State v. MahathaÂ

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF NORTH CAROLINA
No. COA18-734
Filed: 3 September 2019
Rowan County, No. 17CRS51386
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA,
v.
CORY ANTWON MAHATHA, Defendant.
Appeal by Defendant from judgment entered 24 January 2018 by Judge Lori I.
Hamilton in Rowan County Superior Court. Heard in the Court of Appeals 27
February 2019.
Attorney General Joshua H. Stein, by Assistant Attorney General Forrest P.
Fallanca, for the State-Appellee.
Morgan & Carter PLLC, by Michelle F. Lynch, for the Defendant-Appellant.
COLLINS, Judge.
Defendant Cory Antwon Mahatha appeals from judgment entered upon a
jury’s verdicts finding him guilty of felony speeding to elude arrest and attaining
habitual felon status. After careful review, we conclude that the trial court failed to
provide adequate information to ensure that Defendant knowingly, intelligently, and
voluntarily waived his right to be represented by counsel. We therefore vacate
Defendant’s convictions and judgment and grant a new trial.
I. Factual Background and Procedural History
STATE V. MAHATHA
Opinion of the Court
On 28 March 2017, Detective Patrick Schmeltzer of the Rowan County Sheriff’s
Office was assigned to the crime reduction unit in the Airport Road area. Schmeltzer,
accompanied by Detective Cody Trexler and Deputy Naturile, patrolled the area in
an unmarked black Chevrolet Tahoe. Schmeltzer received a “be on the lookout”
(“BOLO”) from his supervisor, Sergeant Weston, who radioed that an assault had
occurred and that the suspect vehicle, a white Dodge Challenger, was heading his
way. Schmeltzer pulled his vehicle onto the shoulder, waited, and spotted a white
Dodge Challenger drive past him. Schmeltzer pulled onto the highway and followed
the vehicle for some distance but did not observe Defendant speed, commit any traffic
violations, or engage in suspicious behavior. Schmeltzer activated the Tahoe’s blue
lights and siren in order to initiate a traffic stop of the vehicle.
Defendant was driving the white Dodge Challenger but did not pull over when
Schmeltzer activated the Tahoe’s blue lights and siren. Instead, Defendant
maintained a speed of approximately 45 miles per hour and continued driving until
he reached South Main Street. Once Defendant reached South Main Street, he
turned right and accelerated to speeds of 90-100 miles per hour. The officers pursued
Defendant onto South Main Street and witnessed Defendant: cross into turn lanes
and onto the shoulder of the road in order to pass other vehicles; “almost wreck”
before swerving back into traffic; fish-tail across lanes; pass over the double-yellow
lines; and turn into oncoming traffic.
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STATE V. MAHATHA
Opinion of the Court
Defendant next drove through an intersection, failed to stop at a stop sign, and
pulled his car into a driveway; he then took off on foot and ran into a cow pasture.
Schmeltzer and Naturile pursued Defendant on foot, discovered him hiding in a ditch,
and took Defendant into custody. Upon searching Defendant, the officers found
$3000 on his person and later found a small amount of marijuana inside Defendant’s
vehicle.
On 15 May 2017, a grand jury indicted Defendant for felony speeding to elude
arrest in violation of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-141.5(B) (2017). On 12 June 2017, a grand
jury indicted Defendant for having attained habitual felon status in violation of N.C.
Gen. Stat. § 14-7.1 (2017).
On 11 September 2017, Defendant was arraigned in Rowan County Superior
Court. The trial court told Defendant of the crimes with which he was charged:
“obtaining the status of a habitual felon; possession of a firearm by a felon; attempted
robbery with a firearm; fleeing to allude arrest; driving while license revoked, not an
impaired revocation; and assaulting a female.” The trial court asked Defendant
whether he wished to have a lawyer represent him, to which Defendant replied that
he was going to represent himself. The trial court also asked Defendant if he
understood how much time he was facing and told him that he was “looking at . . .
231 months.” At the end of his arraignment, Defendant entered a plea of not guilty.
