State v. Williams

[Cite as State v. Williams, 2019-Ohio-871.]
Court of Appeals of Ohio
EIGHTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
COUNTY OF CUYAHOGA
JOURNAL ENTRY AND OPINION
No. 107151
STATE OF OHIO
PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE
vs.
WILLIAM E. WILLIAMS
DEFENDANT-APPELLANT
JUDGMENT:
AFFIRMED
Criminal Appeal from the
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas
Case No. CR-17-621163-A
BEFORE: Sheehan, J., Jones, P.J., and Keough, J.
RELEASED AND JOURNALIZED: March 14, 2019
ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT
Ruth R. Fischbein-Cohen
3552 Severn Rd., #613
Cleveland, OH 44118
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLEE
Michael C. O’Malley
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor
By: James M. Rice
Assistant County Prosecutor
Justice Center, 9th Floor
1200 Ontario Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
MICHELLE J. SHEEHAN, J.:
{¶1} Defendant-appellant William E. Williams appeals from his conviction and sentence
for improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle. For the reasons that follow, we affirm.
Procedural History
{¶2} Williams was charged with felonious assault (Counts 1 and 2), improperly
handling firearms in a motor vehicle, namely a handgun (Count 3), and child endangering (Count
4). The indictment stemmed from a shooting that occurred during a custody exchange on
September 5, 2017.
{¶3} The matter proceeded to a jury trial. Williams testified on his own behalf,
claiming self-defense. The court instructed the jury on self-defense relating to Counts 1 and 2,
the felonious assault charges, advising the jury that self-defense provides a legal justification for
conduct that otherwise constitutes a crime. The court advised the jury that the self-defense
claim did not apply to the remaining two charges — improperly handling firearms in a motor
vehicle and endangering children.
{¶4} The jury found Williams not guilty on the felonious assault charges and on Count
4, endangering children. The jury found Williams guilty on Count 3, improperly handling
firearms in a motor vehicle. Williams was sentenced on Count 3 to one and one-half years of
community control sanctions and five days in jail, with credit for time served.
{¶5} Williams now appeals, assigning two errors for our review:
I. The trial court denied Williams due process and a fair trial when it failed to
instruct the jury on self-defense relative to Count 3.
II. The trial court erred by sentencing Williams absent the findings mandated by
R.C. 2929.12.
Improperly Handling Firearms in a Motor Vehicle
{¶6} In his first assignment of error, Williams contends that the trial court erred when it
failed to instruct the jury on self-defense on Count 3, improperly handling firearms in a motor
vehicle, along with the other counts. Williams essentially argues that under the castle doctrine,
he was entitled to protect himself with a firearm when he was attacked in his vehicle.
{¶7} Williams had a shared parenting agreement with the mother of his daughter, O.F.
On September 5, 2017, they were scheduled to meet at a gas station for a custody exchange of
Williams’s daughter. After many delays and O.F.’s apparent fabrications that she was on her
way to meet Williams, O.F. arrived at the gas station with their daughter. According to
Williams, immediately after they arrived, O.F.’s father, S.F., appeared from behind a car and
threatened Williams. Williams proceeded to his car, with his daughter in his arms. Thereafter,
S.F. knocked Williams’s cell phone from his hands, tugged on Williams’s daughter, followed
Williams to his car, and continued to threaten Williams. Williams testified that previous
experiences with S.F. caused him to fear S.F. and believe S.F. would follow through with his
threats. Williams placed his daughter in her car seat and was in the back of the car when he
grabbed his gun. Williams stated that S.F. then jumped on his back, pulled him out of the
vehicle, and slammed him to the ground. At this point, an altercation ensued where S.F. bit
Williams near his neck. Williams stated that despite his repeated attempts to get away, S.F.
continued to grab him. Williams testified that he felt the police were not coming fast enough
and he had no other option but to shoot S.F. Williams then shot S.F. in the leg, held the gun
on S.F., and called the police.
