Patrick Dennis v. State ( 2012 )

In The
Court of Appeals
Sixth Appellate District of Texas at Texarkana
_________________________
No. 06-12-00018-CR
______________________________
PATRICK DENNIS, Appellant
V.
THE STATE OF TEXAS, Appellee
On Appeal from the County Court at Law
Anderson County, Texas
Trial Court No. 54299
Before Morriss, C.J., Carter and Moseley, JJ.
Memorandum Opinion by Justice Carter
MEMORANDUM OPINION
On October 13, 2006, Patrick Dennis was arrested for DWI. The information for the
offense was not filed until July 3, 2008. Dennis was convicted of DWI on December 19, 2011,
after the trial court1 denied his “motion to dismiss for denial of right to speedy trial.” He was
sentenced to 180 days in county jail and ordered to pay a $500.00 fine, but this sentence was
suspended and he was placed on community supervision for twelve months. Dennis’ issue on
appeal is whether his right to a speedy trial was violated due to the “five (5) year delay between
his arrest . . . and the September 8, 2011 hearing” on his motion to dismiss. We affirm.
I. The Right to a Speedy Trial
The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy
trial. This right protects the accused from anxiety and concern that accompanies a public
accusation, seeks to avoid impairment to a defense, and assures freedom from oppressive pretrial
incarceration. Cantu v. State, 253 S.W.3d 273, 280 (Tex. Crim. App. 2008) (citing Barker v.
Wingo, 407 U.S. 514, 532 (1972)).
The right to a speedy trial cannot be quantified in days or months. Barker, 407 U.S. at
523. Thus, Texas courts “analyze federal constitutional speedy-trial claims ‘on an ad hoc basis’
by weighing and then balancing the Barker v. Wingo factors.” Cantu, 253 S.W.3d at 280. These
factors include: (1) the length of the delay; (2) reason for the delay; (3) assertion of the right;
and (4) prejudice to the accused. Id.; Barker, 407 U.S. at 530. “[T]he greater the State’s bad
1
Originally appealed to the Twelfth Court of Appeals, this case was transferred to this Court by the Texas Supreme
Court pursuant to its docket equalization efforts. See TEX. GOV’T CODE ANN. § 73.001 (West 2005). We are
unaware of any conflict between precedent of the Twelfth Court of Appeals and that of this Court on any relevant
issue. See TEX. R. APP. P. 41.3.
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faith or official negligence and the longer its actions delay a trial, the less a defendant must show
actual prejudice or prove diligence in asserting his right to a speedy trial.” Cantu, 253 S.W.3d at
280–81. No one factor is determinitive, and all factors must be considered together along with
relevant circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Id. at 281.
II. Standard of Review
In reviewing the trial court’s ruling on Dennis’ constitutional “speedy trial claim, we
apply a bifurcated standard of review: an abuse of discretion standard for the factual
components, and a de novo standard for the legal components.” Id. at 282 (citing Zamorano v.
State, 84 S.W.3d 643, 648 (Tex. Crim. App. 2002)). Review of the Barker factors involves both
legal and factual determinations, but “[t]he balancing test as a whole . . . is a purely legal
question.” Id. (citing Zamorano, 84 S.W.3d at 648 n.19). Under an abuse of discretion standard,
we defer to the trial court’s resolution of facts and reasonable inferences drawn therefrom and
review the evidence in a light most favorable to the ruling. Id. Most of the relevant facts are
undisputed in this case.
III. Analysis of the Barker Factors
A. The Length of Delay
The Barker test is triggered by a delay that is unreasonable enough to be considered
presumptively prejudicial. Id. at 281. As the State concedes, the delay in Dennis’ case was
“greater than the prima facie duration to trigger analysis under Barker v. Wingo.” See id. (citing
Doggett v. United States, 505 U.S. 647, 651–52 n.1 (1992); Phillips v. State, 650 S.W.2d 396,
399 (Tex. Crim. App. [Panel Op.] 1983).
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Dennis was arrested on October 13, 2006, and the trial occurred on December 19, 2011.
Undisputedly, the length of delay of the trial was well beyond the minimum necessary to require
an examination of the overall issue of an unconstitutional denial of the right of speedy trial. This
factor weighs heavily against the State.
