State Of Washington, V. Byron Martin Spear ( 2021 )

Filed
Washington State
Court of Appeals
Division Two
June 29, 2021
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
DIVISION II
STATE OF WASHINGTON, No. 53390-1-II
Respondent,
v.
BYRON MARTIN SPEAR, UNPUBLISHED OPINION
Appellant.
LEE, C.J. — Byron M. Spear appeals his convictions for three counts of first degree rape
of a child and two counts of first degree child molestation. Spear argues that the trial court erred
by failing to instruct the jury that each count must be based on a separate and distinct act and by
failing to instruct the jury that the jury must be unanimous in order to reach a verdict after the jury
asked a question about unanimity. Spear also appeals his sentence arguing the trial court erred by
including Spear’s convictions from Idaho in calculating Spear’s offender score, imposing a
community custody condition restricting Spear’s access to the internet or email by electronic
devices without Community Corrections Officer or treatment provider approval, imposing a
community custody condition requiring Spear to submit to testing and reasonable searches for
illegal or controlled substances, imposing a DNA collection fee because the record establishes that
Spear suffers from a mental health condition and does not have the ability to pay, and imposing
community custody supervision fees.
We affirm Spear’s convictions but remand to the trial court to strike the community custody
condition prohibiting access to the internet or email. We also reverse the imposition of the DNA
No. 53390-1-II
collection fee and the community custody supervision fees, and remand to the trial court to
reconsider the imposition of a DNA collection fee and community supervision fees.
FACTS
A. BACKGROUND
Between October 2016 and July 2017, Byron Spear acted as the caretaker for his sister’s
children. During this time, Spear sexually abused his niece, A.R.S.,1 on several occasions. On
August 17, 2018, the State charged Spear with three counts of first degree rape of a child2 and two
counts of first degree child molestation.3
B. JURY TRIAL
Spear’s case was tried to a jury. Before jury selection, the trial court read the information
to the prospective jury members. The information stated for each count that it was “‘a separate
and distinct act from all other counts.’” 1 Verbatim Report of Proceeding (VRP) at 31-32.
At trial witness testimony established the following.
1. Evidence of Abuse
A.R.S. lived in Lacey, Washington for about two years when she was 8-9 years old. During
her time in Washington, A.R.S. lived with her mom, dad, brothers, and Spear, her mother’s brother.
A.R.S. was not married, and Spear was more than two years older than A.R.S.
1
We use initials to protect the victim’s identity and privacy interests. See General Order 2011-1
of Division II, In re the Use of Initials or Pseudonyms for Child Witnesses in Sex Crimes (Wash.
Ct. App.), available at: http://www.courts.wa.gov/appellate_trial_courts/.
2
Former RCW 9A.44.073 (1988).
3
Former RCW 9A.44.083 (1994).
2
No. 53390-1-II
Both of A.R.S.’s parents were in the military and worked outside the house. A.R.S.’s
family moved to Washington from North Carolina in September 2016. Spear lived with the family
rent free in exchange for his watching the children. Spear was medically discharged from the
military and received disability pay from the VA. Part of his disability was for post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. Spear moved in with A.R.S.’s family in October 2016 and
stayed with them until July 2017.
A.R.S. testified that Spear did “something he wasn’t supposed to.” 2 VRP at 277.
According to A.R.S., Spear licked her vagina 5-10 different times until Spear moved out of their
house. One time, when A.R.S. was about to turn 9, Spear had A.R.S. rub his penis and sperm
came out. Spear also touched A.R.S.’s vagina with his finger. Another time, Spear put a vibrating
tool on A.R.S.’s vagina. Spear also rubbed his penis up and down on top of A.R.S.’s vagina.
In 2018, A.R.S. and her mother had a conversation regarding whether or not Spear had
sexually abused A.R.S. Initially when asked if Spear had done anything to her, “[A.R.S.] had this
weird look and she [said] no. She was scared.” 2 VRP at 314. A.R.S.’s mother pressed further,
and A.R.S. disclosed the sexual abuse perpetrated by Spear. A.R.S.’s mother contacted law
enforcement.
Heather McLeod, a nurse practitioner with the St. Providence Sexual Assault Clinic and a
certified sexual assault nurse examiner, examined A.R.S. on July 11, 2018. During the
examination, A.R.S. told McLeod that Spear “had put his inappropriate spot on her inappropriate
spot.” 2 VRP at 342. A.R.S. stated that this had hurt and she felt like Spear was forcing her to do
it. A.R.S. felt like metal was being put in her. A.R.S. reported that Spear had also put his finger
3
No. 53390-1-II
on the outside of her vagina. Additionally, Spear’s penis had contacted A.R.S.’ hand and sperm
came out.
McLeod’s genital exam of A.R.S. showed no visible evidence of trauma. But this was
normal in children even when abuse or penetration had occurred. According to McLeod,
“[A.R.S.’s] medical history was clear, consistent, and detailed for sexual abuse.” 2 VRP at 360.