{¶8} On cross-examination, Williams testified that he does not have a concealed carry
license. He also conceded that his loaded firearm was in the vehicle’s center console. The
firearm at issue is a 9 mm handgun.
{¶9} We note initially that the state contends that Williams failed to preserve this issue
for appeal because he did not object to the jury instructions specifically relating to Count 3.
{¶10} Generally, a party must object to the trial court’s failure to give jury instructions in
order to raise the issue on appeal. State v. Eddy, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 104417,
2017-Ohio-7398, ¶ 7, citing Crim.R. 30(A). Crim.R. 30(A), which governs jury instructions,
states as follows:
On appeal, a party may not assign as error the giving or the failure to give any
instructions unless the party objects before the jury retires to consider its verdict,
stating specifically the matter objected to and the ground of the objection.
Therefore, where a party fails to object to the jury instruction, he or she has waived all but plain
error on appeal. Eddy, citing State v. Lott, 51 Ohio St.3d 160, 555 N.E.2d 293 (1990); State v.
Burns, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 95465, 2011-Ohio-4230; Crim.R. 52(B).
{¶11} Nonetheless, a party does not waive objections to the trial court’s charge by failing
to formally object where: (1) the record affirmatively shows the trial court has been fully
apprised of the correct law governing a material issue in dispute, and (2) the requesting party has
been unsuccessful in obtaining the inclusion of that law in the charge to the jury. State v.
Wolons, 44 Ohio St.3d 64, 541 N.E.2d 443 (1989), paragraph one of the syllabus. And courts
have held that where the appellant submits proposed jury instructions, he has preserved the issue
for appeal. See State v. Nye, 2013-Ohio-3783, 997 N.E.2d 552, ¶ 26 (3d Dist.); State v. Fine, 2d
Dist. Miami No. 09CA00032, 2010-Ohio-2637, ¶ 21.
{¶12} Here, the record shows that Williams submitted proposed jury instructions that
began with the statement, “Mr. Williams is asserting that he acted in self-defense in this matter.”
The jury instructions then continued to address the self-defense presumption and define various
terms. The jury instructions did not distinguish the charges to which the self-defense
instructions might apply.
{¶13} The court instructed the jury on self-defense as it related to the two counts of
felonious assault but specifically advised the jury that self-defense did not apply to Count 3,
improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle. After charging the jury, but before the jury
retired to consider the verdict, the prosecutor, defense counsel, and the court had an extensive
discussion regarding the self-defense instruction. The state objected to the court’s instruction
on the castle doctrine, which the court overruled in part. When asked if Williams had any
objections to the instructions, the following exchange occurred:
Defense counsel: Your Honor, we would object to the form that the instructions
were in; we submit that we believe that the best form of the instructions were the
ones we filed with the court.
Court: Well, so what you’re saying is you object in so far as whatever you
requested was not actually given.
Defense counsel: Right. And just if you want me to specifically address —
Court: No. * * * I know what you requested and I know what [instructions] I gave,
so I know what your objection is.
Defense counsel: Thank you, your Honor.
The court then overruled defense counsel’s objection.
{¶14} It is not entirely clear from this record, especially in light of the court’s
interruption, whether defense counsel would have specifically objected to the court’s failure to
instruct the jury on self-defense as to Count 3. The record arguably demonstrates, however, that
the trial court had been fully apprised of the correct law governing a disputed issue and the
defendant was unsuccessful in obtaining the inclusion of that law in the charge to the jury.
Nevertheless, regardless of our treatment of Williams’s objection, we find the court’s failure to
instruct the jury on self-defense on Count 3 was not error, much less plain error.
{¶15} Williams was convicted of improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle in
violation of R.C. 2923.16(B), which provides that “[n]o person shall knowingly transport or have
a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle in such a manner that the firearm is accessible to the operator
or any passenger without leaving the vehicle.” An individual accused of violating this statute
may defend on the same grounds specified in R.C. 2923.12 “as excusing the carrying of
concealed weapons for defensive purposes.” R.C. 2923.16, 1974 Committee Comment to H
511. Indeed, R.C. 2923.16(G)(1) states that an offender may assert “[t]he affirmative defenses
authorized in divisions (D)(1) and (2) of section 2923.12 of the Revised Code * * * to a charge
under division (B) * * * of this section that involves a firearm other than a handgun.”
