Daniel Vadnais v. State

ACCEPTED
03-14-00578-CR
6527835
THIRD COURT OF APPEALS
AUSTIN, TEXAS
8/17/2015 3:29:19 PM
JEFFREY D. KYLE
CLERK
NO. 03-14-00578-CR
COURT OF APPEALS FILED IN
3rd COURT OF APPEALS
AUSTIN, TEXAS
FOR THE 8/19/2015 2:48:19 PM
JEFFREY D. KYLE
Clerk
THIRD SUPREME JUDICIAL DISTRICT
DANIEL RAYMOND VADNAIS,
Appellant
VS.
THE STATE OF TEXAS,
Appellee
APPEAL FROM
THE 22ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS
TRIAL COURT CAUSE NO. CR-13-0651
STATE'S BRIEF
Whitney L. Borgman
Assistant Criminal District Attorney
712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 2057
San Marcos, Texas 78666
ORAL ABLGUMENTis Ph: (512) 393-7600 /Fax: (512) 393-2246
NOT EEQUEStEQ state Bar No. 24082224
whitney.borgman@co.hays.tx.us
Attorney for the State of Texas
NAMES OF PARTIES
Appellee: State of Texas
Attorneys for the State; Wesley H. Mau, «County» County District Attorney
At trial: Kathleen Magee Arnold, Assistant Attorney General
On appeal: Whitney L. Borgman
Assistant Criminal District Attorney
712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 2057
San Marcos, Texas 78666
State Bar No. 24082224
Attorney for the State of Texas
Appellant: Daniel Raymond Vadnais
Attorney for Appellant:
At trial: Gerard McDermott, II
8140 North Mopac
Westpark 4, Suite 250
Austin, Texas 78759
On appeal: Dal Ruggles
1103 Nueces
Austin, Texas 78701
n
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NAMES OF PARTIES H
TABLE OF CONTENTS ffl
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES V
STATEMENT OF THE CASE 2
STATEMENT REGARDING ORAL ARGUMENT 3
ISSUES PRESENTED 3
STATEMENT OF FACTS 4
SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT 14
ARGUMENT 16
STATE'S RESPONSE TO POINT OF ERROR ONE 16
THE TRIAL COURT PROPERLY DENIED APPELLANT'S MOTION
TO DISMISS FOR VIOLATION OF HIS SIXTH AMENDMENT
RIGHT TO SPEEDY TRIAL.
STATE'S RESPONSE TO POINT OF ERROR TWO 25
APPELLANT WAIVED HIS 404(B) OBJECTION TO EVIDENCE OF
HIS PRIOR FORGERY CONVICTION BY STIPULATING TO THE
ADMISSIBILITY AND VERACITY OF THE EVIDENCE.
THE ERROR, IF ANY, IN ADMITTING THE EXTRANEOUS
OFFENSE WAS HARMLESS IN LIGHT OF THE LIMITING
INSTRUCTION PROVIDED TO THE JURY AND THE
OVERWHELMING EVIDENCE OF GUILT PRESENTED BY THE
STATE.
STATE'S RESPONSE TO POINT OF ERROR THREE 26
APPELLANT FAILED TO RAISE A TIMELY 403 OBJECTION TO
THE ADMISSION OF THE FORGERY CONVICTION AS REQUIRED
TO PRESERVE ERROR, AND
APPELLANT DID NOT SUFFER SUBSTANTIAL HARM AS A
RESULT OF THE ADMISSION OF THE FORGERY CONVICTION.
STATE'S RESPONSE TO POINT OF ERROR FOUR 33
THE EVIDENCE WAS SUFFICIENT TO SUPPORT THE JURY'S
GUILTY VERDICT.
iii
CONCLUSION 36
PRAYER 38
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE WITH TEX. R. APP. PROC.,
RULE 9.4 38
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE 39
IV
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
FEDERAL CASES
Barker v. Wingo, 407 U.S. 514 (1972) passim
Doggettv. United States, 505 U.S. 647 (1992) 19
CASES
Brooks V. State, 323 S.W.3d 893 (Tex. Crim. App. 2010) 33
Bryant v. Texas, 187 S.W.3d 397 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005) 25, 26
Burton v. State, 805 S.W.2d 564 (Tex. App.—^Dallas 1991, pet.
refd) 19, 20
Cantu V. State, 253 S.W.3d 273 (Tex. Crim. App. 2008) 18, 19
Carruth v. State, 762 S.W.2d 364 (Tex. App.—^Fort Worth 1998,
no pet.) 28
Cortez V. State, No. 0501-14, 2015 WL 3776495 (Tex. Crim.
App., June 17, 2015) 34
Dragoo v. State, 96 S.W.3d 308 (Tex. Crim. App. 2003) 21, 24
Exparte Cathcart, 13 S.W.3d 414 (Tex. Crim. App. 2000) 18
Gonzales v. State, 435 S.W.3d 801 (Tex. Crim. App. 2014) 16,20, 22, 23
Harris v. State, 827 S.W.2d 949 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992) 18, 19
Higginbotham v. State, 356 S.W.3d 584 (Tex. App.—^Texarkana
2011, pet. refd.) 32
Johnson v. State, 932 S.W.2d 296 (Tex. App.—^Austin 1996, pet.
refd.) 27, 28, 30
Johnson v. State, 967 S.W.2d 410 (Tex. Crim. App. 1998) 28, 33
Lane v. State, 933 S.W.2d 504 (Tex. Crim. App. 1996) 27
V
Lott V. State, 951 S.W.2d 489 (Tex. App.—^E1 Paso 1997, reh'g
denied) 17
McCarty v. State, 498 S.W.2d 212 (1973) 21
Mechlerv. State, 153 S.W.3d435 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005) 31
Montgomery v. State, 810 S.W.ld 372 (Tex. Crim. App.
1991)(op. on reh'g) 26, 27, 30, 31
Montgomery,S.W.2d at 377 27
Motilla V. State, 78 S.W.3d 352 (Tex. Crim. App. 2002) 27
Nolen V. State, 872 S.W.2d 807 (Tex. App.—^Fort Worth 1994,
pet. refd) 31
Reed v. State, 927 S.W.2d 289 (Tex. App.—^Fort Worth 1996, no
pet.) 25, 30
State V. Munoz, 991 S.W.2d 818 (Tex. Crim. App. 1999) passim
State V. Tatom, No. 05-14-01246-CR, 2015 WL 1735964 (Tex.
App.—Dallas, Apr. 14, 2015)(mem. op., not designated for
publication) 23
Whitakerv. State, 286 S.W.3d 355 (Tex. Crim. App. 2009) 27
Zamorano v. State, 84 S.W.3d 643 (Tex. Crim. App. 2002) 16, 17, 22
STATUTES
Tex. Pen. Code Ann. § 32.51(West 2011) passim
Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 32.21(West 2011) 27, 30
TEX.R.APP.PROC. Rule 38.2 1
RULES
Tex. Code Crim. Proc., art. 39.14 11, 12
Tex. R. Evid., Rule 403 15, 28
vi
Tex. R. Evid., Rule 404 passim
Tex.R.App.Proc., Rule 39.1 3
Tex.R.App.Proc,, Rule 39.7 3
TREATISES
Lafave & Israel, Criminal Procedure § 18.2(b)(1984) 18
Vll
NO. 03-14-00578-CR
COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE
THIRD SUPREME JUDICIAL DISTRICT
DANIEL RAYMOND VADNAIS,
Appellant
VS.
