State v. Walker

[Cite as State v. Walker, 2021-Ohio-2693.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
WASHINGTON COUNTY
State of Ohio, : Case No. 20CA24
:
Plaintiff-Appellee, :
:
v. : DECISION AND JUDGMENT
: ENTRY
Christopher A. Walker, :
:
Defendant-Appellant. : RELEASED: 08/02/2021
:
:
_____________________________________________________________
APPEARANCES:
Eric J. Allen, Columbus, Ohio, for Appellant.
Nicole T. Coil, Washington County Prosecutor, and Joseph P. Derkin, Assistant
Washington County Prosecutor, Marietta, Ohio, for Appellee.
_____________________________________________________________
Wilkin, J.
{¶1} This is an appeal from a Washington County Court of Common Pleas
judgment entry that sentenced appellant, Christopher A. Walker, to an indefinite
prison term of six to nine years after pleading guilty to four criminal counts,
including illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance and
pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor. Appellant asserts two
assignments of error: (1) the trial court erred in sentencing appellant to a term of
six years imprisonment and (2) as amended by the Reagan Tokes Act,
sentences for qualifying first-and second-degree felonies violate the state and
federal constitutions separation of powers clauses. After our review of
Washington App. No. 20CA24 2
appellant’s arguments, the record, and the applicable law, we overrule
appellant’s assignments of error and affirm the trial court’s sentencing entry.
BACKGROUND
{¶2} On April 30, 2020, the state charged appellant with illegal use of a
minor in nudity-oriented material or performance in violation of R.C.
2907.323(A)(1) and (B), a second-degree felony; and three counts of pandering
sexually oriented matter involving a minor in violation of R.C. 2907.322(A)(1) and
(C), which are second-degree felonies, with specifications that various devices
on which the illegal material was found were subject to forfeiture. Appellant pled
not guilty. However, on July 13, 2020, the trial court held a change-of-plea
hearing. After a Crim.R. 11 colloquy with the appellant, including notice that he
could be subject to an indefinite prison term under the Reagan Tokes Act, the
trial court accepted appellant’s guilty plea. On July 13, 2020, the trial court
issued a change-of-plea judgment entry that accepted appellant’s guilty plea and
set sentencing for September 4, 2020.
{¶3} At the September sentencing hearing, the trial court considered
appellant’s sentence for the offenses that he pleaded guilty to herein, as well as
for a community control violation in case no. 18CR414, for unlawful possession
of a dangerous ordnance. Pursuant to a stipulation between the parties, the
court found that appellant had violated his community control in case 18CR414,
and the court imposed an 11-month prison term with 262 days of jail time credit.
{¶4} The trial court then proceeded to sentence appellant for the four
criminal counts in the instant case. After hearing arguments from both parties,
Washington App. No. 20CA24 3
the court stated that appellant’s “offense is more serious than the norm, because
of the physical or mental injury suffered by the victims of pornography, due to the
conduct of the [appellant] was exacerbated by the age of the victims. They’re
children.” The court also expressed concern that appellant acquired the
“pornography” herein while on community control. The court further noted
appellant’s prior criminal history, which included a “drug offense” and a felony.
{¶5} In determining the proper sentence, the court weighed “the
seriousness and recidivism factors” and “considered the overriding purposes of
felony sentencing – that’s to protect the public from future crime by the
[appellant] and others and to punish the [appellant]” by using the minimum
sanctions to achieve that purpose without unnecessarily burdening the
government. The court further considered the need to incapacitate and
rehabilitate appellant, as well as deter him from committing future crime. Finally,
the court again “mention[ed]” that appellant committed these offenses while
under community control, and that he has a “raging drug problem.” Consistent
with the Reagan Tokes Act, the trial court imposed a prison term for each count
of 6 to 9 years with each sentence to run concurrently to the others, and
concurrent to the 11-month sentence in case 18CR414, for an aggregate prison
term of 6 to 9 years. At the end of the hearing, appellant’s counsel objected,
arguing that appellant’s sentence was unconstitutional because the Reagan
Tokes Act violates the Separation of Powers Doctrine. The trial court noted the
objection, but did not sustain it.
