State Of Washington, V Andrew H. Smith ( 2015 )

FL ED
COLI. iOF APPEALS
DIVIS
2Df5 AUG I f
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE SOF
WASHG'I' ON
ATE OF V/ A%.
11fgGTON
DIVISION II BY
DEP TY
STATE OF WASHINGTON, No. 45777 -6 -II
Respondent,
MA
ANDREW HILTON. SMITH, UNPUBLISHED OPINION
LEE, J. — Andrew Hilton Smith appeals his failure to register as a sex offender conviction
bench trial. We hold that ( 1) defendant his to jury trial, ( 2) the
following a a can waive right a
failure to register as a sex offender statute does not unconstitutionally impair the right to travel and
freely move, ( 3) any error in allowing Smith to be handcuffed at his bench trial was harmless, and
4) his trial counsel was not deficient for failing to object to the handcuffs. Therefore, we affirm
Smith' s conviction. However, we remand for resentencing because the trial court improperly
included out-of-state convictions without determining their comparability with Washington
statutes. On remand, the trial court shall consider Smith' s current or future ability to pay before
imposing discretionary legal financial obligations.
FACTS
The underlying facts in this case are not disputed. The State charged Smith with failure to
register as a sex offender under former RCW 9A.44. 130 ( 2011) and former RCW 9A.44. 132( 1)
No. 45777 -6 -II
1 2
2011). Smith filed a waiver of his right to a jury trial . Smith stipulated that he had been
convicted of a sex offense that required registration.
At the bench trial, Smith appeared in handcuffs. Defense counsel requested that the
handcuffs be removed so that Smith was able to communicate with defense counsel. In response
to the trial court' s inquiry, the Department of Corrections officer stated that he was comfortable
with removing one of Smith' s handcuffs. The trial court determined Smith' s dominant hand, and
the officer removed one handcuff.4 Smith did not object to the removal of only one handcuff. The
trial court found Smith guilty of failure to register as a sex offender.
At sentencing, Smith stipulated to the criminal history provided by the State.' The felony
judgment and sentence included two prior convictions from Oregon. Smith did not object to the
inclusion of the Oregon convictions. Smith also did not object to the trial court' s. calculation of
his offender score. The State and defense counsel agreed that the standard range was 22 to 29
months based on Smith' s offender score. The State requested that the trial court impose standard
legal financial obligations ( LFOs). and an additional $ 100 fingerprinting cost. The trial court
1
Former RCW 9A. 44. 132( 1) provided that "[ a] person commits the crime of failure to register as
a sex offender if the person has a duty to register under [ former] RCW 9A.44. 130 for a felony sex
offense and knowingly fails to comply with any of the requirements of [former] RCW 9A.44. 130."
2
Presumably, Smith pleaded not guilty, although Smith did not provide a record of his pleading.
3 The record does not indicate the name or gender of the officer.
4 Presumably, the officer removed the handcuff from Smith' s dominant hand, but the record does
not indicate which hand.
Defense counsel stated, "[ P] ertaining to the history that has been provided, Mr. Smith does
stipulate to those prior convictions." Verbatim Report of Proceedings ( VRP) at 126.
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sentenced Smith and imposed the " standard" LFOs, including the $ 100 fingerprinting cost.
Verbatim Report of Proceedings ( VRP) at 131. Smith did not object to either the State' s request
for or the trial court' s imposition of LFOs. Smith appeals.
ANALYSIS
A. JURY TRIAL WAIVER
Smith claims that his conviction is invalid because he was found guilty without a jury trial.
Specifically, Smith argues that under article I, sections 21 and 22 of the Washington Constitution,
a criminal defendant may not waive a jury trial.' We disagree.
We review constitutional issues de novo. State v. Benitez, 175 Wash. App. 116, 126, 302
P.3d 877 ( 2013). Article I, section 21 provides,
The right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate, but the legislature may provide for
a jury of any number less than twelve in courts not of record, and for a verdict by
nine or more jurors in civil cases in any court of record, and for waiving of the jury
in civil cases where the consent of the parties interested is given thereto.
Article I, section 22 also provides,
In criminal prosecutions the accused shall have the right ... to have a speedy public.
trial by an impartial jury of the county in which the offense is charged to have been
committed.
e
Smith' s LFOs consisted of $500 victim assessment fee, $ 100 deoxyribonucleic acid ( DNA)
testing fee, $ 200 filing fee, $ 110 " sheriff service fees," $ 150 incarceration fee, $ 825
criminal
attorney fees, and $ 100 fingerprinting fee. Clerk' s Papers ( CP) at 8. The victim assessment fee,
DNA fees, and filing fees are mandatory LFOs. See State v. Lundy, 176 Wash. App. 96, 102, 308
P.3d 755 ( 2013). The attorney fees, sheriff service fees, incarceration fees, and fingerprinting fees
arediscretionary LFOs. See Lundy, 176 Wash. App. at 107. On appeal, Smith assigns error to the
imposition of attorney fees and fingerprinting fees.