THE STATE OF TEXAS,
Appellee
APPEAL FROM
THE 22ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS
TRIAL COURT CAUSE NO. CR-13-0651
STATE'S BRIEF
TO THE HONORABLE JUSTICES OF THE COURT OF APPEALS:
COMES NOW the State of Texas, by and through her Assistant District
Attorney, Whitney L. Borgman, and files this Brief in Opposition to Appellant's
Brief pursuant to Tex. R. App. Proc., Rule 38.2 and would show the Court the
following:
Page 1
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
On or about November 25, 2012, Daniel Vadnais ("Appellant") was arrested
for misdemeanor theft in Hays County, Texas. (C.R. 15, 60). Arising out of the same
transaction as the misdemeanor theft, Appellant was indicted by a Grand Jury on
August 7, 2013, for Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information 10 or
more items but less than 50 items. (C.R. 6, 60). A capias was issued on August 14,
2013, and executed on February 4, 2014, at the State Jail Facility where Appellant
was serving time for an unrelated offense. (C.R. 17, 61). Following Appellant's
arraignment on April 22, 2014, the court held two pre-trial hearings whereby the case
was reset by agreement of the parties as the parties continued plea negotiations. (C.R.
17,61;3R.R. 28-30).
On August 11, 2014, the trial court denied Appellant's Motion to Dismiss for
Violation of His SixthAmendment Right to SpeedyTrial and both parties announced
ready for trial. (C.R. 114; 3 R.R. 27, 38; 4 R.R. 12). On August 13, 2015, the jury
found Appellant guilty of the offense as alleged in the indictment. (5 R.R. 116).The
court sentenced Appellant to ten years in the Institutional Division of the Texas
Department of Criminal Justice. (5 R.R. 129-130). Appellant filed a notice of appeal
on August 28, 2014, and these proceedings followed. (C.R. 88).
Page 2
STATEMENT REGARDING ORAL ARGUMENT
Appellant has requested oral argument in this case. The facts and legal
arguments are adequately presented in the briefs and record, and oral argument
would not aid the decisional process. See Tex. R. App. Proc. 39.1. However, should
the court desire the parties to appear and argue, the State will appear for oral
argument. See Tex. R. App. Proc. 39.7.
ISSUES PRESENTED
1. Did the trial court properly deny Appellant's speedy trial motion when the
actual length of delay was one year and Appellant wholly failed to present
evidence of prejudice?
2. Did Appellant's stipulation to the admissibility of his prior forgery conviction
waive his 404(b) objection?
3. Did the admission of the prior forgery create reversible error where a limiting
instruction was provided to the jury at the time the evidence was published to
thejury andthe State presented overwhelming evidence of Appellant's guilt?
4. Did Appellant properly preserve error on his 403 objection to the trial court's
admission of his prior forgery conviction when Appellant failed to post a
timely objection?
5. If the court determines Appellant did in fact preserve error regarding the
prejudicial nature of the prior forgery conviction, did Appellant suffer
substantial harm?
6. Was the evidence sufficient to support the conviction when the State presented
evidence of a minimum of 13 items of identifying information in Appellant's
possession without the consent of the owners and expert testimony
corroborating the number of items identifying information found in
Appellant's possession?
Page 3
STATEMENT OF FACTS
1. Facts ofthe Offense
On or about November 25, 2012, Deputy Shaun Booth responded to a
residential neighborhood for a reported verbal disturbance. (4 R.R. 22, 134-135,
146). Upon arriving, Booth spoke with neighbor Cathy Bamett, who indicated that
Appellant was causing a disturbance and would not leave the neighborhood. (4 R.R.
23). Booth then observed Appellant across the street, in the driveway of 1011
Swallow Drive, speaking with James Griffin, the homeowner. (4 R.R. 25). Booth
made contact with Appellant, and Appellant denied any verbal altercation, contrary
to the statements made by Bamett moments earlier. (4 R.R. 23-26). Deputy Ronnie
Torres soon arrived, and both Appellant and Griffin were separated so Booth and
Torres couldbetterpursue their investigation. (4 R.R. 27, 135,138, 144).
While speaking with Griffin, Booth noticed a black, courier-style bag located
in a comer near the garage track that looked out of place. (4 R.R. 29). Griffin
indicated that the bag belonged to Appellant. (4 R.R. 30, 148; State's Ex. 1, 6).
Appellant initially denied ownership of the bag, but admitted ownership after further
questioning by Booth and Torres. Id. While questioning Appellant about the bag.
Booth and Torres observed that Appellant was nervous, vague, evasive, and refiised
to make eye contact. (4 R.R. 31-32, 139-140,142, 166).
Page 4
After Appellant identified the bag as his, Booth asked Appellant multiple
times if they could search the bag. (4 R.R. 32-33; State's Ex. 1). Appellant responded
with inarticulate grunting noises. Id. Eventually, Appellant consented to the bag's
search. (4 R.R. 32-33; State's Ex. 1, 6). After granting consent to search the bag but
prior to the actual search, Appellant identified knives that were subsequently found
inside the bag. (4 R.R. 108-109; 111; State's Ex. 11). After finding a wallet in the bag
with Christopher White's driver's license and verifying that Appellant did not have
permission to have White's wallet, the officers arrested Appellant for theft. '(4 R.R.
65-66; C.R. 15, 60).
At trial, Deputy Booth testified that Appellant's bag contained various forms
of identifying information, which were subsequently admitted without objection.
(State's Ex. 1-5; 4 R.R. 35- 67). State's Exhibit 2, a manila envelope with all its
contents, contained driver's licenses from Melissa Scintilla, Kenneth Clay, Margaret
Willis, Jacob Shelly, Charles Dodson, Julian Ramon, and White's identification card.
(4 R.R. 39-41). State's Exhibit 2 also contained Amelia Bryant's passport and social
security card, checks belonging to Kelly Dorsey, Douglas Beard, Nathan Eisenburg,
JeffreyIlschner, SteveAldonado, Craig Toole, Austin Miles' immunization card, and
a sticky note containing Misty Lyim's date of birth, name, and address. (4 R.R. 41-
44).
Page 5
Appellant's bag also contained a notebook with a list of naiiies, social security
numbers, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers, and some driver's license
numbers for fifteen different individuals: Sonia Gamboa, Brian Brown, Julio Ayala,
Calvin Tooley, Jason Allison, David Gomez, Melissa Santilla, Jose Zapata, Jose
Morales, Clay Snodgrass, Francisco Perez, Sunny Rathore, Miguel Angel Sanchez,
Andrea Carrico, and Janet Brown. (4 R.R. 48-53, State's Ex. 3). Appellant's bag also
contained Austin Miles' birth certificate. (4 R.R. 54-55; State's Ex. 3).
Booth found a series of receipts with Appellant's name on them that further
connected Appellant with the bag. (4 R.R. 55-57; State's Ex. 3). Appellant's "to-do"
list was also found within Appellant's bag: "TxDot; public data; optometrist; storage
unit; Mercedes; lawyer; house; job; collect $; hotel room, file box, locals, superglue,
(
flashlight, whiteout, car insurance, on-line banking,.. .safe deposit box, Bluetooth,
headset, surveillance cameras, PayPal, Bluebird, Greendot, NetSpend." (4 R.R. 60;
State's Ex. 3).
Appellant's bag also contained a small black book. (4 R.R 62-63; State's Ex.
4). The black book contained another list that said "separate IDs/ socials; fun
background checks, run credit checks, EIN numbers...." (4 R.R.64; State's Ex. 4).