G.F., a then 16 year old, testified that she had a conversation with Spear about sex on
SnapChat, wherein Spear talked to G.F. about his niece, who was 9 years old. Spear stated that a
year prior, Spear had woken up to the 9-year-old “doing things to him.” 2 VRP at 387. Those
things were sexual. Spear told G.F. that he did not have sexual intercourse with his niece, but that
he had “gone down” on his niece. 2 VRP at 389.
2. Spear’s testimony
Spear testified that in the summer and fall of 2016, Spear was living in Burien with friends.
Spear was not working but was receiving a disability income from the military. Spear’s sister
contacted him, stating that she needed help with childcare. Spear moved in with his sister in
October 2016, where he had a room of his own.
Spear was very rarely alone with A.R.S., and did not remember being alone with her in his
room. But on cross-examination, Spear testified that there were times when A.R.S.’s brother was
watching television and A.R.S. was upstairs in Spear’s room. And sometimes, A.R.S. would watch
Spear play video games in his room. A.R.S. would sit on the bed or the floor during those times.
Spear denied sexually abusing A.R.S. Spear also stated that he had not been able to
produce sperm for the last 5-6 years.
4
No. 53390-1-II
3. Jury Instructions
The trial court instructed the jury, in relevant part, as follows:
INSTRUCTION NO. 2
As jurors, you have a duty to discuss the case with one another and to
deliberate in an effort to reach a unanimous verdict. . . . Nor should you change
your mind just for the purpose of reaching a verdict.
....
INSTRUCTION NO. 3
A separate crime is charged in each count. You must decide each count
separately. Your verdict on one count should not control your verdict on any other
count.
Clerk’s Papers (CP) at 78-79. With regard to the three first degree rape of a child charges, the trial
court instructed the jury as follows,
INSTRUCTION NO. 7
The State alleges that the defendant committed acts of Rape of a Child in
the First Degree on multiple occasions. To convict the defendant on any count of
Rape of a Child in the First Degree, one particular act of Rape of a Child in the First
Degree must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt, and you must unanimously
agree as to which act has been proved. You need not unanimously agree that the
defendant committed all the acts of Rape of a Child in the First Degree.
CP at 83. The trial court then separately instructed the jury for each of the three counts of first
degree rape of a child charge. The to-convict instruction for Count 1 stated,
To convict the defendant of the crime of Rape of a Child in the First Degree,
as charged in Count 1, each of the following elements of the crime must be proved
beyond a reasonable doubt:
(1) That on or between October 1, 2016 and July 31, 2017, the defendant
had sexual intercourse with [A.R.S.];
(2) That [A.R.S.] was less than twelve years old at the time of the sexual
intercourse and was not married to the defendant;
5
No. 53390-1-II
(3) That [A.R.S.] was at least twenty-four months younger than the
defendant; and
(4) That this act occurred in the State of Washington.
If you find from the evidence that each of these elements has been proved
beyond a reasonable doubt, then it will be your duty to return a verdict of guilty.
On the other hand, if, after weighing all the evidence, you have a reasonable
doubt as to any one of these elements, then it will be your duty to return a verdict
of not guilty.
CP at 87. The to-convict instructions for Counts 2 and 3 were substantively the same as the
instruction for Count 1. With regard to the first degree child molestation charges, the trial court
instructed the jury as follows,
INSTRUCTION NO. 15
The State alleges that the defendant committed acts of Child Molestation in
the First Degree on multiple occasions. To convict the defendant on any count of
Child Molestation in the First Degree, one particular act of Child Molestation in the
First Degree must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt, and you must unanimously
agree as to which act has been proved. You need not unanimously agree that the
defendant committed all the acts of Child Molestation in the First Degree.
CP at 91. The trial court then separately instructed the jury for each of the two first degree child
molestation charge. The to-convict instruction for Count 4 stated,
To convict the defendant of the crime of Child Molestation in the First
Degree, as charged in Count 4, each of the following elements of the crime must be
proved beyond a reasonable doubt:
(1) That on or between October 1, 2016 and July 31, 2017, the defendant
had sexual contact with [A.R.S.];
(2) That [A.R.S.] was less than twelve years old at the time of the sexual
contact and was not married to the defendant;
(3) That [A.R.S.] was at least thirty-six months younger than the defendant;
and
(4) That this act occurred in the State of Washington.
If you find from the evidence that each of these elements has been proved
beyond a reasonable doubt, then it will be your duty to return a verdict of guilty.
On the other hand, if, after weighing all the evidence, you have a reasonable
doubt as to any one of these elements, then it will be your duty to return a verdict
of not guilty.
6
No. 53390-1-II
CP at 93. The to-convict instructions for Counts 5 was substantively the same as the
instruction for Count 4. Finally, the trial court instructed the jury as follows,
INSTRUCTION NO. 19
....
You must fill in the blank provided in each verdict form the words “not
guilty” or the word “guilty”, according to the decision you reach.
Because this is a criminal case, each of you must agree for you to return a
verdict. When all of you have so agreed, fill in the verdict forms to express your
decision.
CP at 95.