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STATE V. MAHATHA
Opinion of the Court
On 23 January 2018, prior to the start of Defendant’s jury trial, the State
dismissed the charges of driving while license revoked, not an impaired revocation;
assault on a female; possession of a firearm by a felon; and attempted robbery with a
dangerous weapon. The State proceeded to trial on the charges of speeding to elude
arrest and attaining habitual felon status.
On 24 January 2018, the jury returned verdicts finding Defendant guilty of
both charges. The trial court entered judgment upon the jury’s verdicts, sentencing
Defendant to a term of 97 months’ to 129 months’ imprisonment. From entry of
judgment, Defendant gave proper notice of appeal.
II. Discussion
Defendant argues that the trial court erred (1) in failing to dismiss the charge
of speeding to elude arrest where there was no evidence that the officer was lawfully
performing his duties at the time of the traffic stop and (2) by allowing Defendant to
represent himself when his waiver of counsel was not valid and by later denying his
request for appointed counsel.
A. Speeding to Elude Arrest
Defendant first argues that the trial court erred in failing to dismiss the charge
of speeding to elude arrest when there was no evidence that Schmeltzer was lawfully
performing his duties when he initiated an investigatory traffic stop of Defendant.
Defendant’s argument is misplaced.
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STATE V. MAHATHA
Opinion of the Court
1. Standard of Review
In considering whether to grant a motion to dismiss for insufficiency of the
evidence, the trial court must determine (1) whether the State offered substantial
evidence of each essential element of the offense charged, whether direct,
circumstantial, or both, and (2) whether the defendant is the perpetrator of the
offense. State v. Fritsch, 351 N.C. 373, 378, 526 S.E.2d 451, 455 (2000). Substantial
evidence is relevant evidence “that a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to
support a conclusion.” State v. Lambert, 341 N.C. 36, 42, 460 S.E.2d 123, 127 (1995)
(citation omitted). “[T]he evidence presented must be considered in the light most
favorable to the State, and the State is entitled to every reasonable inference to be
drawn therefrom.” Id. A trial court’s denial of a motion to dismiss for insufficient
evidence is reviewed de novo. State v. Bagley, 183 N.C. App. 514, 523, 644 S.E.2d
615, 621 (2007).
2. Sufficiency of the Evidence Analysis
The crime of speeding to elude arrest is defined as operating “a motor vehicle
on a street, highway, or public vehicular area while fleeing or attempting to elude a
law enforcement officer who is in the lawful performance of his duties.” N.C. Gen.
Stat. § 20-141.5(a) (2017). While a violation of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-141.5 is ordinarily
a misdemeanor, the offense is a felony if two or more aggravating factors are present,
including speeding in excess of 15 miles per hour over the legal speed limit and
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STATE V. MAHATHA
Opinion of the Court
reckless driving as proscribed by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-140. See N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-
141.5(b) (2017). Thus, for purposes of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-141.5, an individual’s guilt
hinges upon the extent to which he attempts to flee from an officer who is lawfully
performing his official duties. State v. Sinclair, 191 N.C. App. 485, 489-90, 663 S.E.2d
886, 870 (2008).
“The Fourth Amendment protects individuals against unreasonable searches
and seizures. The North Carolina Constitution provides similar protection.” State v.
Hernandez, 208 N.C. App. 591, 597, 704 S.E.2d 55, 59 (2010) (quotation marks and
citations omitted). “[B]rief investigatory detentions such as those involved in the
stopping of a vehicle” are subject to Fourth Amendment protections. State v. Watkins,
337 N.C. 437, 441, 446 S.E.2d 67, 70 (1994) (citation omitted). “A police officer may
effect a brief investigatory seizure of an individual where the officer has reasonable,
articulable suspicion that a crime may be underway.” State v. Barnard, 184 N.C.
App. 25, 29, 645 S.E.2d 780, 783 (2007) (citation omitted).