Finally, Appellant's bag contained White's wallet, including his driver's license,
employee ID, and checks. (4 R.R. 65; State's Ex. 5).
Page 6
White did not know Appellant prior to November 25, 2012. (4 R.R. 123).
Appellant did not have White's consent to possess his driver's license, two credit
cards, or employee ID card. (4 R.R. 116; State's Ex. 5). Appellant possessed checks
with White's personal information on them, but the checks were not from White's
bank. (4 R.R. 118-121; State's Ex. 5). Additionally, White examined hotel receipts
that had his information on them, and testified that he had never stayed at the hotels,
nor had he given anyone permission to use his information to stay at the hotels. (4
R.R. 122; State's Ex. 3).
Clay Snodgrass stated that he did not know Appellant. (4 R.R. 125). Snodgrass
identified his name, address, driver's license number, date of birth, and social
security number found in State's Exhibit 3. (4 R.R. 126-127). Snodgrass further
testified that he had never given Appellant consent to use his name, social security
number, driver's license number, date of birth, or address. Id.
Janet Brown did not know Appellant and had not given him permission to
have her identifying information. (4 R.R. 128-129). Brown confirmed her name,
address, date of birth, social security number, and phone number as found on State's
Exhibit 3. (4 R.R. 129).
Sonny Rathore did not know Appellant and Appellant did not have consent to
have his personal identifying information. (4 R.R. 130-132; State's Ex. 3). Rathore
then confirmed that State's Exhibit 3 contained his address, date of birth, phone
Page 7
number, and social security number and that the list of information was not in his
handwriting. (4R.R. 131-132).
Appellant admitted owning the bag containing State's Exhibits 2 through 5,
and Exhibits 7 through 12. (4 R.R. 149, 152, 157-158; State's Exhibit 6).
Detective Angelo Floiran, who has over seven years of experience
investigating electronic and financial crimes, testified as an expert for the State. (C.R.
22; 5 R.R. 12-15, 18; State's Exs. 1-5, 7-12). From the numerous pieces of
identifying information in Appellant's black bag as well as three USB drives, three
SIM cards, an adapter, a walkie-talkie, and a scanner which Floiran believed was
used to create driver's licenses and social security cards, Floiran attested that this was
a straightforward identity thefl case. {Id; 5 R.R. 19-21, 24, 27-37; State's Exs. 1-12).
Referencing some of the hotel receipts as having Appellant's name on them, Floiran
noted that identify thieves often use other people's information, like White's, to rent
hotel rooms and gain free internet access to maintain anonymity. (5 R.R. 26-27;
State's Ex. 1-5). After reviewing the identification documents found in Appellant's
bag and the police reports prepared by Booth and Torres, Floiran concluded that
Appellant possessed more than 10 and less than 50 pieces of identifying information
and had an absolute intentto commit fraud. (5 R.R. 45; State's Ex. 1-12).
Page 8
I
2. Appellant's Speedy Trial Motion
Appellant filed a Motion to Dismiss for Violation of His Sixth Amendment
Right to Speedy Trial on July 26, 2014, at the time of the third pretrial appearance
following the trial court's appointment of counsel to represent Appellant. On August
11, 2014, the trial court heard Appellant's Motion to Dismiss for Violation of His
Sixth Amendment Right to Speedy Trial. (C.R.114; 3 R.R. 21-27). Appellant argued
that the length of the delay should be measured from Appellant's arrest date on the
misdemeanor theft case arising out of the same transaction until the date of trial,
resulting in a delay between sixteen and eighteen months. (3 R.R. 24). Appellant
fiirther argued that his detention in Williamson County for an unrelated criminal
offense between the time that Appellant was arrested for theft on November 25,
2012, and the time between the Appellant's indictment on August 7, 2013, should be
included when calculating the length of the delay. (3 R.R. 24-25, C.R. 10-13, 18).
Appellant offered no evidence regarding any increased anxiety or impairment
to his trial defense due to the delay. (3 R.R. 21-27, C.R. 10-13). Instead, Appellant
relied solely on the "presumption of prejudice" based on the length of delay. (3 R.R.
25, C.R. 12). Appellant then asked the trial court to dismiss the case. (C.R. 13).
The State argued that the length of delay should be measured from the date of
the indictment, August 7, 2013, to the date of the trial, August 11, 2014, a delay of
one year. (3 R.R. 23-27). The State explained that the reason for the delay was due to
Page 9
Appellant's incarceration for prior crimes in other counties, and as such, the State
was not responsible for Appellant's custody on offenses that occurred prior to this
crime. (3 R.R. 27, C.R. 18). The State argued that even though a one year delay
between the indictment and the trial is sufficient to trigger a Barker' analysis, the
State was still entitled to a meaningful hearing to provide a justification for the delay
and examine evidence of prejudice offered by the accused. (3 R.R. 27). Additionally,
the State argued that Appellant's^ request for a dismissal, rather than a request.for a
trial setting, weighs against his assertion of his right to speedy trial. (3 R.R. 27, ClR.
13).
3. Prior Conviction Evidence
The State filed a notice upon Appellant's Request for Notice of Extraneous
Offenses offered under 404(b) and 609(a) on July 16, 2014. (C.R. 23, 30; 5 R.R.9).
The State's notice identified a conviction for forgery on or about April 21, 2006.
(C.R. 23; 5 R.R. 52-54).'
The Court held a hearing outside the presence of the jury to determine the
admissibility of Appellant's prior convictions. (5 R.R. 9-10, 51-65). The State argued
that in light of Appellant's initial denial about possessing the bag or knowing the
bag's contents, the forgery conviction shouldbe admissible to show Appellant's state
^Barker v. Wingo, 407 U.S. 514 (1972)
' The State further listed several other convictions for Burglary ofa Habitation, Credit Card Abuse,
and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. (5 R.R. 51-54; C.R. 23; State's Ex. 13). The trial court
sustained Appellant's 404(b) objections to the introduction of these charges, and proceeded to
evaluate the probative value of the forgery charge. See id.
Page 10
of mind under 404(b). (5 R.R. 9-10, 51-54). Appellant argued that he had not opened
the door to any 404(b) extraneous offense during his cross-ex^ination and that he
had not asked for a mistake of fact or law instruction in the charge. (5 R.R. 9-10).
The State countered that 404(b) does not require Appellant to "open the door" to the
use of an extraneous offense, it simply requires that the extraneous offense be
"logically relevant to prove some other fact." (5 R.R. 11). The trial court then took
I
the issue of the forgery conviction under advisement. (5 R.R. 11, 52).
After rehearing the issue, the trial court sustained Appellant's objection to the
admission of the prior forgery conviction in part and overruled it in part. (5 R.R. 54).
The trial court ruled that only the conviction and the date would come in for the
limited purpose of intent. (5 R.R. 54). Appellant's trial counsel proceeded to question
the authenticity of the judgment based on an assertion that the State failed to produce
a copy of the judgment during discovery or properly designate a fingerprint expert to
verify the defendant's identity. Following the court's ruling and the argument of the
parties. Appellant's trial counsel announced the following stipulation:
THE COURT: The Discovery Order was signed pursuant to Article
39.14 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the
Court did that based on the representation of the
both parties.
MR. MCDERMOTT: Judge, I did not, at that time, put on the record that I
did not have a copy.
Page 11
THE COURT: Right. So at least one of the questions is whether or
not the State, comphed with 39.14, under these
circumstances.
