State v. Lawson

[Cite as State v. Lawson, 2012-Ohio-1050.]
Court of Appeals of Ohio
EIGHTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
COUNTY OF CUYAHOGA
JOURNAL ENTRY AND OPINION
No. 97018
STATE OF OHIO
PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE
vs.
MILTON LAWSON
DEFENDANT-APPELLANT
JUDGMENT:
AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, REMANDED
Criminal Appeal from the
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas
Case No. CR-545442
BEFORE: Rocco, J., Blackmon, A.J., and Celebrezze, J.
RELEASED AND JOURNALIZED: March 15, 2012
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ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLANT
Mark Gallagher
Towards Employment, Inc.
1255 Euclid Avenue, Suite 300
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Brenna Lisowski
13940 Cedar Road #342
University Heights, OH 44118
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLEE
William D. Mason
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor
BY: Marc D. Bullard
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
The Justice Center
1200 Ontario Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
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KENNETH A. ROCCO, J.:
{¶1} Defendant-appellant Milton Lawson appeals from his convictions and the
sentences imposed after the trial court found him guilty of three counts of menacing by
stalking, one count of telecommunications harassment, one count of aggravated
menacing, one count of domestic violence, one count of having a weapon while under
disability (“HWUD”), and one count of carrying a concealed weapon (“CCW”).
{¶2} Lawson presents four assignments of error. He argues the court improperly
denied his pretrial request for different assigned counsel, his conviction for domestic
violence is not supported by either sufficient evidence or the manifest weight of the
evidence, and some of his convictions constitute allied offenses that should have been
merged at sentencing.
{¶3} This court cannot find error in the trial court’s denial of Lawson’s request for
new counsel to be assigned. Moreover, Lawson’s conviction for domestic violence is
supported by both sufficient evidence and by the manifest weight of the evidence.
However, because the state concedes Lawson’s argument with respect to merger as to the
weapons counts, Lawson’s convictions and sentences are affirmed in part and reversed
in part, and this case is remanded for proceedings consistent with this opinion.
{¶4} The victim, R.O., provided the following testimony.
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{¶5} R.O. met Lawson sometime in 2004 and they eventually progressed to having
an intimate relationship. In 2005, R.O. bore Lawson’s daughter. Subsequently, the two
of them “broke up,” but approximately six months later, in 2007, they agreed to renew
their relationship.
{¶6} Lawson had no sooner met R.O. for this purpose when he accused her of
infidelity. They became embroiled in a physical altercation, and Lawson took up a steak
knife and stabbed R.O. in the chest. Based on this incident, Lawson was convicted of
attempted murder; he received a three-year sentence.
{¶7} In 2010, Lawson was released from prison.1 Believing his declaration that he
had “changed” while incarcerated, R.O. agreed to let him develop a relationship with their
daughter. By summertime, Lawson and R.O. were “dating.” By autumn, Lawson
“started becoming jealous, * * * violent,” and controlling of R.O. R.O. knew Lawson
carried a gun; he had shown it to her.
{¶8} On November 15, 2010, R.O. had a telephone conversation with Lawson.
Thereafter, R.O. made a call to the police; she indicated that Lawson “was threatening
me, stating that he would be * * * over my house, and that he had a gun.” A little more
than a week later, on November 27, 2010, R.O. again called the police to report that
1The record reflects Lawson was placed on postrelease control; therefore, he
continued to be supervised by the Ohio Adult Probation Authority (“APA”).
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Lawson was in her apartment and was refusing to leave; on that occasion, R.O. and
Lawson resolved the situation without assistance.
{¶9} On December 9, 2010, R.O. called the police to state Lawson had been
sending her “threatening” text messages on her phone. Lawson continued this activity.
In addition, he began to appear “at [her] apartment [building], at the door, at the
window.”
