State Of Washington v. Christopher Poma ( 2016 )

Filed
Washington State
Court of Appeals
Division Two
December 20, 2016
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
DIVISION II
STATE OF WASHINGTON, No. 47804-8-II
Respondent,
v.
CHRISTOPHER POMA, UNPUBLISHED OPINION
Appellant.
MELNICK, J. – Christopher Poma appeals his assault in the second degree conviction,
alleging (1) instructional error, (2) ineffective assistance of counsel, (3) prosecutorial misconduct,
(4) cumulative error, (5) improper imposition of legal financial obligations (LFOs), and (6)
appellate costs should be denied if the State requests them. We affirm Poma’s conviction, but
remand to the sentencing court to conduct a proper inquiry into his ability to pay LFOs, and we
deny appellate costs.
FACTS
On January 7, 2012, Courtney Grover was playing poker at the Oak Tree Casino when he
noticed Poma and his younger brother, Dominic Poma, at the table behind him. Grover had been
drinking that evening. Grover recognized the brothers from two nights before when they all played
poker together. On that night, the brothers laughed at Grover when he lost, which is considered
improper gambling etiquette. Grover became angry that night, used harsh language, and left the
table.
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On the night of January 7, Grover ran into Poma and Dominic1 in the bathroom. Grover
made a derogatory remark about the brothers going to the bathroom together. Poma responded,
“we’re two f****ts that are going to beat the shit out of you.” 1 Report of Proceedings (RP) at
174. Poma claims Grover stated, “Well, we can go outside and settle this problem.” 3 RP at 318.
Grover, however, claims he told Poma he did not want a fight and then went outside the casino to
smoke a cigarette.
Poma and Dominic followed Grover outside. Grover was sitting on a bench, smoking a
cigarette. (1 RP 176-78) As the brothers came towards Grover, he stood up. According to
Michelle Rabideau, a casino patron sitting nearby, Grover put his hands in his pockets, and swayed
back and forth with his head tilted down. He appeared intoxicated. Poma claims Grover then
“chest-bump[ed]” him. 3 RP at 319. Rabideau did not see this contact. She observed Poma hit
Grover “extremely hard” which caused Grover to fall to the ground. 2 RP at 223. Poma then
straddled Grover and continued to hit Grover while he lay on the ground. Ultimately, Poma broke
Grover’s jaw and fractured Grover’s right shoulder.
The State charged Poma with assault in the second degree. Poma argued he acted in self-
defense and in defense of his brother. Poma testified he had never been in a fight before and he
hit Grover to “keep [Grover] from hurting me or my brother.” 3 RP at 347.
The trial court instructed the jury on self-defense and defense of another. The court
instructed, “The use of force upon or toward the person of another is lawful when used by a person
who reasonably believes that he is about to be injured.” Clerk’s Papers (CP) at 36; Instr. 15. The
court then instructed on actual danger, stating:
1
Because Dominic Poma shares the same last name with the defendant, we use Dominic’s first
name to make the opinion clearer. We intend no disrespect.
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A person is entitled to act on appearances in defending himself or another,
if he believes in good faith and on reasonable grounds that he or another is in actual
danger of injury, although it afterwards might develop that the person was mistaken
as to the extent of the danger. Actual danger is not necessary for the use of force to
be lawful.
CP at 37; Instr. 16. The court also instructed the jury, “It is lawful for a person who is in a
place where that person has a right to be and who has reasonable grounds for believing that
he is being attacked to stand his ground.” CP at 38; Instr. 17. Poma proposed these
instructions. The court also gave a first aggressor instruction, stating:
No person may, by any intentional act reasonably likely to provoke a
belligerent response, create a necessity for acting in self-defense and thereupon,
use, offer or attempt to use force upon or toward another person. Therefore, if you
find beyond a reasonable doubt that defendant was the aggressor, and that
defendant’s acts and conduct provoked or commenced the fight, then self-defense
is not available as a defense.
CP at 39; Instr. 18.
During closing argument, the prosecutor stated, “So I ask that you guys find him guilty.
And before you do that, I want to remind you of instruction 3.[2] There’s a final sentence in that.