A seizure occurs “when the officer, by means of physical force or show of
authority, has in some way restrained the liberty of a citizen.” Terry v. Ohio, 392
U.S. 1, 19 n.16 (1968). There must be “a physical application of force or submission
to a show of authority” for a seizure to be found. State v. Cuevas, 121 N.C. App. 553,
563, 468 S.E.2d 425, 431 (1996) (citation omitted). However, a simple show of
authority by law enforcement does not rise to the level of a seizure unless the suspect
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STATE V. MAHATHA
Opinion of the Court
submits to that show of authority. California v. Hodari D., 499 U.S. 621, 626 (1991);
see State v. Mangum, 250 N.C. App. 714, 726, 795 S.E.2d 106, 116-17 (2016)
(determining that the activation of an officer’s blue lights does not constitute an
official stop and therefore a seizure, but is merely an assertion of authority and order
to stop, with no concomitant seizure of the person).
Accordingly, this Court considers the totality of the circumstances, both before
and after an officer signals his intention to stop a defendant, in determining whether
there was reasonable suspicion of criminal activity to justify a traffic stop. Id. The
reasonable suspicion “must be based on specific and articulable facts, as well as the
rational inferences from those facts, as viewed through the eyes of a reasonable,
cautious officer, guided by his experience and training[,]” Watkins, 337 N.C. at 441,
446 S.E.2d at 70, and we must consider “the whole picture in determining whether a
reasonable suspicion exists to justify an officer’s investigatory traffic stop.” State v.
Jones, 813 S.E.2d 668, 670 (N.C. Ct. App. 2018) (quotation marks and citation
omitted).
Defendant argues that he was seized at the moment Schmeltzer activated his
blue lights, but Defendant’s argument is without merit. Schmeltzer’s activation of
his blue lights was merely a show of authority and an order to stop. Mangum, 250
N.C. App. at 726, 795 S.E.2d at 116-17. As Defendant did not heed this order and
pull over, he did not submit to Schmeltzer’s show of authority; therefore, Defendant
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STATE V. MAHATHA
Opinion of the Court
was not seized at the time Schmeltzer activated his blue lights. Id. Instead,
Defendant was seized once the officers placed him in handcuffs; this “physical
application of force” effectuated the seizure of Defendant and was the point at which
reasonable suspicion must have existed. Cuevas, 121 N.C. App. at 563, 468 S.E.2d at
431.
Defendant further argues that the BOLO, based on an anonymous tip, was not
on its own sufficient to create reasonable suspicion for the stop. As to the tip, we
agree that an anonymous tip, absent “sufficient indicia of reliability[,]” is not on its
own sufficient to create reasonable suspicion for the stop. State v. Hughes, 353 N.C.
200, 207, 539 S.E.2d 625, 630 (2000). Nevertheless, “a tip that is somewhat lacking
in reliability may still provide a basis for reasonable suspicion if it is buttressed by
sufficient police corroboration.” Id. Here, we need not determine whether the BOLO
provided sufficient reasonable suspicion on its own, as the reasonable suspicion
inquiry includes all circumstances prior to when Defendant was seized. Mangum,
250 N.C. App. at 726, 795 S.E.2d at 116-17.
Schmeltzer’s subsequent observations of Defendant’s traffic crimes enabled
Schmeltzer to “buttress[] the tip through sufficient police corroboration,” and to form
the basis for suspicion of criminal activity. Mangum, 250 N.C. App at 729, 795 S.E.2d
at 118 (internal quotation marks, brackets and citation omitted); see United States v.
Arvizu, 534 U.S. 266, 277 (2002) (determining that an officer’s subsequent
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STATE V. MAHATHA
Opinion of the Court
observations of criminal activity may combine to “form a particularized and objective
basis” for reasonable suspicion). Schmeltzer first observed Defendant accelerate to
speeds of 90-100 miles per hour, despite a maximum speed limit of 45 miles per hour.
