We otherwise affirm Phillips's conviction and sentence.
44/ 4cr
71717/*A4
WE CONCUR:
.,
-25-