State v. Recinos

[Cite as State v. Recinos, 2014-Ohio-3021.]
COURT OF APPEALS
RICHLAND COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
JUDGES:
STATE OF OHIO : Hon. W. Scott Gwin, P.J.
: Hon. Sheila G. Farmer, J.
Plaintiff-Appellant : Hon. Craig R. Baldwin, J.
-vs- :
:
RICARDO A. RECINOS : Case No. 14CA9
:
Defendant-Appellee :
: OPINION
CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING: Criminal appeal from the Richland County
Court of Common Pleas, Case No. 2013-
CR-580H
JUDGMENT: Reversed and Remanded
DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY: July 7, 2014
APPEARANCES:
For Plaintiff-Appellant For Defendant-Appellee
JILL COCHRAN RANDALL FRY
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney 10 West Newlon Place
38 South Park Street Mansfield, OH 44902
Mansfield, OH 449902
[Cite as State v. Recinos, 2014-Ohio-3021.]
Gwin, P.J.
{¶1} Appellant, the State of Ohio, appeals the dismissal by the Richland County
Court of Common Pleas of a forfeiture specification contained in the indictment of
defendant-appellee Ricardo A. Recinos, the trial court’s suspension of Recinos’ prison
sentence without the imposition of community control sanctions and the trial court’s
order that the money which was the subject of the forfeiture specification be utilized to
pay Recinos’ fine, court costs and restitution.
Facts and Procedural History
{¶2} On August 22, 2013, Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Shane Morrow,
canine handler to canine Hera, was stationed at mile marker 176 on Interstate 71 in
Richland County, Ohio, monitoring southbound traffic. Trooper Morrow noticed a white
full-sized van that appeared to have window tint on the driver side that was so dark that
the driver was not visible. The trooper noted this as a violation of the laws of the State of
Ohio as side windows are required to allow 50% light, plus or minus three percent.
{¶3} Trooper Morrow decided to perform a stop on the vehicle for an equipment
violation, pulled into traffic behind the vehicle, and started to run the vehicle plates. The
driver of the vehicle rolled down the window and was observed watching the officer's
vehicle through his side mirror. The trooper initiated a traffic stop in the area of State
Route 39. The trooper made a passenger side approach for his own safety and upon
approach noticed that the passenger, Recinos, was making furtive movements with his
right hand beside and behind his seat in the area of the passenger side door. Trooper
Morrow opened the side door and Recinos raised his hands, revealing a wad of cash
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9 3
with a one-hundred dollar bill on the outside. The total amount of this money was
$7,500.
{¶4} Due to the Recinos movements, the large amount of cash, which in the
officer's training an experience usually indicates drug trafficking, and other indicators
through the course of the stop, the trooper decided to perform a walk-around search
with his canine, while other officers validated the identifications of the vehicle
occupants. Canine Hera indicated the presence of illegal substances in the area of the
rear passenger door, just behind the front passenger seat where Recinos was seated,
in the area where he was seen reaching. A subsequent search of the area turned up a
plastic baggie of what was later determined to be methamphetamine.
{¶5} The window tint was later found to have been ripped off the windows by
the vehicle occupants at some point during the stop and tossed to the floor of the
vehicle. Testing of the window tint indicated that it was only allowing in 11.2% of light.
Upon searching the vehicle, numerous cell phones and air fresheners were found
throughout the vehicle.
{¶6} The trooper spoke to Recinos during the course of the stop. Recinos
indicated that he was a mechanic from Columbus who was coming from doing some
work in Medina. He also mentioned that he bought and sold cars. Id. Throughout the
interview, Recinos offered varying stories about where the money came from.
{¶7} Recinos testified that he had a business with his girlfriend, buying and
selling cars. He also testified that by profession he was a mechanic and that on the day
in question, he was coming from Medina where he had some mechanic work. Recinos
testified that part of the money he had on his person was from the sale of a car two
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9 4
weeks prior. The trooper also informed the trial court that he had interviewed Recinos
regarding his money situation and had given the grand jury information regarding the
Recinos income and his monthly expenses.
{¶8} Recinos was indicted with one count of aggravated possession of drugs,
in violation of R.C. 2925.11(A) & (C)(1)(a), said drug being methamphetamine, a
schedule II drug in an amount less than bulk, a felony of the fifth degree, The indictment
also contained a forfeiture specification for $7,500 in cash alleged to have been
obtained by Recinos directly or indirectly from the commission of said offense.
{¶9} Recinos filed a motion to return personal property on November 25, 2013,
requesting the return of the money taken from his person by the Ohio State Highway
Patrol and requesting a hearing on the matter. The State filed a reply on December 3,
2013, arguing that the motion could not be considered at the time because the money in
question was the subject of an indicted forfeiture specification. The trial court overruled
the motion on December 10, 2013.
