State Of Washington v. Bryan Dorsey ( 2013 )

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STATE Or WA^fii;-.jfON
2013 JUL-8 A.! S: 02
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
DIVISION ONE
STATE OF WASHINGTON, No. 68241-5-
Respondent,
BRYAN DORSEY, UNPUBLISHED OPINION
a/k/a BRIAN DORSEY,
FILED: July 8, 2013
Appellant.
Verellen, J. — Bryan Dorsey appeals his conviction for first degree robbery and
his sentence under Washington's Persistent Offender Accountability Act (POAA),
RCW 9.94A.570. He argues that the trial court erroneously admitted evidence and that
prosecutorial misconduct occurred in closing argument. He contends that his sentence
must be reversed because his prior Arkansas convictions are not comparable to
Washington "strike" offenses, and the application of the POAA violated his rights to a
jury trial and to equal protection. He asserts that the court erred in ordering him to
provide his fingerprints at sentencing, by allowing expert testimony identifying his
fingerprints on documents, and by concluding that he was on community custody at the
time of the robbery. Finally, he contends that the trial court erred by imposing a term of
community custody. We affirm.
No. 68241-5-1/2
FACTS
In February 2009, Javonna Williams, Zaria Thomas, and Bryan Dorsey went to
the residence of Victor Curtis and Deloris Major. Williams, Thomas, and Dorsey
claimed that Major's great-grandson had stolen a television belonging to Williams.
Dorsey pointed a pistol at Curtis and demanded that somebody pay for the television.
Major told Dorsey she kept money upstairs. Dorsey took her upstairs and Major gave
Dorsey $2,000 in cash. Williams, Thomas, and Dorsey left the home and fled in a car
driven by Ron Watkins.
Three days later, police stopped the car in California. Dorsey, Williams, and
Watkins were inside. Dorsey told the officers that he and Williams left Washington a
day or two earlier. The officers found a pistol in the waistband of Dorsey's pants, which
he admitted owning. Because he was a felon, precluded from possessing a gun,
Dorsey was arrested and the gun was confiscated.
During the investigation of the robbery, Curtis identified Williams and Thomas
from photomontages, and Major identified Thomas. Williams and Thomas were then
charged for the robbery.
In December 2010, Williams informed police that Dorsey was involved in the
robbery.1 Williams pleaded guilty, and agreed that she would testify against Dorsey.
Dorsey was charged with first degree robbery with a firearm sentencing enhancement.
At Dorsey's trial, Williams testified that she was friends with Dorsey, that he went
by the nickname Gemini, and that when she, Thomas, and Dorsey arrived at Major's
1Major and Curtis were unable to identify Dorsey from montages containing
Dorsey's photograph.
No. 68241-5-1/3
house, Dorsey became angry and brandished what "looked like" a gun.2 She testified
that Dorsey displayed a large amount of cash once in the getaway car. She confirmed
that she was with Dorsey when they were contacted by police officers in California, and
the officers confiscated Dorsey's pistol.
Thomas also testified to Dorsey's involvement in the robbery. Transcripts and
recordings of jail phone conversations between Dorsey and Thomas were admitted as
evidence of his guilt. In these calls, Thomas and Dorsey discussed both the robbery
and Williams' agreement to testify against Dorsey.
Watkins testified at trial that he was with Williams, Thomas, and Dorsey on the
night of the robbery and drove the getaway car. His recollection was limited, but he
recalled that Dorsey displayed cash in the car after the robbery and gave him $50.
Major and Curtis testified about the details of the robbery. Both identified the
handgun recovered from Dorsey in California as the gun used in the robbery.
The jury found Dorsey guilty as charged. As a persistent offender, he was
sentenced to a mandatory term of imprisonment for life.
DISCUSSION
Thomas's Prior Statements
Dorsey contends that a single statement by Zaria Thomas at trial was hearsay,
and was so prejudicial that his conviction should be reversed. We disagree.