Smith does not argue that his waiver of a jury trial was not knowing, intelligent, or voluntary, or
that the record does not adequately establish that his waiver was valid.
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No. 45777 -6 -II
Smith claims that a Gunwall8 analysis is required because Washington' s constitutional
right to a jury trial is broader than the federal constitutional right.. Smith argues that applying a
Gunwall analysis to article I, sections 21 and 22 will define the scope of a valid waiver of these
constitutional provisions. And he suggests that such an analysis will show that all felony cases in
Washington must be tried to a jury, regardless of the party' s wishes.9
But Gunwall " addresses the extent of a right and not how the right in question may be
waived." State v. Pierce, 134 Wn. App. 763, 773, 142 P.3d 610 ( 2006). In Pierce, we explained
that although Washington' s constitutional right is more expansive than the federal right, it does
not follow that additional safeguards are required to validly waive the more expansive right. Id.
Thus, the extent of protection offered under the state constitution has no bearing on the legal
standard for waiving the right. Id. Accordingly, a Gunwall analysis does not apply to the issue of
waiver of a state or federal constitutional right. Id.
We have repeatedly declined the invitation to reconsider Pierce. Washington allows a
defendant to waive a jury trial. Benitez, 175 Wash. App. at 127; State v. Stegall, 124 Wash. 2d 719,
723, 881 P.2d 979 ( 1994); see also State v. Forza, 70 Wash. 2d 69, 70- 71, 422 P.2d 475 ( 1966)
8 State v. Gunwall, 106 Wash. 2d 54, 720 P.2d 808 ( 1986).
9 Although Smith asserts that a Gunwall analysis is necessary, he does not actually compare the
state and federal constitution in his brief. The purpose of a Gunwall analysis is to determine
whether the state constitution should be interpreted as being more protective of individual rights
than the federal constitution. However, that does not appear to be what Smith is arguing. Rather,
Smith appears to argue that the state constitution does not allow a criminal defendant to waive a
jury trial. We disagree. See Benitez, 175 Wash. App. at 126- 27; State v. Lane, 40 Wash. 2d 734, 736,
246 P.2d 474 ( 1952); RCW 10. 01. 060.
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No. 45777 -6 -II
the to jury trial is to a knowing, intentional, and waiver); State
holding right a subject voluntary
v. Lane, 40 Wash. 2d 734, 737, 246 P.2d 474 ( 1952) ( holding defendant may waive a jury trial).
B. CONSTITUTIONALITY OF FORMER RCW 9A.44. 130 - SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION
Smith claims that the sex offender registration statute, former RCW 9A.44. 130, is
unconstitutional on its face. Specifically, Smith argues that the statute is unconstitutionally broad
and burdens his fundamental right to travel and right to freedom of movement. We disagree.
We review the constitutionality of a statute de novo. State v. Enquist, 163 Wash. App. 41,
45, 256 P.3d 1277 ( 2011), review denied, 173 Wash. 2d 1008 ( 2012). " To demonstrate that [ former]
RCW 9A.44. 130 is unconstitutional on its face, [ Smith] must show that `` no set of circumstances
exists in which the statute, as currently written, can be constitutionally applied."' State v. Smith,
185 Wn. App. 945, 952, 344 P.3d 1244, review denied, _ P. 3d ( July 8, 2015) ( quoting City
ofRedmond v. Moore, 151 Wash. 2d 664, 669, 91 P.3d 875 ( 2004)).
Smith asserts that the statute impairs the constitutional right to travel. " The right to travel,
which includes the right to travel within a state," and the right to freely move are fundamental
under the United States Constitution., Enquist, 163 Wn. App. at 50; State v. J.D., 86 Wash. App.
501, 506, 937 P.2d 630 ( 1997). Regulations limiting fundamental rights may only be justified by
a compelling state interest. Enquist, 163 Wash. App. at 50. A state law implicates the right to travel
when the law' s primary objective is to deter travel and the law actually deters travel. Id.; Smith,
185 Wash. App. at 953.
Smith argues that former RCW 9A.44. 130 impairs his fundamental right to travel because
he may be subject to criminal prosecution for leaving his residence for more than three nights.