{¶10} On December 9, 2013, Recinos filed a Motion to Suppress, specifically
arguing the legality of the vehicle stop and the propriety of the search of the vehicle.
The state responded on December 23, 2013. The suppression hearing was held on
January 17, 2014.
{¶11} Apparently, after the completion of the suppression hearing there were
discussions off the record. When the record started again, it was clear that the court
was intent on holding a hearing regarding the forfeiture specification. The State
indicated that it had only been prepared to go forward on the motion to suppress that
had been scheduled that day and had neither the evidence nor the testimony prepared
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9 5
to go forward on the forfeiture specification. The court's response was that the forfeiture
specification would then be dismissed if the State did not have evidence to go forward.
When the State indicated that time was needed to prepare the evidence, the trial court
demanded to know what evidence regarding the forfeiture was presented to the grand
jury. The trial court then determined that there had not been probable cause for the
grand jury to have charged the forfeiture specification and dismissed it over the
objection of the State.
{¶12} Recinos then entered an Alford plea to the possession charge. The trial
court sentenced Recinos to six months in prison. He was given credit for time served,
approximately three days, and the rest of the time was suspended. Recinos was not
placed on community control. Nor was he sentenced to post release control. The trial
court further ordered that Recinos pay a $2,500 fine, costs and restitution to the Ohio
State Highway Patrol for the drug test. The trial court specifically ordered that the Ohio
State Highway Patrol turn the money over to the clerk of courts in order to have the
$2,500 fine, lab fees and costs deducted from the money and to pay the remainder to
Recinos through his attorney.
Assignments of Error
{¶13} The state has raised four assignments of error,
{¶14} “I. THE TRIAL COURT VIOLATED THE DUE PROCESS RIGHTS OF
THE STATE WHEN IT DISMISSED THE PROPERLY CHARGED FORFEITURE
SPECIFICATION IN THIS CASE WITHOUT HOLDING A HEARING WITH PROPER
NOTICE GIVEN TO THE STATE.
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9 6
{¶15} “II. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN DISMISSING THE FORFEITURE
SPECIFICATION IN THIS CASE WHEN THE PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE
ESTABLISHED THAT THE MONEY WAS SUBJECT TO FORFEITURE.
{¶16} “III. THE APPELLEE'S SENTENCE WAS CONTRARY TO LAW WHEN IT
CONTAINED A SUSPENDED PRISON SENTENCE WITHOUT THE IMPOSITION OF
A COMMUNITY CONTROL SANCTION.
{¶17} “IV. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN ORDERING THAT THE STATE
HIGHWAY PATROL RELEASE THE MONEY TO THE CLERK OF COURT TO PAY
THE APPELLEE'S FINE, COURT COST AND RESTITUTION.”
I & II
{¶18} Because we find the issues raised in the state’s first and second
assignments of error are closely related, for ease of discussion, we shall address the
assignments of error together.
{¶19} The state argues the trial court erred when it dismissed the forfeiture
specification in this case due to "lack of probable cause" presented before the grand
jury and further, through the course of the suppression hearing presented sufficient
evidence that the money that was seized from Recinos was a proceed derived from or
acquired from a drug offense.
{¶20} R.C. Chapter 2981 permits “[a] law enforcement officer [to] seize property
that the officer has probable cause to believe is property subject to forfeiture.” R.C.
2981.03(A)(2). “Property subject to forfeiture” is defined to include “contraband” and
“instrumentalities” involved in the commission of a felony. See R.C. 2981.01(B)(13) and
R.C. 2981.02(A)(1), R.C. 2981.02(A)(3)(a), and R.C. 2981.02(B).
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9 7
{¶21} A prosecuting attorney may then pursue forfeiture of seized property in a
criminal proceeding under R.C. 2981.04, a civil proceeding under R.C. 2981.05, or both.
R.C. 2981.03(F). Criminal forfeiture is initiated by including in the charging instrument a
specification consistent with R.C. 2941.1417 or by providing the defendant with “prompt
notice,” in conformity with Crim.R. 7(E), that the property is subject to forfeiture. R.C.
2981.04(A)(1) and (A)(2). Civil forfeiture is initiated by filing “a complaint requesting an
order that forfeits the property to the state or a political subdivision.” R.C. 2981.05(A).
See, State v. North, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-120248, 2012-Ohio-5200, ¶8.
{¶22} Forfeiture may be ordered only after the prosecuting attorney has
identified and notified parties with an interest in the property, the trial court has
conducted a hearing, and the trier of fact has found that the property is subject to
forfeiture. See R.C. 2981.04(A) and (B), R.C. 2981.05(B) and (D), and R.C.
