Donald Wayne Lewis v. State ( 2015 )

ACCEPTED
07-15-00061-CR
SEVENTH COURT OF APPEALS
AMARILLO, TEXAS
9/4/2015 10:49:59 AM
Vivian Long, Clerk
NO. 07-15-00061-CR
In the
FILED IN
COURT OF APPEALS 7th COURT OF APPEALS
For the AMARILLO, TEXAS
SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF TEXAS 9/4/2015 10:49:59 AM
At Amarillo VIVIAN LONG
_________________ CLERK
No. 24655A
th
In the 47 Judicial District Court
Of Randall County, Texas
_______________
DONALD WAYNE LEWIS
Appellant
v.
THE STATE OF TEXAS
Appellee
_______________
BRIEF OF THE APPELLANT
_______________
TINA DAVIS RINCONES
Law Office of Tina Davis Rincones
109 E 6th Street
Plainview, Texas 79072
Telephone (806) 429-0706
Facsimile (806) 553-4424
SBN 24030776
ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT
ORAL ARGUMENT REQUESTED
TABLE OF CONTENTS
[Rule 38.1(b), Tex. R. App. Proc.]
IDENTITY OF PARTIES AND COUNSEL ................................................................. iv
RECORD REFERENCES ............................................................................................... v
PARTY REFERENCES ................................................................................................... v
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES ........................................................................................... vi
STATEMENT REGARDING ORAL ARGUMENT ................................................. viii
STATEMENT OF THE CASE ......................................................................................... i
ISSUES PRESENTED ...................................................................................................... 3
STATEMENT OF FACTS ............................................................................................... 4
SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT ...................................................................................... 10
ARGUMENT ................................................................................................................... 11
1. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN OVERRULING THE APPELLANT’S
MOTION TO SUPPRESS EVIDENCE, i.e. THE ARREST WARRANT. ............... 11
a. Background for Review of Arrest Warrant ......................................................... 11
b. Standard of Review .................................................................................................. 11
c. The Arrest Warrant Must be Reviewed in Light of Franks v. Delaware –
Misrepresentation, Omissions, False Statements Do Not, in the proper case,
Constitute Sufficient Probable Cause ......................................................................... 12
d. If The Arrest Warrant Was Invalid The Post Script Search Warrant Is Also
Invalid .......................................................................................................................... 15
2. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN OVERRULING THE APPELLANT’S
MOTION TO SUPPRESS EVIDENCE, i.e. THE VEHICLE WAS SEIZED
WITHOUT LAWFUL AUTHORITY. ......................................................................... 16
a. Standard of Review .................................................................................................. 16
b. Martinez v. State, Authority Cited by the Court, Does not Apply to the Facts of This
Case............................................................................................................................... 17
c. The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution and The Texas
Constitution Article I, Section 9 Were Violated in this Case ................................. 18
3. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY DENYING APPELLANT'S MOTION TO
SUPPRESS THE SEIZURE OF THE VEHICLE AND ITS CONTENTS
BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECT TO THE "PLAIN VIEW"
DOCTRINE. .................................................................................................................... 22
a. Standard of Review .................................................................................................. 22
b. Plain View Doctrine Does Not Apply to the Facts in this Case as a Remedy for
an Invalid Arrest Warrant. ........................................................................................ 23
ii
4. THE EVIDENCE WAS INSUFFICIENT FOR CONVICTION IN THIS
CASE. .............................................................................................................................. 26
a. Standard of Review .................................................................................................. 26
b. There is No Evidence Lewis Was in the Habitation; There Was No Time to
Accomplish All Elements Necessary for Conviction; The Evidence Admitted at Trial
is Inconsistent With What the State Relies Upon as Evidence of the Alleged Crime 27
CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................... 29
PRAYER .......................................................................................................................... 29
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE ................................................................................... 30
CERTIFICATE OF WORD COUNT ........................................................................... 30
iii
IDENTITY OF PARTIES AND COUNSEL
[Rule 38.1(a), Tex. R. App. Proc.]
The following is a complete list of all parties to the trial court’s judgment or
appealable order, as well as the names and addresses of trial and appellate counsel.
Donald Wayne Lewis, Appellant The State of Texas, Appellee
FOR THE APPELLANT: FOR THE STATE OF TEXAS:
Counsel for Trial by Judge: Counsel for Trial by Judge:
Ronald Spriggs James A. Farren
Spriggs Law Offices Randall County District Attorney
1011 S. Jackson St 2309 Russell Long Blvd, Suite 120
Amarillo, Texas 79101 Canyon, Texas 79105
Phone: 806-376-7260 Phone: 806-468-5570
Fax: 806-372-3298 Fax 806-468-5566
SBN: 00792853 SBN: 06839400
Adam Tisdell Robert Allen Love, II
Tisdell Law Firm Assistant District Attorney
821 S.W. 9th Ave #200 2309 Russell Long Blvd, Suite 120
Amarillo, Texas 79101 Canyon, Texas 79105
Phone: 806-352-4844 Phone: 806-468-5570
Fax: 806-214-3177 Fax: 806-468-5566
SBN: 24067909 SBN: 00787925
Counsel for Appeal: Counsel for Appeal:
Tina Davis Rincones James A. Farren/Kristy Wright
Attorney at Law Randall County District Attorney
109 E 6th Street 2309 Russell Long Blvd, Suite 120
Plainview, Texas 79072 Canyon, Texas 79105
Tel: (806) 429-0706 Tel: (806) 468-5570
Fax: (806) 553-4424 Fax: (806) 468-5566
iv
RECORD REFERENCES
The Clerk’s Record in this case contains one original volume and is referenced in
this brief as “C.R.” The Clerk’s Record also contains a supplemental volume and will be
referenced in this brief as “S.C.R.”
The Reporter’s Record in this case is voluminous. In this brief references to the
Reporter’s Record will be made by the abbreviation “R.R.” followed by the volume, page
and line.
PARTY REFERENCES
The Appellant is Donald Wayne Lewis and shall be referred to as “Lewis” or
“Appellant.” The State will be referred to as the “State” or “Appellee.”
