John Calvin Marshall v. State ( 2015 )

ACCEPTED
12-14-00368-CR
TWELFTH COURT OF APPEALS
TYLER, TEXAS
5/1/2015 4:57:27 AM
CATHY LUSK
CLERK
Oral Argument Requested
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
FILED IN
FOR THE TWELFTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS 12th COURT OF APPEALS
TYLER, TEXAS TYLER, TEXAS
5/1/2015 4:57:27 AM
CATHY S. LUSK
JOHN CALVIN MARSHALL, § Clerk
Appellant §
§
VS. § NO. 12-14-00368-CR
§
§
THE STATE OF TEXAS, §
Appellee §
ON APPEAL FROM THE
TH
294 JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
OF VAN ZANDT COUNTY, TEXAS
NO. CR11-00070
PRESIDING JUDGE TERESA DRUM
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
APPELLANT’S BRIEF
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
DEAN WHITE NOLAN D. WHITE
State Bar Number 21299500 State Bar Number 24039238
DEAN WHITE NOLAN D. WHITE
ATTORNEY AT LAW ATTORNEY AT LAW
690 WEST DALLAS 690 WEST DALLAS
CANTON, TEXAS 75103 CANTON, TEXAS 75103
PHONE: (903) 567-4155 PHONE: (903) 567-4155
FAX: (903) 567-4964 FAX: (903) 567-4964
EMAIL: dwatty@etcable.net EMAIL: nwatty@etcable.net
ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT
IDENTITY OF PARTIES AND COUNSEL
APPELLANT:
JOHN CALVIN MARSHALL
APPELLANT’S TRIAL AND APPELLATE COUNSEL:
Dean White
690 West Dallas
Canton, Texas 75103
Phone: (903) 567-4155
Fax: (903) 567-4964
Email: dwatty@etcable.net
Nolan D. White
690 West Dallas
Canton, Texas 75103
Phone: (903) 567-4155
Fax: (903) 567-4964
Email: nwatty@etcable.net
APPELLEE’S TRIAL COUNSEL
Chris Martin
Van Zandt County Criminal District Attorney
400 S. Buffalo
Canton, Texas 75103
Phone: (903) 567-4104
Fax: (903) 567-6258
Email: chrismartin@vanzandtcounty.org
Richard Schmidt
Assistant Van Zandt County Criminal District Attorney
400 S. Buffalo
Canton, Texas 75103
Phone: (903) 567-4104
Fax: (903) 567-6258
Email: rschmidt@vanzandtcounty.org
Allison Flanagan
Assistant Van Zandt County Criminal District Attorney
400 S. Buffalo
Canton, Texas 75103
Phone: (903) 567-4104
Fax: (903) 567-6258
Email:aflanagan@vanzandtcounty.org
-i-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PARTIES TO THE CAUSE.............................................................................................. i
TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................................... ii-iii
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES...........................................................................................iv -v
STATEMENT OF THE CASE..........................................................................................2
ISSUES PRESENTED.................................................................................................... 3
Issue One: The trial court erred by denying John Calvin Marshall’s motion to
suppress statements under Fifth, Sixth, and Fourteenth
Amendments to the United State Constitution and under Article
38.22 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
Issue Two: The trial court erred by permitting th State to introduce 404(b)
evidence concerning Jean Mullins.
Issue Three: The trial court erred by excluding relevant evidence, of which the
testifying witness had personal knowledge, that was material to
John Calvin Marshall’s defense.
Issue Four: John Calvin Marshall’s Sixth Amendment and Fourteenth
Amendment rights to the United States Constitution were violated
by not allowing him to present a defense.
Issue Five: The State made an improper jury argument, by asking the jurors to
put themselves in the place of the complainant, that was not cure
by the trial court’s instruction.
STATEMENT OF THE FACTS.................................................................................... 4-5
SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT............................................................................... 6-7
ISSUES PRESENTED WITH ARGUMENTS AND AUTHORITIES
Issue One, Restated.............................................................................................7
A. Applicable Law....................................................................................7-8
B. Analysis of Fact in this Case.............................................. ...............9-10
ii
Issue Two, Restated...........................................................................................11
A. Applicable Law................................................................................11-12
B. Analysis of Fact in this Case.............................................. .............13-17
Issue Three, Restated.........................................................................................18
Issue Four, Restated........................................................................................ ..18
A. Applicable Law................................................................................18-20
B. Analysis of Fact in this Case.............................................. .............20-22
Issue Five, Restated...........................................................................................22
A. Applicable Law................................................................................22-23
B. Analysis of Facts in this Case............................................ .............23-24
PRAYER FOR RELIEF................................................................................................. 24
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE.........................................................................................26
CERTIFICATE OF WORD COUNT...............................................................................26
iii
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
CASES PAGE
Chambers v. Mississippi, 410 U.S. 284, 302 (1973).....................................................19
Chandler v. State, 689 S.W.2d 332, 334 (Tex. App– Ft. Worth 1985, no pet.).............22
Davis v. State, 964 S.W.2d 14, 18 (Tex. App.– Tyler 1997)..........................................23
Draheim v. State, 916 S.W.2d 599 (Tex. App.– San Antonio 1996, pet. ref’d)..............18
Garrett v. State, 632 S.W.2d 350, 353 (Tex. Crim. App. 1982).....................................23
Gigliobianco v. State, 210 S.W.3d 637 (Tex. Crim. App. 2006)....................................12
Johnson v. State, 352 S.W.3d 224, 233 (Tex. App.–Houston [14 th Dist.] 2011)............19
Keller v. State, 662 S.W.2d 362, 365 (Tex. Crim. App. 1984).......................................19
Kelly v. State, 204 S.W.3d 808 (Tex. Crim. App. 1997)..................................................8
Kelly v. State, 321 S.W.3d 583, 592 (Tex. App.– Houston [14 th Dist.] 2010.................19
Miles v. State, 61 S.W.3d 682, 686 (Tex. App.– Houston [1 st Dist.] 2001, pet. ref’d)...18
Montgomery v. State, 810 S.W.2d 372 (Tex. Crim. App. 1990) .........................11,12,13
Plante v. State, 692 S.W.2d 487, 491 (Tex. Crim. App. 1985) quoting
Waldrop v. State, 133 S.W.2d 969, 970 (1940)............................................................18
Ransom v. State, 920 S.W.2d 288 (Tex. Crim. App. 1996)..........................................11
Rich v. State, 160 S.W.3d 575, 577-78 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005)...................................11
Russell v. State, 113 S.W.3d 530 (Tex. App.– Ft. Worth 2003, pet. ref’d.)...................11
State v. Gobert, 275 S.W.2d 888 (Tex. Crim. App. 2009)..............................................8
Thomas vs. State, 578 S.W.2d 691, 695 (Tex. Crim. App. 1979).................................22
Tillman v. State, 376 S.W.3d 188, 198
(Tex. App. – Houston [14 th Dist.] 2012, no pet.)............................................................19
Washington v. Texas, 388 U.S. 14, 19 (1967)............................................................... 19
Webb v. Texas, 409 U.S. 95 (1972)............................................................................. 19
-iv-
Wheeler v. State, 67 S.W.3d 879 (Tex. Crim. App. 2002)........................................11,13
Williams v. State, 402 S.W.3d 425 (Tex. App.– Houston [14 th Dist.] 2013, pet. ref’d)...19
Woodruff v. State, 330 S.W.3d 709, 724 (Tex. App.– Texarkana 2010) cert. denied.