2981.03(A)(1). State v. North, ¶9; Accord, State v. Allen, 10th Dist. Franklin Nos. 13AP-
460, 13AP-462, 2014-Ohio-1806, ¶28. Before the final forfeiture adjudication, the state
or a political subdivision holds “provisional title to property subject to forfeiture,”
permitting the state or political subdivision to seize, hold, and protect the property. “Title
to the property vests with the state or political subdivision when the trier of fact renders
a final forfeiture verdict or order.” R.C. 2981.03(A)(1); see also R.C. 2981.04(G) and
2981.05(E). Id.{¶23} The Ohio Supreme Court has observed,
Moreover, the forfeiture of items contemplates judicial action and
additional considerations that extend beyond a defendant’s criminal case.
The proceeding itself requires an additional finding by the trier of fact. R.C.
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9 8
2981.04(B). Issues concerning the defendant’s interest and the ability to
seize the property also must be considered. R.C. 2981.06. And these
determinations may be made by the trier of fact after the court finds the
defendant guilty of the offense. R.C. 2981.04(B).
State v. Harris, 132 Ohio St.3d 318, 2012-Ohio-1908, 972 N.E.2d 509, ¶33.
{¶24} A forfeiture action, while instituted as a criminal penalty, is a civil
proceeding. State v. Roberts, 102 Ohio App.3d 514, 518, 657 N.E.2d 547(9th Dist.
1995), citing State v. Casalicchio, 58 Ohio St.3d 178, 181, 569 N.E.2d 916(1991).
Accordingly, due process requires that proceedings seeking a disposition of property in
forfeiture comply with the Rules of Civil Procedure. State v. Gaines, 64 Ohio App.3d
230, 236, 580 N.E.2d 1158(12th Dist. 1990).
{¶25} The state argues that the trial court incorrectly determined the ultimate
issue in the case, which is, whether the items were subject to forfeiture under the
statute, following a hearing on a motion to suppress. We agree.
{¶26} Recinos motion to suppress did not raise the ultimate issue of whether the
property was subject to forfeiture under the statute. Further, the trial court scheduled a
“suppression” hearing not a “forfeiture” hearing. Our brethren in the Ninth District have
noted,
The ultimate issue in this case, that is, whether the seized items are
subject to forfeiture, was not raised by the suppression motion and should
not have been considered by the court in rendering its decision on that
motion. As in any case in which a party argues for suppression of
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9 9
evidence, the court must rule on the motion before the parties can
proceed to litigating the ultimate issue.
State v. Crumpler, 9th Dist. Summit Nos. 26098, 26118, 2012-Ohio-2601, ¶25.
{¶27} In the case at bar, the question of whether the stop and the seizure of
Recinos and his belongings was lawful was merely a preliminary step on the way to
determining the ultimate issue, that is, whether the seized property is “subject to
forfeiture.” R.C. 2981.03(A)(2); R.C. 2981.04(B).
{¶28} We have often noted that forfeitures are not favored in law or equity and
are statutory provisions that must be strictly construed. State v. Thompson, 5th Dist.
Fairfield No. 03CA87, 2004–Ohio–7269, ¶32, citing State ex rel. Lukens v. Industrial
Commission, 143 Ohio St. 609, 56 N.E.2d 216 (1994). Where the statutory
requirements for forfeiture have not been met, we have no choice but to reverse the
decision of the trial court and remand for further proceedings. State v. Wood, 5th Dist.
Licking No. 12-CA-19, 2013-Ohio-1136, ¶44.
{¶29} The state’s first assignment of error is sustained. We vacate the order of
the trial court that the Ohio State Highway Patrol turn the money over to the clerk of
courts, reverse the decision of the trial court denying the forfeiture specification and
remand this case for further proceedings. In light of our disposition of the state’s first
assignment of error, we find the state’s second assignment of error to be premature.
III.
{¶30} In its third assignment of error, the state argues the trial court’s sentence
of six months in prison with credit for time served, was contrary to the law. Specifically,
the state contends the trial court was required to sentence Recinos either to prison or
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9 10
community control. Without a pre-sentence report, the state maintains Recinos could
not be sentenced to community control.
{¶31} The state concedes that it did not object to the sentence at the time of
sentencing in the trial court. Therefore, this Court may analyze the error in this case
pursuant to the Crim.R. 52(B) plain error analysis.
[A]n appellate court may, in its discretion, correct an error not
raised at trial only where the appellant demonstrates that (1) there is an
error; (2) the error is clear or obvious, rather than subject to reasonable
dispute; (3) the error affected the appellant’s substantial rights, which in
the ordinary case means it affected the outcome of the district court
proceedings; and (4) the error seriously affect[s] the fairness, integrity or
public reputation of judicial proceedings.
United States v. Marcus, 560 U.S. 258, 130 S.Ct. 2159, 2164,176 L.Ed.2d 1012(Internal quotation marks and citations omitted).