Washington App. No. 20CA24 4
{¶6} Thereafter the trial court issued a sentencing entry consistent with
what the court imposed at the hearing, i.e. an aggregate prison sentence of a
minimum of six years to a maximum of nine years in prison. It is this entry that is
the subject of appellant’s appeal.
ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR
I. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN SENTENCING APPELLANT TO A TERM
OF SIX YEARS IMPRISONMENT
II. AS AMENDED BY THE REAGAN TOKES ACT, SENTENCING FOR
QUALIFYING FIRST- AND SECOND-DEGREE FELONIES VIOLATES
THE STATE AND FEDERAL CONSTITUTIONS SEPERATION OF
POWERS CLAUSES
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR I
{¶7} Appellant argues that the trial court erred in sentencing him to prison,
as opposed to an alternate sanction. He maintains that all his criminal conduct
emanates from his drug use. He then theorizes that due to the lack of funding
and availability, he will not receive treatment for his drug addiction while in
prison. Without treatment, he asserts that he will relapse into addiction, and
resume his criminal ways when released from prison.
{¶8} In response, the state argues that appellant’s sentence was within
the range of prison terms for a second-degree felony, and is not contrary to law.
Therefore, the appellant’s sentence should be affirmed.
Law and Analysis
A. Felony Sentencing Under R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12
{¶9} Unlike some other felony sentencing statutes that require a trial court
to make certain “findings” in support of a particular sentence (e.g., R.C.
Washington App. No. 20CA24 5
2929.14(C) requires a trial court to make certain findings before imposing
consecutive sentences), “a trial court is required to only ‘carefully consider’ the
factors in R.C. 2929.11 and R.C. 2929.12 when imposing sentence.” State v.
Allen, 4th Dist. Pickaway No. 19CA031, 2021-Ohio-648, ¶13 citing State v.
Mathis, 109 Ohio St. 3d 54, 2006-Ohio-855, 846 N.E.2d 1, ¶ 38. And “ ‘[s]imply
because the court did not balance the factors in the manner appellant desires
does not mean that the court failed to consider them.’ ” Id. at 16, quoting State v.
Butcher, 4th Dist. Athens No. 15CA33, 2017-Ohio-1544, ¶ 87.
B. Review of a Felony Sentence Under R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12
{¶10} “When reviewing felony sentences, appellate courts must apply the
standard of review set forth in R.C. 2953.08(G)(2).” State v. Graham, 4th
Dist. Adams No. 17CA1046, 2018-Ohio-1277, ¶ 13, citing State v.
Marcum, 146 Ohio St.3d 516, 2016-Ohio-1002, 59 N.E.3d 1231, ¶ 1, 22-23.
R.C. 2953.08(G)(2) specifies that an appellate court may
increase, reduce, modify, or vacate and remand a challenged
felony sentence if the court clearly and convincingly finds either:
(a) That the record does not support the sentencing court's
findings under division (B) or (D) of section 2929.13, division
(B)(2)(e) or (C)(4) of section 2929.14, or division (I) of section
2929.20 of the Revised Code, whichever, if any, is relevant;
(b) That the sentence is otherwise contrary to law.
State v. Jordan, 4th Dist. Adams No. 19CA1105, 2020-Ohio-3928, ¶ 7, quoting
R.C. 2953.08(G)(2).
Marcum elaborated:
[S]ome sentences do not require the findings that R.C.
2953.08(G) specifically addresses. Nevertheless, it is fully
consistent for appellate courts to review those sentences that are
imposed solely after consideration of the factors in R.C. 2929.11
Washington App. No. 20CA24 6
and 2929.12 under a standard that is equally deferential to the
sentencing court. That is, an appellate court may vacate or modify
any sentence that is not clearly and convincingly contrary to law
only if the appellate court finds by clear and convincing evidence
that the record does not support the sentence.