In pleading guilty for her role in the robbery, Thomas agreed to testify against
Dorsey. When Thomas testified at trial, she initially attempted to exculpate Dorsey.
She later explained that she was afraid to testify against him. During her initial trial
Report of Proceedings (RP) (Oct. 12, 2011) at 573.
No. 68241-5-1/4
testimony, Thomas said that she knew two men called Gemini, one of whom was
Dorsey. She claimed the other Gemini, not Dorsey, committed the robbery.3 She
claimed that the other Gemini was dropped off after the robbery, and that Williams and
Watkins then picked up Dorsey and drove to California.
The prosecutor confronted Thomas with her prior statements. In one, she had
told a detective that the Gemini who committed the robbery was named Bryan.
Dorsey's first name is Bryan. Thomas read aloud a prior description she gave of the
Gemini who had committed the robbery, stating, "[H]e's about five-seven; he's dark-
skinned; he has [a hairstyle known as] waves; he has a thing for snakes; he does
voodoo."4
Dorsey's counsel objected that Thomas's statement was not based on personal
knowledge, but on hearsay information she learned from Williams. Generally, a witness
maytestify only concerning facts ofwhich the witness has personal knowledge.5 The
trial court has broad discretion when evaluating a witness's personal knowledge, and
"such testimony should be excluded only if, as a matter of law, no trier of fact could
reasonably find that the witness had firsthand knowledge."6
3 Thomas described the other Gemini as a "buff' 6'2" to 6'3" black man with a
"fade" haircut, who had dated Javonna Williams. RP (Oct. 13, 2011) at 709. Dorsey is
57" and 132 lbs, and was not seen with a "fade."
4RP(Oct. 13, 2011) at 717-18.
5ER 602 ("A witness may not testify to a matter unless evidence is introduced
sufficient to support a finding that the witness has personal knowledge of the matter.").
The burden of establishing such a foundation "is upon the proponent of the testimony."
State v. Vaughn. 101 Wn.2d 604, 611, 682 P.2d 878 (1984).
6 Vaughn. 101 Wn.2d at 611.
No. 68241-5-1/5
Dorsey fails to demonstrate that the trial court abused its discretion by concluding
there was sufficient evidence that Thomas had firsthand knowledge of the facts to which
she testified. The record demonstrates that Thomas made the statements in an
interview with a detective on June 2, 2009, only three months after the robbery. In that
interview, she stated that she knew Dorsey, referred to him as Gemini, and described
his physical characteristics and his interests. This evidence supports a reasonable
conclusion that Thomas had firsthand knowledge of the subject matter of her testimony.
Moreover, we reject Dorsey's argument that Thomas's statements were
inadmissible hearsay. The admission of evidence lies within the sound discretion of the
trial court.7 Discretion is abused when it is exercised on untenable grounds orfor
untenable reasons.8 Aprior out-of-court statement by a testifying witness offered for a
purpose other than to prove the truth of the statement is not hearsay.9 Here, the
purpose of the prior inconsistent statements was to contrast Thomas's earlier
statements with her initial exculpatory testimony, to provide the jury a basis in fact to
evaluate the veracity of her testimony.10 The prior inconsistent statements were not
offered to prove the truth of the matters asserted, and were not hearsay.
7State v. Norlin. 134Wn.2d570, 576, 951 P.2d 1131 (1998).
8State v. Robtov. 98 Wn.2d 30, 42, 653 P.2d 284 (1992); State ex rel. Carroll v.
Junker, 79 Wn.2d 12, 26, 482 P.2d 775 (1971).
9ER 801 defines "hearsay" as "a statement, otherthan one made by the declarant
while testifying at the trial or hearing, offered in evidence to prove the truth of the matter
asserted." State v. Parris, 98 Wn.2d 140, 145, 654 P.2d 77 (1982) ("It is only when the
out-of-court statement is offered for the truth of its content that. .. problems arise.").
10 Awitness may be impeached as to their credibility by a prior inconsistent
statement. State v. Classen. 143 Wn. App. 45, 59, 176 P.3d 582 (2008).