Woodruff v. Texas, 132 S. Ct. 502 (2011).......................................................................8
CODE AND RULES
TEX. R. APP. P. 44.2(a)................................................................................................19
TEX. R. APP. P. 44.2(b)......................................................................................... 13, 19
TEX. R. EVID. 403........................................................................................................ 11
TEX. R. EVID. 404........................................................................................................ 12
TEX. R. EVID. 412........................................................................................................ 18
TEX. R. EVID. 503...........................................................................................................8
TEX. R. EVID. 602.........................................................................................................18
CONSTITUTION
U.S. Const. Amend. V............................................................................................... 7, 8
U.S. Const. Amend. VI.......................................................................................... 7,8,19
U.S. Const. Amend. XIV........................................................................................ 7,8,19
STATUTES
TEX. CRIM. PROC. ART. 38.22..................................................................................... 7
v
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE TWELFTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS
TYLER, TEXAS
JOHN CALVIN MARSHALL, §
Appellant §
§
VS. § NO. 12-14-00368-CR
§
§
THE STATE OF TEXAS, §
Appellee §
ON APPEAL FROM THE
294TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
OF VAN ZANDT COUNTY, TEXAS
NO. CR11-00070
PRESIDING JUDGE TERESA DRUM
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
APPELLANT’S BRIEF
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
TO THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS AND THE JUSTICES THEREOF:
John Calvin Marshall, (“Appellant”), by and through his attorneys of record, Dean White
and Nolan D. White, and pursuant to the provisions of TEX. R. APP. PROC. 38, et seq.,
respectfully submits this brief on appeal.
1
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
The Grand Jury for Van Zandt County July Term, 2011 A.D. indicted John Calvin
Marshall for the offense of Burglary of a Habitation. CR 11. 1 Mr. Marshall filed a motion
to suppress (CR 21-22) and the trial court held a hearing on that motion on May 22,
2012. The trial court filed its order overruling Mr. Marshall’s motion to suppress on
August 20, 2012. CR 37-38. Mr. Marshall also filed a motion in limine concerning prior
convictions and extraneous offenses (CR 12-14) which the court granted. CR 55. On
September 30, 2014 the trial court called Mr. Marshall’s case to trial CR 7. Mr. Marshall
entered a plea of not guilty before a jury to the charge offense. RR 28.2 The jury found
John Calvin Marshall guilty of the offense of Burglary of a Habitation with intent to
commit sexual assault as charged in the indictment. RR 61
Mr. Marshall elected to have the jury assess his punishment. CR 51. The jury
sentenced Mr. Marshall to 25 years confinement in the Texas Department of Criminal
Justice and assessed a $10,000 fine. CR 77 Mr. Marshall filed a motion for new trial on
and the motion for new trial was overruled as a matter of law. CR 86-88. Mr Marshall
timely filed a notice of appeal on December 30, 2014. CR 90.
1
References to the Clerk’s Record are designated “CR” with a roman numeral preceding “CR”
indicating the correct volume and an arabic numeral following “CR” specifying the correct page in the
record.
2
References to the Reporter’s Record are designated “RR” with a roman numeral preceding
“RR” indicating the correct volume and an arabic numeral following “RR” specifying the correct page in the
record.
2
ISSUES PRESENTED
Issue One: The trial court erred by denying John Calvin Marshall’s motion to suppress
on United States Constitution, Texas Constitution, and Texas Statutory
violations.
Issue Two: The trial court erred by permitting the State to introduce 404(b) evidence
concerning Jean Mullins
Issue Three: The trial court erred by excluding relevant evidence of which the testifying
witness had personal knowledge that was material to John Calvin
Marshall’s defense.
Issue Four: John Calvin Marshall’s Sixth Amendment and Fourteenth Amendment
rights to the United States Constitution were violated by not allowing him
to present a defense.
Issue Five: The State made an improper jury argument, by asking the jurors to put
themselves in the place of the complainant, that was not cure by the trial
court’s instruction.
3
STATEMENT OF FACTS
On April 23, 2011, John Calvin Marshall, who was seventy years old entered the
home of Carolyn Walter.3 IV RR 118. Ms. Walter is a registered dental assistant. IV RR
10. She was a casual acquaintance of Mr. Marshall. IV RR 105 Mr. Marshall had been a
patient at the office where Ms. Walter worked. IV RR 11. Ms. Walter had lived down the
road from Mr. Marshall and his wife when she moved to Canton 29 years ago and she
had also cleaned house for Mrs. Marshall. IV RR 15. Mr. Marshall had never been
inappropriate with Ms. Walter at her work. IV RR 16. When Ms. Walters saw Mr.