You go in, walk down here, you think about that, think about this as well.” 3 RP at 414. The
prosecutor continued, “If you take the walk down those two steps into that room and you believe
when you leave here that he did and you go and sit in that room and pick your foreperson and you
still believe it, the State has carried its burden.” 3 RP at 415. Poma did not object to these remarks.
The jury found Poma guilty as charged. The sentencing court imposed a four-month
standard range sentence, as well as $30,187.03 in restitution for Grover’s medical bills and $1,045
in discretionary LFOs, which included $445 for sheriff service fees and $150 for an incarceration
fee. During the sentencing hearing, the court did not inquire into Poma’s ability to pay the
2
The last sentence of Jury Instruction 3 states, “If, from such consideration, you have an abiding
belief in the truth of the charge, you are satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt.” CP at 24.
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discretionary LFOs, but defense counsel commented that Poma “lives and works in California.” 3
RP at 436. Our record includes a 2012 petition for appointment of counsel, which states that Poma
works part time in California, making $8 per hour. Poma appeals his conviction and sentence.
ANALYSIS
I. FIRST AGGRESSOR INSTRUCTION
Poma first contends the trial court erred in giving the jury a first aggressor instruction. We
disagree.
The court instructed the jury, without objection, that “if you find beyond a reasonable doubt
that the defendant was the aggressor, and that defendant’s acts and conduct provoked or
commenced the fight, then self-defense is not available as a defense.” CP at 39.
Poma failed to object to the first aggressor instruction below. To raise this issue for the
first time on appeal, Poma must show that giving it involves a manifest error affecting a
constitutional right. RAP 2.5(a)(3). Due process requires the State to prove every element of the
charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilty may be entered. State v.
O’Hara, 167 Wn.2d 91, 105, 217 P.3d 756 (2009). Once raised by a defendant, the State has the
burden of proving the absence of self-defense beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Kyllo, 166
Wn.2d 856, 862, 215 P.3d 177 (2009). A first aggressor instruction may prevent the jury from
considering whether the State has proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant did not act
in self-defense. State v. Gordon, 172 Wn.2d 671, 678, 260 P.3d 884 (2011). Therefore, the first
aggressor instruction implicates a defendant’s constitutional rights. Next, Poma must show the
error was manifest.
“Where there is credible evidence from which a jury can reasonably determine that the
defendant provoked the need to act in self-defense, an aggressor instruction is appropriate.” State
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v. Riley, 137 Wn.2d 904, 909-10, 976 P.2d 624 (1999). A first aggressor instruction is appropriate
even if there is conflicting evidence as to whether the defendant’s conduct precipitated a fight.
Riley, 137 Wn.2d at 910. An aggressor instruction is inappropriate, however, if the defendant
simply used belligerent language, or if the defendant’s conduct that allegedly provoked the need
to act in self-defense was the assault itself. Riley, 137 Wn.2d at 911; State v. Brower, 43 Wn. App.
893, 901-02, 721 P.2d 12 (1986). Here, our review of the record leads us to conclude that the trial
court erred by instructing the jury on Poma being the first aggressor because Poma’s conduct that
allegedly provoked the need to act in self-defense was the assault itself.
However, a manifest constitutional error is subject to a constitutional harmless error
analysis. State v. Pineda-Pineda, 154 Wn. App. 653, 672, 226 P.3d 164 (2010). A constitutional
error is harmless if we are assured beyond a reasonable doubt that the jury verdict cannot be
attributed to the error. State v. Lui, 179 Wn.2d 457, 495, 315 P.3d 493, cert. denied, 134 S. Ct.
2842 (2014).
Here, we are assured beyond a reasonable doubt that the error was harmless. Grover denied
that he made derogatory comments to Poma and Dominic inside the casino, that he told Poma they
should go outside to settle the matter, or that he chest bumped Poma. An eye witness testified that
Grover was outside, sitting on a bench, smoking a cigarette when Poma exited the casino. Grover
stood up when Poma approached and put his hands in his pockets. Grover appeared intoxicated
and was having trouble standing up straight. The eye witness did not see Grover chest bump Poma.
Poma then punched Grover so hard that Grover fell to the ground. Poma stood over Grover and
continued to punch him. These facts are sufficient to show beyond a reasonable doubt that the
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jury would have still found Poma guilty. Thus, improperly instructing the jury on being the first
aggressor was harmless.3
II. INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE
Poma next contends defense counsel provided ineffective assistance of counsel by failing
to propose jury instructions that Poma may act lawfully in not only defending himself, but also his
brother. We disagree.