Smith is incorrect.
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No. 45777 -6 -II
We recently decided this precise issue in Smith, 185 Wash. App. at 952. In Smith, we rejected
the claim that former RCW 9A.44. 130 prevented the defendant from leaving his home for more
than three nights. Id. at 953. Smith held that former RCW 9A.44. 130 does not impair the
constitutional right to travel and to freely move. Id. at 954. Smith also held that even if former
RCW 9A.44. 130 did impair the right to travel, that impairment is justified by a compelling state
interest. Id. at 955. Accordingly, Smith' s claim fails.
C. RESTRAINTS
Smith argues that the trial court violated his due process rights by allowing him to be
partially handcuffed during his bench trial.10 We disagree.
We review a trial court' s decision to shackle a defendant for abuse of discretion. State v.
Turner, 143 Wash. 2d 715, 724, 23 P.3d 499 ( 2001); State v. Walker, 185 Wash. App. 790, 803, 344
P.3d 227 ( 2015). A trial court abuses its discretion when its decision is based on untenable grounds
or untenable reasons. Walker, 185 Wn. App. at 799- 800. "`` It is fundamental that a trial court is
vested with the discretion to provide for courtroom security, in order to ensure the safety of court
officers, parties, and the public."' Turner, 143 Wash. 2d at 725 ( quoting State v. Hartzog, 96 Wash. 2d
383, 396, 635 P.2d 694 ( 1981)). The trial court "`` must exercise discretion in determining the
extent to which courtroom security measures are necessary to maintain order and prevent injury.
That discretion must be founded upon a factual basis set forth in the record."' State v. E.J.Y., 113
Wn. App. 940, 951, 55 P.3d 673 ( 2002) ( quoting Hartzog, 96 Wn.2d at. 400).
10 Smith argues that the trial court erred by requiring Smith to wear a leg brace at trial. However,
the record does not show that Smith was wearing leg braces or any leg restraints. Presumably,
Smith meant to argue that the trial court erred by requiring him to wear one handcuff.
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No. 45777 -6 -II
A criminal defendant is entitled to be free from restraints at trial except under extraordinary
circumstances. E.J.Y., 113 Wn. App. at 951. "`` Restraints. are viewed with disfavor because they
may abridge important constitutional rights, including the presumption of innocence, privilege of
testifying in one' s own behalf, and right to consult with counsel during trial."' Turner, 143 Wash. 2d
at 725 ( quoting Hartzog, 96 Wash. 2d at 398).
However, "[ a] claim of unconstitutional shackling is subject to harmless error analysis."
State v. Hutchinson, 135 Wash. 2d 863, 888, 959 P.2d 1061 ( 1998). The " error does not require
reversal unless it is shown that the use of restraints substantially affected the trial court' s fact
finding." E.J.Y., 113 Wash. App. at 952; Hutchinson, 135 Wash. 2d at 888 ( holding that the defendant
was required to " show the shackling had a substantial or injurious effect or influence on the jury' s
verdict"). Further, the likelihood of prejudice is significantly reduced in a proceeding without a
jury. EJ Y., 113 Wash. App. at 952.
Smith argues that lack of a record establishing the need for handcuffs is reversible error.
Smith does not offer argument that his handcuffs resulted in prejudice or affected the trial court' s
fact finding ability," or otherwise address harmless error.
i i To the extent that Smith argues that the improper use of restraints is presumptively prejudicial
and therefore, requires reversal, his argument fails. To support this argument, Smith relies on In
re Davis in his opening brief and State v. Clark in his reply brief. In re Pers. Restraint ofDavis;
152 Wash. 2d 647, 101 P.3d 1 ( 2004); State v. Clark, 143 Wash. 2d 731, 24 P.3d 1006 ( 2001). Both
Davis and Clark involved jury trials and are distinguishable. Davis, 152 Wash. 2d at 694; Clark, 143
Wash. 2d at 774. Furthermore, both Davis and Clark held that a claim of unconstitutional shackling
is subject to a harmless error analysis, Davis, 152 Wash. 2d at 694; Clark, 143 Wash. 2d at 775, and
both Davis and Clark found that any error in restraining the defendant was harmless. Davis, 152
Wash. 2d at 697- 98; Clark, 143 Wash. 2d at 777.