No. 68241-5-1/6
Dorsey also claims that Thomas's statement about voodoo was unfairly
prejudicial. Dorsey's counsel asked the trial court, "Can we keep the voodoo crap
out?"11 This was not a sufficient objection to preserve this issuefor appeal. "An
objection which does not specify the particular ground upon which it is based is
insufficient to preserve the question for appellate review."12 And regarding the
reference to snakes, Dorsey waived any argument on the issue by failing to raise it in
the trial court. Moreover, it is highly unlikely that Thomas's remarks about snakes
affected the outcome of the trial.
Dorsey fails to show an abuse of the trial court's discretion in allowing the jury to
consider Thomas's prior inconsistent statements.
Jail Phone Calls
Dorsey asserts that the trial court erred by admitting redacted recordings and
transcripts of three phone calls by Dorsey from jail to Thomas and her boyfriend. In the
calls, Dorsey identified himself as Gemini, said that Watkins and Williams had turned
against him, and claimed he was satisfied with how Thomas was responding to the
investigation.
Dorsey contends that the use of this evidence violated his right to privacy under
article I, section 7 of the Washington Constitution. Although Dorsey objected to the
admission ofthe recordings and transcripts at trial, he did so on different grounds.13
11 RP(Oct. 13, 2011) at 719.
12 State v. Gulov. 104 Wn.2d 412, 422, 705 P.2d 1182 (1985); see also
ER 103(a)(1) (requiring counsel to state the specific ground for the objection).
13 At trial, Dorsey argued that the court should exclude the evidence because
(1) "there is not a witness with personal knowledge of the conversations that can
authenticate the recordings"; (2) "there is not sufficient independent proof to prima facie
No. 68241-5-1/7
A reviewing court will not consider an issue raised for the first time on appeal
unless the issue constitutes a manifest error affecting a constitutional right.14 To
establish that the error was manifest, a defendant must make a plausible showing that
the error had a practical and identifiable consequence in the trial of his case.15
Dorsey fails to demonstrate a manifest error. There is ample authority that jail
phone calls are not private, and a jail inmate has no reasonable expectation of privacy
in the recorded conversations.16 Moreover, Dorsey provides no citations to the record
to support his contentions that the State obtained the recordings without a search
warrant or based upon any individualized suspicion, and that the recordings were not
made in an effort to ensure jail security.
Dorsey has not demonstrated that he is entitled to appellate relief as a result of
the State's use of the recordings and transcripts of his jail phone calls.
Handgun
In Dorsey's statement of additional grounds for review, he contends the handgun
introduced at trial was not relevant. But Dorsey cites no authority, and fails to identify
any portion of the record supporting his argument. To the contrary, the record reveals
that Curtis and Major testified that Dorsey used the handgun, exhibit 12, in the robbery,
establish the corpus delicti of the charged crime"; and (3) "the overwhelming prejudicial
value of the content substantially outweighs the probative value of the recordings."
Clerk's Papers at 105.
14 RAP 2.5(a); State v. Kirkman, 159 Wn.2d 918, 926, 155 P.3d 125 (2007).
15 State v. Lynn. 67 Wn. App. 339, 345, 835 P.2d 251 (1992).
16 State v. Modica, 164 Wn.2d 83, 88, 186 P.3d 1062 (2008); State v. Archie. 148
Wn. App. 198, 203, 199 P.3d 1005 (2009); State v. Hag. 166 Wn. App. 221, 256-58, 268
P.3d 997, review denied, 174 Wn.2d 1004 (2012).
No. 68241-5-1/8
and California Highway Patrol Officer Ernesto Coronel testified that exhibit 12 was the
same gun he found on Dorsey's person. There was no error.
Prosecutor's Argument
Although he did not object at trial, Dorsey contends that the prosecutor's closing
argument was misconduct and that no curative instruction could have remedied the
resulting prejudice. Dorsey's argument is not persuasive.
The prosecutor first argued:
Now, we've got a cast of characters and we're going to spend some
time talking about that. And they're not perfect, not by a long shot.