A defendant claiming ineffective assistance of counsel has the burden to establish both that
counsel’s representation was deficient and that the representation prejudiced the defendant’s case.
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 700; State v. Grier, 171 Wn.2d 17, 32-33, 246 P.3d 1260 (2011). Failure
to establish either prong is fatal to an ineffective assistance of counsel claim. Strickland, 466 U.S.
at 700. A lawyer’s representation is deficient if after considering all of the circumstances, it falls
below an objective standard of reasonableness. Grier, 171 Wn.2d at 33. Deficient representation
prejudices a defendant if there is a “reasonable probability that, but for counsel’s deficient
[representation], the outcome of the proceedings would have been different.” Kyllo, 166 Wn.2d
at 862. Our scrutiny of counsel’s representation is highly deferential; we strongly presume that
counsel was effective. Grier, 171 Wn.2d at 33.
Here, defense counsel proposed, and the court accepted, three instructions on lawful force.
The first states, “[t]he use of force upon or toward the person of another is lawful when used by a
person who reasonably believes that he is about to be injured.” CP at 36. The second states, “A
person is entitled to act on appearances in defending himself or another, if he believes in good faith
3
Poma also notes in the last sentence of this section of his brief that counsel provided ineffective
assistance for failing to object to the first aggressor instruction. Based on our disposition of this
issue, Poma cannot show deficient performance; thus, his claim fails. Strickland v. Washington,
466 U.S. 668, 700, 104 S. Ct. 2052, 80 L. Ed. 2d 674 (1984).
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and on reasonable grounds that he or another is in actual danger of injury.” CP at 37. And, the
third, states that it is lawful for “a person who is in a place where that person has a right to be and
who has reasonable grounds for believing that he is being attacked to stand his ground and defend
against such attack.” CP at 38. Only one of the instructions uses the terms “or another” regarding
defending others. CP at 37.
Even assuming counsel’s performance was deficient for not proposing jury instructions
that all state “or another,” Poma cannot show prejudice to support his ineffective assistance of
counsel claim.
Prejudice exists if there is a reasonable probability that except for counsel’s errors, the
result of the trial would have been different. Grier, 171 Wn.2d at 34. The result, here, would not
have been different.
Jury instructions are sufficient when they allow counsel to argue their theory of the case,
are not misleading, and when read as a whole properly inform the trier of fact of the applicable
law. State v. Soper, 135 Wn. App. 89, 101, 143 P.3d 335 (2006). A party cannot show ineffective
assistance of counsel for counsel’s failure to object to jury instructions when “the jury instructions
as a whole [are] sufficient.” State v. Davis, 174 Wn. App. 623, 638, 300 P.3d 465 (2013).
Here, the court instructed the jury on self-defense with multiple instructions. Jury
instruction 16 clearly informed the jury that “[a] person is entitled to act on appearances in
defending himself or another, if he believes in good faith and on reasonable grounds that he or
another is in actual danger of injury.” CP at 37. The court further instructed the jury, “[Y]ou must
consider the instructions as a whole.” CP at 22. We presume juries follow the court’s instructions.
State v. Anderson, 153 Wn. App. 417, 428, 220 P.3d 1273 (2009).
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Because the trial court instructed the jury to consider the instructions as a whole, and we
presume the jury followed the court’s instruction, and because counsel argued his theory of the
case, Poma cannot show the outcome of the trial would have been any different. Poma cannot
show prejudice. Without prejudice, his ineffective assistance of counsel claim fails.
II. PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT
Poma next contends he was denied a fair trial based on prosecutorial misconduct. We
disagree.
During closing remarks, the prosecutor stated, “I want to remind you of instruction 3.
There’s a final sentence in that. You go in, walk down here, you think about that.” 3 RP at 414.
The prosecutor continued, “If you take the walk down those two steps into that room and you
believe when you leave here that he did and you go and sit in that room and pick your foreperson
and you still believe it, the State has carried its burden.” 3 RP at 415. There was no objection to
these remarks.