Marshall in her home, he told Ms. Walters that he had always been interested in her. IV
RR She asked Mr. Marshall to leave and he then started pushing her backwards to her
bedroom which was 20 or 25 paces away. IV RR 18. He was not acting menacing and
had a firm grip on her shoulders. IV RR 18. She was in disbelief because her husband
had cheated on her and she would never put herself in that situation. IV RR 19. The
situation of being the other woman. IV RR 59. Mr. Marshall was kind of taking both of
their clothes off. IV RR 20. Mr. Marshall pushed her on the bed in the bedroom. IV RR
21. Mr. Marshall’s penis was not erect. IV RR 23. Mr. Marshall was not able to
penetrate her. IV RR 23. Ms. W alter made fun of Mr. Marshall because he could not
get it up and made fun of the size of his penis. IV RR 24, 49. Mr. Marshall arrived at
the Ms. Walter’s residence at 11:30 and left at 12:01. IV RR 47. Ms. Walter said that
Mr. Marshall had his arm across her chest for 20 minutes and it took him nearly 10
minutes to get dressed. IV RR 48. Ms. Walter watched him put on his clothes. IV RR
50. Ms. Walter followed Mr. Marshall outside partially clothed. IV RR 52-53. Ms. Walter
3
The indictment alleges the pseudonym of “Kay Jackson.” The victim’s name was Carolyn
Walter, but at the time of trial Ms. Walter had remarried and went by the name Carolyn Herriage. She will
be referred to as Carolyn Walter in this brief.
4
was yelling and screaming. IV RR 69. She did not yell for Gloria or Enrique Guerra IV
RR 59. She did not try to escape to the Guerra’s home or to the business located in
close proximity IV RR 50. Enrique and Gloria Guerra had told Ms. W alter earlier in the
day they would be out fixing the fence located between their homes. IV RR 72. Enrique
Guerra was outside working on the fence in the morning and early afternoon and did
not hear any yelling. II RR 15. Gloria Guerra was working on the fence and she did not
hear any yelling. II RR 24. Ms. Walter returned inside and made several phone calls,
but she did not call the police. IV RR 59, 62. She drank a g lass and a half of wine and
apparently went to sleep. IV RR 27-28. Ms. W alter contacted her son’s friend,
Matthew Jackson, who lives in Amarillo, Texas. II RR 200. Ms. Walter contacted Mr.
Jackson around 12:00 to 2:00. II RR 213. Af ter speaking with Ms. Walter, Mr. Jackson
became concerned and he told Ms. W alter to contact the police and she did not. II RR
204. Mr. Jackson contacted the police. II RR 204. Canton Police Departm ent
dispatched Sergeant Steve Hall to investigate a possible sexual assault at 1230 Big
Rock Street. II RR 36. Ms. Walter indicated that she did not want to talk with Sergeant
Hall. II RR 38, 40. Sergeant Hall contacted Detective Michael King and Detective King
arrived about an hour after Sergeant Hall had arrived at the scene. II RR 41. Other
people started arriving on the scene including Jean Mullins and Carla Ward as well as
members of Ms. Walter’s family. II RR 48. Ms. Walter would not identify the person
would had allegedly assaulted her. II RR 50. Jean Mullins eventually spoke with Ms.
Walter and convinced her to talk to the police IV RR 29. Ms. W alter then spoke with
Detective King of the Canton Police Department and gave him her story IV RR 31.4
4
Additional facts will be addressed as appropriate in the Issues Restated with Argument and
Authorities.
5
SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT
Issue One:
The trial court erred by denying John Calvin Marshall’s Motion to Suppress Statement.
Mr. Marshall requested an attorney after he was read the required warnings under
Article 38.22. Detective King recorded the warning as required. After Mr. Marshall
requested to speak with an attorney, Detective King continued to record Mr. Marshall
even though he knew Mr. Marshall was attempting to contact an attorney. These
actions violated Mr. Marshall’s rights under the Fifth, Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments
to the United States Constitution and under Article 38.22 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure..
Issue Two:
The State proffered alleged 404(b) evidence through its witness Jean Mullins. She
alleged Mr. Marshall had made an unwanted advances towards her, touched her in an
inappropriate manner and appeared at her place of work and on the street where she
lived uninvited. These alleged actions were a focal point of the State’s case as it
introduced the testimony of Ms. Mullins prior to Carolyn Walter’s, the victim, even
testifying. Ms. Mullins’ testimony invited the jury to convict Mr. Marshall on improper
character evidence. The trial court failed to conduct a proper balancing test.
Issue Three and Four:
The trial court did not allow Martha Wetherholt, a former co-worker of Carolyn Walter,
to testify. Martha Wetherholt’s testimony was relevant and based on her personal
knowledge. The State had elicited testimony of the Carolyn Walter’s general demeanor
and conduct prior to the events on April 23, 2011. The State also introduced evidence
of a DNA analysis that showed the presence of an additional contributor. Additionally,
6
the State introduced a custodial statement made by Mr. Marshall describing the alleged
victim as being “crazy”. The trial used this statement, in part, to justify its admitting
404(b) evidence against Mr. Marshall. Mr. Marshall had no chance to rebut or further
explain the evidence presented by the State. The trial court’s ruling denied Mr. Marshall
the valuable right to present a defense on his own behalf.
Issue Five:
The State made an improper jury argument when it asked the jurors to put
themselves in the place of the complainant. The trial court sustained Mr. Marshall’s
objection and granted his request to instruct the jury to disregard the statement. The
trial court overruled Mr. Marshall’s request for a mistrial. The State immediately made a
statement on similar line of argument to which Mr. Marshall objected. The court
overruled the objection. Given the 404(b) evidence, the behavior of Carolyn Walter, and
the exclusion of Martha Wetherholt as a witness, there is a reasonable possibility that
the argument might have contributed to the conviction.