{¶10} On December 16, 2010, R.O. went to the police station about her concerns
because a particular incident had occurred that morning. R.O. reported that she had seen
Lawson seated in a car in the parking lot of her building, that he made eye contact with
her, then followed her out of the lot. Although he attempted to “block [her] off,” she
thwarted his move by turning toward the police station. The police advised her to call
them if she saw Lawson again at her residence.
{¶11} Near midnight on December 18, 2010, R.O. received numerous text
messages from Lawson. Lawson asked to see their daughter on Christmas. R.O. replied
that she did not believe it was “a good idea.” Lawson also asked R.O. for money; she
told him she did not have any.
{¶12} Beginning at approximately 2:30 a.m. on December 19, 2010, Lawson sent
R.O. a series of text messages. Although R.O. was in her living room watching
television, Lawson’s messages indicated that he thought R.O. was “out” having a good
time; Lawson’s texts to R.O. stated as follows:
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“Ok ill b @ ur hse whn u gt thr since u wnt 2 go out n I wont b outside. Laugh @
tht!”;
“N if my dghtr aint n her rm whn I gt thr I suggest u dnt cme hme!”;
“U cn thnk ths is a game if u want 2 I dnt gv a f— no mo!”;
“Ths is wht gt u hurt the 1st time I guess sme ppl dnt learn until its 2 late.”;
“Read tht n my last txt n c how great wht I say happens!”;
“I dnt gv a f— anymo tht n—a hs lft the buildn ill c u thr n if u dnt cme I knw whr
2 hit u whr it hurts mrs [‘]I dnt hv any money 2 gv[’] but uve bn out evry sat[.] im gon
enjoy ths[.]”;
“Ths is who u want so now u hv him[.]”;
“Im here!”;
“Whr u @?”;
“So u nt here lk [‘]i ws lyin[’] n my dghtr nt here[.]”;
“U thnk lvn tht dumb ass christmas tree n tv on gon help u[.] im givin u 10 min 2
gt here!”;
“Im n ur hse u tl me wassup?”
Each of Lawson’s text messages bore the signature, in capital letters, “I DESERVE
BTR!”
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{¶13} Reading this series of messages, R.O. understood Lawson could partially see
into her ground-floor apartment, so she looked outside and saw Lawson at one of her
apartment’s windows. She called the police; they arrested Lawson.
{¶14} Lawson subsequently was indicted on nine counts, charged with four counts
of menacing by stalking, one count of telecommunications harassment, one count of
aggravated menacing, one count of domestic violence, one count of HWUD, and one
count of CCW. The first four counts also each contained a furthermore clause and a
firearm and a forfeiture specification; the domestic violence count also carried a
furthermore clause.
{¶15} The record reflects Lawson’s defense counsel filed requests for discovery
immediately after being assigned to the case. Although trial originally was scheduled for
March 2011, the trial court referred Lawson for a psychological assessment, thus,
postponing the proceeding.
{¶16} On May 5, 2011, the trial court conducted a hearing on the results of the
psychological assessment. Defense counsel stipulated to the findings of Lawson’s
competency and sanity, but informed the trial court that Lawson expressed some
discontent with counsel’s representation. The trial court addressed Lawson regarding
that issue and indicated its unwillingness to replace the attorney assigned to Lawson’s
case.
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{¶17} Lawson’s case was eventually scheduled for trial in June 2011. Lawson
executed jury waivers as to all the counts; therefore, trial proceeded to the bench. At the
conclusion of the state’s case-in-chief, the state dismissed
Count 1. Lawson presented the testimony of his friend and testified on his own behalf.
{¶18} The trial court ultimately found Lawson guilty on all counts. At sentencing,
upon defense counsel’s motion, the trial court merged all the firearm specifications and
merged counts 2 through 4.
{¶19} The court imposed a total prison term of ten years, with consecutive
sentences as follows: one year on the firearm specification to be served prior to and
consecutive with 18 months on the “menacing by stalking count,” six months on each of
Counts 5 and 6, both of which merged “with the base felony counts,” 18 months on Count
7, 5 years on Count 8, and one year on Count 9.