But what is this process about? What are we here to achieve?
What is the search that occurs in this courtroom, and every courtroom in
this building? And that's a search for the truth. What happened that day
and who was involved.[17]
Immediately thereafter, the prosecutor referred to the correct standard:
Now, you've got [jury instruction 14,] the 'to convict' instruction.
That outlines each and every element of what the State needs to prove
beyond a reasonable doubt.... The elements of robbery in the first
degree is what the State needs to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.[18]
The prosecutor concluded his initial closing argument by reemphasizing the State's
burden of proof and the jury's role of determining the credibility of witnesses:
The State has a high burden and we should. . . . If you believe
these people, if you believe them beyond a reasonable doubt,
Mr. Dorsey's guilty.[19]
17RP(Oct. 18, 2011) at 962.
18 Id, at 962-63.
19 Id. at 975.
8
No. 68241-5-1/9
In closing, defense counsel argued that Dorsey was set up and the witnesses
against him were lying: "The facts of this case reveal that this pack of liars has set Mr.
Dorsey up."20 Counsel added:
[l]f you believe that somebody has said something under oath falsely
once, you can disregard that testimony. They're unreliable. They're liars.
How do you know what is the truth if you know they've lied once?[21]
Counsel argued that Williams would "say anything in any circumstance to benefit her."22
He repeated this allegation in regards to Thomas.
The prosecutor argued in rebuttal, That's what this whole thing is about, what's
the truth? Was he there?"23 "What is the truth? ... The truth is what the State can
prove."24 He then continued:
What is the truth? How do we find the truth? Like anything, we
gather the people that were together at the time and we find out what the
truth is. And the truth of the matter, ladies and gentlemen, is that on
February 28th, 2009, the defendant was over at that house. And if you
find that he's at the house, then he's guilty of robbery in the first degree.[25]
The prosecutor concluded by referring to the proper burden of proof: "[W]e've met our
burden beyond a reasonable doubt. We're asking you to find the defendant guilty as
charged."26
20
id. at 976.
21
IcL at 983.
22
Ji
23
Id, at 987.
24
Id at 988.
25
Id, at 991.
26
Id.
No. 68241-5-1/10
The prosecutor's remarks concerning "truth" were not misconduct. The
prosecutor repeatedly referred to the correct beyond a reasonable doubt burden of
proof. In context, the prosecutor was emphasizing the jury's role in determining the
witnesses' credibility. The remarks in rebuttal were made in response to the defense
argument. Even otherwise improper remarks in rebuttal are not grounds for reversal if
provoked by defense counsel or made in reply to defense arguments, unless the
remarks are so prejudicial that a curative instruction would be ineffective.27
The remarks at issue here are readily distinguishable from the misconduct in the
cases Dorsey relies upon, State v. Berube,28 State v. Anderson29 and State v. Emery.30
In Berube, the prosecutor mischaracterized the burden of proof by contrasting the
"search for truth" and the reasonable doubt standard:
The word verdict means to speak the truth. And I ask that you
search for the truth. When you go back into that jury room, you search for
the truth, not a search for reasonable doubt. And I ask that you find him
guilty.'311
In Anderson, the prosecutor made repeated requests for the jury to "declare the
truth," and to return "not just a verdict, but a just verdict."32 The Anderson court
27 State v. Russell, 125 Wn.2d 24, 86, 882 P.2d 747 (1994).
28171 Wn. App. 103, 286 P.3d 402 (2012).
29 153 Wn. App. 417, 220 P.3d 1273 (2009).
30 174 Wn.2d 741, 278 P.3d 653 (2012).
31 Berube, 171 Wn. App. at 120. Despite finding the remarks improper, the court
concluded that because Berube did not object and the impropriety was "easily curable,
especially in light of the court's instructions," any error was waived. Id. at 121.