Marcum at ¶ 23
{¶11} “Clear and convincing evidence is ‘that measure or degree of proof
which * * * ‘will produce in the mind of the trier of facts a firm belief or conviction
as to the facts sought to be established.’ ” State ex rel. Husted v. Brunner, 123
Ohio St.3d 288, 2009-Ohio-5327, 915 N.E.2d 1215, ¶ 18, quoting Cross v.
Ledford, 161 Ohio St. 469, 120 N.E.2d 118 (1954), paragraph three of the
syllabus. “ ‘This is a very deferential standard of review, as the question is not
whether the trial court had clear and convincing evidence to support its findings,
but rather, whether we clearly and convincingly find that the record fails to
support the trial court's findings.’ ” State v. Ray, 2nd Dist. Champaign No. 2017-
CA-33, 2018-Ohio-3293, ¶ 11, quoting State v. Cochran, 2d Dist. Clark No. 2016-
CA-33, 2017-Ohio-217, ¶ 7.
{¶12} Some courts, including the Eighth District Court of Appeals,
concluded that the language in Marcum at paragraph 23 permitted a reviewing
court to modify or vacate a “sentence and remand the matter * * * for re-
sentencing if the record does not support the sentencing court's findings under * *
* R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12.” See State v. Jones, 2018-Ohio-498, 105 N.E.3d
702 (8th Dist.), ¶ 5, 6. However, recently, the Supreme Court clarified that the
language relied upon in Marcum for that proposition was mere dicta. State v.
Jones, --- Ohio St.3d ---, 2020-Ohio-6729, --- N.E.3d ---, 2020 WL 7409669, ¶
Washington App. No. 20CA24 7
27. Jones “explained that ‘R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)(a) clearly does not provide a
basis for an appellate court to modify or vacate a sentence if it concludes that the
record does not support the sentence under R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12 because
* * * R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12 are not among the statutes listed in the
provision.’ ” State v. Loy, 4th Dist. Washington No. 19CA21, 2021-Ohio-403, ¶
28, quoting Jones at ¶ 31. Jones “also explained: ‘When we consider the
evolution of R.C. 2953.08(G), it is evident that an appellate court's conclusion
that the record does not support a sentence under R.C. 2929.11 or 2929.12 is
not the equivalent of a conclusion that the sentence is “otherwise contrary to law”
as that term is used in R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)(b).’ ” Id. quoting Jones at ¶ 34. In
sum, Jones concluded that “[n]othing in R.C. 2953.08(G)(2) permits an appellate
court to independently weigh the evidence in the record and substitute its
judgment for that of the trial court concerning the sentence that best reflects
compliance with R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12.” Id. at ¶ 42.
{¶13} In the case at hand, it is not entirely clear whether appellant is
arguing that the trial court improperly balanced the factors in R.C. 2929.11 and
2919.12 by imposing a prison term instead of a drug treatment program, or that
his sentence was not supported by the record. Either way, his argument lacks
merit.
{¶14} Based on the transcript of the sentencing hearing, it is clear that the
trial court “carefully consider[ed]” the factors in R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12 in
deciding to impose the six to nine-year prison sentence because the court
discussed the seriousness of the offenses, harm to the victims, the need to
Washington App. No. 20CA24 8
punish appellant, the need to protect the public, the need to deter appellant from
committing future crimes, the need to incapacitate and rehabilitate appellant, etc.
See Allen, 4th Dist. Pickaway No. 19CA031, 2021-Ohio-648 at ¶13. And under
the Jones’ recent clarification of Marcum, we have no authority to determine
whether the trial court’s consideration of the factors in R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12
are supported by the record. Finally, appellant’s six to nine year prison term for
these offenses is within the range of those permitted for felonies of the second
degree. See R.C. 2929.14(A)(2)(a) and R.C. 2929.144(B)(1). Therefore, we find
that appellant’s sentence is not clearly and convincingly contrary to law because
“ ‘the trial court considered the purposes and principles set forth in R.C. 2929.11,
as well as the factors listed in R.C. 2929.12, properly applie[d] post release
control, and [appellant’s] sentences are within the permissible statutory range.’