{¶20} Lawson appeals from his convictions and sentences with four assignments of
error.
“I. The trial court abused its discretion when it denied the Appellant’s
request for assignment of new counsel.
“II. The evidence was insufficient to sustain a finding of guilt on the charge
of Domestic Violence.
“III. The guilty verdict on the charge of Domestic Violence was against the
manifest weight of the evidence.
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“IV. The court erred in not merging the charge of Domestic Violence with
the charges of Menacing by Stalking, and the Carrying Concealed Weapons charge
with the charge of Having Weapons While Under Disability.”
{¶21} In his first assignment of error, Lawson argues that the lower court acted
improperly when it failed to grant his request made before trial for a change of his
assigned counsel. His argument is unpersuasive in light of the record.
{¶22} When a defendant asks the trial court for a new attorney during the course of
the proceeding, the court is required to adequately investigate the defendant’s complaint.
State v. Jones, 2d Dist. No. 20349, 2005-Ohio-1208, at ¶ 12, citing State v. Deal, 17 Ohio
St.2d 17, 18-19, 244 N.E.2d 742 (1969). In deciding whether to grant the request, the
court is required to balance the accused’s right to counsel of his choice against the
public’s interest in the prompt and efficient administration of justice. State v. Murphy,
91 Ohio St.3d 516, 523, 747 N.E.2d 765 (2001), citing United States v. Jennings, 83 F.3d
145 (6th Cir.1996).
{¶23} The trial court’s decision is reviewed under an abuse-of-discretion standard.
Murphy, citing State v. Cowans, 87 Ohio St.3d 68, 717 N.E.2d 298 (1999). Only in the
most extreme circumstances should appointed counsel be substituted. State v. Glasure,
132 Ohio App.3d 227, 239, 724 N.E.2d 1165 (7th Dist. 1999).
{¶24} A review of the record in this case shows no abuse of discretion. When
Lawson’s assigned counsel brought the matter to the court’s attention, the court engaged
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in an extensive colloquy with Lawson. Lawson indicated he and defense counsel were
not “seeing eye-to-eye” with respect to trial strategy. Lawson acknowledged, however,
that defense counsel listened to his ideas, provided advice, and was knowledgeable about
his case; defense counsel merely recommended that Lawson entertain the state’s offer of
a plea bargain.
{¶25} After Lawson understood that his defense attorney would accede to his
wishes to take the case to trial, he did not pursue the matter further. State v. Adkins, 8th
Dist. No. 95279, 2011-Ohio-5149, ¶ 23. In fact, during his allocution at sentencing,
Lawson stated that he “would like to thank [defense counsel]” because he “went to bat
for” Lawson.
{¶26} Under these circumstances, Lawson’s first assignment of error is overruled.
{¶27} In his second assignment of error, Lawson argues that his conviction for
domestic violence is unsupported by sufficient evidence and is against the manifest
weight of the evidence. He asserts the state failed to prove an essential element of the
offense. He additionally claims he provided more credible evidence than the state. This
court disagrees.
{¶28} When reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence to support a criminal
conviction, the appellate court’s function is to examine the evidence admitted at trial to
determine whether such evidence, if believed, would convince the average mind of the
defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 574
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N.E.2d 492 (1991), paragraph two of the syllabus. The relevant inquiry is whether, after
viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact
could have found all of the essential elements of the crime proven beyond a reasonable
doubt. State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 386, 678 N.E.2d 541 (1997). The
Thompkins court noted:
In essence, sufficiency is a test of adequacy. Whether the evidence
is legally sufficient to sustain a verdict is a question of law. State v.
Robinson (1955), 162 Ohio St. 486, 55 O.O. 388, 124 N.E.2d 148. In
addition, a conviction based on legally insufficient evidence constitutes a
denial of due process. Tibbs v. Florida (1982), 457 U.S. 31, 45, 102 S.Ct.
