State Of Washington v. Fernando A. Celaya ( 2020 )

Filed
Washington State
Court of Appeals
Division Two
April 7, 2020
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
DIVISION II
STATE OF WASHINGTON, No. 52063-0-II
Respondent,
v.
FERNANDO ANDRES CELAYA, UNPUBLISHED OPINION
Appellant.
CRUSER, J. — Fernando A. Celaya appeals his two fourth degree assault convictions and
his convictions of felony harassment, witness tampering, and violation of a no-contact order.
Celaya argues that his convictions should be dismissed because the State committed governmental
misconduct that caused a violation of Celaya’s constitutional right to a speedy trial. In his
statement of additional grounds (SAG), Celaya argues that he received ineffective assistance of
counsel and his convictions should be reversed under the cumulative error doctrine.
We decline to review Celaya’s claim of governmental misconduct because Celaya did not
move to dismiss his case under CrR 8.3(b) in the trial court and thereby waived this claim on
appeal. We also decline, under RAP 2.5(a)(3), to review Celaya’s claim that his constitutional
right to a speedy trial was violated because Celaya fails to show that the alleged violation is a
No. 52063-0-II
manifest constitutional error. Finally, we hold that the issues raised in Celaya’s SAG do not
warrant reversal. Accordingly, we affirm.
FACTS
Celaya and Kaleena Jeffries were in a romantic relationship for about two years. Celaya
and Jeffries lived with Celaya’s friend, Brien Pace. On June 19, 2017, Celaya and Jeffries got into
an argument when Celaya accused Jeffries of cheating on him. The argument lasted on and off for
two days. During this time, their argument became physical. Celaya bit Jeffries, pulled her by her
hair, threw her to the ground, and threatened to kill her if she left him. When Celaya put his hand
on Jeffries’s mouth and nose so she couldn’t breathe, Jeffries bit and scratched Celaya. Eventually,
Jeffries called the police from the bathroom. The police arrived and arrested Celaya.
On June 21, 2017, the State charged Celaya with second degree assault1 and felony
harassment.2 The State alleged that the crimes were domestic violence offenses as defined in
former RCW 10.99.020 (2004). On the same day, the trial court entered a domestic violence no-
contact order that prohibited Celaya from direct or third party contact with Jeffries.
Celaya called Pace on June 22, 2017 from jail. On two occasions during the call, Celaya
asked Pace to convince Jeffries to drop the charges against him. Celaya then told Pace that if
Jeffries was not willing to drop the charges, Pace should kick her out of his house. Shortly after
the court entered the no-contact order, Celaya also called Jeffries’s cell phone 197 times. Jeffries
did not answer any of these calls.
1
RCW 9A.36.021.
2
RCW 9A.46.020(1)(a)(i), (2)(b).
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No. 52063-0-II
On July 18, the parties agreed to continue the trial from August 8 to October 2, 2017. The
parties also agreed to a continuance on September 19 in order for the defense to obtain records
from the State and schedule interviews. The court continued the trial to November 14.
Celaya moved for a continuance on November 13 because he “was only recently able to
interview [the] alleged victim and still in the process of obtaining discovery.” Clerk’s Papers (CP)
at 24. The court granted the continuance and set the trial for December 12. The State moved for
a continuance on December 1 because two law enforcement officers were unavailable during the
trial dates. The court continued the trial to January 17, 2018.
The trial court held a trial readiness hearing on January 5. At the hearing, the court entered
a trial readiness status hearing order, which stated that an amended information would be filed on
the morning of trial to add one count of fourth degree assault. Also at the hearing, the State moved
for a continuance because two witnesses were unavailable on the dates scheduled for trial. Celaya
objected to the continuance. The court granted the State’s motion and continued the trial date to
January 24. The expiration of the time for trial period was February 23, 2018.
The State again moved for a continuance on January 24 because the prosecutor assigned to
Celaya’s case was “assigned out on another trial.” Id. at 35. Celaya objected to the continuance.
The court granted the State’s motion and continued the trial to February 8.
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No. 52063-0-II
On February 8, the State moved to amend the information to add a count of fourth degree
assault,3 a count of violation of a no-contact order,4 and a count of witness tampering.5 The State
alleged that the crimes were domestic violence offenses as defined in former RCW 10.99.020.
Celaya objected to the addition of the violation of a no-contact order and witness tampering
charges.6 Defense counsel asserted that he could not effectively prepare a defense for these charges
because he did not receive notice of the State’s intent to charge Celaya with the violation of a no-
contact order and witness tampering until February 4. The State had sent an e-mail informing
defense counsel with the charges on January 30, but defense counsel was out of the office the week
before due to an illness and child care issues.