ISSUES RESTATED WITH ARGUMENT AND AUTHORITIES
Issue One, Restated:
The trial court erred by denying John Calvin Marshall’s motion to suppress statements
under the Fifth, Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States of America,
and under Article 38.22 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
A. Applicable Law
Article 38.22 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure governs that admissibility
of statements. Article 38.22 requires that an oral statement must be recorded and that
prior to the statement during the recording that the accused if given the warning in
Subsection (a) of Section 2. TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC ART. 38.22 sec. 3(a)(2) (Vernon
7
Ann. 2011). The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution provides the right to
have counsel present during any police initiated questioning. State v. Gobert, 275
S.W.2d 888, 892 (Tex. Crim. App. 2009). “Once a suspect has clearly invoked his right
to counsel, no subsequent exchange with the police (unless the suspect has initiated it
himself can serve to undermine the clarity of the invocation.” Id. at 895. Although it is
not an absolute right, a criminal defendant (in the Sixth Amendment context) has the
right to consult with his counsel in private. Woodruff v. State, 330 S.W.3d 709, 724
(Tex. App.– Texarkana 2010) cert. denied. Woodruff v. Texas, 132 S. Ct. 502 (2011).
“If a state agent interferes with confidential attorney-client communications, not only is
there a risk of disclosure of confidential information but also such an intrusion chills free
discussion between a defendant and his attorney.” Id. quoting State v. Pecard, 196
Ariz. 371, 998 P.2d 453, 459 (Ariz. Ct. App. 1999). Rule 503 governs Lawyer-Client
Privilege and provides that the privilege may be claimed by the client or by the or lawyer
or the lawyer’s personal representatives. TEX R. EVID. 503(c) (Vernon Ann. 2011). The
client may also “refuse to disclose and to prevent any other person from disclosing
confidential communications made for the purpose of facilitating the rendition of
professional legal services to the client. TEX. R. EVID 503(b)(1). This includes a
representative of the client. TEX. R. EVID 503(b)(1)(A) (Vernon Ann. 2011). A
representative is a person having authority to obtain professional legal services. TEX.
R. EVID. 503(2)(A) (Vernon Ann. 2011). W hen the trial court makes explicit findings of
fact the appellate court will determine whether the evidence viewed in the light most
favorable to the trial court’s ruling supports those finding of fact. Kelly v. State, 204
S.W.3d 808 (Tex. Crim. App. 1997).
8
B. Analysis of Facts in this Case
Prior to trial John Calvin Marshall filed a pre-trial motion to suppress statements.
CR 21-22.5 During the motion to suppress Detective Michael King testified that on April
29, 2011, he arrested 70 year old John Calvin Marshal for Burglary of Habitation. MTS
RR 21, 24.6 Detective King obtained an arrest warrant for Mr. Marshall which alleged
that Mr. Marshall had entered the home of Carolyn Walter on April 23, 2011 without her
effective consent and with the intent to commit sexual assault or did commit sexual
assault. MTS RR 19, 22. (See State’s Exhibit 1 and Exhibit 2) Detective King located
John Calvin Marshall at the Canton First United Methodist Church. MTS RR 21. Officers
of the Canton Police Department arrested Mr. Marshall and Detective King transported
Mr. Marshall to the Canton Police Department. MTS RR 21. Upon arriving at the Canton
Police Department Detective King took Mr. Marshall to his office. MTS RR 25-26.
Detective King finished the book-in process first. MTS RR 28, 43. Detective King read
Mr. Marshall the warnings required by Article 38.22. MTS RR 30. Mr. Marshall told
Detective King that considering the serious nature of the charges that he thought he
needed an attorney. MTS RR 31. Mr. Marshall tried to contact an attorney, Mr. Spruiell.
MTS RR 31. Detective King agreed that Mr. Marshall asked for an attorney and when
Mr. Marshall had done so that all questioning must have ceased. MTS RR 33, 43.
Detective King had a recorder that was operational while Mr. Marshall attempted to
contact an attorney and Detective King did not tell Mr. Marshall the recorder was
operating. MTS RR 34. Mr. Marshall made an attempt to contact an attorney and
5
The trial court issued ruling denying the motion to suppress statements. CR 37.
6
References to the Reporter’s Record which contains the motion to suppress statements is
designated “MTS” with a roman numeral preceding “MTS” indicating th volume and an arabic numeral
following “MTS” specifying the correct page in the record.
9
contacted his wife and directed her to attempt to contact an attorney. MTS RR 36-37.
Detective King was not going to leave Mr. Marshall alone in his office. MTS RR 49
Detective King would have listened to Mr. Marshall had he had a conversation with an
attorney in his office. MTS RR 50-51. Detective King maintained that based on his
training and experience, at no point in time after he received custody of Mr. Marshall did
he interrogate Mr. Marshall with an intent to receive information pertaining to this
offense. MTS RR 46.
Detective King had completed the book in process. Detective King read Mr.
Marshall the required warnings under Article 38.22 and Mr. Marshall indicated he
wanted to speak with an attorney. When a suspect requests an attorney, all questioning
must cease. Detective King maintained he did not interrogate Mr. Marshall with an
intent to receive information pertaining to the offense for which Mr. Marshall was
charge. Detective King, however, allowed the recording device to record even after Mr.
Marshall made his request for counsel. It is clear that Detective King had no intent to
cease attempting to question Mr. Marshall at that point. Article 38.22 requires that oral
statements are recorded in order to be admissible and Detective King obviously knows
this fact. Detective King kept the recording device operational. Mr. Marshall attempted
to contact an attorney and he also attempted to have his wife, who would be acting as
his representative, contact an attorney. The confidentiality of the lawyer-client
relationship is paramount to the effective operation of the judicial system. Detective
King had every intent to stay in the room while Mr. Marshall attempted to speak with
attorney and the attorney’s employees. By continuing to record Mr. Marshall while he
attempted to contact an attorney, Detective King did not honor Mr. Marshall’s request
and violated his right to have all questioning cease once a request for counsel is made.
10
Issue Two, Restated:
The trial court erred by permitting th State to introduce 404(b) evidence concerning
Jean Mullins.