2211, 2220, 72 L.Ed.2d 652, 663, citing Jackson v. Virginia (1979), 443
U.S. 307, 99 S.Ct. 2781, 61 L.Ed.2d 560. Id. at 386-387.
{¶29} To warrant reversal of a verdict under a manifest weight of the evidence
claim, this court must review the entire record, weigh the evidence and all reasonable
inferences, consider the credibility of witnesses, and determine whether, in resolving
conflicts in evidence, the jury clearly lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage
of justice that the judgment must be reversed and a new trial ordered. Thompkins. The
weight to be given the evidence and the credibility of the witnesses are matters primarily
for the trier of fact to assess. State v. DeHass, 10 Ohio St.2d 230, 231, 227 N.E.2d 212(1967).
{¶30} Lawson was charged with violation of R.C. 2919.25(C), i.e., that “on or
about December 16, 2010,” he “did, by threat of force, knowingly cause [R.O.], a family
or household member, to believe that [he] would cause imminent physical harm” to her.
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Lawson contends in his second assignment of error that the state failed to present
evidence that he made a “threat of force” against R.O. on December 16, 2010 that
induced her to believe he would cause her imminent physical harm.2
{¶31} R.O. testified, however, that in the summer of 2010, Lawson showed her that
he had a gun. R.O. also stated that after their relationship deteriorated, he telephoned her
and threatened her by stating that he would come to her home “and that he had a gun.”
She testified she was “fearful to leave [her] apartment” based on his threats. She
described a call from Lawson that she received on December 9, 2010 during which he
told her he “would do [her] harm.”
{¶32} R.O. testified that Lawson was waiting in a car in the parking lot when she
emerged from her apartment building on the morning of December 16, 2010. She stated
he lowered the driver’s window so that she could readily see him, made eye contact with
her, then followed her car as she drove out of the lot. She testified that she stopped for
the traffic light and that Lawson drove his car alongside her in an attempt to block her;
this constituted a show of force. R.O. testified that his action made her so fearful that
she “pulled off” and proceeded directly to the police station.
2Despite the fact that R.O. several times denied Lawson had ever lived with
her, Lawson presents no argument that the state failed to prove R.O. was a “family
or household member.” This is perhaps because, at the conclusion of the state’s
case-in-chief, Lawson did not raise this argument in his motion for acquittal, then
subsequently himself provided the missing evidence when he testified that he lived
with R.O. in 2010 from the time he was released from prison until the beginning of
the summer.
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{¶33} Viewing R.O.’s testimony in a light most favorable to the prosecution, this
court finds the state provided sufficient evidence to prove Lawson’s actions caused R.O.
to believe he posed an imminent threat of physical harm.
{¶34} Although Lawson presented evidence designed to demonstrate he was
elsewhere on the morning of December 16, 2010, the trial court indicated his evidence
simply was not credible. In addition, Lawson conceded on cross-examination that R.O.
reasonably could have believed his actions toward her posed an imminent threat of
physical harm.
{¶35} Lawson’s second and third assignments of error, therefore, are overruled.
{¶36} In his fourth assignments of error, Lawson argues that the trial court
improperly applied R.C. 2941.25 at sentencing. He contends the trial court should have
merged his conviction on Count 7 with his convictions on Counts 2 through 4, and his
conviction on Count 8 with his conviction on
Count 9.
{¶37} The state concedes Lawson’s argument with respect to the weapons charges.
A review of the record, however, demonstrates Lawson’s argument with respect to his
domestic violence conviction lacks merit.
{¶38} In State v. Johnson, 128 Ohio St.3d 153, 2010-Ohio-6314, 942 N.E.2d 1061,
¶ 47-50, the supreme court stated the relevant analysis as follows:
Under R.C. 2941.25, the court must determine prior to sentencing whether the
offenses were committed by the same conduct. Thus, the court need not perform any
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hypothetical or abstract comparison of the offenses at issue in order to conclude that the
offenses are subject to merger.