Defense counsel stated that the “allegations substantially change . . . and will bring great
difficulty in the defense that we had anticipated putting forth.” Verbatim Report of Proceedings
(VRP) (Feb. 8, 2018) at 8. He also expressed concern that proceeding with trial that day on the
amended information would be unfair and prejudicial to Celaya and requested that the trial court
proceed with trial on the charges set forth in the first information.
3
Former RCW 9A.36.041(1), (2) (1987).
4
Former RCW 26.50.110(1) (2015).
5
RCW 9A.72.120(1)(a).
6
Celaya did not object to amending the information to add a count of fourth degree assault at the
trial court level and does not assign error to the amendment on appeal.
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No. 52063-0-II
In response, the State claimed that the “State is not in charge when the defendant commits
new crimes.” Id. at 11. The State explained that it did not add the charges earlier because the
State “didn’t know whether or not [it] could secure the cooperation of Mr. Pace, and that is an
essential element to the Witness Tampering to know whether or not it was actually conveyed to
Ms. Jeffries.” Id. The State further explained that it was unable to contact Pace to confirm his
cooperation until January 30, 2018.
The court granted the State’s motion to amend the information and arraigned Celaya on the
additional charges. After a short recess, Celaya moved for a continuance based on the court’s
grant of the amended information. The court granted Celaya’s motion and entered an order
continuing trial to February 27. The expiration of the time for trial period was reset to March 29,
2018.
Celaya moved for a continuance on February 27 because defense counsel was in trial and
scheduled to be on vacation for two different time periods in March. The trial court continued the
trial to March 19. The expiration of the time for trial period was reset to April 18, 2018.
On March 19, the court continued the trial to the following day because no courtrooms
were available. Celaya objected to the continuance. At the hearing, defense counsel indicated that
he intended to bring a CrR 8.3(b) motion because he believed the prosecutor mismanaged the case,
but stated that it was “not procedurally appropriate” to discuss the merits at that time because
counsel had not filed a declaration. VRP (Mar. 19, 2018) at 3.
No courtrooms were available on March 20. The trial was continued to the following day
over Celaya’s objection. At the hearing, Celaya’s counsel clarified that he was not certain he
would bring a CrR 8.3 motion. Counsel stated that he “would be looking at these issues” and
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No. 52063-0-II
would only move to dismiss under CrR 8.3 by filing a declaration “if [he] felt it appropriate.” 2
VRP (Mar. 20, 2018) at 14. Defense counsel never brought such motion.
No courtrooms were available on March 21, and the court again continued the case. Celaya
moved to continue the trial to April 12 to accommodate defense counsel’s vacation and judicial
conferencing. The court granted the motion and set the trial date for April 12.
The State moved for a continuance on April 4 due to witness availability issues of four
officers. Celaya did not object. The court granted the State’s motion and continued the trial to
April 17.
The case proceeded to trial on April 17. Jeffries and Pace testified for the State.
Jeffries testified to the details of the assault. The prosecutor asked Jeffries if there were
any parts of the assault that she did not remember. Jeffries stated that as the prosecutor asked her
questions, she recalled. She continued by stating, “I have had no reason to remember this event.
I do not want to remember this event, so putting it out of my head has been all I’ve been doing.
Forgetting is the goal.” 2 VRP (Apr. 18, 2018) at 103. Jeffries testified that she did not remember
what time she used drugs before the incident, what day of the week the incident occurred, or at
what time she called the police. Jeffries also testified to other incidences where Celaya became
violent towards her, but she could not remember the dates of the incidences. Pace stated that he
could not remember whether Celaya and Jeffries argued on the day in question.
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No. 52063-0-II
Celaya did not present any evidence. The jury found Celaya not guilty of second degree
assault, but guilty of the lesser included offense of fourth degree assault. The jury also found
Celaya guilty of fourth degree assault, felony harassment, violation of a no-contact order, and
tampering with a witness. The jury entered special verdicts on all five counts and found for all
five counts that the crimes were crimes of domestic violence. Celaya appeals.
DISCUSSION
I. CRR 8.3(b)
Celaya argues that his convictions should be dismissed because the State committed
governmental misconduct under CrR 8.3(b) that caused the trial court to violate Celaya’s
constitutional right to a speedy trial. We disagree.