A. Applicable Law
“Relevant evidence” means evidence having any tendency to make the existence
of any fact that is of consequence to the determination fo the action mor probable or
less probable than it would be without the evidence. TEX. R. EVID. 401 (Vernon Ann.
2011). The trial court must conclude that the evidence has relevance apart from
character conformity. Montgomery v. State, 810 S.W.2d 372, 387 (Tex. Crim. App.
1991) Rule 403 of the Texas Rules of Evidence provides that relevant evidence may be
excluded if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair
prejudice, confusion of the issues, misleading the jury, or by considerations of undue
delay or needless presentation of cumulative evidence. TEX. R. EVID. 403 (Vernon
Ann. 2011). Extraneous offenses are not admissible to prove that the defendant acted
in conformity with his character. Russell v. State, 113 S.W.3d 530, 535 (Tex. App.– Ft.
Worth 2003, pet. ref’d). If the extraneous offense evidence makes an elemental or
evidentiary fact more or less probable or if it tends to rebut a defensive theory then the
evidence has some relevance beyond tending to show character conformity. Id. If the
responses elicited from witness are sufficient, cross examination may raise a defensive
theory. Ransom v. State, 920 S.W.2d 288, 301 (Tex. Crim. App. 1996). Generally, if the
State wishes to rebut a defensive theory through extraneous offense evidence, the
Defendant must have produced that defensive theory through direct evidence. Wheeler
v. State, 67 S.W.3d 879, 885 (Tex. Crim. App. 2002). This defensive theory may not be
11
elicited by prompting or maneuvering by the State. Id. Evidence of other crimes,
wrongs, or acts is not admissible to prove the character of a person in order to show
that he acted in conformity therewith. TEX. R. EVID. 404(b) (Vernon Ann. 2011).
“Evidence of other “crimes, wrongs, or acts” may also create “unfair prejudice” if under
the circumstances a jury would be more likely to draw an impermissible character
conformity inference than the permissible inference for which the evidence is relevant,
or if otherwise distracts the jury from “the specifically charged offense: and invites them
to convict on a moral or emotional basis rather than as a reasoned response to the
relevant evidence.” Montgomery, 810 S.W.2d at 395. The admissibility of evidence is
within the discretion of the trial court and should not be set aside absent a show ing of
abuse of discretion. Id. at 390. Judicial rulings should be upheld if the trial court follows
the appropriate analysis and balancing factors and the result cannot be reached in an
arbitrary and capricious manner. Id. at 392.
The trial court should consider several factors when conducting its Rule 403 balancing
test:
1. the inherent probative force of the proffered item of evidence along with
2. The proponent’s need for that evidence against
3. Any tendency of the evidence to suggest a decision on an improper basis
4. Any tendency of the evidence to confuse or distract the jury for the main
issues
5. Any tendency of the evidence to be given undue weight by a jury that not
been equipped to evaluate the probative force of the evidence, and
6. the likelihood that presentation of the evidence will consume an inordinate
amount of time or merely repeat evidence already admitted.
Gigliobianco v. State, 210 S.W.3d 637, 641 (Tex. Crim. App. 2006). See also Wheeler
12
v. State, 67 S.W.3d 879, 888 (Tex. Crim. App. 2002). The trial court will have abused its
discretion when one or more of these criteria leads to a risk that the probative value of
the tendered evidence is substantially outweighed by unfair prejudice. Montgomery at
393. In order for there to be reversible error the error must have affected the Appellant’s
substantial rights. Tex. R. App. P. 44.2(b). The error must have had a substantial and
injurious effect or influence in determining the jury’s verdict. Rich v. State, 160 S.W.3d
575, 577-78 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005).
B. Analysis of Facts in this Case
The State indicated in a hearing outside the presence of the jury that it intended
to mention an incident concerning Mr. Marshall and Ms. Mullins during its opening. II
RR 15. The State indicated that it would not go into specifics but would be mentioning
an incident as it pertained to identification of the suspect. II RR. 15. Mr. Marshall
objected that the State was introducing an extraneous offense. II RR 21, 22. The trial
court indicated that the State was offering it for identification purposes and the State
agreed. II RR 21.
Detective King contacted Jean Mullins, who was employed by the Children’s
Advocacy Center. II RR 113, 43. Detective King had a hunch that Ms. Mullins might
know the identity of the perpetrator that Ms. Walter would not identify. II RR 114. Ms.
Mullins had told Detective King, off the record, about an encounter she had with an
individual. She did not name the individual. III RR 143. Ms. Mullins testified before Ms.
Walter testified during trial. III RR 125-165. Ms. Mullins said that Detective King came to
her home mid morning on April 23, 2011 and asked for her assistance. III RR 127. She
and Detective King were looking for a residence of a John Mitchell. III RR 128. They
found the residence they were looking for which was that of John Marshall. III RR 128.
13
Detective King and Ms. Mullins returned to Ms. Walter’s residence. III RR 129.
Ms. Mullins spoke with Ms. Walter but Ms. Walter would not give her the name of
the person who had assaulted her. III RR 130. Ms. Mullins also stated that prior to April
23, 2011 she had an incident involving John Marshall. III RR 133. Ms. Mullins claimed
that in August 2008, Mr. Marshall had come to the Children’s Advocacy Center where
she was employed. The center is a public business and the doors are lef t open. III RR
134. Ms. Mullins gave Mr. Marshall a tour of the business. Ms. Mullins said that Mr.
Marshall sniffed her lower arm all the way up to her shoulder. III RR 136. Mr. Marshall
left the business. III RR 137. Mr. Marshall came back to the business in late August or
early September. He told Ms. Mullins he thought she was beautiful and that he was
interested in her, but Ms. Mullins indicated she was not interested in him. III RR 138.
Mr. Marshall apparently tried to pull Ms. Mullins across her desk or counter as they
were shaking hands. III RR 138; IV RR136-37. He then came up behind her and put his
arm around her neck and tried to open mouth kiss and lick her face. III RR 139. He did
not touch her breasts, vagina or anything. III RR 161. She claimed she was in a
chokehold but she had no injuries. III RR 161 Ms. Mullins said that Mr. Marshall cam e
by the Children’s Advocacy Center in late October and apologized. III RR 142. Ms.