{¶32} Upon review, we find with regard to fourth and fifth degree felonies, R.C.
2929.13, effective date September 30, 2011, now provides:
(B)(1)(a) Except as provided in division (B)(1)(b) of this section, if
an offender is convicted of or pleads guilty to a felony of the fourth or fifth
degree that is not an offense of violence or that is a qualifying assault
offense, the court shall sentence the offender to a community control
sanction of at least one year’s duration if all of the following apply:
(i) The offender previously has not been convicted of or pleaded
guilty to a felony offense.
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9 11
(ii) The most serious charge against the offender at the time of
sentencing is a felony of the fourth or fifth degree.
(iii) If the court made a request of the department of rehabilitation
and correction pursuant to division (B)(1)(c) of this section, the
department, within the forty-five-day period specified in that division,
provided the court with the names of, contact information for, and program
details of one or more community control sanctions of at least one year’s
duration that are available for persons sentenced by the court.
(iv) The offender previously has not been convicted of or pleaded
guilty to a misdemeanor offense of violence that the offender committed
within two years prior to the offense for which sentence is being
imposed.(Emphasis added).
{¶33} R.C. 1.42 states: “1.42 Common and technical usage. Words and phrases
shall be read in context and construed according to the rules of grammar and common
usage. Words and phrases that have acquired a technical or particular meaning,
whether by legislative definition or otherwise, shall be construed accordingly.”
{¶34} The word “shall” is usually interpreted to make the provision in which it is
contained mandatory. Dorrian v. Scioto Conservancy District, 27 Ohio St. 2d 102, 107,
271 N.E.2d 834 (1971). In contrast, the use of the word “may” is generally construed to
make the provision in which it is contained optional, permissive, or discretionary. Id. The
words “shall” and “may” when used in statutes are not automatically interchangeable or
synonymous. Id. To give the “may” as used in a statute a meaning different from that
given in its ordinary usage, it must clearly appear that the Legislature intended that it be
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9 12
so construed from a review of the statute itself. Id. at 107– 108, 271 N.E. 2d 834. In re:
McClanahan, supra at ¶ 17.
{¶35} The language of R.C. 2929.13 is clear and unambiguous on its face and
needs no interpretation. If the trial court does not sentence a person convicted of felony
of the fourth or fifth degree to prison, the trial court must place the individual on
community control sanctions if it finds present the circumstances listed in R.C.
2929.13(B)(a)(i) through (iii). In addition, a trial court is required to “order a presentence
investigation and report before imposing community control sanctions or granting
probation.” Crim.R. 32.2; R.C. 2951.03(A)(1). See also, State v. Evans, 93 Ohio App.3d
121, 125, 637 N.E.2d 969 (9th Dist. 1994)(“This rule clearly provides that a presentence
investigation is required only when a trial court actually sentences the defendant to
probation....”); State v. Mitchell, 141 Ohio App.3d 770, 771-772, 753 N.E.2d 284(8th
Dist. 2001)(“Community control sanctions, in general, are inapplicable to the facts of this
case due to the absence of a predicate presentence investigation report made prior to
sentencing. See R.C. 2951.03(A)(1) and Crim.R. 32.2, which require a pre-sentence
investigation report prior to imposing a community control sanction. Thus, the court’s
only viable option at the time of sentencing was a period of incarceration.”).
{¶36} R.C. 2929.13(B)(1)(a), as amended, requires the trial court to sentence
Recinos to a community control sanction of at least one year’s duration if it finds present
the circumstances listed in R.C. 2929.13(B)(a)(i) through (iii). See State v. Henson, 5th
Dist. Delaware No. 11 CAA 110112, 2012–Ohio–2894, ¶12. Further, the trial court could
not impose a community control sanction because it did not obtain a presentence
investigation report. Accordingly, Recinos’ sentence was contrary to law.
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9 13
{¶37} The state’s third assignment of error is sustained. We vacate Recinos’
sentence and remand the matter to the trial court for resentencing under the correct
guidelines as set forth in the statutes as amended by H.B. 86.
IV.
{¶38} In the fourth assignment of error, the state contends the trial court erred by
ordering that the money which was the subject of the forfeiture specification be utilized
to pay Recinos’ fine, court costs and restitution.
{¶39} In light of our disposition of the states’ first and third assignments of error,
we find the state’s fourth assignment of error to be premature.
Richland County, Case No. 14CA9 14
Conclusion
{¶40} The state’s first and third assignments of error are sustained. We vacate
the order of the trial court that the Ohio State Highway Patrol turn the money over to the
clerk of courts, reverse the decision of the trial court denying the forfeiture specification,
vacate Recinos’ sentence and remand this case for further proceedings. The state’s
second and fourth assignments of error are premature.
By Gwin, P.J.,
Farmer, J., and
Baldwin, J., concur