32 Anderson, 153 Wn. App. at 423-24.
10
No. 68241-5-1/11
concluded that although the argument was improper, the defendant failed to
demonstrate a substantial likelihood that the misconduct affected the verdict.33
The Emery court determined that a prosecutor engaged in misconduct by arguing
that the jury should "speak the truth by holding these men accountable for what they
did,"34 in light of the prosecutor's earlier argument mischaracterizing the beyond a
reasonable doubt standard.35 Nevertheless, the court found that the failure to object at
trial was fatal:
Ifeither Emery or Olson had objected at trial, the court could have
properly explained the jury's role and reiterated that the State bears the
burden of proof and the defendant bears no burden. Such an instruction
would have eliminated any possible confusion and cured any potential
prejudice stemming from the prosecutor's improper remarks. Emery's and
Olson's claim necessarily fails and our analysis need go no further.'361
Significantly, as was true in Emery, and Anderson. Dorsey did not object at trial
to the remarks, nor did he request a curative instruction. Dorsey fails to demonstrate
that a curative instruction could not have remedied any potential prejudice. The jury
was correctly instructed on the State's burden of proof. Jurors are presumed to follow
the court's instructions.37
Accordingly, he waived the issue.
33 Id. at 429.
34
Emery. 174 Wn.2d at 751.
35 The prosecutor had argued that "in orderfor you to find the defendant not guilty,
you have to ask yourselves or you'd have to say, quote, I doubt the defendant is guilty,
and my reason is blank. A doubt for which a reason exists. If you think that you have a
doubt, you must fill in that blank." Id at 750-51.
36 ]± at 764.
37 State v. Warren, 165 Wn.2d 17, 28, 195 P.3d 940 (2008); State v. Stein. 144
Wn.2d 236, 247, 27 P.3d 184 (2001).
11
No. 68241-5-1/12
Fair Trial
Dorsey argues that cumulative error deprived him of a fair trial.38 But his failure
to prove any trial court error, much less multiple errors and resulting substantial
prejudice, prevents him from prevailing under the cumulative error doctrine.
Comparability of Prior Arkansas Convictions
Dorsey contends the trial court erred in concluding that his two prior Arkansas
aggravated robbery convictions were comparable to Washington strike offenses for
purposes of his sentencing as a persistent offender. We disagree.
A "persistent offender" is an offender who has been convicted in Washington of a
most serious offense and has on at least two other prior occasions been convicted of a
most serious offense in this or any other state.39 When a defendant's criminal history
includes an out-of-state conviction, the Sentencing Reform Act requires that the
conviction be classified according to a comparable Washington offense.40 The State is
required to prove the existence and classification of any out-of-state conviction by a
preponderance ofthe evidence.41
The sentencing court compares the elements of the out-of-state offense with the
elements ofthe comparable Washington statute.42 If the elements are comparable as a
matter of law, or if the foreign jurisdiction defines the crime more narrowly than
38 Where several errors standing alone do not warrant reversal, the cumulative
error doctrine requires reversal when the combined effects of the errors denied the
defendant a fair trial. State v. Coe, 101 Wn.2d 772, 789, 684 P.2d 668 (1984).
39 RCW 9.94A.030(37).
40 RCW 9.94A.525(3); State v. Ford. 137 Wn.2d 472, 483, 973 P.2d 452 (1999).
41 State v. McCorkle, 137 Wn.2d 490, 495, 973 P.2d 461 (1999).
42 State v. Morlev. 134 Wn.2d 588, 606, 952 P.2d 167 (1998).
12
No. 68241-5-1/13
Washington, the out-of-state conviction counts towards the defendant's offender
score.