B. Reason for the Delay
Dennis complains about the length of delay from October 26, 2006, and September 28,
2011.2 The only entry in the clerk’s record after the date of a monthly appearance report on
January 15, 2009, was a July 25, 2011, pretrial notice. At an August 4, 2011, pretrial hearing,
the prosecutor admitted, “I have not touched this case or really had any contact with
Mr. Dennis,” since filing of “earlier . . . plea papers signed by . . . Mr. Dennis on September 10th
of 2008.”
In a letter constituting the trial court’s findings on the motion for denial of speedy trial,
the trial court explained:
The general cause of the delay in this case is the crowded docket. Over the years
since Mr. Dennis’ arrest, the Criminal District Attorney has tried many things to
ease this problem. . . . First, any Defendant may get on any jury docket simply by
asking. No motion is necessary, only a request of the court coordinator and the
case will move to a regular jury docket scheduled within two weeks of the
request. . . . Second, the Monthly Appearance Reports were designed to regularly
give defendants a reminder of their options and extend to them a chance to request
trial. This was to distinguish between cases that really required a trial and those
that were just biding time. Third, the ADA’s made themselves available to meet
with defendants at times other than docket settings as was done with Mr. Dennis
on September 8, 2008. Fourth, the ADA’s have taken advantage of the Court’s
2
Dennis does not complain about the delay between September 28, 2011, and the time of trial. This is likely due to
the fact that he filed a motion for continuance of an October 11, 2011, trial setting and decided to opt out of an
October 24, 2011, jury setting so that he could have a bench trial on December 19, 2011.
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willingness to hear criminal matters at any time whether or not a criminal docket
is set.
On August 4, 2011, Dennis announced that he had hired an attorney, and asked for
additional time to consult with him. The court granted his request and passed the jury trial
setting of August 22, 2011, to September 12, 2011. Dennis also admitted that it was his intention
to hire an attorney, but did not do so, explaining, “What do I need to have an attorney on retainer
for?”
While the “burden of excusing the delay rests with the State,” “different weights should
be assigned to different reasons” when analyzing this prong of the Barker test. Barker, 407 U.S.
at 531; Phillips, 650 S.W.2d at 400. Deliberate attempts to delay trial in order to hamper a
defense are weighed heavily against the State. Barker, 407 U.S. at 531. More neutral reasons,
such as negligence or overcrowded courts are weighed less heavily. Id. A valid reason for delay
“should serve to justify appropriate delay.” Id. Delay which is attributable in whole or in part to
the defendant is heavily weighed against the defendant and can constitute waiver of a speedy
trial claim. State v. Munoz, 991 S.W.2d 818, 822 (Tex. Crim. App. 1999) (citing Dickey v.
Florida, 398 U.S. 30, 48 (1970)).
The trial court listed a crowded docket as a “general” cause of delay. However, the delay
between January 15, 2009, and July 25, 2011, was not explained, except to the extent that the
prosecutor stated he had not “touched this case,” indicating negligence on the part of the State.
The primary burden is on the government, rather than the defendant, to ensure a speedy trial.
Chapman v. Evans, 744 S.W.2d 133, 136 (Tex. Crim. App. 1988) (citing Barker, 407 U.S. at
5
532). We find no evidence that the State has ever attempted to secure a trial setting. The trial
court’s explanation that the general cause of delay was a crowded docket justifies a finding that
this delay, while negative to the State, is weighed less heavily than a deliberate attempt to delay
trial.
C. Assertion of Right
“The constitutional right is that of a speedy trial, not dismissal of the charges.” Cantu,
253 S.W.3d at 281. While it is the duty of the State to bring about a trial, the defendant has a
responsibility to assert the right to a speedy trial. Id. at 282 (citing Barker, 407 U.S. at 527–28).3
Dennis did not assert his right to a speedy trial. Instead, Dennis filed a motion to dismiss the
case on August 24, 2011, after the case had already been set for trial. “Because appellant never
asked for a speedy trial—he asked only for a dismissal—it was incumbent upon him to show that
he had tried to get the case into court so that he could go to trial in a timely manner.” Id. at 284
(footnote omitted). The failure to “diligently and vigorously seek a rapid resolution is entitled to
‘strong evidentiary weight.’” Id. (quoting Barker, 407 U.S. at 531–32). Here, the trial court
noted––and the record supports the findings––that Dennis:
signed a Monthly Appearance Report. Mr. Dennis subsequently checked in and
signed Monthly Appearance Reports on August, 21, 2008; September 18, 2008;
November 13, 2008; December 11, 2008; and January 15, 2009. The Monthly
Appearance Reports were discontinued after January 2009.