Mullins went over to Mr. Marshall’s home at a later date to see about adopting out a
dog. III RR 149. Ms. Mullins was concerned about retaliation in the community if she
reported Mr. Marshall. III RR 145.
14
Prior to opening, the State informed the trial court that it was going into alleged
404(b) acts for identification purposes. (The Court later found that identity was not an
issue which required 404 (b), see footnote 7). The State was allowed by the trial court
from the very outset of the trial to begin mention of 404(b) evidence. While there were
no specifics mentioned, the word incident can carry with it an inflammatory connotation
when mentioned in a criminal trial. The State should not have been allowed to mention
before the jury and during opening statement the possibility of 404(b) acts. The trial
court finally held a evidentiary hearing concerning the 404(b) evidence before Ms.
Mullins testified.
The trial court must perform a proper balancing test as required in Montgomery
and Gigliobianco supra, before it admits 404(b) evidence. The court found that
Ms.Mullins testimony was admissible for the purposes of showing intent.7
The trial court must look at the inherent probative force of the proffered item of
evidence along with the proponent’s need for the evidence. The probative force of the
404(b) is minimal. It only suggested that the jury make a decision on an improper basis.
That improper basis being an emotional one. The evidence indicated at least in some
part that Mr. Marshall was attempting or was being unfaithful to his wife. This type has
no probative value. Ms. Mullins’ testimony was only offered to show that Mr. Marshall
acted in conformity with some character trait. The court noted in its ruling that the
404(b) evidence was not even of a sexual nature. Since the evidence was not of a
7
The Court finds that identity is not an issue that requires that 404(b) evidence would come in. It
appears from the testimony of the witness Ms. Mullins that the victim knew the defendant; however, the
Court does find that the evidence is admissible for the purposes of showing intent. The Court heard cross-
examination on the alleged victim’s state of intoxication as well as the statement by the defendant to
detective king in State’s Exhibit 46 that stated was crazy – or Carolyn Walter, the alleged victim, was crazy
or something to that effect.So then the Court looked at 403, Rule 403 and finds that it is – the 404(b)
evidence is not of a sexual nature, so the Court’s going to find the probative value is not outweighed by the
danger of unfair prejudice. III RR 121-22.
15
sexual nature, then the 404(b) could not be relevant in helping the jury in determining
Mr. Marshall’s alleged intent for the offense of burglary of habitation with intent to
commit sexual assault.
When the trial court allowed the alleged 404(b) acts to come into evidence it was
impossible for the trial court to determine the State’s need for the evidence at that time.
Mr. Marshall reserved his opening statement. Carolyn Walter had not testified. Mr.
Marshall had presented no direct evidence regarding a defensive theory nor had he had
the opportunity to cross examine Ms. Walter. Ms. Mullins could have easily testified
about her involvement without mentioning the specifics of any incident. Therefore, the
trial court was not in a position at this juncture to determine the State’s need for the
evidence.
The Court points to the questioning of witnesses about Ms. Walter’s
“intoxication.” The State’s witnesses Gloria Guerra and Carla Gandy testified about
smelling alcohol on Ms. Walter. Mrs. Gandy did so during direct examination. The
testimony on alcohol, if it illustrated anything, only illustrated that different people on the
scene observed different things about Ms. Walter. In fact, alcohol was mentioned once
during closing argument. V RR 34. The trial court also considered, in its ruling
admitting 404(b) testimony, made by Mr. Marshall that were the subject of Issue One in
this brief. The State introduced this evidence into the trial and Mr. Marshall had
objected to its admission. The State had effectively, through its own witnesses,
introduced evidence that the trial court relied on to justify its admission of the 404(b)
evidence.
Further, the evidence was distracting the jury from the main issue. The State
spent a great deal of time developing Ms. Mullins’ testimony as well as mentioning an
“alleged incident.” Ms. Mullins’ initial direct testimony regarding just Mr. Marshall
16
encompassed pages 125 through 147 of Volume III of the reporter’s record. In contrast,
Ms. Walter’s entire initial direct examination by the State encompassed only pages 7
through 34 of Volume IV. Ms. Mullins’ testimony did not assist the jury in making Mr.
Marshall’s alleged intent more or less probable. The 404(b) evidence introduced
through her testimony improperly suggested that that Mr. Marshall acted in conformity
with an alleged bad character. The State spent an inordinate amount of time addressing
the 404(b) evidence as that evidence related to the rest of its case. The initial direct
examination by the State is important as Mr. Marshall, nor any other defendant, is
obligation to question the witnesses. Since Mr. Marshall does not have to question the
witnesses, the information adduced from the witnesses by the State on direct
examination is the evidence the State feels it has to put before the jury to prove its
case. The time spent by the State delving into the 404(b) evidence rendered it highly
prejudicial.
Finally, the jury could not help but give the 404(b) evidence undue weight as it
actually heard this evidence prior to Ms. Walter even testifying. This was the proverbial
skunk in the jury box. There was no way for the jury to follow the court’s instructions.
The jury simply could not weigh the testimony for the purpose of which the trial court
erroneously admitted it. Mr. Marshall had to defend two separate cases throughout the
trial. This case is precisely why there is a balance test safeguarding the admission of
404(b) evidence. Mr. Marshall’s right to only be tried for the indicted offense was stolen
from him.
The admission of the 404(b) evidence constitutes reversible error as it
undoubtably had a substantial and injurious effect during the trial. The evidence carried
very little probative value and it had a highly prejudicial effect. The evidence had one
purpose and that was to influence the jury by attempting to show that John Marshall
17
acted in conformity with an allege bad character traits. The 404(b) evidence certainly
influenced the jury’s verdict.
Issue Three, Restated:
The trial court erred by excluding relevant evidence of which the testifying witness had
personal knowledge that was material to John Calvin Marshall’s defense.