Celaya raises a violation of his constitutional right to a speedy trial in the context of CrR
8.3(b) by contending that his constitutional rights were violated as a result of government
misconduct. CrR 8.3(b) permits the trial court to dismiss a criminal prosecution under certain
circumstances:
The court, in the furtherance of justice, after notice and hearing, may dismiss any
criminal prosecution due to arbitrary action or governmental misconduct when
there has been prejudice to the rights of the accused which materially affect the
accused’s right to a fair trial. The court shall set forth its reasons in a written order.
Celaya did not move to dismiss his charges under CrR 8.3(b) below. Although Celaya’s
counsel alluded to governmental misconduct under CrR 8.3(b) at the March 19 hearing, counsel
stated that “it’s not procedurally appropriate” to discuss the merits because counsel had not filed a
declaration. VRP (Mar. 19, 2018) at 3. At a hearing the following day, Celaya’s counsel clarified
that he was not certain he would move to dismiss on the basis of CrR 8.3(b), but that he would be
“looking at these issues” and would move to dismiss “if [he] felt it appropriate.” 2 VRP (Mar. 20,
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No. 52063-0-II
2018) at 14. Celaya’s counsel took no further action and did not file a motion to dismiss under
CrR 8.3(b).
Because Celaya abandoned the CrR 8.3(b) issue below, Celaya waived CrR 8.3(b) as a
basis for review on appeal. Waiver is “‘an intentional relinquishment or abandonment of a known
right or privilege.’” State v. Harris, 154 Wash. App. 87, 95, 224 P.3d 830 (2010) (internal quotation
marks omitted) (quoting State v. Riley, 19 Wash. App. 289, 294, 576 P.2d 1311 (1978)). Even when
an error is a manifest constitutional error, “it can still be waived if the issue is deliberately not
litigated” at the trial court level. State v. Hayes, 165 Wash. App. 507, 515, 265 P.3d 982 (2011); see
also State v. Walton, 76 Wash. App. 364, 370, 884 P.2d 1348 (1994).
Celaya’s counsel’s statements to the trial court show that he clearly recognized the
existence of the issue of governmental misconduct but nevertheless decided to not bring a CrR
8.3(b) motion. We conclude that by declining to move to dismiss his charges pursuant to CrR
8.3(b) in the trial court, Celaya has waived his claim of governmental misconduct on appeal. Thus,
we decline to review Celaya’s claim.
II. CONSTITUTIONAL SPEEDY TRIAL RIGHT
Celaya next argues that his constitutional right to a speedy trial was violated, which he
contends should be reviewed for the first time on appeal as a manifest constitutional error. We
conclude that Celaya does not make the requisite showing under RAP 2.5(a)(3) and, therefore,
decline to review his claim of error.
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No. 52063-0-II
We generally will not consider issues raised for the first time on appeal. RAP 2.5(a); State
v. O’Hara, 167 Wash. 2d 91, 98, 217 P.3d 756 (2009). An exception to this rule exists for manifest
constitutional errors affecting a defendant’s constitutional rights. RAP 2.5(a)(3); O’Hara, 167
Wash. 2d at 98. To obtain review, an appellant must show that (1) the error is of constitutional
magnitude and (2) the error is manifest. State v. Lee, 188 Wash. 2d 473, 497, 396 P.3d 316 (2017).
Although Celaya raises a constitutional claim because the right to a speedy trial is
guaranteed by the federal Sixth Amendment and article I, section 22 of the Washington
Constitution, Celaya must also demonstrate that the alleged error is manifest. State v. Ollivier,
178 Wash. 2d 813, 826, 312 P.3d 1 (2013). To do so, Celaya must show that the error “‘had practical
and identifiable consequences’” at his trial. O’Hara, 167 Wash. 2d at 99 (internal quotation marks
omitted) (quoting State v. Kirkman, 159 Wash. 2d 918, 935, 155 P.3d 125 (2007)). Stated another
way, Celaya must prove that he suffered prejudice at trial. Lee, 188 Wash. 2d at 500.
Celaya argues that the delay in trial caused him prejudice because witness memories had
faded. “As the time between the commission of the crime and trial lengthens, witnesses may
become unavailable or their memories may fade.” Barker v. Wingo, 407 U.S. 514, 521, 92 S. Ct.
2182, 33 L. Ed. 2d 101 (1972). However, witnesses’ fading memories may work to the defendant’s
advantage when the witnesses support the prosecution. Id. As the State carries the burden of
proof, fading memories may weaken the prosecution’s case; therefore, “deprivation of the right to
speedy trial does not per se prejudice the accused’s ability to defend himself.” Id.