3. Closing Argument
During its closing argument, the State informed the jury that “[e]ach of the ‘to convict’
instructions for the first three counts [were] exactly the same. You have to find separate instances
or separate incidents for each one. You have to be unanimous in that each one has a separate time.”
3 VRP at 527-28. The State stated that it believed there was enough evidence to find beyond a
reasonable doubt that the defendant had sexual intercourse with A.R.S. at least three times. The
State argued,
So to convict Counts 1, 2, and 3, you can use any variety of the things you
heard. You can use that the defendant licked [A.R.S.] on three different occasions,
licked her vagina. You can use that he licked her vagina and put his finger and on
her vagina. You can use that he licked her vagina, put his finger in the vagina, and
that his penis penetrated her vagina, however slight, even though it was going up
and down, but you have to be unanimous as to which three happened. You have to
be unanimous. All 12 people have to agrees (sic) on each count, and each count has
to be a separate act.
7
No. 53390-1-II
3 VRP at 529. The State then informed the jury that the last two charges involved child
molestation. Examples of this molestation included physical touch, rubbing A.R.S.’s vagina, and
touching her vagina with a vibrator.
4. Jury Questions
During deliberations, the jury posed questions to the trial court. The jury asked, “Upon
reading instruction 7. Do we have to be unanimous on all counts? If we do not have a unanimous
vote how is it reported on the verdict form?” CP at 74. Spear asked that the trial court answer the
question: “I do think it would be appropriate to make sure the jury understands that any verdict
must be unanimous.” 3 VRP at 559. The trial court stated that it was concerned about the language
of Criminal Rule 6.15(f)(ii) because any further instruction beyond the jury instructions “might be
considered some sort of instruction on the consequences of no agreement.” 3 VRP at 559-60.
Spear then suggested the following response, “In order to reach a verdict on any count, that verdict
must be unanimous.” 3 VRP at 560. The trial court noted that the unanimity requirement could
be found in instructions 7 and 19. The trial court replied to the jury, “Please reread your
instructions.” CP at 74.
The jury also asked, “Do all 3 counts need to be a different act or can they be multiple
occurrences of the same type of act.” CP at 101. Both the State and Spear agreed that the trial
court should tell the jury to reread the instructions. The trial court replied to the jury, “Please re-
read the instructions.” CP at 101.
8
No. 53390-1-II
C. VERDICT AND SENTENCING
1. Verdict
The jury found Spear guilty as charged. Following the verdicts, the trial court polled the
jury. Each jury member stated that each verdict was their verdict as well as the verdict of the jury.
2. Pre-Sentence Investigation
The pre-sentence investigation report stated that Spear enlisted in the military in 2006 and
was medically discharged in 2010. Spear reported that his finances were fine other than about
$3,000 he owed in medical and other miscellaneous bills. He was receiving $1150 per month from
the Army and living off that. Spear also reported he was a caregiver in Idaho. Spear relied on
friends and family for housing.
Spear reported that he was diagnosed with manic depression, depression, anxiety, and
PTSD. Spear stated that he took pills every day for these issues and had a mental health therapist.
He reported having a history of self-abuse and had attempted to commit suicide.
3. Criminal History
On April 10, 2019, the State, Spear, and Spear’s trial attorney signed and presented to the
trial court the Prosecutor’s Statement of Criminal History. This statement included two Idaho
convictions. The crimes were listed as “Lewd Conduct with a Minor Under 16 (comparable to
Child Molestation in the Third Degree – RCW 9A.44.089),” and “Enticing a Child Through
Internet, Video, Image or other Communication Device (comparable to Communicating with a
Minor for Immoral Purposes through electronic means – RCW 9.68A.090(2)).” CP at 102. The
offense dates were March 22, 2018 and June 30-July 2, 2018, respectively.
9
No. 53390-1-II
Spear and Spear’s defense attorney signed below a provision stating, “The defendant and
the defendant’s attorney hereby stipulate that the above is a correct statement of the defendant’s
criminal history relevant to the determination of the defendant’s offender score in the above-
entitled cause.” CP at 102. An attachment to the statement listed the offender score as 9+.
4. Sentence
The trial court calculated Spear’s offender score at 9+ and sentenced Spear to 318 months
to life in confinement. The trial court found Spear indigent and ordered Spear to pay a $500 crime
victim assessment fee and a $100 DNA collection fee. The trial court also ordered Spear to pay
community custody supervision fees as determined by the Department of Corrections.
The trial court imposed community custody conditions, which included not having access
to the internet or email by electronic devices without Community Corrections Officer or treatment
provider approval and not possessing illegal or controlled substances without the written
prescription of a licensed physician. To verify compliance with the prohibition on possessing
illegal or controlled substances, Spear was ordered to submit to testing and reasonable searches of
his person, residence, and vehicle.