” State v. Rothwell, 4th Dist. Adams No. 2021-Ohio-1700, ¶ 11, quoting State v.
Lee, 4th Dist. Washington No. 13CA42, 2014-Ohio-4898, ¶ 9. Accordingly, we
overrule appellant’s first assignment of error.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR II
{¶15} Appellant claims that his indeterminate prison sentence imposed
under the Reagan Tokes Act is unconstitutional. He contends that the Reagan
Tokes Act violates the Separation of Powers Doctrine, and cites Bray v. Russell,
89 Ohio St.3d 132, 2000-Ohio-116, 729 N.E.2d 359 in support. Appellant asserts
that just as in Bray, the Reagan Tokes Act permits the Ohio Department of
Corrections to make decisions that affect an inmates’ release date from prison
that are actions reserved solely for the judicial branch. Therefore, appellant
Washington App. No. 20CA24 9
argues that we should reverse his prison sentence imposed for his convictions
herein.
{¶16} In response, the state argues that the Reagan Tokes Act is
constitutional. The state contends that Bray is distinguishable from the Reagan
Tokes Act in that under Bray the parole board could “extend the sentence
imposed by the judge[,]” while Reagan Tokes only permits the department of
correction to prevent an early release from a maximum sentence that was
imposed by a judge.
{¶17} The state further claims that appellant waived this argument by
pleading guilty, citing State v. Hardie, 4th Dist. Washington No. 14CA24, 2015-
Ohio-1611 in support. The state asserts that the trial court made appellant aware
prior to sentencing that the Reagan Tokes Act could apply, and, despite this,
appellant proceeded with his guilty plea. Therefore, the state argues that we
should overrule appellant’s second assignment of error.
Law and Analysis
1. Sentencing Under the Reagan Tokes Act
{¶18} “Senate Bill 201, commonly known as the Reagan Tokes Act,
became effective on March 22, 2019. The statute [,R.C. 2929.144,] returns an
indefinite sentencing scheme to Ohio for certain qualifying offenses.” State v.
Dames, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 109090, 2020-Ohio-4991, ¶ 2.
The Reagan Tokes Law requires that a court imposing a prison
term under R.C. 2929.14(A)(1)(a) or (2)(a) for a first or second-
degree felony committed on or after March 22, 2019, impose a
minimum prison term under that provision and a maximum prison
term determined under R.C. 2929.144(B). R.C. 2929.144(C).
There is a presumption that the offender “shall be released from
Washington App. No. 20CA24 10
service of the sentence on the expiration of the offender's
minimum prison term or on the offender's presumptive earned
early release date, whichever is earlier.” R.C. 2967.271(B). A
presumptive earned early release date is a date determined under
procedures described in R.C. 2967.271(F) which allow the
sentencing court to reduce the minimum prison term under certain
circumstances. R.C. 2967.271(A)(2). The ODRC may rebut the
presumption if it determines at a hearing that one or more
statutorily numerated factors applies. R.C. 2967.271(C). If ODRC
rebuts the presumption, it may maintain the offender's
incarceration after the expiration of the minimum prison term or
presumptive earned early release date for a reasonable period of
time, determined and specified by ODRC, that “shall not exceed
the offender's maximum prison term.” R.C. 2967.271(D)(1).
State v. Halfhill, 4th Dist. Meigs No. 20CA7, 2021-Ohio-177, ¶ 8.
2. Constitutional Review
{¶19} “The constitutionality of a statute presents a question of law we
review de novo.” Id., at ¶ 11, citing Hayslip v. Hanshaw, 2016-Ohio-3339, 54
N.E.3d 1272, ¶ 27 (4th Dist.). “However, ‘[i]t is well settled that this court will not
reach constitutional issues unless absolutely necessary.’ ” Id., citing State v.