Issue Four, Restated:
John Calvin Marshall’s Sixth Amendment and Fourteenth Amendment rights to the
United States Constitution were violated by not allowing him to present a defense.
A. Applicable Law
“Relevant evidence” means evidence having any tendency to make the existence
of any fact that is of consequence to the determination fo the action mor probable or
less probable than it would be without the evidence. TEX. R. EVID. 401 (Vernon Ann.
2011). “Relevancy is defined to be that which conduces to the proof of a pertinent
hypothesis – a pertinent hypothesis being one which, if sustained, would logically
influence the issue. Hence it is relevant to put in evidence any circumstance which
tends to make the proposition at issue with more or less probable. Plante v. State, 692
S.W.2d 487, 491 (Tex. Crim. App. 1985) quoting Waldrop v. State, 133 S.W.2d 969,
970 (1940). Rule 412 restricts the introduction of evidence regarding the complainant’s
prior consensual behavior to situations where the evidence is relevant to the
defendant’s defense and not unduly prejudicial or inflammatory. Draheim v. State, 916
S.W.2d 599 (Tex. App.– San Antonio 1996, pet. ref’d). A court abuses its discretion to
allow testimony of the complainant’s prior sexual behavior when it rebuts or explains the
only medical evidence offered at trial. Miles v. State, 61 S.W.3d 682, 686 (Tex. App.–
Houston [1st Dist.] 2001, pet. ref’d). Rule 602 of the Texas Rules of Evidence provides
18
that witness can only testify when there is sufficient evidence to support finding of a
personal knowledge of the matter to which the witness will be testifying. Williams v.
State, 402 S.W.3d 425, 436 (Tex. App.– Houston [14 th Dist.] 2013, pet. ref’d). The
erroneous exlcusion of evidence offered under the rules of evidence normally
constitutes non-constitutional evidence and is reviewed under Tex. R. App. P. 44.2(b).
Tillman v. State, 376 S.W.3d 188, 198 (Tex. App. – Houston [14 th Dist.] 2012, no pet.)
There are few rights as fundamental as that of the Defendant to present
witnesses in his own defense. Chambers v. Mississippi, 410 U.S. 284 (1973) E.g. Webb
v. Texas, 409 U.S. 95 (1972); Washington v. Texas, 388 U.S. 14, 19 (1967); In re
Oliver, 333 U.S. 257 (1948). The United States Constitution whether it be through the
Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment or the Compulsory Process or
Confrontation Clauses of the Sixth Amendment, guarantees the defendant a right to
present a defense. Kelly v. State, 321 S.W.3d 583, 592 (Tex. App.– Houston [14 th Dist.]
2010. A defendant in a criminal trial is guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment of the
United States Constitution to call witnesses on his own behalf. Johnson v. State, 352
S.W.3d 224, 233 (Tex. App.–Houston [14 th Dist.] 2011. This right is subject to
“established rules of procedure and evidence designed to assure both fairness and
reliability in the ascertainment of guilt or innocence.” Keller v. State, 662 S.W.2d 362,
365 (Tex. Crim. App. 1984). If the trial court excludes evidence that is relevant and
reliable and this evidence forms an integral part of a defendant’s defense then the
exclusion of the evidence can rise to that of a constitutional violation. Kelly, 321 S.W.3d
at 592. When a defendant’s evidence is excluded by the trial court and that exclusion
prevents effectively prevents the defendant from presenting a defense, the error must
be reviewed under Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 44.2 (a). Ray vs. State, 178
19
S.W.3d 833 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005).
B. Analysis of the Law with Facts
During direct examination the State elicited testimony from Matthew Jackson of
Ms. Walter’s normal demeanor. IV RR 201, 202. The State elicited testimony about her
normal demeanor from Enrique Guerra. IV RR 12. The State asked Gloria Guerra and
she answered questions regarding Ms. Walter’s general demeanor. IV RR 19. Ms.
Walter’s son John Walter testified under direct examination to his mother’s normal
demeanor and behavior during his testimony. IV RR 35-36. He also testified about her
being divorced and dating. IV RR 35-36. Ms. Walter’s daughter in law, Lisa Walter’s
answered the State’s questions regarding Ms. Walter’s normal behavior. IV RR 49. The
State called Kristy Link and entered a lab report into evidence that showed and
additional contributor in the DNA profile which she said could have come from a
different person. IV RR 78. The State, through Detective King, entered evidence of
statements Mr. Marshall had made in custody regarding Ms. Walter. II RR 129. Ms.
Walter testified about her divorce. IV RR 9-10. Ms. Walter also testified about her sex
life during the previous two years. IV RR 33. The State accused Mr. Marshall of
fabricating his testimony IV RR 129-132.
Mr. Marshall called Martha Wetherholt to testify. IV RR 172. The State objected
under 403, relevance, and 602 lack of personal knowledge.8 The State asserted that
Mr. Marshall was attempting to assassinate the character of the victim. IV RR 173. The
trial court held a hearing outside the presence of the jury. IV RR 181. The trial court
ruled that Ms. Wetherholt could not testify and sustained the State’s objections under
Rule 401, Rule 602, and Rule 412.
8
The State later objected under 401, 404, 602 and hearsay. IV RR 190.
20
Mr. Marshall objected to the exclusion of Ms. Weatherholt’s testimony as a
violation of Mr. Marshall’s Due Process rights and his ability to effectively present a
defense. IV RR 197. The trial court ordered the jury to disregard Ms. Weatherholt’s
testimony in its entirety. IV RR 196.
The trial court ruled that Mr. Marshall could not present testimony from Ms.
Wetherholt. Mrs. Wetherholt’s testimony was necessary to give the jury a complete view
of Carolyn Walter. The State was allowed to present evidence regarding Ms. Walter’s
general demeanor and her habits. Ms. Walter testified about her sexual history. The
State introduced a DNA report with an additional contributor. The State also introduced
evidence of Mr. Marshall saying that he thought he had come into contact with a crazy
person. The State attempted to paint Ms. Walter in a certain light. It was not necessary
for the State to present this type of evidence, but it did. Mrs. Wetherholt’s testimony
was relevant to complete the picture that the State tried to paint. Mrs. W etherholt had
personal knowledge of Carolyn Walter’s demeanor and her habits. Mrs. Wetherholt
worked with Ms. Walter and personally witnessed what Ms. Walter’s divorce did to her.