ANALYSIS
A. SEPARATE AND DISTINCT
Spear argues that the jury convicted him of multiple offenses without being instructed that
each count must be based on a separate and distinct act, which relieved the State of its burden of
proof and violated the prohibition against double jeopardy. Spear contends that the jury’s question
10
No. 53390-1-II
about different acts “shows the jury did not understand that the five counts must be based on
different factual acts.” Br. of Appellant at 16. We disagree.4
The double jeopardy clauses of the federal and state constitutions protect defendants from
being “‘punished multiple times for the same offense.’”5 State v. Fuller, 185 Wn.2d 30, 33-34,
367 P.3d 1057 (2016) (quoting State v. Linton, 156 Wn.2d 777, 783, 132 P.3d 127 (2006)); see
U.S. CONST. amend. V; WASH CONST. art. I, § 9. We review double jeopardy claims de novo.
State v. Mutch, 171 Wn.2d 646, 661-62, 254 P.3d 803 (2011).
When the State provides evidence of multiple acts that could form the basis of more than
one of the crimes charged, the trial court should instruct the jury that each count must be based on
a separate and distinct act. Id at 663. If the instructions do not inform the jury that each count
must be based on a separate and distinct act, then we must determine whether the evidence,
arguments, and instructions made the separate act requirements “‘manifestly apparent to the jury.’”
Id. at 664 (emphasis omitted) (quoting State v. Berg, 147 Wn. App. 923, 931, 198 P.3d 529 (2008),
overruled in part by Mutch, 171 Wn.2d at 663-64)). We review the entire trial record to determine
whether flawed jury instructions resulted in a double jeopardy violation. Id. A defendant’s right
4
Spear argues that the incomplete instructions relieved the State of its burden of proof. But Spear
fails to cite to any legal authority showing that the lack of a “separate and distinct” instruction
relieves the State of its burden of proof. See RAP 10.3(a)(6) (stating that the Appellants’ brief
must contain “argument in support of the issues presented for review, together with citations to
legal authority and references to relevant parts of the record.”); State v. Rawly, 13 Wn. App. 2d
474, 482, 466 P.3d 784 (2020) (quoting DeHeer v. Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 60 Wn.2d 122, 126,
372 P.2d 193 (1962) (“Where no authorities are cited in support of a proposition, the court is not
required to search out authorities, but may assume that counsel, after diligent search, has found
none.”)). Thus, we hold that Spear’s argument fails.
5
A double jeopardy challenge implicates a constitutional right and may be raised for the first time
on appeal. RAP 2.5(a)(3); State v. Jackman, 156 Wn.2d 736, 746, 132 P.3d 136 (2006).
11
No. 53390-1-II
to be free from double jeopardy may be violated if it is not clear that it was manifestly apparent to
the jury that the State was not seeking to impose multiple punishments for the same offense. State
v. Borsheim, 140 Wn. App. 357, 367, 165 P.3d 417 (2007).
Here, the instructions failed to inform the jury that each count must be based on a separate
and distinct act. Thus, we must determine whether the evidence, arguments, and instructions made
manifestly apparent to the jury that the State was not seeking to impose multiple punishments for
the same offense. See Mutch, 171 Wn.2d at 664.
1. Testimony
A.R.S. testified to the different ways Spear inappropriately touched her. A.R.S. testified
that Spear licked her vagina 5-10 different times until Spear moved out of their house. A.R.S. also
identified a time when Spear had A.R.S. rub his penis and sperm came out. A.R.S. also described
instances where Spear touched A.R.S.’s vagina, either with his finger, a vibrating tool, or with his
penis. Thus, A.R.S. testified to separate and distinct acts of sexual intercourse or sexual contact.
2. Jury Instructions
We next look to the jury instructions. While there was no separate and distinct acts jury
instruction, the trial court provided separate to-convict instructions for each count. The trial court
also told the jury that a separate crime was charged for each count, that the jury must decide each
count separately, and that the jury’s verdict on one count should not affect its verdict on another
count. Further, the trial court told the jury that to convict the defendant on any count of first degree
rape of a child, one particular act of first degree rape of a child must be proved beyond a reasonable
doubt, and they must unanimously agree as to which act has been proved. And to convict the
defendant on any count of first degree child molestation, one particular act of first degree child
12
No. 53390-1-II
molestation must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt, and they must unanimously agree as to
which act has been proved.
Thus, while a separate and distinct acts jury instruction was lacking, the jury was instructed
that a separate crime is charged in each count and the jury had to be unanimous as to a particular
act for each separate specified crime. We presume that the jury follows the court’s instructions.
State v. Lamar, 180 Wn.2d 576, 586, 327 P.3d 46 (2014).
3. Arguments
Lastly, we look at the arguments. During its closing argument, the State informed that jury
that “Each of the ‘to convict’ instructions for the first three counts [were] exactly the same. You
have to find separate instances or separate incidents for each one. You have to be unanimous in
that each one has a separate time.” 3 VRP at 527-28.
The State also informed the jury that it believed there was enough evidence to find beyond
a reasonable doubt that the defendant had sexual intercourse with A.R.S. at least three times. The
State argued:
So to convict Counts 1, 2, and 3, you can use any variety of the things you
heard. You can use that the defendant licked [A.R.S.] on three different occasions,
licked her vagina. You can use that he licked her vagina and put his finger and on
her vagina. You can use that he licked her vagina, put his finger in the vagina, and
that his penis penetrated her vagina, however slight, even though it was going up
and down, but you have to be unanimous as to which three happened. You have to
be unanimous. All 12 people have to agrees (sic) on each count, and each count has
to be a separate act.