As relevant here, a "most serious offense" is defined to include both robbery in
the second degree and felony "attempt" to commit robbery in the second degree.44
Washington law provides that a person commits robbery in the second degree "if he or
she commits robbery."45 "Robbery" is defined as follows:
A person commits robbery when he or she unlawfully takes personal
property from the person of another or in his or her presence against his
or her will by the use or threatened use of immediate force, violence, or
fear of injury to that person or his or her property or the person or property
of anyone. Such force or fear must be used to obtain or retain possession
of the property, or to prevent or overcome resistance to the taking; in
either of which cases the degree of force is immaterial. Such taking
constitutes robbery whenever it appears that, although the taking was fully
completed without the knowledge of the person from whom taken, such
knowledge was prevented by the use of force orfear.[46]
A person is guilty of an attempt to commit a felony offense "if, with intent to commit a
specific crime, he or she does any act which is a substantial step toward the
commission of that crime."47
Dorsey argues, and the State concedes, that the relevant Arkansas statute is
broader than Washington's robbery statute because it does not require the actual taking
of property.48
43 Ford, 137 Wn.2d at 479-80.
44 RCW 9.94A.030(32).
45RCW9A.56.210.
46 RCW 9A.56.190 (emphasis added).
47
RCW9A.28.020(1).
48 The Arkansas aggravated robbery statute provides, "A person commits
aggravated robbery if he or she commits robbery as defined in § 5-12-102, and the
13
No. 68241-5-1/14
The State argues that the Arkansas offense is comparable to the Washington
strike offense of attempted second degree robbery. At oral argument before this court,
Dorsey acknowledged that, even if the charging document in the Arkansas conviction is
ambiguous as to whether he took property, it reveals that the offense is comparable to a
felony attempt to commit second degree robbery under Washington law. We agree.
Attempted second degree robbery under Washington law does not require actual taking
of property and is legally comparable to aggravated robbery under Arkansas law.49
We affirm the persistent offender sentence.
Rights to a Jury Trial and to Due Process of Law
Dorsey argues that the persistent offender statute violates his Sixth Amendment
right to a jury trial and his Fourteenth Amendment right to proof beyond a reasonable
doubt of the two prior strike offenses that increased his maximum sentence. But
Dorsey's argument is inconsistent with controlling authority.
In Almendarez-Torres v. United States, the United States Supreme Court
rejected the argument that recidivist factors need to be charged in an indictment, proven
to a jury, or proven beyond a reasonable doubt.50 Subsequentto Almendarez-Torres,
person: (1) Is armed with a deadly weapon; (2) Represents by word or conduct that he or
she is armed with a deadly weapon; or (3) Inflicts or attempts to inflict death or serious
physical injury upon another person." AC.A § 5-12-103.
"Robbery" is further defined by statute as, "A person commits robbery if, with the
purpose of committing a felony or misdemeanor theft or resisting apprehension
immediately after committing a felony or misdemeanor theft, the person employs or
threatens to immediately employ physical force upon another person." A.C.A. § 5-12-
102.
49 Because the Arkansas conviction is legally comparable to a Washington strike
offense, we need not consider factual comparability.
50 523 U.S. 224, 239, 118 S. Ct. 1219, 140 L Ed. 2d 350 (1998).
14
No. 68241-5-1/15
the court held that factual matters relating to the charged crime that enhance a
sentence must be proved to a jury, but reaffirmed that a jury need not otherwise
determine the fact of a defendant's prior conviction.51
Consistent with the United States Supreme Court, our Supreme Court has
repeatedly rejected the argument that a jury must determine the existence of prior
convictions.52 In State v. Smith, our Supreme Court confirmed that prior convictions
need not be proved to a jury in order to establish that a defendant is a persistent
offender.53
Dorsey fails to distinguish Almendarez-Torres and Smith. Those decisions
preclude relief to Dorsey on this issue.
Dorsey also contends that the POAA violates the equal protection clause of the
Fourteenth Amendment and article I, section 12 of the Washington Constitution. He
argues that since proof of a prior conviction as an element of a crime must be proved to
a jury, a jury must also determine whether a prior conviction is a "most serious offense"
for purposes of persistent offender sentence. This argument has been repeatedly
rejected.54
51 Apprendi v. New Jersey. 530 U.S. 466, 489-90, 120 S. Ct. 2348, 147 L. Ed. 2d
435 (2000).