v
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
Cases
Ramirez v. State, 105 S.W.3d 730 (Tex. App. 2003) ................................................. 24
Benavides v. State, 600 S.W.2d 809 (Tex. Crim. App. 1980)................................. 18,19
Benitez v. State, not reported in S.W.3d 2010 WL 4909954, (Tex. App. – Austin 2010) 27
Blake v. State, 125 S.W.3d 717 (Tex.App.–Houston [1st Dist.] 2003, no pet.). .............. 11
Colorado v. Bertine, 419 U.S. 367, 107 S. Ct. 738, 93 L. Ed. 2d 739 (1987) ............ 17, 19, 20
Conner v. State, 67 S.W.3d 192, 197 (Tex. Crim. App. 2001) ......................................... 26
Coolidge v. New Hampshire, 403 U.S. 443, 91 S.Ct.2022, 29 L. Ed. 2d 564 (1971)
(plurality opinion) ........................................................................................................ 23
Daniels v. State, 600 S.W.2d 813 (Tex. Crim. App. 1980) ............................................ 18
Daugherty v. State, 931 S.W.2d 268 (Tex. Crim. App. 1996) ........................................ 23
Delgado v. State, 718 S.W.2d 718 (Tex.Crim.App.1986). ......................................... 18, 19
Dromgoole v. State, No. 01-13-00931-CR, 2015 WL 4497978, (Tex. App. July 23, 2015)
....................................................................................................................................... 11
Evers v. State, 516 S.W2d 46 (Tex. Crim. App. 1978). ............................................... 18
Fenton v. State, 785 S.W.2d 443 (Tex. App. - Austin 1990, no pet.); ............................ 18
Flanagan v. State, 675 S.W.2d 734 (Tex. Crim. App. 1984) ........................................... 26
Fla. v. Wells, 495 U.S. 1, 110 S. Ct. 1632, 109 L. Ed. 2d 1 (1990) ............................. 19
Franks v. Delaware, 438 U.S. 154, 98 S. Ct. 2674, 57 L. Ed. 2d 667 (1978) ............... 11, 13
Gauldin v. State, 683 S.W.2d 4 1 1 ( Tex. Crim. App. 1984). ........................................ 18
Gords v. State, 824 S.W.2d 785 (Tex. App. 1992) .................................................. 18, 19
Guzman v. State, 955 S.W.2d 85 (Tex. Crim. App. 1997). ....................................... 10, 22
Harris v. State, 790 S.W.2d 568 (Tex.Crim.App.1989) ................................................. 24
Heitman v. State, 815 S.W.2d 681 (Tex.Crim.App.1991). ............................................... 17
Homme v. Varing, 852 S.W.2d 74 (Tex. App.--Beaumont 1993, no writ) ....................... 25
Horton v. California, 496 U.S. 128, 110 S. Ct. 2301, 110 L. Ed. 2d 112 (1990). ........... 22
Illinois v. Lafayette, 462 U.S. 640, 103 S. Ct. 2605, 77 L. Ed. 2d 65 (1983).............. 17, 19
Jackson v. Virginia, 433 U.S. 307 (1979) ......................................................................... 26
Johnson v. State, not reported in S.W.3d 2010 WL 4813706 (Tex. App. – Texarkana
2010) ............................................................................................................................. 27
Keehn v. State, 279 S.W.3d 330 (Tex. Crim. App. 2009) .................... 10, 11, 15, 16, 22
Martinez v. State, 17 S.W.3d 677 (Tex. Crim. App. 2000) .................................. 13, 16, 24
McNairy v. State, 835 S.W.2d 101 (Tex. Crim. App. 1991) ............................................. 23
Nassar v. Hughes, 882 S.W.2d 36 (Tex. App.--Houston [1st Dist.] 1994, writ denied) .. 25
Perry v. State, 933 S.W.2d 249 (Tex. App. 1996).................................................. 18, 19
Rankin v. State, 46 S.W.3d 899 (Tex. Crim. App. 2001) ................................................. 25
Smith v. State, 634 S.W.2d 721 (Tex. Crim. App. 1982) ................................ 10, 13, 15
Smith v. State, 759 S.W.2d 163 (Tex. App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1988, pet. ref d) ....... 18
South Dakota v.Opperman, 428 U.S. 364, 96 S. Ct. 3092, 49 L. Ed. 2d 1000 (1976) ....... 19
State v. Davenport, 866 S.W.2d 767 (Tex. App.--San Antonio 1993, no pet.). ............... 25
State v. Kelly, 204 S.W.3d 808 (Tex. Crim. App. 2006) ............................................ 15, 22
State v. Lewallen, 927 S.W.2d 737 (Tex.App.—Fort Worth 1996, no pet.).................... 25
Stew. v. State, 681 S.W.2d 774 (Tex. App. -Houston [14th Dist.] 1984, pet. ref’d) 23
United States v. Salmon, 944 F.2d 1106 (3d Cir.1991) ................................................... 19
vi
United States v. Bush, 641 F.2d 357 (3d Cir.1981) ........................................................... 20
United States v. Frank, 864 F.2d 992 (3d Cir. 1988) ...................................................... 20
Statutes
TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, ART. 18.10 .................................................. 14, 16
TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, ART. 38.23 .................................................. 14, 16
TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, ART. 37.01 ........................................................ 25
TEX. PENAL CODE §30.02(a)(1) ) ...................................................................................... 26
TEXAS RULES OF APPELLATE PROCEDURE 44.2(a) ........................................................... 24
Other Authorities
Texas Constitution Article I, Section 9 .......................................................................... 17
United States Constitution Fourth Amendment ............................................................ 17
vii
STATEMENT REGARDING ORAL ARGUMENT
Appellee respectfully requests oral argument in this case.
viii
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
Appellant was indicted in the instant case on September 18, 2013 in a single count
Indictment with two enhancement paragraphs charging him with burglary of a habitation
with an attempt and intent to commit theft; a second degree felony with an enhanced
punishment range of 25 years to 99 years, to life in prison. (C.R., P. 9-10.)1 Appellant was
represented at trial by appointed counsel, Adam Tisdel and by retained counsel, Ronald
Spriggs. R.R. Vols. 7, 8, 9. Multiple Motions to Suppress were filed by Appellant’s
counsel(s) and pro se on various dates. (C.R., P. 34-55, 135 and 173.; S.C.R., P. 67, 90,
92.) Hearings on the Motions to Suppress were had on July 9, 2014; January 27, 2015,
February 6, 2015 and February 9, 2015.2 On July 29, 2014 the Court issued a letter ruling
on parts of the Motions to Suppress and reserved ruling until the time of trial on the
remaining issues for possible suppression contained in the various motions. (C.R., P. 106.;
R.R., Vol. 7, P. 16, L. 5-18.) The trial court filed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
on September 22, 2014. (S.C.R., P. 101-103.) After waiving his right to a trial by jury
with the consent of the State the case was tried to the bench on February 9-11, 2015. (C.R.,
P. 149.) The trial court found Appellant guilty, found the enhancement paragraphs true
and sentenced him to 45 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Institutional
Division. (C.R., P. 198.) This appeal follows. (C.R., P. 203.)
1
Appellant was also indicted on other criminal felony charges and the record contains references to those
other felony indictments, however Appellant was ultimately tried only on the case at bar to the bench and
the other matters are disposed of or are still pending and not the subject of this appeal. It is noteworthy that
while this cause was styled and numbered after an indictment; a complaint was filed prior to indictment and
an arrest warrant obtained on that complaint. This will be addressed specifically in Appellant’s points of
error and statement of fact.
2
The matter of “pretrial” Motion’s to Suppress were taken up at many and various phases of this case.
vii
NO. 07-15-00061-CR
In the
COURT OF APPEALS
For the
SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF TEXAS
At Amarillo
_________________
No. 24655A
In the 47th Judicial District Court
Of Randall County, Texas
_______________
DONALD WAYNE LEWIS
Appellant
v.
THE STATE OF TEXAS
Appellee
_______________
BRIEF OF THE APPELLANT
TO THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SEVENTH DISTRICT:
COMES NOW DONALD WAYNE LEWIS, Appellant herein in cause number 07-
15-00061-CR before the Court of Appeals for the Seventh District, Amarillo, Texas by and
through his attorney of record, files this Brief of the Appellant, and in support thereof would
respectfully show this Honorable Court the following:
2
ISSUES PRESENTED
1. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN OVERRULING THE APPELLANT’S
MOTION TO SUPPRESS EVIDENCE, i.e. THE ARREST WARRANT BASED
ON FRANKS V. DELEWARE.
2. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN OVERRULING THE APPELLANT’S
MOTION TO SUPPRESS EVIDENCE, i.e. THE VEHICLE WAS SEIZED
WITHOUT LAWFUL AUTHORITY
3. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY DENYING APPELLANT'S MOTION TO
SUPPRESS THE SEIZURE OF THE VEHICLE AND ITS CONTENTS
BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECT TO THE "PLAIN VIEW"
DOCTRINE.
4. WAS THE EVIDENCE SUFFICIENT FOR CONVICTION IN THIS CASE?
3
STATEMENT OF FACTS
The case for review was born out of an arrest based on an arrest warrant issued by a
“MAGISTRATE” IN AND FOR Randall County, Texas on August 26, 2013.3 (R.R., Vol. 2,
Exhibit 4.; R.R., Vol. 2, P. 20, L. 13-24.) The arrest warrant was based on the execution of a
Complaint, pre indictment, alleging Lewis had committed an act of burglary against a victim
named Gary Pastwa. (R.R., Vol. 2, Exhibit 8.; R.R., Vol. 2, P. 50, L. 12-25 through P. 51, L.
1-5.; R.R. Vol. 2, P. 42, L. 16-24.) After obtaining the arrest warrant or contemporaneously,
certainly on the same day, a “blue warrant” was also issued at the behest/suggestion of Sgt.
Patrick McBroom with the Randall County Sheriff’s Office thus “doubling-down” on the
certain and expected apprehension of Lewis. (R.R., Vol. 10, Exhibit 5.; R.R., Vol. 2, P. 20,
L. 13-24.; R.R., Vol. 2, P. 70, L. 8-15.)
Sgt. McBroom testified at a suppression hearing he believed he was filing a case
against the proper suspect based on a license plate tag given to McBroom from a witness who
came home and found a vehicle parked in the area of an alleged burglary. 4 (R.R., Vol. 2, P.