3 VRP at 529.
The State informed the jury that the last two charges involved child molestation. Examples
of this molestation included physical touch, rubbing A.R.S.’s vagina, and touching her vagina with
13
No. 53390-1-II
a vibrator. The State’s argument focused on the jury needing to be unanimous on which act
happened on each count and that each count must be based on a separate act.
4. Testimony, Jury Instructions, and Argument Show No Double Jeopardy Violation
Here, given A.R.S’s testimony identifying distinct instances of abuse; the clear jury
instructions, which the jury is presumed to follow; and the prosecutor’s presentation in closing of
what actions supported each count all make it manifestly apparent that each count had to be based
on a separate act. See Mutch, 171 Wn.2d at 664. Because the entire record made it manifestly
apparent to the jury that each count had to be based on a separate act, the lack of a separate and
distinct jury instruction did not subject Spear to multiple punishments for the same offense. See
id. at 662-63. Thus, Spear’s right to be free from double jeopardy was not violated. See Borsheim,
140 Wn. App. at 367.
Spear contends that the jury’s question about different acts “shows that the jury did not
understand that the five counts must be based on different factual acts.” Br. of Appellant at 16.
But during deliberations, the jury asked the trial court, “Do all 3 counts need to be a different act
or can they be multiple occurrences of the same type of act.” CP at 101. This question does not
demonstrate that the jury did not understand that the five counts had to be based on different factual
acts. Rather, this question shows that the jury wanted to know whether each of the three counts
had to be a different act or if different counts could involve multiple occurrences of the same type
of act. Spear’s argument fails.
B. UNANIMITY
Spear argues that the trial court “failed in its duty to make the unanimity requirement
manifestly apparent to the jury and erred in failing to answer the jury’s question, denying Mr.
14
No. 53390-1-II
Spear his right to a unanimous verdict.” Br. of Appellant at 21. Spear contends that the
instructions failed to make clear to the jury that it could only reach a verdict if the jury was
unanimous. We disagree.
We review for an abuse of discretion a trial court’s decision to answer a question from the
jury. State v. Johnson, 116 Wn. App. 851, 860, 68 P.3d 290, review denied, 150 Wn.2d 1021(2003). A trial court abuses its discretion when it acts in a manifestly unreasonable manner or
bases its decision on untenable grounds. State v. Robinson, 193 Wn. App. 215, 217-18, 374 P.3d
175 (2016). We review the legal accuracy of the trial court’s response de novo. See State v.
Becklin, 163 Wn.2d 519, 525, 530, 182 P.3d 944 (2008).
Here, the jury posed the following question to the trial court: “Upon reading instruction 7.
Do we have to be unanimous on all counts? If we do not have a unanimous vote how is it reported
on the verdict form?” CP at 74. Contrary to Spear’s assertion, this question does not show that
the jury did not understand that they had to be unanimous to reach a verdict. Rather, this question
suggests that at the time of the question the jury was not unanimous on all counts and wanted
guidance on how to report a deadlock on the verdict form. Also, the jury reached a verdict after
the trial court told it to reread the instructions, so the record does not show that it did not understand
the unanimity instructions. See Lamar, 180 Wn.2d at 586 (we presume that the jury follows the
court’s instructions).
Further, the trial court’s Instruction 7 is the Petrich instruction informing the jury that to
convict Spear on any count of first degree rape of a child, one particular act of first degree rape of
a child “must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt and [the jury] must unanimously agree as to
15
No. 53390-1-II
which act has been proved.” CP at 83. See State v. Carson, 184 Wn.2d 207, 217, 357 P.3d 1064(2015). In State v. Petrich, our Supreme Court stated:
When the evidence indicates that several distinct criminal acts have been
committed, but defendant is charged with only one count of criminal conduct, jury
unanimity must be protected. . . . The State may, in its discretion, elect the act upon
which it will rely for conviction. Alternatively, if the jury is instructed that all 12
jurors must agree that the same underlying criminal act has been proved beyond a
reasonable doubt, a unanimous verdict on one criminal act will be assured.
101 Wn.2d 566, 572, 683 P.2d 173 (1984), abrogated on other grounds by State v. Kitchen, 110
Wn.2d 403, 405, 756 P.2d 105 (1988).
In addition to the Petrich instruction, the trial court instructed, “[a]s jurors, you have a duty
to discuss the case with one another and to deliberate in an effort to reach a unanimous verdict. . .
. Nor should you change your mind just for the purpose of reaching a verdict.” CP at 78. And
“[b]ecause this is a criminal case, each of you must agree for you to return a verdict.” CP at 95.
The clear instructions informing the jury that they had to be unanimous in order to reach a
verdict and the fact that the jury reached a unanimous verdict shows that the jury understood the
unanimity requirement.6 Thus, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in asking the jury to
reread the jury instructions in response to the question.