Celaya points to the fading memories of two State witnesses, Jeffries and Pace.
Specifically, he points to Jeffries’s testimony where she claims to not remember parts of the assault
and Pace’s testimony where he claims to not remember whether Celaya and Jeffries argued on the
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No. 52063-0-II
day of the incident. However, as the only victim and the sole witness to the incident, Jeffries’s
forgetfulness could weaken only the State’s case and benefit Celaya’s defense. With regard to
Pace’s testimony, Celaya does not point to any practical or identifiable consequences that resulted
from Pace’s inability to remember whether Celaya and Jeffries were arguing on the day of the
incident. Therefore, Celaya fails to show how Jeffries’s and Pace’s forgetfulness caused him
prejudice that affected his right to a fair trial.
Because Celaya fails to show manifest constitutional error that affected his right to a fair
trial, we decline to consider the alleged error.7
II. STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL GROUNDS
A. INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL
Celaya argues that he received ineffective assistance of counsel when (1) his counsel failed
to investigate his background, (2) his counsel did not effectively cross-examine Jeffries, and (3)
his counsel failed to enforce his speedy sentencing rights. We disagree and hold that the errors
Celaya raises do not constitute ineffective assistance of counsel.
7
Even assuming Celaya’s alleged speedy trial violation was a manifest constitutional error and we
considered the merits of his claim, Celaya’s claim fails at the outset. When analyzing alleged
violations of the constitutional right to a speedy trial, we use the balancing test set forth in Barker.
State v. Iniguez, 167 Wash. 2d 273, 283, 217 P.3d 768 (2009) (citing Barker, 407 U.S. at 530).
However, in order to trigger the Barker analysis, the appellant must first show “that the length of
delay crossed a line from ordinary to presumptively prejudicial.” Id. Celaya does not satisfy the
threshold burden of demonstrating that the delay was “presumptively prejudicial.” Id. When the
appellant fails to satisfy this threshold determination, “there is no necessity for inquiry into the
other factors that go into the balance.” Barker, 407 U.S. at 530. Thus, without a manifest
constitutional error or a showing of presumptive prejudice, Celaya cannot raise nor prevail on a
speedy trial violation issue raised for the first time on appeal.
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No. 52063-0-II
The right to counsel includes the right to effective assistance of counsel. State v. Crawford,
159 Wash. 2d 86, 97, 147 P.3d 1288 (2006). To show ineffective assistance of counsel, a defendant
must show (1) that defense counsel’s conduct was deficient and (2) that the deficient performance
resulted in prejudice. State v. Reichenbach, 153 Wash. 2d 126, 130, 101 P.3d 80 (2004); see also
Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687, 104 S. Ct. 2052, 80 L. Ed. 2d 674 (1984). We do
not address both prongs of the test when the defendant’s showing on one prong is insufficient.
State v. Grier, 171 Wash. 2d 17, 33, 246 P.3d 1260 (2011).
To show deficient performance, Celaya must show that defense counsel’s performance fell
“‘below an objective standard of reasonableness.’” Id. (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. 688).
Performance is not deficient when “‘counsel’s conduct can be characterized as legitimate trial
strategy or tactics.’” Id. (quoting State v. Kyllo, 166 Wash. 2d 856, 863, 215 P.3d 177 (2009)).
1. FAILURE TO INVESTIGATE
Celaya argues that he received ineffective assistance because his counsel did not
thoroughly investigate his background. Celaya contends that any investigative measures would
have been “beneficial for [his] defense of the charges.” SAG at 10.
Defense counsel has a duty to conduct a reasonable investigation. In re Pers. Restraint of
Elmore, 162 Wash. 2d 236, 252, 172 P.3d 335 (2007). A defendant seeking relief under a failure to
investigate theory “must show a reasonable likelihood that the investigation would have produced
useful information not already known to defendant’s trial counsel.” In re Pers. Restraint of Davis,
152 Wash. 2d 647, 739, 101 P.3d 1 (2004).
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No. 52063-0-II
Celaya does not identify what information would have been beneficial to his defense, and
the record on appeal is scarce of any information regarding Celaya’s background. Without more
information, we are not in a position to analyze this claim. As this matter is beyond the record,
we do not address it on appeal. State v. Linville, 191 Wash. 2d 513, 525, 423 P.3d 842 (2018). If
additional evidence exists supporting this claim, then Celaya may produce that evidence in a
personal restraint petition. Id.