39, L. 1-15.) The “witness” was the homeowner of the site of the alleged burglary who
executed a “Field Witness Affidavit” wherein the witness described the suspect as “A very
large Black man aprox [sic] 350 lb. [sic] 6’2”? [sic] wearing a tank top.” (S.C.R. P. 101; R.R.,
Vol. 2, Exhibit 6.; R.R., Vol. 2, P. 40, L. 2-18.)5 Sgt. McBroom ran the license plate obtained
3
While the warrant appears to bear the signature of a magistrate with the first name of “Ronnie” and a last
name that is difficult to ascertain, it is unclear based on the lack of further identification which of the title’s
born by “Ronnie.” However, this issue was not addressed by trial counsel for Appellant at the time of
admission of the document into evidence.
4
The filing of the case was the execution of the complaint, at this stage – no indictment or grand jury review
formed the basis of the arrest warrant at this point.
5
Of note the Field Witness Affidavit also contains a reference to the vehicle described swerving to prevent the
witness, Pastwa, from seeing the direction of travel. There is also an apparent post script included by Pastwa
stating “I was feared for my life when he tried to pin me between his car and building” however the complaint
executed based on Pastwa’s statement alleges burglary of a habitation not an assault or threat based on the post
script.
4
from Pastwa and found the registered owner of the vehicle to be Donald and Anita Lewis.
(R.R., Vol. 2, P. 39, L. 9-15.) Noteworthy, Sgt. McBroom testified at the July 9, 2014 pre-
trial suppression hearing held in this case that he [McBroom] did not attempt to locate a
description of Donald Lewis, or for that matter of Anita Lewis, once he identified the
registered owner of the license plate number obtained from Pastwa. (R.R., Vol. 2, P. 40, L.
24-25 through P. 41, L. 1-2.) McBroom swore in the Complaint for the Arrest Warrant issued
in this case that “[t]he investigator revealed the owner of the vehicle matched the description
of the person the witness saw fleeing the scene of the offense. R.R., Vol. 10, Exhibit 8.
McBroom also stated that prior to the filing of the Complaint, McBroom showed
Pastwa a photo array for identification purposes that would allow Pastwa to pick-out the
suspect Pastwa believed he saw. (R.R., Vol. 2, P. 52, L. 22-25 through P. 53, L. 1-18.) Pastwa
identified a person, not Lewis, and assigned a seventy percent certainty to that choice when
shown actual photographs. (R.R. Vol. 2, P. 53, L. 16-18.; R.R. Vol. 2, P. 55, L. 20-22.)
McBroom left these facts about the photo identification out of his Complaint, completely.
(R.R. Vol. 2, P. 55, L. 23-24.)
After Lewis was arrested McBroom interviewed Lewis at the “jail.” (R.R., Vol. 2, P.
57, L. 5-13.) Lewis indicated to McBroom that he [Lewis] had loaned out his vehicle but
McBroom did not remember asking Lewis or did not ask Lewis to identify the person to whom
Lewis loaned the vehicle. (R.R., Vol. 2, P. 57, L. 5-13.)
At the Suppression hearing held on January 9, 2014, the State chose to admit into
evidence documentation regarding attempts to locate Lewis: State’s Exhibits 2 and 3
disseminated for law enforcement purposes between and among agencies were crime analysis
bulletins naming Lewis as a burglary suspect. (R.R., Vol. 2, Exhibit 2 and Exhibit 3.; R.R.,
5
Vol. 2, P. 17, L. 17-22.)6 To further effectuate the apprehension of Lewis, on August 27,
2013, Sgt. McBroom forwarded via email to a representative of Amarillo Police Department
an email that described Lewis by race, gender, date of birth. Also included in the email was
a description of the vehicle and an addressed for Lewis that was “listed.” (R.R., Vol. 2,
Exhibit 1.; R.R., Vol. 2, P. 17, L. 9-16.) McBroom further testified at trial that he “put that
information out to law enforcement agencies outside of the sheriff’s office” after “we had a
warrant for the subject.” (R.R., Vol. 7, P. 86, L. 16-23.7; RR. Vol. 7, P. 107, L. 15-19.)
On August 28, 2013 at 1422 hours8 members of the C.O.P.P.S. squad of Amarillo
Police Department made contact with Appellant at 1312 Northwest 16th Street in Amarillo,
Potter County, Texas. (R.R., Vol. 2, P. 21, L. 18-21.; R.R., Vol. 7, P. 79, L. 20-23.) Lewis
had pulled his vehicle into a private drive. (R.R., Vol. 7, P. 75, L. 8-10.) Upon contact, Lewis
was arrested, based solely on the arrest warrant(s) issued on August 26, 2013. (R.R., Vol. 2,
P. 22, L. 7-15.) Lewis was driving a 1997 Chevrolet Suburban, red in color. (R.R., Vol. 2,
P. 19, L. 15-25 through P. 20, L. 1.) Without formal or written inventory, impound or other
formalities, Amarillo Police Department officials located at the scene of arrest of Lewis in
Potter County seized the Red Chevrolet Suburban. (R.R., Vol. 2, P. 23, L. 8-10; R.R., Vol.
2, P. 26, L. 16-19.; R.R., Vol. 2, P. 26, L. 16-25 through P. 27, L. 1-4.; R.R., Vol. 7, P. 76, L.
4-11.) Amarillo Police Department officials refused to release the vehicle to any family
member of Lewis and instead informed Lewis that Randall County had requested to “have”
6
State’s Exhibit 2 is a Crime Analysis Bulletin dated August 13-19, 2013. State’s Exhibit 3 is a Crime
Analysis Bulletin dated August 20-26, 2013. The date of the Arrest Warrant obtained in this case was August
26, 2013. State’s Exhibit 2 and 3 would have been issued prior to the Arrest Warrant by chronological
sequence. Thereby confirming that McBroom knew the identity of the vehicle prior to the execution of the
Field Witness Affidavit of Pastwa.
7
It is somewhat unclear that “that information” is directly referencing during this [trial on the merits to the
bench] portion of the proceedings in R.R., Vol. 7 but the only evidence of information put out to other
agencies is the email referenced in the suppression hearing of July 9, 2014 and entered as Exhibit 1 in that
proceeding and Exhibit 2 and 3 which were the crime bulletins that were dated prior to the warrant obtained.
8
2:22PM
6
the vehicle. (R.R., Vol. 2, P. 23, L. 11-21.) Amarillo Police Department officials
“photographed” and “leaned into” the vehicle while on scene of the arrest of Lewis in Potter
County, Texas. (R.R., Vol. 2, P. 25, L. 6-16.) Officer Worley of Amarillo Police Department
testified at the July 9, 2014 pretrial suppression hearing that it is the policy of Amarillo Police
Department to “document a vehicle” before releasing to another agency. (R.R., Vol. 2, P. 25,
L. 17-19.) Officer Worley would not call the seizure of the vehicle in this case or the
photographing or “leaning” into the vehicle an impound or a search. (R.R., Vol. 2, P. 26, L.1-
4.; R.R., Vol. 2, P. 26, L. 16-19.) Officer Worley testified that the holding of the vehicle on
scene and refusal to release the vehicle to a relative or other representative of Lewis was done
as a “courtesy for Randall County.” (R.R., Vol. 2, P. 28, L. 4-6.)
Once members of the Randall County Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene of the
arrest of Lewis on August 28, 2013 the vehicle was turned over to Randall County Sheriff’s
Office. (R.R., Vol. 2, P. 27, L. 1-4.; R.R., Vol. 2, P. 44, L. 16-21.) Without legal authority
the vehicle was taken from Potter County, Texas to Randall County, Texas. (R.R., Vol. 2, P.
58, L. 3-25 through P. 59, L. 1-18.) The vehicle was towed at the direction of the Randall
County Sheriff’s officials who “took custody” of the vehicle. (R.R., Vol. 7, P. 88, L. 15-23.)
The stated purpose for taking the vehicle by Randal County Sheriff’s Office officials from
Potter County, Texas to Randall County, Texas without court order or other legal authority
was [to] “seize it as evidence and to get---to get a warrant.” (R.R., Vol. 2, P. 62, L. 7-16.)
The vehicle was then taken on August 28, 2013 by Randall County Sheriff’s Office employees
to a location owned, maintained and operated by the Randall County Sheriff’s Department
where it remained until August 29, 2013 when a search warrant was executed for the search
of the Red Chevrolet Suburban. (See R.R., Vol. 2, P. 9, L. 3-12.; R.R., Vol. 2, Exhibit 7.;
R.R., Vol. 7, P. 88, L. 20-23.) Upon press by Lewis’ counsel at the pretrial suppression
7
hearing, McBroom conceded that he could have obtained a search warrant for the red
suburban at the same time he procured the arrest warrant for Lewis, and did not. (R.R., Vol.