6
Moreover, under CrR 6.15(f)(2), “[a]fter jury deliberations have begun, the court shall not
instruct the jury in such a way as to suggest the need for agreement, the consequences of no
agreement, or the length of time a jury will be required to deliberate.” Given the question presented
by the jury, any further instruction from the trial court after deliberations had begun could have
impermissibly suggested the need for agreement.
16
No. 53390-1-II
C. OFFENDER SCORE
Spear argues that the trial court erred in calculating his offender score because the trial
court included two prior convictions from Idaho. Spear contends that the State failed to prove
either offense was comparable to a Washington felony. We disagree.
We review the calculation of an offender score de novo. State v. Howard, 15 Wn. App. 2d
725, 731, 476 P.3d 10857 (2020), review denied, 197 Wn.2d 1006 (2001). RCW 9.94A.5257
explains the process for how a defendant’s offender score is calculated. Generally, each prior
felony conviction that has not washed-out counts as one point. RCW 9.94A.525(1), (2). Out-of-
state convictions are classified according to their comparable Washington offense. RCW
9.94A.525(3).
Although the State bears the burden of proving the existence and comparability of any out-
of-state or federal convictions, “a defendant’s affirmative acknowledgement that his prior out-of-
state and/or federal convictions are properly included in his offender score satisfies [Sentencing
Reform Act] requirements.” State v. Ross, 152 Wn.2d 220, 230, 95 P.3d 1225 (2004) (emphasis
omitted). However, mere failure to object to the State’s summary of criminal history does not
constitute an acknowledgment, even if the defendant agrees with the State’s standard range
calculation. State v. Hunley, 175 Wn.2d 901, 912, 287 P.3d 584 (2012). A criminal defendant
cannot waive a challenge to a miscalculated offender score or a legal error, but he can waive factual
error or errors involving the trial court’s discretion. In re Pers. Restraint of Goodwin, 146 Wn.2d
861, 874, 50 P.3d 618 (2002).
7
RCW 9.94A.525 was amended in 2021. LAWS OF 2021, CH. 215, §100. However, there were
no substantive changes made affecting this opinion.
17
No. 53390-1-II
Here, the State, Spear, and Spear’s trial attorney signed and presented to the trial court the
Prosecutor’s Statement of Criminal History. This statement included two crimes Spear committed
in Idaho. The crimes were listed as “Lewd Conduct with a Minor Under 16 (comparable to Child
Molestation in the Third Degree – RCW 9A.44.089),” and “Enticing a Child Through Internet,
Video, Image or other Communication Device (comparable to Communicating with a Minor for
Immoral Purposes through electronic means – RCW 9.68A.090(2)).” CP at 102. Spear and
Spear’s defense attorney signed below a provision stating, “The defendant and the defendant’s
attorney hereby stipulate that the above is a correct statement of the defendant’s criminal history
relevant to the determination of the defendant’s offender score in the above-entitled cause.” CP at
102. Attached to the Statement of Criminal History was an offender scoring sheet which listed the
offender score as 9+. This sheet included the two prior sex offense convictions from Idaho.
Spear affirmatively acknowledged the inclusion of his out-of-state convictions by signing
and presenting to the trial court the Prosecutor’s Statement of Criminal History. Thus, the State
did not have to prove the existence and comparability of the two Idaho convictions. See Ross, 152
Wn.2d at 230. Therefore, we hold that the trial court did not err in calculating Spear’s offender
score.
D. COMMUNITY CUSTODY CONDITIONS
Spear argues that “[t]he community custody conditions restricting [his] internet access and
requiring he submit to testing and searches are unauthorized by the statute and are
unconstitutional.” Br. of Appellant at 36.
A sentencing court can only impose community custody conditions authorized by statute.
State v. Kolesnik, 146 Wn. App. 790, 806, 192 P.3d 937 (2008), review denied, 165 Wn.2d 105018
No. 53390-1-II
(2009). We review de novo whether the sentencing court had the statutory authority to impose a
sentencing condition. State v. Armendariz, 160 Wn.2d 106, 110, 156 P.3d 201 (2007). If the
sentencing court had statutory authority, we review the trial court’s decision to impose the
condition for an abuse of discretion. Id. An abuse of discretion occurs when a trial court’s
imposition of a condition is manifestly unreasonable. State v. Nguyen, 191 Wn.2d 671, 678, 425
P.3d 847 (2018). If we determine the trial court imposed an unauthorized condition on community
custody, we remedy the error by remanding to the trial court with instructions to strike the
unauthorized condition. See State v. Padilla, 190 Wn.2d 672, 683, 416 P.3d 712 (2018).
1. Access to the Internet or Email
Spear argues that the community custody condition restricting his access to the internet or
email by electronic devices without Community Corrections Officer or treatment provider
approval was not crime related and was unconstitutionally overbroad. We agree the community
custody condition was not crime-related.