On Monday September 8, 2008, Mr. Dennis had a meeting with Colin McFall, the
Assistant District Attorney assigned this case. Mr. Dennis signed an
Admonishment of Right to Counsel, and completed a Guilty Plea Memorandum,
which he also signed. The plea hearing was set for September 10, 2008, at 1:30,
3
Also, failure to make repeated requests for a speedy trial “supports an inference that the defendant does not really
want a trial, he wants only a dismissal.” Cantu, 253 S.W.3d at 283. Here, only one request for dismissal was made.
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and put on the Court’s docket. It isn’t clear whether Mr. Dennis appeared on the
10th, but the plea hearing was not held that day and neither party ever asked the
Court to reschedule it.
On each of the Monthly Appearance Records Mr. Dennis was given the
opportunity to say that he rejected the State’s offer and demanded a jury trial. . . .
On each of these reports, Dennis could “ASK FOR A BENCH TRIAL” or “DEMAND A JURY
TRIAL.”
Dennis was given the option in each monthly report to ask for a jury trial or bench trial,
but did not do so. He was informed of his right to an attorney, chose not to hire an attorney until
after notice of a pretrial setting, and asked the court for a continuance prior to the filing of the
motion to dismiss.
On August 4, 2011, Dennis announced that he had hired an attorney and asked for
additional time to consult with him. The court granted his request and passed the jury trial
setting of August 22, 2011, to September 12, 2011.
The trial court found:
Mr. Dennis has never asked for a trial. He was given at least six opportunities to
request a trial simply by checking a box, and he did not do it. Even now, in his
Motion to Dismiss, Mr. Dennis does not ask for a trial but rather to avoid one.
Over all this time Mr. Dennis waited until August 2011 to engage an attorney or
make any other preparations for trial. When faced with trial, he asked for
additional time to prepare. In fact, there is nothing to indicate that Mr. Dennis has
ever been interested in actually having a trial.
Further, when a defendant fails to file a motion seeking a speedy trial before seeking
dismissal he should provide cogent reasons for this failure. Cantu, 253 S.W.3d at 283. Citing
Phillips, Dennis argues that this Court should not weigh this factor against him because he only
7
hired counsel “two weeks prior to the September 8, 2011 hearing.” The court in Phillips rejected
the State’s argument that the defendant waived his claim because he did not assert it. 650
S.W.2d at 401. This was because “for over a year appellant had no opportunity to assert his
right, as he was unaware that he had been indicted. Obviously, appellant cannot be faulted for
failing to assert a right he did not know he was entitled to.” Id. at 400. Phillips is
distinguishable because Dennis was aware that a charging instrument had been filed and made
appearances before the court. Dennis also complains that he was not admonished about his right
to a speedy trial and could not assert it. We hold pro se litigants to the same standards as a
licensed attorney and do not grant them any special consideration. See Johnson v. State, 760
S.W.2d 277, 279 (Tex. Crim. App. 1988).4
The facts presented here are distinguishable from those in Zamorano, 84 S.W.3d 643. In
Zamorano, the defense asserted the speedy trial right in one motion which was denied and then
asked for reconsideration of the issue four months later. It was not until another ten months
elapsed before the trial was conducted.
Based on the failure to seek a speedy trial, and the timing of the motion to dismiss, which
was filed after multiple trial settings and after Dennis sought a continuance of trial, we find this
factor weighs heavily against him. See Dragoo v. State, 96 S.W.3d 308, 314–15 (Tex. Crim.
App. 2003); see also Phipps v. State, 630 S.W.2d 942, 946 (Tex. Crim. App. [Panel Op.] 1982)
4
Moreover, although the record suggests he may not have been admonished with respect to speedy trial, it is also
possible that Dennis actually knew of the right and chose not to assert it since a DWI conviction could result in the
loss of his job as a truck driver.
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(remaining silent for four years and waiting one month before trial to assert right to speedy trial
makes it difficult to prove defendant was denied right to speedy trial).