2, P. 59, L. 19-24.)
On August 28, 2013 after the vehicle was released to McBroom, Lewis was
transported to “Randall County” to be booked into the jail by Officer Worley of Amarillo
Police Department. (R.R., Vol. 7, P. 80, L. 16-22.) At the time Lewis was booked-in to the
jail, Worley catalogued cash on Lewis’ person in the amount of $328.00. (R.R., Vol. 7, P.
81, L. 20-23; R.R., Vol. 10, Exhibit 589.)
After obtaining a search warrant for the Red Chevrolet Suburban, the day after the
arrest of Lewis, the vehicle was searched and an inventory returned to the Magistrate who
issued the search warrant.9 (R.R., Vol. 2, Exhibit 7.) Found in the search made on August
29, 2013 were pieces of jewelry, an iPad, and receipts for the exchange of coins for currency
which the State attempted to use as evidence to tie Lewis to a robbery of a habitation owned
by Ramona Coffman, that being 3802 Linda, Amarillo, Texas. (See generally R.R., Vol. 7
and 8.) The burglary of 3802 Linda, Amarillo, Texas is the subject of the indictment that
forms the basis of this case. The alleged burglary occurred sometime after 9:00 AM and
sometime before 3:00 PM on August 28, 2013. (R.R., Vol. 7, P. 17, L. 19-25 through P. 18,
L. 1-3.)
Ramona Coffman testified that when she arrived at her home after the burglary was
discovered by her son that she noticed her iPad, a laptop, change from various rooms, two
$50 bills were missing.10 (R.R., Vol. 8, P. 49, L. 10-16.) Also absent from her home were
9
The inventory or list of evidence was riddled with inaccuracies including a wrong tag number as brought to
daylight by trial counsel for Lewis. R.R., Vol. 7, P. 110, L. 19-24.; R.R., Vol. 7, P. 111, L. 2-4.
10
No evidence of the recovery of these specific denominations in the custody or care of Lewis was presented
by the State.
8
pillow cases that had been there earlier. (R.R., Vol. 8, P. 49, L. 17-24.) After the day of the
alleged burglary [August 28, 2013] Ms. Coffman noticed a camera and a jewelry box were
also missing. (R.R., Vol. 8, P. 50, L. 4-6.)
At trial on the merits the State introduced a Walmart receipt into evidence purported
to be found in the console of the Red Suburban on August 29, 2013 after search by search
warrant. (R.R., Vol. 7, P. 95, L. 9-22.; R.R., Vol. 10, Exhibit 467.) The receipt appears to
reference “coin voucher tend” in the amount of one hundred seventy dollars and ninety-nine
cents ($170.99). (R.R., Vol. 10, Exhibit 467.) The time stamp on the receipt is 134611 on the
date August 28, 2013; the receipt is not made to a person particular or by name or even by
physical description. (R.R., Vol.7, P. 96, L. 4-8.; R.R., Vol. 10, Exhibit 467.)
Ms. Coffman identified photographs of her niece and nephew and a business card that
had been torn, purported to be found in the red suburban. (R.R., Vol. 10, Exhibit 471 and
472.; R.R., Vol. 8, P. 68, L. 7-24.)
The State went on to admit into evidence photographs of an iPad that was allegedly
found in the red suburban. (R.R., Vol. 10, Exhibit 425; R.R., Vol. 10, Exhibit 523.) The
Apple ID shown in the photograph admitted at trial that was purported to be on the iPad found
in the vehicle searched was that of ramona@redeemerchristianchurch.com. (R.R., Vol. 7, P.
104, L. 2-6.) The iPad was released to Ramona Coffman and was not forensically examined
or processed for finger prints. (R.R., Vol. 7, P. 23, L. 7-10.; R.R., Vol. 7, P. 118, L. 14-25
through P. 119, L. 1-14.) No one other than Ramona Coffman was interviewed regarding the
burglary of her residence, that being 3802 Linda, Amarillo, Texas. (R.R., Vol. 7, P. 125, L.
1-3.; R.R., Vol. 7, P. 125, L. 23-24.)
11
1:46PM
9
SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT
The trial court erred when it failed to suppress the arrest warrant based on Franks,
which would have disposed of all evidence derived from the unlawful arrest.
The trial court erred when it failed to suppress evidence, i.e. the seizure of the red
suburban, and the subsequent search thereof and the tangible items used as evidence in this
case.
There was insufficient evidence to support conviction the indicted offense at bar.
10
ARGUMENT
1. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN OVERRULING THE APPELLANT’S
MOTION TO SUPPRESS EVIDENCE, i.e. THE ARREST WARRANT.
a. Background for Review of Arrest Warrant
Officers are entitled to rely on an arrest warrant if validly obtained by another
officer. However, if the arrest warrant is invalid the resulting arrest is invalid. Smith v.
State, 634 S.W.2d 721 (Tex. Crim. App. 1982). Therefore, a thorough review of the
legality of an arrest warrant which forms the sole basis of an arrest is required; as in this
case. On August 28, 2013 members of the C.O.P.P.S. squad of Amarillo Police Department
arrested Lewis based solely on the arrest warrant(s) issued on August 26, 2013. (R.R., Vol.
2, P. 22, L. 7-15.)
b. Standard of Review
Appellate courts review a trial court’s ruling on a motion to suppress using a bifurcated
standard of review; giving almost total deference to the historical facts found by the trial court
and analyzing de novo the trial court’s application of the law. Guzman v. State, 955 S.W.2d
85, 89 (Tex. Crim. App. 1997).
Findings of fact were made in a formal document that was titled appropriately.
(S.C.R., P. 101-103.) The original Clerk's Record also contains a letter ruling that bears
substantially the requisites for a finding of fact in this case. (C.R., P. 106-109.) The standard
of review when the trial court makes findings of fact and conclusion of law is laid out in
Keehn v. State, 279 S.W.3d 330, (Tex. Crim. App. 2009) which states in relevant part:
“When a trial judge enters findings of fact after denying a motion to suppress, an
appellate court [must first] determine[ ] whether the evidence (viewed in the light most
favorable to the trial court's ruling) supports these fact findings. If the findings are
supported by the record, appellate courts will afford almost total deference to a trial
11
court's determination of the historical facts when they are based on an evaluation of
credibility and demeanor. Appellate courts give the same amount of deference to
'mixed questions of law and fact[ ]' if the resolution of those ultimate questions turns
on an evaluation of credibility and demeanor. But when the resolution of mixed law
and fact questions do not depend upon an evaluation of credibility and demeanor,
appellate courts are permitted to conduct a de novo review." Keehn v. State, 279
S.W.3d 330, 334 (Tex. Crim. App. 2009).
c. The Arrest Warrant Must be Reviewed in Light of Franks v. Delaware –
Misrepresentation, Omissions, False Statements Do Not, in the proper case, Constitute
Sufficient Probable Cause
If there is an affirmative misrepresentation in a probable cause affidavit, in this case
a complaint to support an arrest warrant, and if the misrepresentation is material and
necessary to establishing probable cause, the warrant is invalid under the Fourth Amendment.
Franks v. Delaware, 438 U.S. 154, 155–56, 98 S. Ct. 2674, 2676, 57 L. Ed. 2d 667 (1978);
Blake v. State, 125 S.W.3d 717, 723–24 (Tex.App.–Houston [1st Dist.] 2003, no pet.). This
ruling has been extended to material omissions. Blake, 125 S.W.3d at 724. At a Franks
hearing, the defendant bears the burden by a preponderance of the evidence to establish that
a false statement was made—or a true statement was omitted—intentionally, knowingly, or
with reckless disregard for the truth. See Franks, 438 U.S. at 155–56, 98 S.Ct. at 2676. If the
defendant carries that burden, the false statement is removed from the affidavit, or the true
statement is added, and the court must determine whether probable cause for the warrant still
exists. See id. at 156, 98 S.Ct. at 2676. If it does not, the warrant must be voided and the fruits
of the search must be suppressed. Id. Dromgoole v. State, No. 01-13-00931-CR, 2015 WL
4497978, at *6 (Tex. App. July 23, 2015). If the trial court determined that as a matter of fact
the search warrant lacks probable cause and the evidence is that an officer made false,
misleading statements or omitted material statements to obtain the warrant the warrant must
be voided and the fruits of the warrant must be suppressed, clearly.