Talty, 103 Ohio St.3d 177, 2004-Ohio-4888, 814 N.E.2d 1201, ¶ 9. Ripeness is a
perquisite to deciding the merits of a constitutional challenge. See State v.
Ramey, 4th Dist. Washington Nos. 20CA1 and 20CA2, 2020-Ohio-6733, ¶ 20. “
‘Ripeness ‘is peculiarly a question of timing.’ ” State ex rel. Elyria Foundry Co. v.
Indus. Comm., 82 Ohio St.3d 88, 89, 1998-Ohio-366, 694 N.E.2d 459, quoting
Regional Rail Reorganization Act Cases, 419 U.S. 102, 140, 95 S.Ct. 335, 42
L.Ed.2d 320 (1974). Generally, “[a] claim is not ripe for adjudication if it rests
upon ‘ “contingent future events that may not occur as anticipated, or indeed may
not occur at all.” ’ ” Texas v. United States, 523 U.S. 296, 300, 118 S.Ct. 1257,
140 L.Ed.2d 40 (1998), quoting Thomas v. Union Carbide Agricultural Products
Washington App. No. 20CA24 11
Co., 473 U.S. 568, 580–581, 105 S.Ct. 3325, 87 L.Ed.2d 409 (1985), quoting
13A Charles A. Wright, Arthur R. Miller, & Edward H. Cooper, Federal Practice
and Procedure § 3532, p. 112 (1984). “ ‘The basic principle of ripeness may be
derived from the conclusion that “judicial machinery should be conserved for
problems which are real or present and imminent, not squandered on problems
which are abstract or hypothetical or remote.” ’ ” Elyria Foundry Co. at 89,
quoting Comment, Mootness and Ripeness: The Postman Always Rings Twice
(1965), 65 Colum. L.Rev. 867, 876.
{¶20} This court has repeatedly held that the constitutionality of Reagan-
Tokes sentencing is not yet ripe because on direct appeal an appellant has yet to
serve his or her minimum prison term, which is the first instance in which the
department of corrections could take any action that affects the length of
appellant’s incarceration. See Ramey at ¶ 2, Halfhill at ¶ 2, and State v. Hearn,
4th Dist. Washington No. 20CA7, 2021-Ohio-594, at ¶ 33, 34. Appellant herein
has not yet served his six-year minimum prison sentence. Therefore, consistent
with our prior decisions, we find appellant’s constitutional challenge is not ripe for
review. Accordingly, we overrule his second assignment of error.
CONCLUSION
{¶21} Having overruled both of appellant’s assignments of error, we affirm
the trial court’s sentencing entry.
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED.
Washington App. No. 20CA24 12
JUDGMENT ENTRY
It is ordered that the JUDGMENT BE AFFIRMED and costs be assessed
to appellant.
The Court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this Court directing the
Washington County Common Pleas Court to carry this judgment into execution.
IF A STAY OF EXECUTION OF SENTENCE AND RELEASE UPON BAIL
HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY GRANTED BY THE TRIAL COURT OR THIS
COURT, it is temporarily continued for a period not to exceed 60 days upon the
bail previously posted. The purpose of a continued stay is to allow Appellant to
file with the Supreme Court of Ohio an application for a stay during the pendency
of proceedings in that court. If a stay is continued by this entry, it will terminate at
the earlier of the expiration of the 60-day period, or the failure of the Appellant to
file a notice of appeal with the Supreme Court of Ohio in the 45-day appeal
period pursuant to Rule II, Sec. 2 of the Rules of Practice of the Supreme Court
of Ohio. Additionally, if the Supreme Court of Ohio dismisses the appeal prior to
expiration of 60 days, the stay will terminate as of the date of such dismissal.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule
27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.
Smith, P.J. and Hess, J.: Concur in Judgment and Opinion.
For the Court,
BY: _________________________
Kristy S. Wilkin, Judge
NOTICE TO COUNSEL
Pursuant to Local Rule No. 14, this document constitutes a final
judgment entry and the time period for further appeal commences from the
date of filing with the clerk.