State v. Evilsizor

[Cite as State v. Evilsizor, 2019-Ohio-4094.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
SECOND APPELLATE DISTRICT
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO :
:
Plaintiff-Appellee : Appellate Case No. 2019-CA-14
:
v. : Trial Court Case No. 2019-CR-49
:
RAYMOND GEORGE EVILSIZOR : (Criminal Appeal from
: Common Pleas Court)
Defendant-Appellant :
:
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OPINION
Rendered on the 4th day of October, 2019.
...........
KEVIN TALEBI, Atty. Reg. No. 0069198, Champaign County Prosecutor’s Office,
Appellate Division, 200 North Main Street, Urbana, Ohio 43078
Attorney for Plaintiff-Appellee
STEVEN H. ECKSTEIN, Atty. Reg. No. 0037253, 1208 Bramble Avenue, Washington
Courthouse, Ohio 43160
Attorney for Defendant-Appellant
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FROELICH, J.
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{¶ 1} Raymond George Evilsizor pled guilty in the Champaign County Court of
Common Pleas to domestic violence, a third-degree felony. In exchange for the plea,
the State dismissed a second domestic violence charge and deleted an allegation that
the victim was pregnant at the time of the offense. After a presentence investigation, the
trial court imposed a maximum 36-month sentence and ordered Evilsizor to pay legal fees
and expenses and court costs. For the following reasons, the trial court’s judgment will
be affirmed.
I. Anders Appeal Standard
{¶ 2} Evilsizor’s appellate counsel has filed a brief pursuant to Anders v. California,
386 U.S. 738, 87 S.Ct. 1396, 18 L.Ed.2d 493 (1967), indicating that he found “no
meritorious issue for appellate review.” Counsel raised whether Evilsizor’s guilty plea
was made knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily and whether the record supported a
maximum sentence. We informed Evilsizor that his attorney had filed an Anders brief on
his behalf and granted him 60 days from that date to file a pro se brief. To date, no pro
se brief has been filed.
{¶ 3} Pursuant to Anders, we must determine, “after a full examination of all the
proceedings,” whether the appeal is “wholly frivolous.” Id. at 744; Penson v. Ohio, 488
U.S. 75, 109 S.Ct. 346, 102 L.Ed.2d 300 (1988). An issue is not frivolous merely
because the prosecution can be expected to present a strong argument in reply. State v.
Pullen, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 19232, 2002-Ohio-6788, ¶ 4. Rather, a frivolous appeal
is one that presents issues lacking arguable merit, which means that, “on the facts and
law involved, no responsible contention can be made that it offers a basis for reversal.”
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State v. Marbury, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 19226, 2003-Ohio-3242, ¶ 8, citing Pullen at
¶ 4. If we find that any issue — whether presented by appellate counsel, presented by
the defendant, or found through an independent analysis — is not wholly frivolous, we
must appoint different appellate counsel to represent the defendant. Id. at ¶ 7.
II. Factual and Procedural History
{¶ 4} On February 4, 2019, Evilsizor was indicted on two counts of domestic
violence, both third-degree felonies. Count I concerned an incident on January 27, 2019,
and Count II concerned an incident on October 13-14, 2018. Both counts alleged that
the victim, the same woman in both incidents, was pregnant and Evilsizor knew that she
was pregnant, and that he twice previously had pled guilty or been convicted of domestic
violence.
{¶ 5} Evilsizor was arrested on the morning of February 8, 2019, and an initial
arraignment hearing was held the same day. The court ordered a $20,000 cash bond,
determined that Evilsizor was indigent, and appointed counsel. The court rescheduled
the arraignment with counsel for February 11, 2019. Evilsizor subsequently pled not
guilty to the charges. Evilsizor was ordered to have no contact with the victim.
{¶ 6} The court held a scheduling conference on February 20, 2019, at which time
Evilsizor demanded a jury trial and requested discovery, and the parties discussed
various motions. At the State’s request, the trial court modified the no-contact order to
permit limited telephone contact between Evilsizor and the victim; the court denied
Evilsizor’s request for a personal recognizance bond.
{¶ 7} On March 1, 2019, the trial court filed an entry indicating that the parties had
informed court personnel that a plea resolution had been reached. The court scheduled
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a plea hearing for March 8, 2019. At the March 8 hearing, Evilsizor pled guilty to an
amended Count I, which involved the removal of the pregnancy language.1 The State
also agreed to the dismissal of Count II and a presentence investigation.