12
A Franks hearing was conducted on July 9, 2014 in this case. (C.R., Vol. 2) The trial
court went on to conduct a discussion with counsel for both parties regarding who has the
burden and which party would sponsor the evidence necessary for a consideration. (C.R.,
Vol. 2, P. 7, L. 1-25 through P. 8, L. 20.; C.R., Vol. 2, P. 10, L. 15-25.) The trial court filed
Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law; this gratefully gives us direction as to the burden,
whether or not it was met by the party who bore it and clarity on the facts as the trial court
found and applied the law. (S.C.R., P. 101-103).
The trial court and Lewis agree completely, Sgt. McBroom did not recite sufficient
probable cause for the issuance of an arrest warrant for Lewis. (S.C.R., P. 101-103.) The
trial court made the following factual finding:
“6. On August 26, 2013, Sgt. McBroom with the Randall County
Sheriff’s Office filed a sworn complaint against Donald Wayne Lewis for
Burglary of a Habitation. The last statement in the complaint, wherein it is
represented that the ‘owner of the vehicle matched the description of the
person the witness saw fleeing the scene of the offense’ misstates the
circumstances of the identification provided by the victim and constitutes a
reckless misrepresentation of material facts to the magistrate from whom the
office sought and obtained a warrant for the arrest of Defendant.” (S.C.R., P.
102.)
The trial court went on to make factual findings about a blue warrant that was issued
based on the representations of Sgt. McBroom; the blue warrant was based on the arrest
warrant.12 (S.C. R., P. 102.) It is undisputed that Lewis was arrested based on the arrest
warrant and the blue warrant issued on the complaint made by Sgt. McBroom. (S.C.R., P.
102.) The reckless misrepresentations were balanced by the court and when the law was
applied, the court found that the sworn complaint constituted insufficient probable cause to
12
The trial court’s finding of fact in number 8 on page 102 of the Supplemental Clerk’s Record would indicate
if read on its face that the arrest warrant contained facts or a sworn affidavit or sworn statement. That is not
the case; the Complaint (a separate document) formed the basis of the arrest warrant itself.
13
support the issuance of the arrest warrant or the blue warrant.13 (S.C.R., P. 103.) Now, what
shall we do with this? In this case, if the complaint executed to form the basis of the arrest
warrant lacked probable cause and if the resulting “blue warrant” [parole violation warrant]
also lacked probable cause; then the warrant should not have been issued. If the arrest warrant
should not have been issued then the arrest would not have been effected and the red suburban
would not have been gained, “searched” by the arresting officers of Amarillo Police
Department and then searched pursuant to a search warrant that was only obtained after the
invalid arrest warrant was served on Lewis. This is a typical slippery slope of which we all
learned during our formative years of our legal studies. The trial court clearly misapplied the
law when his conclusions summarily disregarded Franks. Franks, 438 U.S. at 155–56, 98
S.Ct. at 2676. The invalidity of the arrest warrant was where the analysis should have ceased.
The trial court should have suppressed the arrest and all resulting evidence obtained legally
or illegally based on the illegal arrest. Lewis would re-urge his opening frame to this
argument: “Officers are entitled to rely on an arrest warrant if validly obtained by
another officer. However, if the arrest warrant is invalid the resulting arrest is invalid.
{emphasis added} Smith v. State, 634 S.W.2d 721 (Tex. Crim. App. 1982).” The Franks
issue is separate and apart from any other legal analysis regarding other legal issues raised
in this case. As concluded by the trial court in this case the complaint that formed the basis
of the arrest warrant was improper; that being more than a mere mistake. The findings of fact
and conclusion of law filed in this case appear to disregard the facts and the law relative to
Franks, relying on Martinez v. State, 17 S.W.3d 677 (Tex. Crim. App. 2000) habeas granted
13
The Findings of Fact and Conclusion of Law states on page 103: “Conclusions of Law. 1. When considered
in the light of the above-referenced misstatement regarding the identification of the alleged perpetrator by the
victim, the sown complaint provides insufficient probable cause to support the issuance of the arrest warrant
for the person of Defendant.”
14
by S.D. Texas February 7, 2006.14 The defendant Martinez was convicted of three counts of
capital murder and was sentenced to death. Martinez’s abode was searched based on the
consent of his mother. Martinez challenged the consent as involuntary and claimed that this
mother lacked authority to consent to the search of Martinez’s room. Id. at 682-683. The
Court of Criminal Appeals found no fault with the search of Martinez’s room, however the
second search of which Martinez complained was that of his vehicle. Martinez argued that
the search warrant was invalid under Franks. Id. at 684. At the suppression hearing the State
defended the search warrant and argued an alternative theory of law for the seizure of one
particular item, that theory being the “plain view” seizure doctrine. The holding in Martinez
is applicable to the divergence or lack thereof between Texas Code of Criminal Procedure
Article 18.10 and CCP Article 38.23. This issue is also present in the case at bar and addressed
herein as Issue 3, infra. Martinez holding does not address the Franks issue as it relates to
blatant lies, misrepresentations, and material omissions. Martinez may be relevant to
discussion of other issues in the case at bar it but it is not relevant to the disposition of the
invalidity of the arrest warrant based on material falsehoods, misrepresentations, and
omissions; Martinez cannot be read so broadly as to cover all the facts of the instant case.
There is no need to consider further argument (Martinez or “plain view” or
subsequent remedial measures of a post-script search warrant for the red suburban) or
legal theories - when the arrest warrant fails it all fails.
d. If The Arrest Warrant Was Invalid The Post Script Search Warrant Is Also
Invalid
14
The Findings of Fact and Conclusion of Law on page 103 states: “5. To the extent, if any, the actions of Sgt.
McBroom and Randall County in transferring the lawfully seized vehicle in question from Potter County to
Randall County violated either Articles 18.10 or 14.03 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure such
violations do not require exclusion of either the vehicle or articles subsequently discovered in the vehicle
under Article 38.23 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Martinez v. State, 17 S.W.3d 677 (Tex. Crim.
App. 2000).”
15
The search warrant smells because it is, in part based on the same offensive
misrepresentations, omissions and lies. (See R.R., Vol. 2, P. 9, L. 3-12.; R.R., Vol. 2, Exhibit
7.; R.R., Vol. 7, P. 88, L. 20-23.) Therefore, the attempt to rectify the bad seizure of the
vehicle is not available for the State to rely upon to remedy the terminal origins of this case.
“Officers are entitled to rely on an arrest warrant if validly obtained by another officer.
However, if the arrest warrant is invalid the resulting arrest is invalid. {emphasis
added} Smith v. State, 634 S.W.2d 721 (Tex. Crim. App. 1982).”
2. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN OVERRULING THE APPELLANT’S
MOTION TO SUPPRESS EVIDENCE, i.e. THE VEHICLE WAS SEIZED WITHOUT
LAWFUL AUTHORITY.
a. Standard of Review
The standard of review when reviewing a trial court’s ruling on a motion to suppress
is a bifurcated standard recited in Guzman v. State, 955 S.W.2d 85,89 (Tex. Crim. App.
1997). See also State v. Kelly, 204 S.W.3d 808, 818-19 (Tex. Crim. App. 2006).
Findings of fact were made in a formal document that was titled appropriately.