{¶16} R.C. 2923.12(D) provides that
[i]t is an affirmative defense to a charge under division (A)(1) of this section of
carrying or having control of a weapon other than a handgun and other than a
dangerous ordnance that the actor was not otherwise prohibited by law from
having the weapon and that any of the following applies:
(1) The weapon was carried or kept ready at hand by the actor for defensive
purposes while the actor was engaged in or was going to or from the actor’s
lawful business or occupation, which business or occupation was of a character or
was necessarily carried on in a manner or at a time or place as to render the actor
particularly susceptible to criminal attack, such as would justify a prudent person
in going armed; [and]
(2) The weapon was carried or kept ready at hand by the actor for defensive
purposes while the actor was engaged in a lawful activity and had reasonable
cause to fear a criminal attack upon the actor, a member of the actor’s family, or
the actor’s home, such as would justify a prudent person in going armed.
{¶17} As evident from above, R.C. 2923.16(G)(1) and 2923.12(D)(1) and (2) authorize
the assertion of affirmative defenses under certain circumstances. Each statute, however,
expressly notes that an affirmative defense applies to a firearm “other than a handgun.” Thus,
an affirmative defense under these statutes is not available when the weapon involved is a
handgun. State v. Carrocce, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 07AP-754, 2008-Ohio-1517, ¶ 15, citing
State v. Davis, 115 Ohio St.3d 360, 2007-Ohio-5025, 875 N.E.2d 80, ¶ 24.
{¶18} Here, the weapon involved was a 9 mm handgun. The evidence demonstrated
that Williams transported a loaded handgun in his vehicle, and when he felt threatened by S.F.,
he retrieved the handgun from the vehicle’s center console and used it to shoot S.F. Williams
therefore cannot claim self-defense to his violation of improperly handling firearms in a motor
vehicle, and his argument regarding the castle doctrine on this charge is unavailing.
Accordingly, the trial court’s instruction to the jury was proper.
{¶19} Williams’s first assignment of error is overruled.
Sentencing
{¶20} In his second assignment of error, Williams contends that the trial court erred when
it failed to make findings under R.C. 2929.12. Within the context of his argument, however, he
asserts that his sentence is contrary to law because the court failed to properly consider the
statutory factors.
{¶21} We note initially that in reviewing felony sentences, we do not review the sentence
for an abuse of discretion; rather, we apply the standard of review set forth in R.C.
2953.08(G)(2). State v. Wright, 2018-Ohio-965, 108 N.E.3d 1109, ¶ 9 (8th Dist.); State v.
Marcum, 146 Ohio St.3d 516, 2016-Ohio-1002, 59 N.E.3d 1231, ¶ 9. Under R.C.
2953.08(G)(2), an appellate court may increase, reduce, or otherwise modify a sentence, or
vacate a sentence and remand for resentencing if we “clearly and convincingly find” that the
record does not support the sentencing court’s statutory findings under certain statutes (not
relevant in this case) or the sentence is contrary to law.
{¶22} A sentence is “contrary to law” if (1) the sentence falls outside the statutory range
for the particular degree of offense, or (2) the trial court failed to consider the purposes and
principles of felony sentencing set forth in R.C. 2929.11 and the sentencing factors in R.C.
2929.12. State v. Morgan, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 105682, 2018-Ohio-1834, ¶ 14; State v.
Pawlak, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 103444, 2016-Ohio-5926, ¶ 58.