{¶ 8} After the presentence investigation, the trial court imposed the maximum 36-
month sentence. The court informed Evilsizor that he would be subject to a mandatory
three years of post-release control and that it did not recommend intensive program
prison (IPP) or a risk reduction sentence. The court found that Evilsizor was entitled to
55 days of jail time credit from February 8, 2019 to April 3, 3019. The court ordered
Evilsizor to pay court costs and legal fees and expenses. The court ordered that funds
be withheld from Evilsizor’s inmate account to pay for his financial obligations.
{¶ 9} Evilsizor appeals from his conviction.
III. Anders Review
A. Pretrial Matters
{¶ 10} As an initial matter, we find no non-frivolous issues related to the events
prior to Evilsizor’s guilty plea. A plea of guilty is a complete admission of guilt. E.g.,
State v. Faulkner, 2d Dist. Champaign No. 2013-CA-43, 2015-Ohio-2059, ¶ 9; State v.
Wheeler, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 24112, 2011-Ohio-3423, ¶ 3; Crim.R. 11(B)(1).
Consequently, a guilty plea generally waives all appealable errors that may have occurred
in the trial court, unless such errors precluded the defendant from knowingly, intelligently,
and voluntarily entering his or her guilty plea. See, e.g., State v. Kelley, 57 Ohio St.3d
1 Pursuant to R.C. 2919.25(D), if the offender knew that the victim of domestic violence
was pregnant at the time of the violation, the court must impose a mandatory prison term.
The removal of the pregnancy allegation from Count I eliminated the requirement that the
court impose the mandatory prison term.
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127, 566 N.E.2d 658 (1991), paragraph two of the syllabus; Wheeler at ¶ 3. Evilsizor
had requested a personal recognizance bond, which was denied. However, we find
nothing in the record to suggest that the denial of his request affected, in any respect, his
decision to enter a plea.
B. Evilsizor’s Guilty Plea
{¶ 11} Crim.R. 11(C)(2) requires a trial court to address the defendant personally
and (a) determine that the defendant is making the plea voluntarily, with an understanding
of the nature of the charges and the maximum penalty, and, if applicable, that the
defendant is not eligible for probation or for the imposition of community control sanctions;
(b) inform the defendant of and determine that the defendant understands the effect of
the plea of guilty and that the court, upon acceptance of the plea, may proceed with
judgment and sentencing; and (c) inform the defendant and determine that he or she
understands that, by entering the plea, the defendant is waiving the rights to a jury trial,
to confront witnesses against him or her, to have compulsory process for obtaining
witnesses, and to require the State to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at a trial at
which he or she cannot be compelled to testify against himself or herself. State v. Brown,
2d Dist. Montgomery No. 21896, 2007-Ohio-6675, ¶ 3.
{¶ 12} The Supreme Court of Ohio has urged trial courts to comply literally with
Crim.R. 11. State v. Clark, 119 Ohio St.3d 239, 2008-Ohio-3748, 893 N.E.2d 462, ¶ 29.
The trial court must comply strictly with Crim.R. 11(C)(2)(c), as it pertains to the waiver of
federal constitutional rights. Id. at ¶ 31. However, because Crim.R. 11(C)(2)(a) and (b)
involve non-constitutional rights, the trial court need comply only substantially with those
requirements. E.g., State v. Bishop, 156 Ohio St.3d 156, 2018-Ohio-5132, 124 N.E.3d
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766, ¶ 11. “Substantial compliance means that under the totality of the circumstances
the defendant subjectively understands the implications of his plea and the rights he [or
she] is waiving.” State v. Nero, 56 Ohio St.3d 106, 108, 564 N.E.2d 474 (1990).
* * * But “[w]hen the trial judge does not substantially comply with Crim.R.
11 in regard to a nonconstitutional right, reviewing courts must determine
whether the trial court partially complied or failed to comply with the rule.”
(Emphasis sic.) Clark, 119 Ohio St.3d 239, 2008-Ohio-3748, 893 N.E.2d
462, at ¶ 32. “If the trial judge partially complied, e.g., by mentioning
mandatory postrelease control without explaining it, the plea may be
vacated only if the defendant demonstrates a prejudicial effect.” Id. But if
the trial court completely failed to comply with the rule, the plea must be
vacated. Id. Complete failure “ ‘to comply with the rule does not implicate
an analysis of prejudice.’ ” Id., quoting State v. Sarkozy, 117 Ohio St.3d
86, 2008-Ohio-509, 881 N.E.2d 1224, ¶ 22.