2. TRIAL STRATEGY
Celaya argued that his counsel was deficient by withholding damaging impeachment
evidence when his counsel cross-examined Jeffries. Celaya refers to messages Jeffries sent to an
individual named Guam Steve. Celaya argues that his counsel’s decision to not raise this evidence
caused him prejudice.
Jeffries and Steve were in a brief romantic relationship while Celaya was in custody
awaiting trial. The messages contained a series of alleged threats towards Jeffries. The messages
also contained a message from Jeffries where she threatens to shoot Steve and then lie to the police
about it. The messages were unrelated to Celaya’s case.
The State moved to exclude messages between Jeffries and Steve. Defense counsel argued
that the messages should be admitted at trial as impeachment evidence because the messages
demonstrated bias. The court ruled that unless the messages became relevant from the rebuttal
testimony, they were too attenuated. Defense counsel did not question Jeffries about the messages.
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No. 52063-0-II
There is a strong presumption of effective assistance of counsel, and Celaya bears the
burden of demonstrating the absence of a legitimate strategic or tactical reason for the challenged
conduct. Grier, 171 Wash. 2d at 33. Here, defense counsel’s reasoning for not attempting to impeach
Jeffries with the messages is not contained in the record on appeal. A reviewing court will not
consider matters outside the record on direct appeal. Linville, 191 Wash. 2d at 525. Moreover, the
messages had no relevance to Celaya’s case and it was unlikely that the court would have permitted
the admission of the messages to impeach Jeffries due to its limited ruling. Thus, Celaya has failed
to show that his counsel lacked a legitimate tactical reason for not using the messages to impeach
Jeffries.
Accordingly, we reject his claim.
3. SPEEDY SENTENCING RIGHTS
Celaya argues that he received ineffective assistance of counsel when his counsel failed to
enforce his speedy sentencing rights. We disagree. The jury found Celaya guilty on April 26,
2018, and the court sentenced Celaya on June 19, 2018.
The constitutional right to a speedy trial encompasses a right to speedy sentencing. State
v. Ellis, 76 Wash. App. 391, 394, 884 P.2d 1360 (1994). RCW 9.94A.500 embodies this right and
establishes a specific time period for sentencing. Under RCW 9.94A.500(1), a sentencing hearing
must occur within 40 court days after the conviction unless a party or the court moves for an
extension for good cause.
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No. 52063-0-II
Celaya points to the delay of 54 calendar days between his conviction and sentencing.8
However, RCW 9.94A.500(1) mandates a sentencing hearing to occur within 40 court days of the
conviction. Here, only 37 court days elapsed between Celaya’s conviction and the sentencing
hearing. Because the court sentenced Celaya within the time period set forth under RCW
9.94A.500, we find no violation of his speedy sentencing rights. Therefore, we hold that Celaya’s
counsel was not deficient because his speedy sentencing rights were not violated.
B. CUMULATIVE ERROR DOCTRINE
Celaya appears to argue that his counsel’s ineffective assistance coupled with the violation
of his right to a speedy trial constituted cumulative error that requires reversal.9 We disagree.
Cumulative error may warrant reversal when several errors occurred at the trial court level
to deny the defendant’s right to a fair trial, even though each error standing alone would be
considered harmless. State v. Clark, 187 Wash. 2d 641, 655, 389 P.3d 462 (2017). Without error,
the cumulative error doctrine does not apply. Id.
Because, as we hold above, Celaya was not deprived of effective assistance of counsel and
he fails to demonstrate that review of his speedy trial claim is warranted under RAP 2.5(a), Celaya
fails to establish any error. Without error, there can be no cumulative error.
8
Celaya also refers to RCW 9.94A.110, however RCW 9.94A.110 was recodified as RCW
9.94A.500 by Laws of 2001, ch. 10, § 6.
9
It is not clear whether Celaya includes his claim of an alleged speedy trial violation as part of his
ineffective assistance of counsel claim or whether it is a freestanding claim that, when combined
with his ineffective assistance of counsel claim, constitutes cumulative error. Because we find no
error and thus find no cumulative error, it is unnecessary for us to resolve this confusion.
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No. 52063-0-II
CONCLUSION
We hold that Celaya waived his CrR 8.3(b) claim, and therefore, we decline to review this
issue for the first time on appeal. We also decline to review Celaya’s claim that his constitutional
right to a speedy trial was violated because he has not demonstrated this is a manifest error
affecting a constitutional right under RAP 2.5(a)(3). We further hold that the issues Celaya raises
in his SAG do not warrant reversal. Accordingly, we affirm.
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.
CRUSER, J.
We concur:
WORSWICK, J.
LEE, A.C.J.
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