52 State v. Salinas. 169 Wn. App. 210, 225-26, 279 P.3d 917 (2012) (citing State v.
Thiefault. 160 Wn.2d 409, 418,158 P.3d 580 (2007)), review denied. 176 Wn.2d 1002(2013).
53 150 Wn.2d 135, 141-43, 75 P.3d 934 (2003).
54 See Salinas. 169 Wn. App. at 225-26 (rejecting same argument); State v.
Reves-Brooks. 165 Wn. App. 193. 206-07. 267 P.3d 465 (2011): State v. Langstead, 155
Wn. App. 448, 453-58, 228 P.3d 799 (2010); State v. Williams. 156 Wn. App. 482, 496-
98, 234P.3d 1174(2010).
15
No. 68241-5-1/16
Recidivist criminals are not a semi-suspect class and the proper test to apply is
the rational basis test, "the most relaxed and tolerant form of judicial scrutiny under the
equal protection clause."55 Under the rational basis test, the legislative classification will
be upheld unless it rests on grounds wholly irrelevant to achievement of legitimate state
objectives.56
The purpose of the POAA is to improve public safety by imprisoning the most
serious recidivist offenders, a purpose that our Supreme Court has held is a legitimate
state objective.57 The POAA is the legislature's appropriate "attempt to define a
particular group of recidivists who pose a significant threat to the legitimate state goal of
public safety."58 This legislative objective is a sufficient basis for upholding the POAA's
classification and treatment of persistent criminals.
Community Custody Status at Time of Offense
In calculating Dorsey's offender score, a point was added based on the fact that
he was on community custody.59 Dorsey contends that no evidence showed that he
was on community custody at the time of his current offense.
However, according to the sentencing brief Dorsey submitted to the trial court, he
agreed he was on community custody when he committed the current offense. In his
briefing to the trial court, Dorsey argued only that three prior convictions should be
55 State v.Shawn P.. 122 Wn.2d 553, 561, 859 P.2d 1220 (1993).
56 Williams, 156 Wn. App. at 496-98.
57 State v. Manussier. 129 Wn.2d 652, 674, 921 P.2d 743 (1996).
58 Id,
59 If a present conviction is for an offense committed while the offender was under
community custody, one point is added to the offender score. RCW 9.94A.525(19).
16
No. 68241-5-1/17
excluded. Because Dorsey did not dispute that he was on community custody, he is
barred from raising this claim for the first time on appeal.60
Order Requiring Dorsey's Fingerprints
On October 28, 2011, after the jury returned its guilty verdict, the trial court
ordered the taking of Dorsey's fingerprints pursuant to CrR 4.7.61 Dorsey made a
perfunctory objection. On appeal, Dorsey contends that his constitutional right to
privacy was violated when the fingerprints were taken without a warrant.62
In this context, article I, section 7 of the Washington Constitution requires a two-
part analysis. First, the court determines whether the action constitutes a disturbance of
one's private affairs.63 If not, no article I, section 7 violation exists. If a valid privacy
interest has been disturbed, the second step is an inquiry whether authority of law
justifies the intrusion.64 In State v. Surge, our Supreme Court explained that "[i]t is a
well established practice of government to collect fingerprints from convicted felons for
identification purposes,"65 and "[t]he constitutionality offingerprinting convicted persons
is unquestioned."66 Similarly, federal courts have concluded that, under the United
60 RAP 2.5(a).
61 Specifically, CrR 4.7 (b)(2)(iii) provides that "[notwithstanding the initiation of
judicial proceedings, and subject to constitutional limitations, the court on motion of the
prosecuting attorney or the defendant, may require or allow the defendant to ... be
fingerprinted."
62 Article I, section 7 reads, "No person shall be disturbed in his private affairs, or
his home invaded, without authority of law."
63 State v. Surge. 160 Wn.2d 65, 71, 156 P.3d 208 (2007).
64 id,
65 160 Wn.2d 66, 74, 156 P.3d 208 (2007).