MR. MCDERMOTT: Judge, if this-
THE COURT: Yes.
MR. MCDERMOTT: If the State is only going to enter the judgment in
and that is all they're going to do and the instruction
~ proposed instruction of the Court is given, then
we'll have no further objection; let's make this easy.
THE COURT: And L believe that that is an appropriate position,
under the applicable provisions of the Code of
Criminal Procedure.
Okay. Let's get jury back in here.
MS. ARNOLD: Okay. Wait. Just really quickly, I'm sorry.
THE COURT: All right.
MS. ARNOLD: Are you saying that you are stipulating to this or do
you want us to call our expert to prove this up,
(indicating)? Because it, before the jury comes back
in, if that's the case, then we need to go ahead and
get him fingerprinted and I needed to do an oral -
MR. MCDERMOTT: Let's just ~ let's just stipulate.
THE COURT: Stipulate to the admissibility.
MR. MCDERMOTT: And I will stipulate to its voracity.
THE COURT: All right. I think ~
MS. ARNOLD: Along with oral instruction that you're going to give
the jury ~
Page 12
THE COURT: Correct.
MS. ARNOLD: ~ to not consider it ~
THE COURT: Along with the oral ~
MS. ARNOLD: ~ in terms of character evidence.
THE COURT: Correct. As I understand that, that is a tactical
decision by the Defense based, in part, on the fact
that it's a 2007 conviction.
MR. MCDERMOTT: Yes, Judge.
THE COURT: All right.
MR. MCDERMOTT: It is a tactical decision by the Defense based in part
on the arguments presented, the history of this case,
and the - the procedural history of this case and
history of the trial as it has unfolded.
THE COURT: All right. Let's go ahead -
MR. MCDERMOTT: Thank you, Judge.
(5 R.R. 64-66)
{Open court, defendant andjurypresent)
THE COURT: The State will call its next witness.
MS. ARNOLD: Judge, we have no further witnesses, but we do have
additional evidence.
THE COURT: All right.
MS. ARNOLD: We are proffering 13 into evidence, which has
already been shown to the Defense.
MS. ARNOLD: And I believe you've stipulated to this?
Page 13
MR. MCDERMOTT; Judge, we've stipulated to this; therefore, I have no
objection.
THE COURT: All right
No further objection was raised as to the unfairly prejudicial nature of the
conviction. Id. State's Exhibit 13 documenting Appellant's 2006 forgery conviction
was admitted for the limited purpose of intent and a limiting instruction was read to
the jury. M
SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT
RESPONSE TO POINT OF ERROR 1: The trial court properly denied
Appellant's speedy trial motion in light of the Barker factors and circumstances of
this particular case. Appellant incorrectly calculated the length of delay to total 16 to
19 months in order to inflate his request for relief The actual length of delay was 12
months and Appellant's incarceration in another county on unrelated criminal
charges justified the delay. The filing of Appellant's motion, less than two months
before trial, his request for outright dismissal rather than an immediate trial, and lack
of prejudice to Appellant weigh in favor of the State. Accordingly, the Court should
affirm the trial court's denial of Appellant's speedy trial motion.
RESPONSE TO POINT OF ERROR 2: The Court need not address Appellant's
second point of error because Appellant conceded the probative value of the prior
forgery conviction by stipulating to the admissibility of the extraneous offense.
Page 14
Appellant's stipulation aiid subsequent withdrawal of his 404 (b) objection operates
as a judicial concession that fails to properly preserve error for review. Even if the
court finds that error in the admission of the offense was preserved under Rule
404(b), the limiting instruction provided to the jury lessened any potential prejudice
arising from the introduction of the prior forgery conviction. In light of the
overwhelming evidence supporting the jury's verdict, the error, if any, in admitting
the extraneous offense was harmless.
RESPONSE TO POINT OF ERROR 3: After stipulating to the admissibility of
the extraneous offense. Appellant failed to raise an objection under Rule 403 that the
prior conviction evidence was unfairly prejudicial to Appellant. Even if the objection
was preserved for review, the trial court is not required to announce the balancing test
on the record. Because Appellant did not suffer substantial harm as a result of the
admission of the extraneous offense. Appellant's third claim fails.
RESPONSE TO POINT OF ERROR 4: The evidence was legally sufficient to
convict Appellant for the charged offense. Appellant had numerous forms of
identifying information in his possession at the time of the arrest, including seven
driver's licenses, one passport, one social security card, and an unrelated child's birth
certificate. Further, the State conclusively established a minirmim of 13 items of
identifying information found in his possession at the time of his arrest without the
owner's consent. Based on the witnesses' testimony and a review of State's Exhibits
Page 15
1 through 13, a rational factfinder could have found beyond a reasonable doubt that
Appellant possessed more than ten items of identifying information without the
owners' consent.
ARGUMENT
STATE'S RESPONSE TO POINT OF ERROR ONE
THE TRIAL COURT PROPERLY DENIED APPELLANT'S
MOTION TO DISMISS FOR VIOLATION OF HIS SIXTH
AMENDMENT RIGHT TO SPEEDY TRIAL.
1. Standard ofReview
An appellate court reviewing a trial court's ruling on a speedy trial motion
employs a bifurcated standard of review; an abuse of discretion for the trial court's
determination of the facts and a de novo standard for its application of the law.
Zamomno v. State, 84 S.W.3d 643, 648 (Tex. Crim, App. 2002). While a reviewing
court should afford almost total deference to a trial court's determination of the
historical facts that the record supports, in reviewing trial court's decisions on federal
constitutional speedy trial claims, appellate courts may conduct de novo review by
independently weighing and balancing the fourBarker factors. Barker v. Wingo, 407
U.S. 514, 532-3, 92 S. Ct. 2182, 33 L. Ed. 2d 101 (1972); State v. Munoz, 991 S.W.2d
818, 821 (Tex. Crim. App. 1999).
The Sixth Amendment's plain language limits the applicability of the Speedy
Trial Clause only to an "accused." Gonzales v. State, 435 S.W.3d 801, 808 (Tex.
Crim. App. 2014). Thus, a person who has not been formally accused cannot seek
Page 16
protection from the speedy trial clause, and the State is not required to accuse a
person within any particular period of time. See id.
A reviewing court must balance four factors when analyzing a trial court's
decision to grant or deny a speedy trial claim: 1) the length of the delay before trial;
2) the reason for the delay; 3) the assertion of the right to a speedy trial; and 4)
whether the defendant suffered prejudice as a result of the delay. Munoz, 991 S.W.2d
at 821(citing Barker, 407 U.S. at 532-3). No single factor is a necessary or sufficient
condition to the finding of a speedy trial violation. Zamorano^ 84 S.W.3d at 648.
The length of delay is a triggering mechanism for analysis of the other Barker
f
factors. Munoz, 991 S.W.2d at 821. A mere passage of time is not prejudicial and
will not result in the denial of speedy trial. Lott v. State, 951 S.W.2d 489, 495 (Tex.
App.—El Paso 1997, reh'g denied)(holding that defendant's failure to raise speedy
trial complaint until 30 years following indictment did not weigh in defendant's
favor). Until there is some delay which is presumptively prejudicial, there is no
necessity for inquiry into the other [Barker] factors that go into the balance. Id.
"Presumptive prejudice" does not necessarily indicate a statistical probability of
prejudice, it simply marks the point at which courts deem the delay unreasonable
enough to trigger the Barker enquiry. Id. While there is no set time element that
triggers the Barker analysis, most Texas courts have held that a delay of one year
Page 17
generally triggers a speedy trial analysis. Cantu v. State, 253 S.W.3d 273, 281 (Tex.