Schmeltzer testified that Defendant drove “quite recklessly” and almost hit other
cars, pulled onto the shoulder of the road in order to pass other cars, swerved and
fishtailed across multiple lanes, and crossed over a double-yellow line to turn into
oncoming traffic. Trexler and Naturile also testified that Defendant fled from them,
drove at speeds of 90-100 miles per hour, pulled onto the shoulder in order to pass
other cars, swerved and fishtailed across lanes, and turned into oncoming traffic.
Defendant then ran a stop sign, drove through an intersection, parked in a
driveway, and took off running into a cow pasture. Schmeltzer and Naturile pursued
Defendant into the cow pasture, and eventually found him hiding in a ditch.
Considering the totality of the circumstances, we conclude that Schmeltzer had
reasonable suspicion that criminal activity was underway, Barnard, 184 N.C. App.
at 29, 645 S.E.2d at 783, and thus Schmeltzer was lawfully performing his duties at
the time of the stop. Accordingly, the trial court did not err by denying Defendant’s
motion to dismiss for insufficient evidence.
B. Waiver of Counsel
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STATE V. MAHATHA
Opinion of the Court
Defendant next argues that the trial court committed reversible error by
failing to comply with the statutory mandate of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-1242 (2017)
before allowing him to represent himself. We agree.
1. Standard of Review
“We review the question of whether a trial court complied with N.C. Gen. Stat.
§ 15A-1242 de novo.” State v. Frederick, 222 N.C. App. 576, 581, 730 S.E.2d 275, 279
(2012) (citation omitted).
2. Analysis
“Before allowing a defendant to waive in-court representation by counsel, . . .
the trial court must [e]nsure that constitutional and statutory standards are
satisfied.” State v. Thomas, 331 N.C. 671, 673, 417 S.E.2d 473, 475 (1992). Thus, a
trial court “must determine whether the defendant knowingly, intelligently, and
voluntarily waives the right to in-court representation by counsel.” Id. at 674, 417
S.E.2d at 476 (citations omitted). A thorough inquiry into the three substantive
elements of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-1242 satisfies constitutional requirements. State
v. Fulp, 355 N.C. App. 171, 175, 558 S.E.2d 156, 159 (2002).
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-1242 provides:
A defendant may be permitted at his election to proceed in
the trial of his case without the assistance of counsel only
after the trial judge makes thorough inquiry and is
satisfied that the defendant:
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STATE V. MAHATHA
Opinion of the Court
(1) Has been clearly advised of his right to the
assistance of counsel, including his right to the assignment
of counsel when he is so entitled;
(2) Understands and appreciates the consequences of
this decision; and
(3) Comprehends the nature of the charges and
proceedings and the range of permissible punishments.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-1242. “[T]he critical issue is whether the statutorily required
information has been communicated in such a manner that defendant’s decision to
represent himself is knowing and voluntary.” State v. Carter, 338 N.C. 569, 583, 451
S.E.2d 157, 164 (1994). If the trial court fails “to make the inquiry mandated by [N.C.
Gen. Stat.] § 15A-1242 before permitting the defendant to proceed to trial without
counsel, the defendant is entitled to a new trial.” State v. Dunlap, 318 N.C. 384, 389,
348 S.E.2d 801, 805 (1986) (citations omitted).
Defendant’s waiver of counsel took place at the arraignment hearing on 11
September 2017. At that time, Defendant was charged with the following: driving
while license revoked, not an impaired revocation, a class III misdemeanor carrying a
maximum sentence of 20 days in jail; assault on a female, a class A1 misdemeanor
carrying a maximum sentence of 150 days in jail; possession of a firearm by a felon, a
class G felony; attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, a class D felony; speeding
to elude arrest, a class H felony; and having attained habitual felon status. The habitual
felon charge would have elevated the charges of possession of a firearm by a felon and
attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon to class C felonies, each carrying a
maximum prison term of 231 months, and the charge of speeding to elude arrest to a
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STATE V. MAHATHA
Opinion of the Court
class D felony, carrying a maximum prison term of 204 months. If convicted of all
charges, Defendant could have faced a maximum of 666 months (55.5 years) in prison
plus 170 days in jail.