Bishop at ¶ 19. See also State v. McGlinch, 2019-Ohio-1380, __ N.E.3d __, ¶ 28 (2d
Dist.).
{¶ 13} We have reviewed the transcript of the plea hearing, held on March 8, 2019.
The record reflects that the trial court fully complied with its obligations under Crim.R.11,
and that Evilsizor knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily entered his guilty plea to the
amended charge of domestic violence, a third-degree felony. The trial court fully
explained the nature of the charge and possible maximum penalty. Of particular
relevance, the trial court explained to Evilsizor that the amendment to Count I removed
the mandatory prison term, but the court could, after reviewing the sentencing factors, still
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decide to impose a prison term. Evilsizor stated that he understood. The court also
informed Evilsizor of the effect of a guilty plea and the constitutional rights he was waiving.
When asked if he had any defense to the charge or a reason why he should be found not
guilty, Evilsizor answered “No.” Evilsizor admitted that he had committed the January
27, 2019 domestic violence and that he had two prior convictions for domestic violence.
{¶ 14} We find no non-frivolous issues related to Evilsizor’s guilty plea.
C. Sentencing Matters
{¶ 15} In reviewing felony sentences, appellate courts must apply the standard of
review set forth in R.C. 2953.08(G)(2), rather than an abuse of discretion standard. See
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 modify a sentence, or it
may vacate the sentence and remand for resentencing, only if it “clearly and convincingly”
finds either (1) that the record does not support certain specified findings or (2) that the
sentence imposed is contrary to law. State v. Huffman, 2d Dist. Miami No. 2016-CA-16,
2017-Ohio-4097, ¶ 6.
{¶ 16} “The trial court has full discretion to impose any sentence within the
authorized statutory range, and the court is not required to make any findings or give its
reasons for imposing maximum or more than minimum sentences.” State v. King, 2013-
Ohio-2021, 992 N.E.2d 491, ¶ 45 (2d Dist.). However, in exercising its discretion, a trial
court must consider the statutory policies that apply to every felony offense, including
those set out in R.C. 2929.11 and R.C. 2929.12. State v. Leopard, 194 Ohio App.3d
500, 2011-Ohio-3864, 957 N.E.2d 55, ¶ 11 (2d Dist.), citing State v. Mathis, 109 Ohio
St.3d 54, 2006-Ohio-855, 846 N.E.2d 1, ¶ 38.
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{¶ 17} At the beginning of the sentencing hearing, the prosecutor asked the court
to impose a prison term. The prosecutor noted that the victim indicated a desire for
Evilsizor to receive community control and treatment for his alcohol addiction, but the
prosecutor expressed his disagreement. He told the court that Evilsizor had engaged in
multiple acts of violence, that he did not comply with the court’s no-contact order (58
attempted phone calls with the victim and 15 jail visits). The prosecutor emphasized that
Evilsizor initially was to have no contact with the victim, and then was granted two seven-
minute phone calls every seven days. The prosecutor also pointed out that Evilsizor
used four different inmate pin numbers to make phone calls to the victim, which the
prosecutor argued demonstrated an attempt to avoid detection of the total number of
calls. Finally, the prosecutor noted that Evilsizor had been sentenced to prison twice in
the past.
{¶ 18} The victim read a prepared statement at the sentencing hearing. She told
the court that she believed the offense was “based on an alcohol dependency.” She
requested that Evilsizor receive some form of treatment. She expressed that she would
like Evilsizor to be there for his children physically and financially.
{¶ 19} Defense counsel asked the trial court to consider community control.
Counsel noted that Evilsizor had written a thoughtful letter to the court prior to sentencing,
that he was “extremely remorseful,” and that he had “significant alcohol issues.” Counsel
further argued that the victim’s concern was not just financial; she and Evilsizor “rely on
each other for advice, support, and counsel.” Counsel further emphasized that Evilsizor
had not been in prison since 2002, and that he had attempted to get enrolled in
programming while in jail. Evilsizor had started attending church services and receiving
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mental health counseling in jail. Counsel stated that Evilsizor acknowledged the
violations of the no-contact order, but claimed that the use of different numbers was not
intended to be deceitful.
{¶ 20} Speaking on his own behalf, Evilsizor apologized for his conduct and
expressed that he “would never handle anything like this sober. * * * I’m not a danger to
anyone. I’ve never done anything stupid that caused anybody problems without drinking.”