Crim. App. 2008).
Appellant argues that any delay exceeding 8 months is presumptively
prejudicial, and thus triggers a Barker analysis based on the holding in Harris v.
State, 827 S.W.2d 949 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992).^ App. Brf., p. 23. However in Harris,
the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals held that a 13-month delay, while sufficient to
trigger a Barker analysis was not extraordinary given the complexity of the
prosecution's case. Appellant's failure to invoke his constitutional speedy trial right
until the trial setting, and Appellant's failure to present evidence of any particularized
prejudice. Harris, 827 S.W.2d at 956.
2. Application ofLaw and Facts
a) The Length of Delay
One's right to a speedy trial is triggered by a length of delay that must be
presumptively prejudicial. Munoz, 991 S.W.2d at 821. The length of the delay is
measured fi"om the date the defendant is arrested or formally accused and is
determined on a case by case basis as to whether the delay is sufficient to trigger
further speedy trial analysis. Harris, 827 S.W.2d at 956. The time period where no
charges are pending should not count against the State for purposes of a speedy trial
analysis. See Exparte Cathcart, 13 S.W.3d 414, 417 (Tex. Crim. App. 2000).
^LaFave &Israel, asecondary source, is the basis for the oft quoted premise that adelay of "eight
months or longer" triggers a speedy trial analysis. See Lafave & Israel, Criminal Procedure §
18.2(b)(1984), e.g., see Harris.
Page 18
Here, Appellant was fonnally charged on August 7, 2013, when the grand
jury returned the indictment against him. He was never restrained of his liberty for
this specific offense until the capias was served on February 4, 2014. Although a 12-
month delay is sufficient to trigger a speedy trial analysis, most courts have found it
to be considered the minimum amount of time needed to meet the threshold of a
Barker analysis, and not an excessive amount of time that weighs against the state."^
Doggett V. United States, 505 U.S. 647, 651 &. 1, 112 S. Ct. 2686, 2691 fii. 1, 120
L.Ed. 2d (1992); Harris, 827 S.W.2d at 956; Munoz, 991 S.W.2d at 821.
I
b) The Reason for the Delay
It is the State's burden to justify a lengthy delay. Cantu, 253 S.W.3d at 280.
Both the United States Supreme Court and the Texas Criminal Court of Appeals have
. I
held that a defendant can waive a speedy trial when he is responsible for the delay.
Munoz, 991 S.W.2d at 822 ("delay which is attributable to the defendant may even
constitute a waiver of a speedy trial claim")(citing Barker, 407 U.S. 528-30 (delay
attributable to defendant constitutes waiver of speedy trial).
Delay that results fi"om Appellant's own actions should weigh heavily against
him and in favor of the State. Munoz, 991 S.W.2d at 822; see also Burton v. State,
805 S.W.2d 564, 572 (Tex. App.—^Dallas 1991, pet. ref d). Furthermore, courts have
^Appellant deducted athree (3) month period at the time oftrial and in Appellant's briefbased on
"the period of time attributable to agreed court resets." App. Brf, p. 23. If the State rehed on this
argument, the length of delay would measure nine (9) months, and thus arguably would fail to
trigger the Barker analysis.
Page 19
held that the right to speedy trial is not violated where Appellant agrees to court
resets and fails to object to continuances that effectively postpone the trial. Burton,
805 S.W.2d at 572. Additionally, good faith plea negotiations, overcrowded dockets,
and the case's complexity make some delays inevitable, and should not weigh
heavily against the state. See Munoz, 991 S.W.2d at 824.
Here, Appellant was the sole cause for the delay. Although Appellant contends
that the State should be faulted for his slew of criminal activity and punishment
thereafter in Williamson County, the fact that Appellant was confined in another
county for the first six months after the indictment is wholly his fault. This factor
should weigh heavilyagainst Appellant. See Burton, 805 S.W.2d at 564 (holding that
a four year delay resulting firom appellant absconding after being released on bail
pending trial was wholly his fault).
Furthermore, the record demonstrates the State did not intentionally delay
Appellant's prosecution.^ Appellant was indicted on this felony charge in August of
2013. (C.R. 17, 61). A capias was issued one week after his indictment, and was
executed less than six months later in Williamson County, where Appellant was
sentenced to TDCJ for an offense he committed prior to this offense (C.R. 18, 61).
He was bench warranted back to Hays County on February 4, 2014, immediately
^The Sixth Amendment limits the applicabihty to right ofspeedy trial clause only to the accused
and the State is not required to discover, investigate, and accuse a person within any particular
period of time. See Gonzales, 435 S.W.3d at 809. The State was under no obligation to present
Appellant's charge to the grand jury prior to August 7, 2013, or immediately following the
November 25,2012, arrest.
Page 20
after he finished serving his sentence at TDCJ for an unrelated Burglary of a Building
(
case. (3 R.R. 23, C.R. 17-18, 61). After receiving appointed counsel in March of
2014, Appellant then sought two (2) agreed court resets before filing his speedy trial
motion less than two months before the trial setting. (4 R.R. 23-25, C.R. 17, 61).
Appellant and the State participated in plea negotiations, and the State and Defense
both announced ready at the first trial setting immediately following the denial of
Appellant's speedy trial motion. (3 R.R. 27-30, 4 R.R. 12). The fact that the State
diligently prosecuted this matter following Appellant's indictment in conjunction
with Appellant's fault in creating the delay should weigh heavily in favor of the
State.
c) The Assertion of the Right
The Criminal Court of Appeals has held that the defendant's motivation in
asking for dismissal rather than a prompt trial is clearly relevant, and may sometimes
attenuate the strength of his claim. McCarty v. State, 498 S.W.2d 212, 216 (1973). A
lack of persistence in asserting the right fiirther attenuates a speedy trial claim.
Dragoo v. State, 96 S.W.3d 308, 314 (Tex. Crim. App. 2003). Although one cannot
waive his right to a speedy trial, resting on one's laurels until right before trial to
assert the right is potentially too late. See id.
Page 21
 Here, Appellant asked for a dismissal rather than a trial in his motion filed less
than two months before the jury trial setting.^ (C.R. 10-13). Appellant's trial counsel
did not urge his speedy trial motion until August 7, 2014, four days before trial at the
pre-trial hearing. (2 R.R. 7, C.R. 114). A lack of timely demand and Appellant's
motivation for seeking a dismissal indicate that the Appellant did not want a speedy
trial and should weigh strongly against Appellant.
d) Prejudice Caused bv the Delay
In Zamarono, the Court identified three interests that the right to speedy trial
was designed to protect: 1) to prevent oppressive pretrial incarceration; 2) to
minimize anxiety and concern of the accused; and 3) to limit the possibility that the
defense will be impaired. Zamorano, 84 S.W.3d at 652. The Criminal Court of
Appeals has highlighted the last interest as the most crucial since the defendant must
be provided the opportunity to "adequately prepare his defense." Gonzales v. State,
435 S.W. 3d at 812(citing Barker, 407 U.S. at 532, 92 S. Ct. 2182). Ordinarily, the
defendant must make some showing of prejudice, although a showing of actual
prejudice is not required. Munoz, 991 S.W.2d at 826.