At the hearing, the following discussion took place between the trial court, the
prosecutor, and Defendant:
THE COURT: Okay. And, Mr. Mahatha, you are here today
charged with obtaining the status of a habitual felon in
which -- which class is he going to be? A “C” or a “D”?
MR. GOULD: Your Honor, it will be --
THE COURT: Or an E?
MR. GOULD: -- a Class D.
THE COURT: Okay. -- which will be a Class D felony,
which has a possible maximum sentence of 204 months.
You’re also charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.
A Class G felony. A possible maximum sentence of 47
months. Attempted robbery with a firearm. Is that a G?
MR. GOULD: Your Honor, it was actually -- the possession
of a firearm by a convicted felon is going to be a C. The
attempted robbery is going to be a C.
THE COURT: Okay. Because of the habitual?
MR. GOULD: Yeah.
THE COURT: Yeah. Yeah. Fleeing to allude (sic) arrest
and driving while license revoked, not an impaired
revocation, which is a Class III misdemeanor. A possible
maximum sentence of 20 days in jail. On assaulting a
female, a maximum sentence of 150 days. Do you wish to
have a lawyer represent you on these matters?
THE DEFENDANT: I'm going to represent myself.
THE COURT: Do you understand how much time you’re
looking at? 231 months.
THE DEFENDANT: Yeah, I understand.
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STATE V. MAHATHA
Opinion of the Court
The trial court failed to inform Defendant of “the nature of the charges and
proceedings and the range of permissible punishments” he faced. N.C. Gen. Stat. §
15A-1242. First, the trial court erroneously indicated that “obtaining the status of a
habitual felon . . . will be a Class D felony, which has a possible maximum sentence
of 204 months.” “Being a habitual felon is not a crime but is a status the attaining of
which subjects a person thereafter convicted of a crime to an increased punishment
for that crime. The status itself, standing alone, will not support a criminal sentence.”
State v. Allen, 292 N.C. 431, 435, 233 S.E.2d 585, 588 (1977).
The trial court also erroneously indicated to Defendant that he could face “[a]
possible maximum sentence of 47 months” for the possession of a firearm by a felon
charge when, if determined to be a habitual felon, Defendant could have faced a
possible maximum sentence of 231 months on that charge. The trial court did not
inform Defendant that for the attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon charge, if
determined to be a habitual felon, Defendant could have faced a maximum prison
term of 231 months. Furthermore, the trial court erroneously referred to the speeding
to elude arrest charge as “fleeing to [e]lude arrest” and failed to inform Defendant
that the speeding to elude arrest charge was a felony which carried a maximum
habitualized prison term of 204 months. Finally, the trial court queried Defendant if
he understood that he could face “231 months” where Defendant could actually have
faced a maximum of 666 months (55.5 years) in prison plus 170 days in jail.
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STATE V. MAHATHA
Opinion of the Court
As the trial court failed to inform Defendant of “the nature of the charges and
proceedings and the range of permissible punishments” he faced, the trial court’s
inquiry failed to satisfy the requirements of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-1242. Accordingly,
Defendant’s waiver of counsel was not knowing, intelligent, or voluntary, Thomas,
331 N.C. at 674, 417 S.E.2d at 476, and failed to satisfy constitutional requirements.
Carter, 338 N.C. at 583, 451 S.E.2d at 164. Defendant is therefore entitled to a new
trial.
III. Conclusion
Defendant’s argument that Schmeltzer was not lawfully performing his duties
when he stopped Defendant fails, as Schmeltzer had reasonable suspicion to believe
that criminal activity had occurred based on his observations of Defendant
committing traffic crimes.
However, as the trial court failed to inform Defendant of “the nature of the
charges and proceedings and the range of permissible punishments,” we conclude
that the trial court failed to comply with the requisite Constitutional and statutory
mandates before allowing Defendant to represent himself. We thus vacate
Defendant’s convictions and the trial court’s judgment, and remand for a new trial.
It is so ordered.
NEW TRIAL.
Judges DILLON and INMAN concur.
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