(S.C.R., P. 101-103.) The original Clerk's Record also contains a letter ruling that bears
substantially the requisites for a finding of fact in this case. (C.R., P. 106-109.) The standard
of review when the trial court makes findings of fact and conclusion of law is laid out in
Keehn v. State, 279 S.W.3d 330, (Tex. Crim. App. 2009) which states in relevant part:
“When a trial judge enters findings of fact after denying a motion to suppress, an
appellate court [must first] determine[ ] whether the evidence (viewed in the light most
favorable to the trial court's ruling) supports these fact findings. If the findings are
supported by the record, appellate courts will afford almost total deference to a trial
court's determination of the historical facts when they are based on an evaluation of
credibility and demeanor. Appellate courts give the same amount of deference to
'mixed questions of law and fact[ ]' if the resolution of those ultimate questions turns
on an evaluation of credibility and demeanor. But when the resolution of mixed law
and fact questions do not depend upon an evaluation of credibility and demeanor,
16
appellate courts are permitted to conduct a de novo review." Keehn v. State, 279
S.W.3d 330, 334 (Tex. Crim. App. 2009)
While Lewis believes that his Franks briefed supra makes further analysis
unnecessary, there are other points of error or legal issues that do not sustain conviction in
this case.
b. Martinez v. State, Authority Cited by the Court, Does not Apply to the Facts
of This Case
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 18.10 provides for warrant procedures and states
that “property may not be removed from the county in which it was seized without an order
approving the removal.” TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, Article 18.10 (Vernon
2014). The Court of Criminal Appeals has been presented with what Counsel for Lewis will
title a “jurisdictional” issue in Martinez v. State, 17 S.W.2d 677 (Tex. Crim. App. 2000). In
that case the Appellant, Martinez, complained that the officers dealing with evidence in his
case violated CCP Art. 18.10 by removing property from Val Verde County to Brazoria
County without prior approval from a Val Verde County magistrate. Martinez further
complained that this violation of 18.10 triggered CCP Art. 38.23 which would provide for
the exclusion of the State’s “illegally” obtained evidence. The State in Martinez argued what
I liken to a subsequent remedial measure which cured any defect, of course the State
conceded no error. Id. at 687. However, the Martinez court determined that any error was
cured retroactively by the subsequent remedial measures and was harmless. The facts of
Martinez are not the same in this case. Lewis’ vehicle was not initially seized under any
lawful authority, CCP Art. 18.10 (warrant) or otherwise. The removal of the vehicle from
Potter County to Randall County is offensive, unlawful and demands the suppression of any
evidence obtained based on the following:
17
c. The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution and The Texas
Constitution Article I, Section 9 Were Violated in this Case
Appellant in the instant case complains of not only of a violation of his federal
protection granted by the Fourth Amendment to the United States' Constitution but also
a grander proposition granted by State protection afforded by Article I, Section 9 of the
Texas Constitution. When addressing the Federal issue it is interesting to note the
narrow focus of protection such as in Colorado v. Bertine. 479 U.S. at 374. Bertine was
arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol. After Bertine was taken into
custody and prior to the time his van was towed to an impoundment lot, an officer
inventoried the contents of the van in accordance with local police procedures. The
Supreme Court of Colorado held the search to be unreasonable under the Fourth
Amendment, in part, because Bertine himself was not offered the opportunity to make
other arrangements for the safekeeping of the property. The Supreme Court of the United
States reversed. The Court held that ''the reasonableness of any particular governmental
activity does not necessarily or invariably turn on the existence of alternative 'less
intrusive' means.” Bertine, 479 U.S. at 374, 107 S.Ct. at 742 (quoting Illinois v. Lafayette,
462 U.S. 640, 647, 103 S. Ct. 2605, 2610, 77 L. Ed. 2d 65 (1983)). Bertine is not binding
on this Court on a State constitutional issue; it is only permissive authority. Heitman v.
State, 815 S.W.2d 681, 690 n. 22 (Tex.Crim.App.1991). In Heitman, an inventory search
case, the Court of Criminal Appeals expressly held that the Texas courts, when analyzing
and interpreting Article I, Section 9 of the Texas Constitution, will not be bound by
United States Supreme Court cases addressing comparable fourth amendment issues. Id. at
690. The Court recognized that although state constitutions cannot subtract from the rights
guaranteed by the United States Constitution, they can provide additional rights to their
18
citizens. Id. Texas courts have consistently held that impoundment is lawful only when no
other reasonable alternative is available to insure the protection of the vehicle. In cases
where impoundment follows custodial arrest, the courts have considered several factors in
determining the reasonableness of the impoundment:
(1) Whether someone was available at the scene of the arrest to whom the police could
have given possession of the vehicle, Delgado v. State, 718 S.W.2d 718
(Tex.Crim.App.1986); Daniels v. State, 600 S.W.2d 813 at 815 (Tex. Crim.
App. 1980);
(2) Whether the vehicle was impeding the flow of traffic or was a danger to public
safety, Benavides v. State, 600 S.W.2d 809 (Tex. Crim. App. 1980); Smith v.
State, 759 S.W.2d 163, 167 (Tex. App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1988, pet. ref d);
(3) Whether the vehicle was locked, Benavides, 600 S.W.2d at 812;
(4) Whether the detention of the arrestee would likely be of such duration as to
require the police to take protective measures, Fenton v. State, 785 S.W.2d 443,
445 (Tex. App. - Austin 1990, no pet.);
(5) Whether there was some reasonable connection between the arrest and the
vehicle, Benavides, 600 S.W.2d at 812; and,
(6) Whether the vehicle was used in the commission of another crime. Gauldin v.
State, 683 S.W.2d 4 1 1 ( Tex. Crim. App. 1984); Gords v. State, 824 S.W.2d
785, 787-88 (Tex. App. 1992).
"Once a motor vehicle operator has been put under arrest and taken into custody, it is
proper to impound the vehicle and conduct an inventory when impoundment is the only
reasonable alternative available to protect the vehicle.” Evers v. State, 516 S.W2d 46,
19
50 (Tex. Crim. App. 1978)." Perry v. State, 933 S.W.2d 249, 252 (Tex. App. 1996).
"An inventory search is permissible under both the federal fourth amendment and Article 1,
Section 9 of the state constitution if conducted pursuant to a lawful impoundment. South
Dakota v.Opperman, 428 U.S. 364, 375-76, 96 S. Ct. 3092, 3100, 49 L. Ed. 2d 1000 (1976);
Benavides v. State, 600 S.W.2d 809, 810 (Tex. Crim. App. 1980)." Gords v. State, 824
S.W.2d 785, 787 (Tex. App. 1992).
"An inventory search is a judicially created, well-defined exception to the
warrant requirement of the fourth amendment. Illinois v. Lafayette, 462 U.S. 640, 103
S. Ct. 2605, 77 L. Ed. 2d 65 (1983). For a warrantless inventory search to be valid, (1) the
original impoundment of the vehicle must be lawful (South Dakota v. Opperman, 428 U.S.
364, 96 S. Ct. 3092, 49 L. Ed. 2d 1000 (1976)); (2) the purposeof the inventory search must
be to protect the owner's property and to protect the police from claims of lost, stolen, or
vandalized property, and to guard the police from danger (Id. at 368-70, 96 S. Ct. at 3097);
(3) the inventory search must be conducted in good faith pursuant to reasonable
standardized police procedures and not as a pretext for an investigatory search (Colorado v.
Bertine, 419 U.S. 367, 373-74, 107 S. Ct. 738, 742, 93 L. Ed. 2d 739 (1987)); or as a ruse for a
general rummaging in order to discover incriminating evidence (Florida v. Wells, 495 U.S.
1, 3-5, 110 S. Ct. 1632, 1635, 109 L. Ed. 2d 1 (1990))." Perry v. State, 933 S.W.2d 249,
251(Tex. App. 1996). The State has the burden of proof. Delgado v. State, 718 S.W.2d 718,
721 (Tex.Crim.App.1986). Gords v. State, 824 S.W.2d 785, 787 (Tex. App. 1992).
Requiring that inventories be conducted according to criteria or routine strikes a balance
between the State's legitimate interests and the legitimate privacy expectations of the owner.
United States v. Salmon, 944 F.2d 1106,1120 (3d Cir.1991). Standardized criteria or
established routine must limit police discretion as to, first, whether to search the vehicle
20
and, second, the scope of an inventory. Id. (citing Bertine, 419 U.S. at 375-76, 374 & n. 6;
United States v. Frank, 864 F.2d 992, 1002-03, 1003 (3d Cir. 1988); United States v. Bush,
641 F.2d 357, 370-71 (3d Cir.1981)).
The Amarillo Police department made contact with Lewis and immediately arrested
him solely on the knowledge that he had an arrest warrant out of Randall County, Texas and
presumably they knew he also had a parole violation warrant based on the arrest warrant
issued by Randall County, Texas. The members of the Amarillo Police Department searched
the vehicle by leaning in the vehicle, taking pictures of the vehicles and then milling about
while waiting for members of a neighboring jurisdiction to show up and take the vehicle.
While there were alternatives to seizure and search on scene available for the disposition of
the vehicle in this case, the C.O.P.P.S. Unit of Amarillo Police had no intention of employing
any option other than impound of the vehicle. Amarillo Police department had been asked
via email by Sgt. Patrick McBroom “If he [Lewis] is arrested, I need the suburban as
evidence. I will come and take possession of the vehicle.” (R.R., Vol. 2, Exhibit 1.) Sgt.