Appellant compares his case to Gonzales v. State, in which the Court held that
the defendant's right to a speedy trial was violated after finding a six year delay
^ Despite Appellant's argument that he timely asserted his speedy trial motion after retaining
counsel, the record clearly indicates that the speedy trial motion was filed three months after the
appointment of counsel and afterAppellant had agreed to three resets without objection on April 22,
2014, May 22, 2014, and June 26, 2014. App. Brf., p. 20,25; (C.R. 17, 61).
Page 22
between appellant's indictment and arrest where the State failed to provide any
explanation for the delay after the defendant timely asserted his right to a speedy
trial. Gonzales, 435 S.W.3d at 809. Appellant misinterprets the Gonzales language
and holding. While addressing the issue of prejudice, the Gonzales court was
specifically examining the role,that an excessive delay plays in the impairment of a
defendant's ability to present a defense. Id. The Court held that "in certain instances,
the lensth of delay may be so excessive that it presumptively compromises the
reliability of a trial in ways that neitherparty can prove or identify."Only then "in
such instances, the defendant is absolved fi"om the requirement to demonstrate
prejudice." Id. Gonzales does not purport to establish new law, it merely applies the
law to cases of excessive delay. See State v. Tatom, No. 05-14-01246-CR, 2015 WL
1735964 at 6 (Tex. App.—Dallas, Apr. 14, 2015)(mem. op., not designated for
publication). Where the court fails to find excessive delay, there is no basis for a
court to presume prejudice. Id.
Here, there was a delay of a year between the indictment and Appellant's trial.
(C.R. 17, 61). Appellant offered no evidence as to any anxiety or concern. Nor did he
offer any evidence that his defense was impaired due to the passage of time. (C.R.
10-13, 18, 60-61; 3 R.R. 21-27). Rather, Appellant now seeks to argue that his
defense was impaired based on a mere reading of the record.^ An appellate court
^App. Brf., p.26.
Page 23
reviewing a trial court's ruling on a motion to dismiss for want of speedy trial must
do so in light of the evidence offered to the trial court at the time it mled. Dragoo, 96
S.W.3d at 313. Therefore, this Court should not consider Appellant's argument as to
whether Appellant suffered any prejudice as a result of the one year delay between
the time Appellant was indicted until the trial. (3 R.R. 21-27).
Based on the Barker factors, the trial court properly denied Appellant's
Motion to Dismiss for Violation of his Sixth Amendment Right to a Speedy Trial,
and this Court should uphold the trial court's ruling. The actual length of the delay,
the lack of negligence by the State in prosecuting this case, and the fact that the State
i
presented a justifiable reason for the delay should weigh in favor of the State. The
delay in Appellant's case was not extraordinary, and thus Appellant's claim was
rightfully denied as there was no showing of prejudice. Appellant's first claim fails.
Page 24
STATE'S RESPONSE TO POINT OF ERROR TWO
APPELLANT WAIVED HIS 404(B) OBJECTION TO EVIDENCE
OF HIS PRIOR FORGERY CONVICTION BY STIPULATING TO
THE ADMISSIBILITY AND VERACITY OF THE EVIDENCE. THE
ERROR, IF ANY, IN ADMITTING THE EXTRANEOUS OFFENSE
FOR WAS HARMLESS IN LIGHT OF THE LIMITING
INSTRUCTION PROVIDED TO THE JURY AND THE
OVERWHELMING EVIDENCE OF GUILT PRESENTED BY THE
STATE.
1. Appellant waived any 404(b) objection to the admission of the priorforgery
offense by stipulating to the admissibility and veracity ofthe conviction.
a) Standard of Review
This Court need not address Appellant's second or third point of error as it was
waived by his stipulation to the forgery conviction and failure to properly preserve
the error for review. To preserve an issue for appeal, a party must have presented a
timely objection, or motion that states the specific grounds for a desired ruling if they
are not apparent from the context of the objection o^ motion. Reed v. State, 927
S.W.2d289, 291 (Tex. App.—^Fort Worth 1996, no pet.). If a party fails to object, the
error is not preserved, and the complaint is waived. Id. An objection must be specific,
and the objection preserves only the specific grounds cited. Id.
A stipulation is tantamount to a judicial admission, which has the effect of
withdrawing a fact from issue and dispensing wholly with the need for proof of the
fact. See Bryant v. Texas, 187 S.W.3d 397, 399 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005). By entering
into a stipulation, a party waives the right to put the government to its proof of that
Page 25
element, and he cannot complain on appeal that the State failed to prove an element
to which he judicially confessed. See id at 402.
b) Application of Law and Facts
Although Appellant initially objected to the admission of the forgery offense,
Appellant's attorney eventually stipulated to the conviction's admissibility in light of
the court's proposed limiting instruction. (5 R.R. 64-67; State's Ex. 13). At the time
the State offered State's Exhibit 13 into evidence. Appellant's trial counsel responded
that Appellant had no objection. Id. Thus, Appellant's stipulation to the forgery
offense forfeits his 404(b) objection. Because Appellant stipulated to both the
conviction's admissibility during the 404(b) conference as well as the judgment's
authenticity. Appellant has failed to properly preserve this issue.
2. The error, ifany, in admitting the extraneous offensefor the limitedpurpose
ofintent was harmless in light ofthe limitinginstructionprovided to thejury
and the overwhelming evidence ofguiltpresented by the State.
a) Standard of Review
Should this Court choose to address Appellant's second point of error, the
standard of review for the trial court's admission of an extraneous offense is an abuse
of discretion. See Montgomery v. State, 810 S!W.2d 372, 391 (Tex. Crim. App.
1991)(op. on reh'g). Extraneous offenses may be admissible to show motive,
opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake or
accident or to rebut defensive theories raised by a defendant in opening statement or
Page 26
during cross-examination of a State's witness. Montgomery, 810 S.W.2d at 387. A
trial court is given wide latitude to admit or exclude extraneous offenses. Id at 390.
A trial court does not abuse its discretion to admit an extraneous offense if its
decision falls within the "zone of reasonable disagreement." See Johnson v. State,
932 S.W.2d 296, 301 (Tex. App.—Austin 1996, pet. refd.) A trial court's ruling is
generally within the zone of reasonable disagreement if the evidence shows that: 1)
an extraneous offense is relevant to a material, noncharacter conformity issue, and
2) the probative value of that evidence is not substantially outweighed by the
danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading the jury.
Montgomery, 810 S.W.2d at 377. Whenever the extraneous offense is substantially
similar to the charged offense, there is always a potential that the jury may be
unfairly prejudiced by the offender's character conformity. Lane v. State, 933 S.W.2d
504, 520 (Tex. Crim. App. 1996). However, any impermissible inference of character
conformity can be minimized through a limiting instruction. See id. (citing
Montgomery, 810 S.W.2d at 391).
Overwhelming evidence of guilt is a relevant factor in any Rule 44.2(b) harm
analysis. Motilla v. State, 78 S.W.3d 352, 356-57 (Tex. Crim. App. 2002); See also,
e.g., Whitaker v. State, 286 S.W.3d 355, 363-64 (Tex. Crim. App. 2009). A criminal
conviction should notbe overturned for non-constitutional error if the appellate court,
after examining the record as a whole, has fair assurance that the error did not
Page 27
influence the jury, or had but a slight effect on the verdict. See Johnson v. State, 967
S.W.2d 410,417 (Tex. Crim. App. 1998).
b) Application of Law to Facts
To the extent Appellant's objection was not waived following his stipulation to
the admissibility of the extraneous offense, the trial court deemed the prior forgery
conviction as having probative value for the limited purpose of intent.^ If the Court
deems the admission of the prior forgery conviction as error. Appellant was not
harmed by the admission of the offense. Prior to the conviction's publication to the
jury, the trial court provided a limiting instruction to the jury that the forgery
conviction could solely be considered for the purpose of intent. (5 R.R. 54, 65-67;
State's Exhibit 13). The limiting instruction mitigated any potential prejudicial effect
or harm resulting fi:om the admission of the extraneous offense. Johnson, 932 S.W.2d
at 303.