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No. 45777 -6 -II
The State appears to concede that the trial court did not make an adequate record of why it
allowed Smith to remain partially handcuffed. 12 However, the State argues that that Smith has not
shown that the handcuffs substantially affected the trial court' s fact finding, and any error was
harmless. Further, the State argues that without a jury, the likelihood of prejudice was greatly
reduced. We agree. 13
Here, there is little risk of prejudice because there was no jury. See E.J.Y., 113 Wash. App.
at 952. And, one of Smith' s handcuffs was removed to allow Smith to. communicate with defense
counsel, which demonstrates that the trial court considered a less restrictive alternative. VRP at
5- 6. Accordingly, the absence of a record establishing the basis for restraints is harmless error,
and Smith' s claim fails. See E.J.Y., 113 Wash. App. at 952 ( holding that the improper use of
restraints do not " require reversal unless it is shown that the use of restraints substantially affected
the trial court' s fact finding")
D. INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL
Smith argues that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to object to Smith being
handcuffed at trial. We disagree.
We review ineffective assistance of counsel claims de novo. State v. Sutherby, 165 Wash. 2d
870, 883, 204 P.3d 916 ( 2009). A defendant claiming ineffective assistance of counsel has the
12 However, contrary to Smith' s contention, the State does not appear to concede " that the trial
court allowed [ Smith] to be brought to trial in restraints in the absence of any impelling necessity."
Reply Br. of Appellant at 4.
13 For the first time in his reply brief, Smith claims that the restraints interfered with his right to
testify. We do not address issues raised for the time in the reply brief. Cowiche Canyon
Conservancy v. Bosley, 118 Wash. 2d 801, 809, 828 P.2d 549 ( 1992).
No. 45777 -6 -II
burden to establish that ( 1) counsel' s performance was deficient and ( 2) the performance
prejudiced the defendant' s case. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687, 104 S. Ct. 2052,
80 L. Ed. 2d 674 ( 1984). Failure to establish either prong is fatal to an ineffective assistance of
counsel claim. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 700.
Counsel' s performance is deficient if it falls below an objective standard of reasonableness.
State v. Stenson, 132 Wash. 2d 668, 705, 940 P.2d 1239 ( 1997), cert. denied, 523 U.S. 1008 ( 1998).
Our scrutiny of counsel' s performance is highly deferential; it strongly presumes reasonableness.
State v. Grier, 171 Wash. 2d 17, 33, 246 P.3d 1260 ( 2011). To rebut this presumption, a defendant
bears the burden of establishing the absence of any legitimate trial tactic explaining counsel' s
performance. Id.
In support of his argument that his trial counsel was deficient, Smith argues that a
reasonable attorney would have acted to protect his client' s constitutional right to appear in court
free from restraint." Br. of Appellant at 12. This argument fails because the record shows that
Smith' s trial counsel asked the court to remove Smith' s handcuffs. Furthermore, as discussed
above, Smith has failed to demonstrate any prejudice resulting from having one hand restrained.
Because Smith fails to demonstrate that his trial counsel rendered deficient performance that
prejudiced his case, his claim of ineffective assistance of counsel fails.
E. OFFENDER SCORE
Smith argues that the trial court erred in calculating his offender score because his prior
Oregon convictions ( 1) were not comparable to Washington felonies and should not have been
included in his offender score and ( 2) should have been " washed out." Br. of Appellant at 36. At
trial, Smith stipulated to his criminal history, which included the Oregon convictions. The State
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argues that Smith waived any challenge to the calculation of his offender score .because he
expressly acknowledged his criminal history, which ' includes out-of-state convictions. We
disagree.
We review de novo the trial court' s calculation of a defendant' s offender score. State v.
Olsen, 180 Wash. 2d 468, 472, 325 P.3d 187 ( 2014). A defendant' s offender score, together with the
seriousness level of his current offense, dictates the standard sentencing range used in determining
his sentence. RCW 9. 94A. 530( 1). " If a defendant has been erroneously sentenced, we remand
the] case to the sentencing court for resentencing." 14 State v. Ross, 152 Wash. 2d 220, 229, 95 P.3d
1225 ( 2004).
A trial court properly includes an out-of-state prior conviction in a defendant' s offender
score only if the convictions are comparable to Washington convictions. State v. Arndt, 179 Wn.