Patrick McBroom did not obtain a search warrant at the same time he obtained the arrest
warrant which formed the basis of the arrest, although he admitted in cross examination he
could have obtained a search warrant contemporaneously with the arrest warrant. (R.R., Vol.
2, P. 59, L. 19-24.) Most troublesome is the complete lack of regard for police procedure and
policy that is necessary to protect citizen rights; the vehicle was in a private drive, not
impeding traffic, in Potter County, Texas and was simply held there with doors open as
members of the Amarillo Police Department photographed the interior and “leaned” into the
vehicle waiting on a member of law enforcement from a neighboring county to arrive and
take the vehicle. The State provided no impound or transfer of property form as evidence
of the authority for Amarillo Police Department to simply hand over a piece of property they
21
were intent on seizing upon the arrest of Lewis. The State provided no legal authority for the
lack adherence to proper impound policy between and among the law enforcement agencies
involved. While Sgt. McBroom may well have suspected the vehicle was evidence of some
criminal activity afoot; his hunch alone is not sufficient legal authority for McBroom to
merely arrive in a county, not his own, at a traffic stop, not his own, and flight away with a
vehicle without any paperwork in tow. While the burglary of complaining witness Pastwa
may have had some tie to the red suburban at issue, but for the illegal seizure, lack of impound
but friendly unlawful transfer of evidence between agencies; the evidence introduced in the
case at bar would not have been known or discovered; therefore the poison is failing to follow
proper police procedure and the consequence for ingesting the poison is the exclusion of
admission of all evidence inside the red suburban.15 Any subsequent remedial measure
taken by McBroom by obtaining a search warrant a day after the vehicle was already
unlawfully locked away on Randall County’s property are of no effect and do nothing to
remove the terminal effect of the poisonous taint of the original unlawful acts. For this to
stand as permissible is to turn on its head the order and procedural safeguards well established
in this state for the seizure, retention, impound and inventory of possible evidence.
3. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY DENYING APPELLANT'S MOTION TO
SUPPRESS THE SEIZURE OF THE VEHICLE AND ITS CONTENTS BECAUSE
THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECT TO THE "PLAIN VIEW" DOCTRINE.
a. Standard of Review
The standard of review when reviewing a trial court’s ruling on a motion to suppress
15
Of great importance is the fact that McBroom knew he wanted to find this red suburban two weeks prior to
the execution of the complaint for arrest warrant as evidenced by the crime bulletins issued one full
consecutive week prior to the date of the arrest warrant and the week of the issuance of the warrant. Further,
McBroom admitted in live testimony that he could have obtained a search warrant for the red suburban at the
same time he obtained the arrest warrant but did not. These facts taken in toto with the remaining
abnormalities of the procedures employed make the lack of regard for policy and police procedure offensive.
22
is a bifurcated standard recited in Guzman v. State, 955 S.W.2d 85,89 (Tex. Crim. App.
1997). See also State v. Kelly, 204 S.W.3d 808, 818-19 (Tex. Crim. App. 2006).
Findings of fact were made in a formal document that was titled appropriately.
(S.C.R., P. 101-103.) The original Clerk's Record also contains a letter ruling that bears
substantially the requisites for a finding of fact in this case. (C.R., P. 106-109.) The standard
of review when the trial court makes findings of fact and conclusion of law is laid out in
Keehn v. State, 279 S.W.3d 330, (Tex. Crim. App. 2009) which states in relevant part:
“When a trial judge enters findings of fact after denying a motion to suppress, an
appellate court [must first] determine[ ] whether the evidence (viewed in the light most
favorable to the trial court's ruling) supports these fact findings. If the findings are
supported by the record, appellate courts will afford almost total deference to a trial
court's determination of the historical facts when they are based on an evaluation of
credibility and demeanor. Appellate courts give the same amount of deference to
'mixed questions of law and fact[ ]' if the resolution of those ultimate questions turns
on an evaluation of credibility and demeanor. But when the resolution of mixed law
and fact questions do not depend upon an evaluation of credibility and demeanor,
appellate courts are permitted to conduct a de novo review." Keehn v. State, 279
S.W.3d 330, 334 (Tex. Crim. App. 2009)
b. Plain View Doctrine Does Not Apply to the Facts in this Case as a
Remedy for an Invalid Arrest Warrant.
A seizure of an object is lawful under the plain view exception if three requirements are
met. First, law enforcement officials must lawfully be where the object can be "plainly
viewed." Second, the "incriminating character" of the object in plain view must be
"immediately apparent" to the officials. And third, the officials must have the right to
access the object. Horton v. California, 496 U.S. 128, 136, 110 S. Ct. 2301, 110 L. Ed. 2d
112 (1990).
Plain view, in the absence of exigent circumstances, can never justify a search and
seizure without a warrant when law enforcement officials have no lawful right to access
an object. Coolidge v. New Hampshire, 403 U.S. 443, 466, 91 S.Ct.2022, 29 L. Ed. 2d
23
 564 (1971) (plurality opinion).
"Texas law does not recognize the inevitable-discovery doctrine, which would permit
admission of evidence obtained in an unlawful search if such evidence would later have been
obtained lawfully. In Daugherty, the Court of Criminal Appeals confirmed that, if evidence
was obtained illegally under Article 38.23(a) of the Code of Criminal procedure, it must be
excluded. Daugherty v. State, 931 S.W.2d 268 at 269 (Tex. Crim. App. 1996). No exception
exists for evidence that later might have been obtained lawfully. Id. Thus, unless evidence
is obtainedlegally with a search warrant or through one of the carefully-crafted exceptions
to the warrant requirement, the evidence must be excluded.16
A finding of exigent circumstances usually includes "factors pointing to some
danger to the officer or victims, an increased likelihood of apprehending a suspect, or
the possible destruction of evidence." McNairy, 835 S.W.2d at 107. Thus, situations
justifying a warrantless search include: (1) rendering aid or assistance to persons whom
the officers reasonably believe are in need of assistance; (2) preventing the destruction of
evidence or contraband; and, (3) protecting the officers from a person whom they
reasonably believe to be armed and dangerous. Id. (citing Stewart v. State, 681 S.W.2d 774
Tex. App. -Houston [14th Dist.] 1984, pet. ref’d)). To prove exigent circumstances
existed, the State must show "that the police could have reasonably concluded that
evidence would be destroyed or removed before they could obtain a search warrant." Id.
The seizing officer must have probable cause to associate the item seized with criminal
16
Of note is a case that distinguishes certain facts under a federal theory interpretation known as the
independent source doctrine. Wehrenberg v. State, 416 S.W.3d 458; (Tex. Crim. App. 2013). The case at bar
is not consistent or analogous with the holding in Wehrenberg, because the search warrant was improper. The
search warrant in this case was based on the same information obtained for the arrest warrant was based on
wholly defective information.
24
activity. Martinez v. State, 17 S.W.3d 677, 685 (Tex. Crim. App.2000).
If it is determined that law enforcement committed constitutional error, the
appellate court must then determine whether the error was harmless beyond a reasonable
doubt. (Tex. R.A.P. 44.2(a).) To decide harmless error, the court must consider (1) the
source of the error; (2) the nature of the error; (3) whether or to what extent the State
emphasized the error; (4) the error’s probable implications;; (5) how much weight a
juror [fact finder] would probably place on the error; and (6) whether declaring
the error harmless would encourage the State to repeat it with impunity. Ramirez v.
State, 105 S.W.3d 730, 743-46 (Tex. App. 2003). See Harris v. State, 790 S.W.2d 568,
587 (Tex.Crim.App.1989) .
The officers of the C.O.P.P.S. unit that made initial contact with Lewis did so
in a private drive; not a public roadway. The basis for the stop was illegal arrest
warrants, solely. While McBroom had emailed the Amarillo Police Department on the
day before police came into contact with Lewis; two crime bulletins were issued two
weeks earlier and it was known to all the license number of a vehicle that may have
been driven by Lewis. McBroom stated in his email that he wanted the vehicle so
Amarillo Police Department officers knew, presumably, that there was a need to hang
on to the vehicle. Without conceding any legitimacy of the process or procedures prior
to the stop of Lewis or during the contact with Lewis or the subsequent removal and
searches of the vehicle, the plain view doctrine still requires the collection of the
evidence. The use of a possible “eraser” legal theory – no matter what the red suburban
was in plain view so the State gets to have it – does not relieve the State actors of the
necessity of compliance with the collection of evidence under what they believe is a
25
valid theory. The harm is apparent; the contents of the red suburban were unknown and
not in plain view – without the unlawful seizure of the red suburban the contents were
not in view. Further, the Amarillo Police Department and the Randall County Sheriff’s
Department did not collect the red suburban in compliance with any known or
conceivable evidence collection method. Again, they merely said we want it; hauled it
off without formalities and established procedure for retrieval of evidence and then
retroactively claim its “plain view evidence” so “it’s okay.” IF (without conceding any
points necessary to concede the validity of the plain view doctrine) the plain view
doctrine applied then the red suburban should have been “collected” and processed as
evidence not merely “towed and stowed” by McBroom. Further, if the red suburban
was evidence in plain view, why did McBroom obtain a search warrant, post script?