RCW 9.94A.703(3)(f)8 allows a court to order an offender to comply with any crime-
related prohibitions. A crime-related prohibition is one that is related to the circumstances of the
crime for which the offender is being sentenced. RCW 9.94A.030(10). 9 Crime-related
prohibitions must be directly or reasonably related to the circumstances of the offense. Nguyen,
191 Wn.2d at 683-84. “The prohibited conduct need not be identical to the crime of conviction,
8
RCW 9.94A.703(3)(f) was amended in 2021. LAWS OF 2021, Ch. 215, §109. However, there
were no, substantive changes made affecting this opinion.
9
RCW 9.94A.030(10) was amended in 2021. LAWS OF 2021, Ch. 237, §1; Ch. 215, §97.
However, there were no substantive changes made affecting this opinion.
19
No. 53390-1-II
but there must be ‘some basis for the connection.’” Nguyen, 191 Wn.2d at 684 (quoting State v.
Irwin, 191 Wn. App. 644, 657, 364 P.3d 830 (2015)). Internet use is crime-related if there is
evidence that internet use “contributed in any way to the crime.” State v. O’Cain, 144 Wn. App.
772, 775, 184 P.3d 1262 (2008).
Here, the trial court prohibited Spear from accessing the internet or email by electronic
devices without Community Corrections Officer or treatment provider approval. CP 122; PDF
124. Although there was some evidence that Spear contacted G.F. via SnapChat and told her that
he had “gone down on” his niece, this contact did not contribute in any way to the crime against
A.R.S. 2 VRP at 389; See O’Cain, 144 Wn. App. at 775. There is no evidence in the record that
this prohibition is crime-related. Therefore, we hold that the trial court erred in imposing the
condition and remand to the trial court to strike the community condition.10
2. Testing and Reasonable Searches
Spear argues that the community custody condition requiring him to submit to testing and
reasonable searches is not crime-related and violates his right to privacy. Spear’s argument fails.
a. Legal principles
Unless waived by the court, the trial court shall order an offender to refrain from possessing
or consuming controlled substances except pursuant to lawfully issued prescriptions. RCW
10
Because we hold that the trial court erred in imposing the community custody condition under
RCW 9.94A.703(3)(f), we do not address Spear’s constitutionally overbroad argument. See State
v. Smith, 104 Wn.2d 497, 505, 707 P.2d 1306 (1985) (stating that a court will not reach a
constitutional issue if it can decide the case on nonconstitutional grounds).
20
No. 53390-1-II
9.94A.703(2)(c). Under RCW 9.94A.631(1),11 “If there is reasonable cause to believe that an
offender has violated a condition or requirement of the sentence, a community corrections officer
may require an offender to submit to a search and seizure of the offender’s person, residence,
automobile, or other personal property.”
Community custody conditions are ripe for review on direct appeal “‘if the issues raised
are primarily legal, do not require further factual development, and the challenged action is final.’”
State v. Bahl, 164 Wn.2d 739, 751, 193 P.3d 678 (2008) (quoting First United Methodist Church
v. Hearing Exam’r, 129 Wn.2d 238, 255-56, 916 P.2d 374 (1996)). “The court must also consider
‘the hardship to the parties of withholding court consideration.’” Id (quoting First United
Methodist Church, 129 Wn.2d at 255). Conditions allowing for the search of a person or residence
require further factual development. See State v. Sanchez Valencia, 169 Wn.2d 782, 788-89, 239
P.3d 1059 (2010); see also State v. Massey, 81 Wn. App. 198, 200-01, 913 P.2d 424 (1996)
(holding that a condition that the defendant submit to testing and searches of his person, residence
and vehicle by the Community Corrections Officer to monitor compliance with the condition that
the defendant not purchase, possess, or use illegal drugs was premature for review until the
defendant was subjected to a search deemed unreasonable).
b. Challenge premature
Here, Spear challenges the imposition of the community custody condition that he submit
to testing and reasonable searches to comply with the condition that he not possess illegal or
controlled substances. The condition imposed follows the language of RCW 9.94A.631(1), which
11
RCW 9.94A.631(1) was amended in 2020. LAWS OF 2020, Ch. 82, §2. However, there were
no substantive changes made affecting this opinion.
21
No. 53390-1-II
allows a community corrections officer to require an offender to submit to a search and seizure of
the offender’s person, residence, automobile, or other personal property when there is reasonable
cause to believe the offender has violated a condition. But review of this community custody
condition is premature until Spear is subjected to testing. See Massey, 81 Wn. App. at 200-01.
Further factual development would be needed to determine any challenge to this condition. See
Sanchez-Valencia, 169 Wn.2d at 788-89; Bahl, 164 Wn.2d at 751. Because the condition is
permitted by statute and Spear has not been subjected to a search, Spear’s claim fails.
E. LEGAL FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS (LFOS)
Spear argues that the trial court erred in imposing a DNA collection fee because the record
establishes that Spear suffers from a mental health condition and does not have the ability to pay.