App. 373, 378, 320 P.3d 104 ( 2014); see RCW 9. 94A.530( 1), former RCW 9. 94A.525( 3) LAWS
OF 2013, 2d Spec. Sess., ch. 35, § 8. Generally, the State bears the burden of proving by a
preponderance of the evidence the existence and comparability of the out- of-state offenses. Olsen,
180 Wash. 2d at 472. However, a trial court can properly include a defendant' s out-of-state
convictions in a defendant' s offender score where the defendant affirmatively acknowledges the
existence and comparability of the prior convictions. State v. Mendoza, 165 Wash. 2d 91.3, 927, 205
P.3d 113 ( 2009); see Ross, 152 Wash. 2d at 233. The " mere failure to object to a prosecutor' s
14 To the extent that Smith argues that the sentencing court cannot rely on the underlying facts of
the out- of-state conviction in its comparability analysis, he is incorrect. In making its factual
determination about the comparability of an out- of-state conviction, " the sentencing court may
rely on facts in the out-of-state record only if they are admitted, stipulated to, or proved beyond a
reasonable doubt." State v. Arndt, 179 Wash. App. 373, 379, 320 P.3d 104 ( 2014).
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assertions of criminal history does not constitute such an acknowledgment." Mendoza, 165 Wash. 2d
at 928. If the defendant does not affirmatively acknowledge the existence and comparability, the
trial court must make a factual determination about whether the out- of-state convictions are
comparable to Washington convictions. Id.; Arndt, 179 Wash. App. at 379; RCW 9. 94A.525( 3).
Here, although Smith stipulated to his criminal history, the record does not demonstrate
that Smith stipulated to the comparability of his prior Oregon convictions to Washington
felonies. l s Therefore, Smith did not affirmatively acknowledge that his prior Oregon convictions
were comparable and properly included as a basis for his offender score. Because Smith did not
stipulate to the comparability of his out-of-state convictions and the trial court did not analyze the
comparability of Smith' s out- of-state convictions, we remand to the sentencing court for
resentencing.
Smith' s argument that his prior Oregon conviction should have been " washed out" is
premised on his argument that the Oregon conviction is not comparable to a Washington
conviction. On remand, Smith can raise his comparability and washout arguments, and the State
can present additional evidence regarding Smith' s prior convictions. See Mendoza, 165 Wn.2d at
W11
is On appeal, Smith did not provide a record of his written stipulation or evidence of the underlying
Oregon convictions.
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F. LEGAL FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
1. Current or Future Ability to Pay
Smith challenges the trial court' s imposition of various LFOs. Smith did not object below,
and we need not consider challenges to a trial court' s imposition of LFOs for the first time on
appeal. State v. Blazina, 182 Wash. 2d 827, 832- 33, 344 P.3d 680 ( 2015). We exercise our discretion
and decline to address Smith' s challenge to the imposition of LFOs made for the first time on
16
appeal. RAP 2. 5( a); Blazina, 182 Wash. 2d at 832- 33. However, on remand, we instruct the
sentencing court to consider Smith' s current or future likely ability to pay discretionary LFOs
before imposing them, pursuant to the Supreme Court' s recent Blazina decision. Blazina, 182
Wash. 2d at 839.
2. Fingerprinting Fees
Smith also argues that the trial court exceeded its authority by including a fingerprinting
cost in Smith' s LFOs. We disagree.
RCW 10. 01. 160 provides that "[ t]he court may require a defendant to pay costs" and that
those "[ c] osts shall be limited to expenses specially incurred by the state in prosecuting the
defendant." Smith summarily asserts that " any costs associated with taking [ Smith' s] fingerprints
were not `` specially incurred by the state in prosecuting' [ Smith]." Br. of Appellant at 44.
16 Smith was sentenced over six months after we published Blazina, holding that we would not
consider challenges to the trial court' s imposition of LFOs for the first time on appeal. 174 Wn.
App. 906, 301 P.3d 492, review granted, 178 Wash. 2d 1010, 311 P.3d 27 ( 2013). Therefore, Smith
was on notice that we would not consider an appeal of the trial court' s imposition of LFOs unless
it was challenged in the trial court.
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Smith' s assertion, however, is belied by the record. The State requested that the LFOs
include expert fees for fingerprinting because
the Court did order [ the expert] be made available for fingerprinting because
Smith] wasn' t stipulating to his sex offense initially and then we did find out, I
think the night before trial, that he' d be stipulating. We had then no need for the
fingerprints to be ordered taken and [ the expert] to show up the next morning.
VRP at 125- 26. The record indicates that the costs were an expense for an expert specifically
ordered to be available for the prosecution of Smith. Accordingly, the trial court did not exceed
its authority by imposing the fingerprinting cost. See RCW 10. 01. 160.
We affirm Smith' s conviction, but remand for resentencing, for the sentencing court to
determine the comparability of Smith' s out- of-state convictions and Smith' s current and likely
future ability to pay discretionary LFOs.
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, J.
We concur:
W--
WWorswick F. J.
axa, J.710
13