Even if the Court determines that the limiting instruction was insufficient to
mitigate any potential harm resulting from the admission of the extraneous offense,
the record as a whole shows overwhelming evidence of Appellant's guilt. Appellant
^The element of intent is by nature material to the State securing a conviction against Appellant.
See Johnson, 932 S.W.2d at 301. An extraneous offense is admissible to prove intent if the
required intent cannot be inferred from the act itself, or if the accused presents evidence to rebut
the inference of intent. See id at 302. Unless the record clearly reveals a different result is
appropriate, we must defer to the factfmder's determination. See Carruth v. State, 762 S.W.2d
364, 367 (Tex. App.—^Fort Worth 1998, no pet.)(holding evidence of extraneous offenses of
forgery and theft admissible to rebut defensive theory that no intent to defraud by forgery
existed).
Page 28
admitted ownership of the bag and identified knives that were ultimately discovered
in the bag prior to the officers' search. Further, the bag's contents included hotel
receipts and emails in Appellant's name. (4 R.R. 108-109, 111-112; 5 R.R. 41). The
State introduced seven individual driver's licenses found in Appellant's possession, a
passport and social security card for an eighth individual, a birth certificate and
medical immunization record for a ninth individual with no known connection to
Appellant, and a listing of 15 different individual names with their corresponding
dates of birth, addresses, and social security numbers. (4 R.R. 39-55; State's Ex. 2, 3,
4).
Witness testimony fi-om White, Snodgrass, Brown, and Rathore all confirmed
that Appellant did not have consent to possess their specific items of personal
identification. (4 R.R. 117-132; State's Ex. 3). Appellant's bag contained three USB
devices, three SIM cards, a Magic Wand scanner, two disks, and adapter plugs,
which Det. Floiran, an expert in financial crimes and fraud investigations, testified
are commonly found in identity fraud cases. (5 R.R. 39). Based on Det. Floiran's
expert opinion. Appellant knowingly possessed over 10 items of others' identifying
information with the intentionto defraud those individual owners. (5 R.R. 45).
The trial court's admission of Appellant's prior criminal conviction was within
the zone of reasonable disagreement, and thus not an abuse of discretion. Even
assuming the decision to admit the evidence was improper. Appellant did not suffer
Page 29
injury or substantial harm as a result that warrants a reversal of his criminal
conviction.
STATE'S RESPONSE TO POINT OF ERROR THREE
APPELLANT FAILED TO RAISE A TIMELY 403 OBJECTION TO
THE ADMISSION OF THE FORGERY CONVICTION AS
REQUIRED TO PRESERVE ERROR, AND APPELLANT DID NOT
SUFFER SUBSTANTIAL HARM AS A RESULT OF THE
ADMISSION OF THE FORGERY CONVICTION.
1. Appellant failed to raise a timely 403 objection to the admission of the
forgery conviction as required to preserve error.
a) Standard ofReview
Once a trial court resolves a Rule 404(b) challenge to the admission of
evidence of a prior bad act by finding that the extraneous offense is relevant to a
• (
material, non-character conformity issue, the opponent of the evidence is required to
further object under Rule 403^ in order to preserve error on appeal. Montgomery, 810
S.W.3d at 388; Johnson, 932 S.W.2d at 303. A party who fails to timely object fails
to preserve error and waives complaint on appeal. Reed, 927 S.W.2d at 291.
If a Rule 403 objection is made challenging the admission of the extraneous
offense evidence, the court must conduct a balancing test to determine if the
probative value of the evidence is substantially outweighed by the prejudicial effect
that the information will have on finder of fact. Johnson, S.W.2d at 303. When
"^The court may exclude relevant evidence ifits probative value is substantially outweighed by a
danger of one or more of the following: unfair prejudice, confusing the issues, misleading thejury,
undue delay, or needlesslypresenting cumulative evidence." Tex. R. Evid. 403.
Page 30
conducting a 403 analysis, the court looks at four factors: 1) the probative value of
the evidence; 2) the potential to impress the jury in some irrational yet indelible way;
3) the time needed to develop the evidence; and 4) the proponent's need for the
evidence. Mechler v. State, 153 S.W.3d 435, 440 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005). Rule 403
favors the admissibility of relevant evidence and there is a presumption that relevant
evidence will be more probative than prejudicial. Montgomery, 810 S.W.2d at 389.
b) Application of Law and Facts
After conceding admissibility of the evidence under Rule 404(b),Appellant
did not object under Rule 403 to properly preserve error for review.Montgomery,
810 S.W.2d at 395. Because Appellant failed to raise a contemporaneous objection to
the unfairly prejudicial nature of the prior conviction after the trial court ruled that the
evidence was admissible under Rule 404(b), Appellant has forfeited Appellate review
of this point. Id.
Even if the Court determines Appellant sufficiently objected to the
admissibility of the prior conviction, the forgery conviction was deemed probative
only for the limited purpose of intent. Appellant's counsel made the tactical decision
See STATE'S RESPONSE TO POINT OF ERROR TWO, above.
Appellant asserts that "the record reflects that the trial courtdid not conduct a Rule 403 balancing
test." App. Brf., p. 33. However, there is no requirement that the trial coxirt announce for the record
that it has conducted a balancing test in its own mind. Nolen v. State, 872 S.W.2d 807, 812 (Tex.
App.—^Fort Worth 1994, pet. refd). The fact that a trial judge made a proper balancing test can be
implied from the record of a court proceeding. Nolen, 872 S.W.2d at 812. Furthermore, the trial
court's decision to sustain defense counsel's objection to the introduction of Appellant's prior
convictions for Burglary of Habitation, Credit Card Abuse, and Unauthorized Use of a Motor
Vehiclesupportan inference that the trial court conducted a 403 balancingtest.
Page 31
to stipulate to the admissibility of this prior bads act arguably based on trial counsel's
belief that the 2006 conviction would fail to impress the jury in an indelible or
inflammatory manner. Because Appellant failed to raise an objection as to the
prejudicial nature of the charge, Appellant has waived this issue for review on appeal.
2. The admission of,the priorforgery offense did not cause Appellant to suffer
substantial harm.
a) Standard of Review
Error in admitting evidence concerning extraneous offenses is reviewed
under the standard for nonconstitutional error set forth in Rule 44.2(b), Tex. R.
App. P. Higginbotham v. State, 356 S.W.3d 584, 592 (Tex. App.—^Texarkana
2011, pet. ref d.). Any nonconstitutional error that does not affect a substantial right
must be disregarded as a harmless error. See id. If, on the record as a whole, it
appears the error did not influence the jury, or had but a slight effect, a reviewing
court must conclude the error was not harmful and allow the conviction to stand. Id.
b) Application of Law and Facts
If the Court finds that the prior forgery conviction was improperly admitted
despite Appellant's stipulation and failure to object under Rule 403, the error would
be harmless.Not only was a limiting instruction provided to the jury prior to the
publication of the evidence, but the State presented overwhelming evidence of the
Appellant's guilt. If the Court, after a review of the record as a whole, has fair
See STATE'S RESPONSE TO POINT OF ERROR TWO, above, for a complete harm analysis
regarding the trial court's error, if any, in admitting the extraneous offense.