In determining whether offenses are allied offenses of similar import under R.C.
2941.25(A), the question is whether it is possible to commit one offense and commit the
other with the same conduct, not whether it is possible to commit one without committing
the other.* * * If the offenses correspond to such a degree that the conduct of the
defendant constituting commission of one offense constitutes commission of the other,
then the offenses are of similar import.
If the multiple offenses can be committed by the same conduct, then the court must
determine whether the offenses were committed by the same conduct, i.e., “a single act,
committed with a single state of mind.” * * * .
If the answer to both questions is yes, then the offenses are allied offenses of
similar import and will be merged. (Emphasis in original.)
{¶39} As previously stated, Lawson was convicted in Count 7 of violating R.C. 2919.25(C), i.e.,
that “on or about December 16, 2010,” he “did, by threat of force, knowingly cause [R.O.], * * * to
believe that [he] would cause imminent physical harm” to her, and in Counts 2, 3, and 4 with
knowingly engaging in a pattern of conduct that would cause R.O. to believe that he would cause
physical harm to her. Clearly, it is possible to “commit one offense and commit the other with the
same conduct,” as set forth in Johnson.
{¶40} The next step in the analysis, therefore, is to determine whether the offenses
of menacing by stalking and domestic violence were committed by a single act with a
single state of mind. In addressing a similar situation as that presented in this case, this
court recently stated:
Given the sheer number of times that [defendant] contacted the
victim, both by telephone and in writing, it is highly likely that the charged
offenses were not committed at precisely the same time, so by definition the
offenses could not be allied. Indeed, the act of physically writing something
would suggest that it was not done at the same time the telephone calls were
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placed. * * * [W]e conclude that the offenses were not allied. State v.
Johnson, 8th Dist. No. 96064, 2011-Ohio-4954, ¶ 12.
{¶41} A review of the record in this case demonstrates Lawson engaged in separate
activities at separate times in order to accomplish his aims. Under these circumstances,
the crime of domestic violence was not an allied offense to the crimes of menacing by
stalking.
{¶42} Because the state concedes Lawson’s argument that his convictions in
Counts 8 and 9 were allied offenses, Lawson’s fourth assignment of error is sustained in
part and overruled in part.
{¶43} In addition, the record reflects the trial court imposed sentences of six
months on each of Counts 5 and 6, both of which “merge[d] with the base felony counts.”
In State v. Whitfield, 124 Ohio St.3d 319, 2010-Ohio-2, 922 N.E.2d 182, ¶ 20, the Ohio
Supreme Court stated:
The General Assembly has made clear that it is the state that
chooses which of the allied offenses to pursue at sentencing, and it may
choose any of the allied offenses. * * * In conferring that right on the state,
the legislature did not specify when the state must make that election. The
Legislative Service summary states that “the prosecution sooner or later
must elect as to which offense it wishes to pursue” (emphasis added), id.,thereby implying that the state has latitude in determining when to decide
which offense to pursue at sentencing. (Underscoring added.)
{¶44} The trial court in this case, however, did not provide the state with the
opportunity to make its election with respect to Counts 2 through 6. With the foregoing
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caveat, Lawson’s convictions are affirmed, and this case is remanded for resentencing
consistent with Whitfield.
{¶45} Affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded to the lower court for
further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
It is ordered that appellee and appellant share costs herein taxed.
The court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this court directing the common
pleas court to carry this judgment into execution. The defendant’s convictions having
been affirmed, any bail pending appeal is terminated. Case remanded to the trial court
for resentencing.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to
Rule 27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.
_____________________________
KENNETH A. ROCCO, JUDGE
PATRICIA ANN BLACKMON, A.J., and
FRANK D. CELEBREZZE, JR., J., CONCUR
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