4. THE EVIDENCE WAS INSUFFICIENT FOR CONVICTION IN THIS
CASE.
a. Standard of Review
A challenge to the legal sufficiency of the evidence need not be preserved at trial, and
may be raised for the first time on appeal. Rankin v. State, 46 S.W.3d 899, 901 (Tex. Crim.
App. 2001).17 In reviewing a legal sufficiency or “no evidence” claim, the appellate court will
17
A motion for directed verdict is inappropriate in a bench trial. State v. Lewallen, 927 S.W.2d 737, 739
(Tex.App.—Fort Worth 1996, no pet.). This is because a "verdict" is defined by statute as "a written declaration
by a jury of its decision of the issue submitted to it in the case." TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. ANN. art. 37.01 (Vernon
Supp. 1996) "Verdict" by definition does not apply to a trial court's decision, although the word is used loosely
in the statutes and case law. State v. Davenport, 866 S.W.2d 767, 769 n.2 (Tex. App.--San Antonio 1993, no
pet.). A "directed verdict" is commonly defined as the action taken by a trial judge in a jury trial to decide the
issues in the case without allowing them to be submitted to the jury because, as a matter of law, the party with
the burden of proof has failed to make a prima facie case for jury consideration. See Nassar v. Hughes, 882
S.W.2d 36, 38 (Tex. App.--Houston [1st Dist.] 1994, writ denied); Homme v. Varing, 852 S.W.2d 74, 76-77
(Tex. App.--Beaumont 1993, no writ); 4 McDONALD, TEXAS CIVIL PRACTICE § 21:48 (1992); BLACK'S LAW
DICTIONARY 413 (5th ed. 1979). This definition presumes a trial by jury. Thus, there logically can be no "directed
verdict" in a case where a trial judge serves as the fact finder. In other words, when there is no jury, there is no
"verdict" for the trial judge to "direct."
26
review the evidence in the light most favorable to the verdict, and will determine whether the
trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
Conner v. State, 67 S.W.3d 192, 197 (Tex. Crim. App. 2001) (citing Jackson v. Virginia, 433
U.S. 307, 319 (1979)). The appellate court will consider all evidence admitted, whether
proper or improper. “Every fact need not point directly and independently to the defendant’s
guilt [citation omitted]. A conclusion of guilt can rest on the combined and cumulative force
of all incriminating circumstances.” Id. The trier of fact is free to believe or disbelieve the
testimony of any witness. Flanagan v. State, 675 S.W.2d 734, 746 (Tex. Crim. App. 1984)
(op. on reh’g).
b. There is No Evidence Lewis Was in the Habitation; There Was No Time to
Accomplish All Elements Necessary for Conviction; The Evidence Admitted at Trial is
Inconsistent With What the State Relies Upon as Evidence of the Alleged Crime
An individual is guilty of burglary of a habitation if, without the effective consent of
the owner, the person: enters a habitation, or a building (or any portion of a building) not then
open to the public, with intent to commit a felony, theft, or an assault. 18 TEX. PENAL CODE
§30.02(a)(1)).
The indictment charged Lewis with entering a habitation intentionally and knowingly
without the consent of Ramona Coffman, the owner, and while in the habitation committing
to or completing the act of theft.
Thus, to prove that Lewis committed burglary of a habitation, the State must prove
that Lewis entered the habitation. The State’s evidence failed to establish that Lewis was in
the habitation owned by Ramona Coffman.
18
As it relates to the present case, theft is defined as follows: “A person commits an offense if he unlawfully
appropriates property with intent to deprive the owner of property. Appropriation of property is unlawful if it is
without the owner’s effective consent.” TEX. PENAL CODE §31.03(a), (b)(1).
27
The State’s evidence consisted of evidence that should have been suppressed as argued
herein, but for argument sake if the evidence propounded by the State was admissible; it does
not provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Lewis was in the home of Coffman at any
point. No witness testified regarding suspicious activity, unusual vehicles; no fingerprints
19
were found on scene, no neighbors were interviewed. (R.R., Vol. 7, P. 125, L. 1-3.; R.R.,
Vol. 7, P. 125, L. 23-24.) Ramona Coffman identified an iPad purported to have been found
in the red suburban driven by Lewis at the time of his arrest. However, no fingerprints were
obtained from the iPad; no digital inspection of the contents of the iPad was conducted to
determine if anyone had used the iPad or attempted to place on the devise personal data which
would link the burglar to the item.20 Second, a receipt for coins changed for currency in the
amount of $170.99 was admitted at trial. An attempt by the State was made to tie the $170.99
to Lewis. Lewis was booked into the Randall County Jail with $328.00; a shockingly round
number compared to the uneven number of 170.99. The time on the ticket from Walmart was
1:46PM; the traffic stop that resulted in the arrest of Lewis began at 2:22PM. The burglary
was alleged to have happened sometime after 9:00AM on August 28, 2013. Somehow Lewis
is supposed to have gone into a house on Linda Street in Amarillo, go to an unidentified
Walmart in Amarillo (of which there are many) and in the mere 4 to 5 hours possible have
ditched a camera, laptop, pillowcases and other items not recovered in the red suburban. The
mere presence of what appears to be stolen property or property acquired without permission
does not a burglar make. Instead perhaps (while I am unwilling to concede this point) the
19
Benitez v. State, not reported in S.W.3d 2010 WL 4909954, (Tex. App. – Austin 2010) (neighbor witnessed
suspicious activity which was found with other factors to be sufficient evidence to tie defendant with
burglary)). Johnson v. State, not reported in S.W.3d 2010 WL 4813706 (Tex. App. – Texarkana 2010)
(fingerprints found inside the residence was sufficient evidence to convict defendant of burglary of a
habitation)).
20
See R.R., Vol. 8, P. 64, L. 13-24.; RR. Vol. 7, P. 20, L. 14-22.; R.R., Vol. 7, P. 23, L. 7-10.; R.R., Vol. 7, P.
25, L. 13-22.;
28
evidence is sufficient for a misdemeanor theft, i.e. possession of “stolen” property; but no
evidence sufficient to support a burglary can be found.
CONCLUSION
The arrest of Lewis was unlawful; thereby making the events of law enforcement
subsequent unlawful. The arrest of Lewis should have been suppressed because of the Franks
violations. The seizure of the vehicle should have been suppressed for lack of compliance
with proper police procedure and lack of acceptable substitute legal authority. The red
suburban is not subject to a “plain view” exception for seizure and the subsequent remedial
measure of a search warrant after the arrest is not a remedy for the poison. The evidence is
legally insufficient to support a finding of guilt. The case should be reversed and rendered.
PRAYER
WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, Appellant prays this Honorable
Court reverse the conviction and render a judgment of acquittal in this case.
Respectfully Submitted,
/s/ TINA DAVIS RINCONES
TINA DAVIS RINCONES
Attorney at Law 109
E 6th Street
Plainview, Texas 79072 Telephone
(806) 429-0706
Facsimile (806) 553-4424
SBN 24030776
Email: trincones@redraiderlaw .com
ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT
29
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
This is to certify that a true and correct copy of the Brief of the Appellee has been
emailed to the parties listed below on this 4th day of September, 2015.
James A. Farren/Kristy Wright
Randall County District Attorney
2309 Russell Long Blvd, Suite 120
Canyon, Texas 79105
Tel: (806) 468-5570
Fax: (806) 468-5566
/s/ TINA DAVIS RINCONES
TINA DAVIS RINCONES
CERTIFICATE OF WORD COUNT
I certify that this document contains 10,933 words and is incompliance with the
Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure.
/s/ TINA DAVIS RINCONES
TINA DAVIS RINCONES
30