Page 32
assurance that the admission of extraneous offense did not have a substantial and
injurious effect or influence in determining the jury's verdict, the Court may not
reverse based on an abuse of discretion. See Johnson, 967 S.W.2d at 417.
STATE'S RESPONSE TO POINT OF ERROR FOUR
THE EVIDENCE WAS SUFFICIENT TO SUPPORT THE JURY'S
GUILTY VERDICT.
1. The evidence was sufficient to support thejury's guilty verdict
a) Standard of Review
In reviewing a challenge to the legal sufficiency of the evidence, the appellate
court examines the evidence to determine whether any rational trier of fact could
have found the essential elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Brooks
V. State, 323 S.W.3d 893, 899 (Tex. Crim. App. 2010). Courts review all the
evidence in the light most favorable to the verdict and assume the trier of fact
resolved conflicts in the testimony, weighed the evidence, and drew reasonable
inferences in a manner that supports the verdict. See id.
A person commits the offense of Fraudulent Possession of Identifying
Information More than 10 but Less than 50 Items "if the person, with the intent to
harm or defi"aud another, obtains, possesses, transfers, or uses an item of identifying
information of another person without the other person's consent." Tex. Pen. Code.
32.51(b)(l)(West 2011). Identifying information is defined as "information that alone
or in conjunction with other information identifies a person, including a persons:
Page 33
name, date of birth, unique biometric data, including the person's fingerprint, voice
print, or retina or iris image; unique electronic identification number, address, routing
code, or financial institution account number, telecommunication identifying
information or access device; and social security number or other government-issued
identification number." Tex. Pen. Code 32.51(a)(West 2011).
In Cortez v. State, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals held that an "item of
identifying information" as any single piece of personal identifying information
enumerated in the definition of "identifying information" that alone or in conjunction
with other information identifies a person, as opposed to a thing that may contain a
group of pieces of information identifying a person, such as a license, credit card, or
document." Cortez v. State, No. 0501-14, 2015 WL 3776495 at 4-5 (Tex. Crim.
App., June 17, 2015). Under the Court's interpretation of the statute, a defendant can
possess an "item of identifying information" regardless of the physical form in which
that information is possessed. Id at 7. Further, a single document or tangible thing can
contain multiple "items of identifying information." Id. An actor is "presumed to
have the intent to harm or defraud another if the actor possesses: the identifying
information of three or more other persons." Tex. Pen. Code. 32.51(b)(l)(West
2011).
Page 34
b) Application of Law and Facts
In this case, the evidence was overwhelming that the Appellant possessed
more than ten items of identifying information.'^ Witness testimony and the State's
exhibits corroborated that the checks, driver's licenses, social security numbers, birth
certificates, addresses, dates of birth, and names found within Appellant's bag
amounted to well over ten items of identifying information. Reviewing the evidence
in the light most favorable to the verdict, the State introduced seven individual driver
licenses found in Appellant's possession, a passport and social security card for an
eighth individual, checks in the name of six additional individuals, a birih certificate
and medical immunization record for a ninth individual with no known connection to
Appellant, and a listing of 15 different individual names with their corresponding
date of birth, addresses, and social security numbers. (4 R.R. 39-55; State's Ex. 2, 3,
4).
Appellant concedes that if an accused possessed a driver's license, for
example, he would be in possession of three items of identifying information,
specifically the person's name and date of birth, address, and driver's license number.
See App. Brf., p. 38. Even if the Court were to rely exclusively on the items that
In arguingthat the evidence is legallyinsufficient to supportAppellant's conviction for fraudulent
use or possession of identifying information 10 or more items but less than 50 items, Appellant
challenges the number of actual items of identifying information presented by the state, but fails to
contest the sufficiency of the evidence as to intent or that Appellant had the consent of the
complainant's to possess the items of identifying information. App. Brf, p. 37-42. But see also the
discussion of the overwhelming evidence of guilt vis a vis harmless error relating to Point of Error
Three, at p. 31.
Page 35
belonged to White, Snodgrass, Brown, and Rathore, the State would have admitted
evidence that Appellant possessed at least 13 items of identifying information
obtained without the owner's consent.'"* (4 R.R. 118-119, 125-131; State's Exhibit 3,
4,5).
Detective Floiran corroborated the physical evidence produced by the State
and testified that Appellant possessed more than 10 items of identifying information,
but less than 50. The jury could also presume that because Appellant had more than
three identifying items, he had the intent to harm or defraud another as set forth
Texas Penal Code § 32.51. Because the evidence is legally sufficient to support the
jury's determination of Appellant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Appellant's
fourth point of error should be overruled.
CONCLUSION
Appellant's constitutional right to speedy trial was not violated as a result of
the 12 month delay between the indictment and the trial. The State diligently
prosecuted this case and six months of the delay is solely attributable to Appellant as
a result of his incarceration an unrelated offense. Appellant's failure to put forth any
The State calculates the items of identifying information in Ught of the Texas Criminal Court of
Appeals holding in Cortez. See Cortez, No. 0501-14, 2015 WL 3776495 at 5-8. The items of
identifying information include three from White's recovered driver's license, (name and date of
birth, address, and driver's license number), four items belonging to Snodgrass (name and date of
birth, address, driver's license number, and social security number), three from Brown (name and
date of birth, address, and social security number), and three belonging to Rathore (name and date
of birth, address, and social security number.)
Page 36
evidence of prejudice, request for an outright dismissal of the case, and the State's
\
justifiable explanation as to the nature of the delay weigh in favor of the State in the
context of a Barker analysis.
Appellant failed to properly preserve error to challenge the admissibility of the
prior forgery offense both as improper character evidence and as unfairly prejudicial
to Appellant. Therefore, the Court is precluded from examining Appellant's points of
error two and three.
Finally, the evidence before the court was legally sufficient to support the
jury's verdict as the State presented evidence of a minimum of 13 items of
identifying information possessed by Appellant without the consent of the owner.
The State presented both expert testimony as well as circumstantial evidence to prove
the element of intent beyond a reasonable doubt. Accordingly, this appeal should be
denied in toto.
Page 37
PRAYER
Wherefore, premises considered, the State respectfully prays that the Court
overrule Appellant's issues, AFFIRM the trial court's judgment of GUILT, including
affirmation of the punishment.
Respectfully submitted,
Whitney L, Borgma
Assistant CriminarDistrict Attbhiey
712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 2057
San Marcos, Texas 78666
State Bar No. 24082224
whitney.borgman@co.hays.tx.us
Attorney for the State of Texas
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE WITH TEX. R.
APR PROC.. RULE 9.4
I certify that this brief contains 8.839 words, exclusive of the caption, identity
of parties and counsel, statement regarding oral argument, table of contents, index of
authorities, statement of the case, statement of issues presented, statement of
jurisdiction, statement of procedural history, signature, proof of service, certification,
certificate of compliance, and appendix.
Whitney L.
Whitney Bpl^man (j
Assistant Criminal Districti^ttomey
Page 38
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that a true copy of the foregoing brief has been e-delivered to:
Dal Ruggles
1103 Nueces
Austin, Texas 78701
on this the 17" day ofAugust, 2015.
Whitney L. Bo,i^an
Assistant Criminal District Attorney
Page 39