{¶23} R.C. 2929.11(A) provides that the overriding purposes of felony sentencing are (1)
to protect the public from future crime by the offender and others and (2) to punish the offender
using the minimum sanctions that the court determines accomplish those purposes without
imposing an unnecessary burden on state or local government resources.1 Further, the sentence
imposed shall be “reasonably calculated” to achieve these purposes, “commensurate with and not
demeaning to the seriousness of the offender’s conduct and its impact on the victim, and
consistent with sentences imposed for similar crimes by similar offenders.” R.C. 2929.11(B).
{¶24} In determining the most effective way to comply with the purposes and principles
of sentencing set forth in R.C. 2929.11, the sentencing court must consider the seriousness and
recidivism factors enumerated in R.C. 2929.12. State v. Hamilton, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No.
102870, 2016-Ohio-1376, ¶ 14. The seriousness factors include any physical or mental harm
suffered by the victim and whether there are substantial grounds to mitigate the offender’s
conduct. R.C. 2929.12(B) and (C). The recidivism factors include any relevant factors that
indicate whether an offender is likely to commit future crimes, such as the offender’s drug abuse,
criminal history, and demonstration of remorse for the offense. R.C. 2929.12(D) and (E).
{¶25} R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12 are not fact-finding statutes. Therefore, although the
trial court has a mandatory duty to “consider” the statutory factors under R.C. 2929.11 and
2929.12, the court is not required to make any factual findings under R.C. 2929.11 or 2929.12.
State v. Gay, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 103641, 2016-Ohio-2946, ¶ 16, citing State v. Wilson, 129
Ohio St.3d 214, 2011-Ohio-2669, 951 N.E.2d 381, ¶ 31. Indeed, consideration of the statutory
factors is presumed unless the defendant affirmatively demonstrates otherwise. State v. Keith,
8th Dist. Cuyahoga Nos. 103413 and 103414, 2016-Ohio-5234, ¶ 11. Moreover, a trial court’s
statement in its sentencing journal entry that it considered the required statutory factors
1
There are now three overriding purposes set forth in R.C. 2929.11(A). See S.B. 66, Section 1, effective
October 29, 2018, after Williams was sentenced.
sufficiently fulfills its obligations under R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12. Wright, 2018-Ohio-965,
108 N.E.3d 1109, at ¶ 16; State v. West, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 105568, 2018-Ohio-956, ¶ 11.
{¶26} Here, the court sentenced Williams to five days in jail, with credit for time served,
and 18 months community control sanctions. Williams concedes that his sentence is within the
statutory range for his offense. And in reviewing the record, we find the court considered the
principles and purposes of felony sentencing outlined in R.C. 2929.11 and the sentencing factors
outlined in R.C. 2929.12.
{¶27} Before imposing sentence, the court heard from the prosecutor, defense counsel,
and Williams. Defense counsel noted that Williams had no prior felonies and only one
misdemeanor charge from several years ago, he had no substance abuse or mental health issues,
he had been working on custody issues with his daughter and had a good relationship with her,
and he was remorseful. Williams apologized to the court and expressed a desire to create a
better life for his family.
{¶28} Thereafter, the court stated that it considered the parties’ statements, the
presentence investigative report, the evidence from trial, and the provisions of R.C. Chapter
2929. Additionally, the court’s sentencing journal entry states that the court considered all
required factors of law and it found that a community control sanction “will adequately protect
the public and will not demean the seriousness of the offense.”
{¶29} In light of the foregoing, we find the trial court considered the sentencing purposes
and principles under R.C. 2929.11 and the sentencing factors in R.C. 2929.12. The court is not
required to make any findings under these statutes. Williams’s sentence is therefore not
“contrary to law.”
{¶30} Williams’s second assignment of error is overruled.
{¶31} Judgment affirmed.
It is ordered that appellee recover of appellant 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 conviction having been affirmed,
any bail pending appeal is terminated. Case remanded to the trial court for execution of
sentence.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of the
Rules of Appellate Procedure.
__________________________________________
MICHELLE J. SHEEHAN, JUDGE
LARRY A. JONES, SR., P.J., and
KATHLEEN ANN KEOUGH, J., CONCUR