Mrs. Wetherholt’s testimony would show another side to Ms. Walter to which the other
witnesses did not testify or would not testify. The State offered the only medical
testimony during trial. This testimony indicated that Ms. Walter could have had sexual
relations with another person which she claimed she had not done. The trial court
excluded Mrs. Weatherholt’s testimony based on Rule 412 even though the State had
not objected to Mrs. Wetherholt’s testimony on Rule 412 grounds. Mrs. Wetherholt
would not have testified directly as to any consensual sexual relationships that Ms.
Walter may have had, but had she had that knowledge that information would have
possibly been admissible.
The exclusion of Mrs. Wetherholt’s testimony was harmful and should be
21
examined under Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 44.2(a) as it constitutional error.
Mr. Marshall was not able to present a coherent def ense because Ms. Weather hold
was a key witness that actually knew both parties. The exclusion of her testimony
rendered the defense of Mr. Marshall ineffective. The error contributed to Mr. Marshall’s
conviction and it did so beyond a reasonable doubt.
Even if the alleged error does not rise the level of a constitutional error, the
exclusion of Ms. Wetherholt’s testimony had a substantial and injurious effect. Mr.
Marshall needed to illustrate and explain to the jury circumstances surrounding Ms.
Walter and why she may have fabricated her story. The trial court’s denying of Mr.
Marshall the testimony of a third party that could shed light upon the possible
motivations of Ms. Walter contributed to the conviction and subsequent punishment of
John Calvin Marshall.
Issue Five, Restated:
The trial court erred when it allowed the State to make an improper jury argument by
asking the jurors to put themselves in the place of the complainant.
A. Applicable Law
Jury argument must be a summation of the evidence, a reasonable deduction from the
evidence, an answer to the argument of opposing counsel or a plea for law
enforcement in order to be permissible. Chandler v. State, 689 S.W.2d 332, 334 (Tex.
App– Ft. Worth 1985, no pet.) It is improper for the prosecutor to ask the jury members
to put themselves in the complainant’s shoes. Id. at 334-35. A improper argument from
a prosecutor is normally cured when an objection is sustained and the jury is instructed
to disregard the statement. Thomas vs. State, 578 S.W.2d 691, 695 (Tex. Crim. App.
1979). A reversal is not required unless the remarks are so inflammatory that their
22
prejudicial effect cannot be cured by an instruction to disregard. Id. The test to
determine whether error is harmless is to decide, in light of the record as a whole,
whether there is a reasonable possibility that the argument complained of might have
contributed to the conviction. Garrett v. State, 632 S.W.2d 350, 353 (Tex. Crim. App.
1982). The Court should focus on the error and its possible impact. Davis v. State, 964
S.W.2d 14, 18 (Tex. App.– Tyler 1997). If the trial court overrules a timely and
appropriate objection the trial court effectively puts its stamp of approval on the
argument. Id.
B. Analysis of Facts in this Case
The State made the following argument:
How are you supposed to act when you’re being sexually assaulted? I don’t
know. I’ve never been sexually assaulted. Think in your minds how you are supposed to
act when you’re sexually assaulted. V RR 27.
Mr. Marshall objected to the complained of argument by asserting that the State
was asking the jurors to place themselves in the position of the complainant. V RR 27.
The court sustained the objection, issued an instruction to disreg ard, and overruled Mr.
Marshall’s request for a mistrial. V RR 27-28. The State then continued on in a similiar
line of argument on the heels of Mr. Marshall’s objection. The court overruled Mr.
Marshall’s objection to the complained of argument. V RR 27.
The State asked the jurors to place themselves in Carolyn Walter’s shoes. This
was an obviously improper argument as evidenced by the trial court sustaining Mr.
Marshall’s objection. Given the admission of the 404(b) evidence, the behavior of Ms.
Walter, and the fact that Mr. Marshall was not given the opportunity to present Mrs.
Wetherholt to explain what he believed were circumstances leading to Ms. Walter’s
23
accusation, the error was very harmful. The error magnified the exclusion of Mrs.
Wetherholt’s testimony by inviting the jurors to speculate as to why Mr. Marshall never
explained Ms. Walter’s behavior.. Further, the State immediately after Mr. Marshall’s
objection continued arguing on the same subject asking how she (assuming she to be
Ms. Walter) is supposed to react. This argument placed emphasis on the complained
of argument and the instruction to disregard the argument was rendered useless
because of the State continued to argue the same subject matter. In light of the record,
this argument likely contributed to the conviction.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFOR, PREMISES CONSIDERED, Appellant respectfully prays that his
conviction in the above entitled and numbered cause be reversed and rendered or in
the alternative that the case be remanded to the trial court for a new trial.
24
Respectfully Submitted,
Nolan D. White
Attorney at Law
Dean White
Attorney at Law
690 West Dallas
Canton, Texas 75103
(903) 567-4155
(903) 567-4964 (fax)
By: /s/ Nolan D. White
Nolan D. White
State Bar No. 24039238
nwatty@etcable.net
Attorney for John Calvin Marshall
By: /s/ Dean White
Dean White
State Bar No. 21299500
dwatty@etcable.net
Attorney for John Calvin Marshall
25
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
This is to certify that on May 1, 2015 a true and correct copy of the above and
foregoing document was served on the District Attorney's Office, Van Zandt County,
400 S. Buffalo, Canton, Texas 75103, electronic filing manager, to
chrismartin@vanzandtcounty.org
/s/ Nolan D. White
Nolan D. White
/s/ Dean White
Dean White
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
I hereby certify that this document is 7,218 words in total and is in within the
word count restrictions set forth by the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure.
By: /s/ Nolan D. White
Nolan D. White
Attorney for John Calvin Marshall
By: /s/ Dean White
Dean White
Attorney for John Calvin Marshall
26