To succeed on a prosecutorial misconduct claim, a defendant must show not just improper
conduct, but also prejudice. In re Pers. Restraint of Glasmann, 175 Wn.2d 696, 704, 286 P.3d 673(2012). Usually misconduct claims can be efficiently remedied at the trial court stage of the
proceedings. A defendant who waits until appeal to raise misconduct arguments bears a heavy
burden. State v. Russell, 125 Wn.2d 24, 86, 882 P.2d 747 (1994). We will only reverse if
prosecutorial misconduct is “so flagrant and ill intentioned that it causes an enduring and resulting
prejudice that could not have been neutralized by an admonition to the jury.” Russell, 125 Wn.2d
at 86.
Poma claims jury opinions regarding guilt should only be formed after the jury is in the
jury room and has picked a foreperson. He argues the prosecutor misled the jury into thinking
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deliberations started before it adjourned to the jury room. Poma contends the prosecutor’s
comments minimized the State’s burden of proof and undermined the deliberative process. Poma
is incorrect.
Deliberations by the jury “‘provide the jury with the opportunity to review the evidence in
light of the perception and memory of every member.’” State v. Lamar, 180 Wn.2d 576, 585, 327
P.3d 46 (2014) (quoting People v. Collins, 552 P.2d 742, 746 (Ca. 1976)). But, “‘[c]ommon
experience indicates a juror, or a judge, may form impressions or opinions as to the outcome of a
case as he hears each bit of evidence.’” State v. Hatley, 41 Wn. App. 789, 794, 706 P.2d 1083(1985) (quoting Tate v. Rommel, 3 Wn. App. 933, 937, 478 P.2d 242 (1970)).
Here, the prosecutor stated that if the jury walks into the jury room, sits down, picks a
foreperson, thinks about the case, and still thinks Poma is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt then
the State has met its burden. Even assuming this comment was improper, it is not so flagrant and
ill-intentioned that it caused an enduring and resulting prejudice that could not have been
neutralized by an admonition to the jury. For the foregoing reason, this issue is waived.
IV. CUMULATIVE ERROR
Poma argues that the cumulative effect of the various errors he assigns to the proceedings
below produced a fundamentally unfair trial. An accumulation of errors may prejudice a criminal
defendant, even if no single error is sufficiently prejudicial. State v. Venegas, 155 Wn. App. 507,
520, 228 P.2d 813 (2010). However, Poma has only established harmless error on one of his
claims and potential error on two others, but has shown no prejudice. Therefore, we reject his
cumulative error argument.
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V. LFOS
Poma argues that the sentencing court erred by imposing discretionary LFOs without
conducting an individualized inquiry into his ability to pay and without determining whether the
incarceration and sheriff service fees were actually incurred. We agree.
In State v. Blazina, 182 Wn.2d 827, 834-35, 344 P.3d 680 (2015), the Supreme Court
affirmed the appellate court’s discretion to decline review of unpreserved LFO claims. However,
since its decision in Blazina, the court has consistently remanded cases to the trial court where it
did not conduct an individualized inquiry. See State v. Lyle, 188 Wn. App. 848, 355 P.3d 327(2015), remanded, 184 Wn.2d 1040 (2016); State v. Marks, 185 Wn.2d 143, 146, 368 P.3d 485(2016).
Because the trial court conducted no individualized inquiry into Poma’s ability to pay, we
exercise our discretion and remand the case to the trial court to conduct a proper inquiry into
Poma’s present and future ability to pay discretionary LFOs. On remand, Poma may raise his
argument regarding the amount incurred for incarceration and sheriff service fees.
VI. APPELLATE COSTS
Lastly, Poma opposes appellate costs in light of State v. Sinclair, 192 Wn. App. 380, 367
P.3d 612, review denied, 185 Wn.2d 1034 (2016), asserting that he does not have the ability to
pay. In light of Poma’s indigent status; evidence in our record that prior to his incarceration Poma
worked part time, making $8 hour in California; his large restitution obligation; and our
presumption under RAP 15.2(f) that Poma remains indigent “throughout the review” unless the
trial court finds that his financial condition has improved, we exercise our discretion to waive
appellate costs in this matter. RCW 10.73.160(1).
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We affirm Poma’s conviction, but remand to the sentencing court to conduct a proper
inquiry into Poma’s ability to pay 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.
Melnick, J.
We concur:
Johanson, J.
Maxa, A.C.J.
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