D. Prejudice
Prejudice is assessed in the light of the three interests which the right to speedy trial was
designed to protect: (1) freedom from oppressive pretrial incarceration; (2) mitigation of the
anxiety and concern that accompanies a public accusation; and (3) avoidance of impairment to a
defense. Barker, 407 U.S. at 532. “[T]he burden is on the accused to make some showing of
prejudice which was caused by the delay of his trial.” Harris v. State, 489 S.W.2d 303, 308
(Tex. Crim. App. 1973); Cantu, 253 S.W.3d at 280.
The trial court noted that Dennis “was released on bond” on October 14, 2006, and had
“not been incarcerated for this offense since.” Thus, he was not subject to oppressive pretrial
incarceration.
We next examine Dennis’ level of anxiety. The trial court found:
Mr. Dennis does claim financial loss from his appearances in court. He appeared
in court on July 25, 2008, August 4, 2011, and September 8, 2011. The last was a
special setting he requested. He may have appeared in court on October 10, 2008,
but this was also a special setting to accommodate him. The five times he
checked in for the Monthly Appearance Report were also structured to
accommodate him. He could check in any time between 8:00 a.m. and 4 p.m. on
those days and could leave as soon as he completed the report. He also complains
that he had to pay a bond renewal fee, but does not state the amount. He did not
incur the costs of hiring an attorney until August 2011.
At the September 8, 2011, hearing on the motion to dismiss, Dennis testified that he had
to miss work ten to twelve times in order to appear in court, costing him $10.00 an hour. He
complained that he had to pay a bail bondsman twice because they charged him $350.00 again
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after the first year. Dennis testified the pendency of the case caused him to worry because he
had “so much on the line” and would lose his job as a truck driver if found guilty of DWI.
General anxiety is at least some evidence of the type of anxiety considered in Barker, but
is not sufficient proof of prejudice when “it is no greater anxiety or concern beyond the level
normally associated with a criminal charge or investigation.” Cantu, 253 S.W.3d at 285–86.
Here, Dennis’ anxiety that “so much was on the line” was generalized. Dennis was required to
take unpaid leave from work ten or twelve times and was required to pay an additional bond
payment, which is “some evidence of the type of ‘anxiety’ that the Supreme Court considers
under the prejudice prong.” Zamorano, 84 S.W.3d at 654. However, unlike Zamorano, Dennis
did not make his claim of a speedy trial violation until very shortly before the trial occurred.
The most serious interest protected by a right to a speedy trial is the prevention of an
impairment of a defense. Barker, 407 U.S. at 531. If witnesses disappear during a delay, or are
unable to recall events, prejudice is obvious. Id. Dennis did not provide any testimony with
respect to this factor at the hearing, and it is not argued in his brief. This most serious right was
not affected by the delay.
E. Balancing
“Having addressed the four Barker factors, we must now balance them.” Dragoo, 96
S.W.3d at 316. The length of delay weighs heavily in favor of Dennis and against the State.
There is no evidence that the delay was intentional or an attempt to gain an advantage by the
State, but was due to docket congestion, which weighs against the State, but not heavily. Dennis
never attempted to invoke his right to a speedy trial, as the filing of the motion to dismiss shows
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a desire to have no trial, not a speedy one. Cantu, 253 S.W.3d at 282. Even if the motion to
dismiss is considered as invoking his right to a speedy trial, it was not filed until August 2011
and, after a continuance was granted for defense counsel’s schedule, the trial occurred in
December 2011. In cases of a substantial delay, a defendant actually seeking a speedy trial is
more likely to request it and failure to do so is weighed more heavily against finding a violation.
Dragoo, 96 S.W.2d at 314. The failure to timely assert the right to a speedy trial weighs heavily
against Dennis. Finally, no pretrial incarceration occurred in this case. Dennis’ testimony
establishes some prejudice for his required court appearances and consequent loss of income, but
on the much more important issue of impairment of his defense, no prejudice is shown. The
weight of the Barker factors, when balanced together, leads us to conclude that Dennis’ right to a
speedy trial was not violated.
IV. Conclusion
We affirm the trial court’s judgment.
Jack Carter
Justice
Date Submitted: June 6, 2012
Date Decided: June 11, 2012
Do Not Publish
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