A DNA collection fee is mandatory “unless the state has previously collected the offender’s
DNA as a result of a prior conviction.” RCW 43.43.7541; State v. Ramirez, 191 Wn.2d 732, 747,
426 P.3d 714 (2018); State v. Catling, 193 Wn.2d 252, 257-58, 438 P.3d 1174 (2019). RCW
43.43.7541 requires the collection of a DNA sample from every adult or juvenile convicted of a
felony. State v. Houck, 9 Wn. App. 2d 636, 651, 446 P.3d 646 (2019), review denied, 194 Wn2d
1024 (2020).
Before imposing any LFO other than restitution and the victim penalty assessment, the trial
court must determine whether a defendant who suffers from a mental health condition has the
ability to pay the obligations. RCW 9.94A.777(1);12 Houck, 9 Wn. App. 2d at 652. A defendant
12
RCW 9.94A.777(1) states:
Before imposing any legal financial obligations upon a defendant who suffers from
a mental health condition, other than restitution or the victim penalty assessment
22
No. 53390-1-II
suffers from a mental health condition when the defendant has been diagnosed with a mental
disorder that prevents him from participating in gainful employment. RCW 9.94A.777(2). If the
trial court finds that the State has not previously collected the defendant’s DNA, the trial court
must then consider whether the DNA collection fee should be waived after performing the
necessary inquiry under RCW 9.94A.777. See Houck, 9 Wn. App. 2d at 652.
In Tedder, we determined that based on his involuntary hospitalizations and treatment in
mental health court, the defendant suffered from a mental health condition as defined under RCW
9.94A.777. 194 Wn. App. 753, 757, 378 P.3d 246 (2016). Tedder’s mental health history, his
history in mental health court, the fact that he relied on family for housing, and the court’s order
of indigency suggested that Tedder had no assets. Id. While Tedder self-reported past
employment, there was no independent verification that he was actually employed or employable
in those positions. Id. The record suggested that Tedder did not have the current ability to pay
any LFOs and that his incarceration and his mental health history could potentially prevent him
from holding employment following release from custody. Id. We determined that the trial court
never fully inquired into Tedder’s work history, his education, whether he could potentially hold
a job in the future, or whether he had any outstanding debts. Id. We remanded to the trial court
for reconsideration of LFOs consistent with RCW 9.94A.777(1). Id.Here, the trial court found that Spear was indigent for purposes of the appeal. Spear
reported that he was diagnosed with manic depression, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Spear took
pills every day for these issues and had a mental health therapist. And he reported having a history
under RCW 7.68.035, a judge must first determine that the defendant, under the
terms of this section, has the means to pay such additional sums.
23
No. 53390-1-II
of self-abuse and had attempted to commit suicide. The record shows that part of his disability
benefits from the VA were for anxiety and PTSD. Spear dropped out of high school in 11th grade
and worked for the military from 2006 to 2010. Spear reported that he had been a caregiver in
Idaho, but it is unclear from the record when that employment occurred. Spear relied on friends
and family for housing. After he was medically discharged from the military, Spear received
disability benefits from the VA in the amount of $1,175 per month. The pre-sentence investigation
report shows that Spear’s finances were fine “other than about 3000 dollars in medical bills and
other miscellaneous bills” and that he could support himself with his disability benefits.
Supplemental CP at 138.
Like in Tedder, the record suggests that Spear’s incarceration and his mental health history
could potentially prevent him from holding employment following his release from custody. See
Tedder, 194 Wn. App. at 757. While Spear reported that he had been a caregiver, there was no
independent verification that that employment occurred. See id. Unlike in Tedder, Spear did have
some assets from his VA disability benefits. But the trial court did find Spear indigent for purposes
of the appeal. The trial court never fully inquired into Spear’s mental health history, work history,
or whether he could potentially hold a job in the future. See id.
Because there was evidence that Spear suffered from a mental health issues and the trial
court did not inquire into his ability to pay, we remand to the trial court for reconsideration of the
DNA collection fee, consistent with RCW 9.94A.777(1). See Houck, 9 Wn. App. 2d at 652.
Spear also argues that the trial court erred in imposing discretionary community custody
supervision fees because Spear is indigent. Under RCW 9.94A.703(2)(d), imposition of
community custody supervision fees may be waived at the discretion of the trial court. Here, the
24
No. 53390-1-II
trial court did not appear to exercise any discretion in determining whether to impose or waive the
community custody supervision fees. Therefore, we also remand to the trial court reconsider
whether to impose community custody supervision fees.
We reverse the trial court’s imposition of the DNA collection fee and the community
custody supervision fee, and remand for the trial court to reconsider imposition of these fees after
determining Spear’s mental health status and his ability to pay.
CONCLUSION
We affirm Spear’s convictions but remand to the trial court to strike the community custody
condition prohibiting access to the internet or email. We also reverse the imposition of the DNA
collection fee and the community custody supervision fees, and remand to the trial court to
reconsider the imposition of a DNA collection fee and community supervision fees.
A majority of the panel having determined that this opinion will not be printed in the
Washington Appellate Reports, but will be filed for public record in accordance with RCW 2.06.040,
it is so ordered.
Lee, C.J.
We concur:
Worswick, J.
Glasgow, J.
25