66 Id. at 78.
17
No. 68241-5-1/18
States Constitution, fingerprinting a person held in lawful custody does not violate that
person's privacy rights.67
As was true in Surge, in this case, the private affairs inquiry focuses on a
convicted felon's asserted privacy interest in his or her identity, not on the privacy
interests ofthe ordinary citizen.68 At the time Dorsey's fingerprints were taken, he had
already been convicted and was in lawful custody. Under RCW 10.64.025, there is a
presumption that a defendant who has been found guilty of a felony and is awaiting
sentencing "shall be detained." After his conviction, Dorsey was no longer the
beneficiary of the presumption of innocence, and had a substantially reduced
expectation ofprivacy.69 Given these facts, there was no error in ordering Dorsey to
provide his fingerprints after his conviction but before the filing of his judgment and
sentence.
For the first time on appeal, Dorsey also challenges the methodology the State's
fingerprint expert relied on to conclude that Dorsey was the same individual who was
convicted in the prior strike offenses. But Dorsey did not raise the issue of reliability
67 See Smith v. United States. 324 F.2d 879, 882 (D.C. Cir. 1963) ("it is
elementary that a person in lawful custody may be required to submit to ...
fingerprinting ... as part of routine identification processes"); Napolitano v. United
States. 340 F.2d 313, 314 (1st Cir. 1965) ("Taking of fingerprints [prior to bail] is
universally standard procedure, and no violation of constitutional rights.").
68 Surge. 160 Wn.2d at 74 ("In Washington, a person's privacy rights under
article I, section 7 may vary based on that person's status as an arrestee, pretrial
detainee, prisoner, or probationer.").
69 See, e.g.. State v. Fisher, 145 Wn.2d 209, 226, 35 P.3d 366 (2001) (afterguilty
verdict, even before entry of judgment and sentence, a defendant has "a diminished right
of privacy because of the State's continuing interest in supervising convicted
defendants"); State v. Massev, 81 Wn. App. 198, 200, 913 P.2d 424 (1996); State v.
French, 88 Wn. App. 586, 593, 945 P.2d 752 (1997).
18
No. 68241-5-1/19
before the trial court, so the issue is not properly before this court. "When a party fails
to raise a Frve argument below, a reviewing court need not consider it on appeal."70
Dorsey fails to demonstrate a basis for appellate relief as a result of the
fingerprint procedures and evidence used at sentencing.
Imposition of a Term of Community Custody
As part of Dorsey's sentence, the court imposed an 18-month term of community
custody "if [the defendant is] ever released on this cause."71 Dorsey asserts that the
imposition of a term of community custody was error.
In sentencing a defendant for a violent offense such as Dorsey's conviction for
robbery in the first degree, the sentencing court is normally required to impose a term of
community custody.72 However, for persistent offenders, RCW 9.94A.570 provides in
pertinent part that:
Notwithstanding the statutory maximum sentence or any other provision of
this chapter, a persistent offender shall be sentenced to a term of total
confinement for life without the possibility of release or, when authorized
by RCW 10.95.030 for the crime of aggravated murder in the first degree,
sentenced to death. In addition, no offender subject to this section may be
eligible for community custody, earned release time, furlough, home
detention, partial confinement, work crew, work release, or any other form
of release.'731
70 In re Pet, ofTaylor. 132 Wn. App. 827, 836, 134 P.3d 254 (2006).
71 Clerk's Papers at 209.
72 RCW 9.94A.701 provides, "If an offender is sentenced to the custody of the
department for one of the following crimes ... [a] court shall, in addition to the other
terms of the sentence, sentence the offender to community custody for eighteen months
... for a violent offense."
73 RCW 9.94A.570 (emphasis added).
19
No. 68241-5-1/20
Because we uphold his life sentence, Dorsey makes no showing that under the existing
statute he will ever serve any term of community custody. This issue is purely
74
academic and is moot
Affirmed.
WE CONCUR:
i^_X-«' -yv
^
hecteic x
74
State v. Turner, 98 Wn.2d 731, 733, 658 P.2d 658 (1983).
20