{¶ 21} The trial court reviewed Evilsizor’s criminal history with him, which began
when Evilsizor was a juvenile, including a juvenile adjudication for assault. (Evilsizor
was 40 years old at sentencing.) As a young adult, Evilsizor had numerous convictions,
including a conviction for burglary, a second-degree felony, for which he ultimately served
two years in prison. Other convictions were for attempted assault (twice), domestic
violence (2004 and twice in 2014), forgery, underage alcohol, telephone harassment
(2003 and 2014), and violating a protection order (multiple times). The court also talked
with Evilsizor about his children and their mothers.
{¶ 22} Prior to imposing sentence, the trial court considered the sentencing factors
and considerations in R.C. 2929.11 and R.C. 2929.12. The court noted that the victim
was six months pregnant when the offense occurred, and found that Evilsizor had
previously committed several acts of violence. The court further found that Evilsizor had
not responded favorably to sanctions previously imposed, that he did not show genuine
remorse by minimizing his criminal conduct, that he violated the court’s no-contact order,
and that he was likely to recidivate. The trial court imposed 36 months in prison,
commenting that “[i]f the Court could impose more, it would” and that Evilsizor was “a
danger to our society.” The court stated that it had also considered Evilsizor’s present
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and future ability to pay financial obligations, finding him to be employable and in good
health.
{¶ 23} We find no non-frivolous issue based on the court’s imposition of a
maximum 36-month sentence. There is nothing that clearly and convincingly
demonstrates that the record does not support the trial court’s sentence.
{¶ 24} Moreover, we find no potentially meritorious claim that the court should not
have imposed financial obligations. The PSI reflects that Evilsizor obtained a GED in
1998 and that he had held employment as a cook as recently as January 2019.
Moreover, although Evilsizor reported having no assets or monthly income, Evilsizor told
the presentence investigator that, when he was not incarcerated, he had stable
employment and was able to support himself financially.
{¶ 25} The trial court disapproved of Evilsizor’s placement in an intensive program
prison (IPP). Pursuant to R.C. 2929.19(D), a trial court may recommend placement in
IPP, disapprove placement, or make no recommendation. If the court recommends or
disapproves placement, “it shall make a finding that gives its reasons for its
recommendation or disapproval.” Id. This court has previously held that a general
statement indicating that the trial court based its decision to approve or disapprove IPP
after reviewing certain parts of the record (such as criminal history, PSI, and facts and
circumstances of the offense) does not satisfy the finding requirement in R.C. 2929.19(D).
E.g., State v. Peltier, 2d Dist. Champaign No. 2018-CA-21, 2019-Ohio-569.
{¶ 26} Any error in the disapproval of IPP is necessarily harmless, however, when
the defendant is not eligible for IPP. E.g., State v. Kendall, 2d Dist. Champaign No.
2019-CA-5, 2019-Ohio-2836, ¶ 26; State v. Felton, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 27239,
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2017-Ohio-761, ¶ 29. R.C. 5120.032(B)(2)(a) states that a prisoner is not eligible to
participate in an intensive program prison if he or she “previously has been imprisoned
for aggravated murder, murder, or a felony of the first or second degree.”
{¶ 27} Here, the presentence investigation report indicates that Evilsizor was
convicted of burglary, a second-degree felony, in 1997. Although Evilsizor originally
received three years of community control for that offense, his community control was
revoked and he served two years in prison. As a result, Evilsizor was ineligible to
participate in IPP. Accordingly, we find no arguably meritorious claim that the trial
court committed reversible error in its disapproval of that program.
{¶ 28} Finally, we find no non-frivolous issue related to the trial court’s order to
withhold funds from Evilsizor’s inmate account. We have found similar language to be
an appropriate method for collecting court costs and court-appointed counsel fees. See,
e.g., State v. Skirvin, 2d Dist. Champaign No. 2017-CA-26, 2019-Ohio-2040; Kendall
at ¶ 28-30.
IV. Conclusion
{¶ 29} We have examined the entire record and conducted our independent review
in accordance with Penson, 488 U.S. 75, 109 S.Ct. 346, 102 L.Ed.2d 300. We agree
with appellate counsel that no non-frivolous issues exist for appeal. Accordingly, the trial
court’s judgment will be affirmed.
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WELBAUM, P.J., and DONOVAN, J., concur.
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Copies sent to:
Kevin Talebi
Steven H. Eckstein
Raymond George Evilsizor
Hon. Nick A. Selvaggio