State of Washington v. Shane Sayer Morgan

FILED
MARCH 21, 2017
In the Office of the Clerk of Court
WA State Court of Appeals, Division III
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
DIVISION THREE
STATE OF WASHINGTON, ) No. 33987-4-111
)
Respondent, )
)
V. ) UNPUBLISHED OPINION
)
JOSHUA CALEB SNYDER, )
)
Defendant, )
)
SHANE SAYER MORGAN, )
)
Appellant. )
LAWRENCE-BERREY, J. - Shane Sayer Morgan appeals his convictions for second
degree theft, three counts of second degree identity theft, two counts of third degree theft,
and two counts of attempted third degree theft. Mr. Morgan argues (1) the evidence was
insufficient to convict him of any of the eight charges for which he was convicted, (2) the
trial court erred when it instructed the jury on various uncharged alternate means for
committing theft for counts 1, 3, 4, 6, and 8, (3) the trial court violated his constitutional
right to a unanimous jury verdict by not giving a unanimity instruction for counts 1, 3, 4,
6, and 8, (4) the trial court violated his constitutional right to a unanimous jury verdict by
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not giving a unanimity instruction for count 2, (5) he was denied effective assistance of
counsel when his attorney failed to object to the video of Josh Snyder's police interview,
(6) the trial court erred at sentencing when it failed to treat counts 5 and 7 as the same
criminal conduct, and (7) the trial court erred when it imposed a total term of confinement
and community service that exceeds the statutory maximum. He also raises four separate
arguments in his statement of additional grounds for review (SAG).
We agree with Mr. Morgan's second and seventh arguments, conclude the third is
moot, but otherwise affirm. We therefore reverse his convictions on counts 1, 3, 4, 6, and
8, and remand for retrial on those counts.
FACTS
Background facts
On June 11, 2014, Maureen Webb lent her Chase Bank credit card to her daughter
so she could purchase gas for her car. Hours later, Chase Bank fraud protection sent a
text to Ms. Webb, asking if she made a recent purchase at Fred Meyer in Ellensburg. Ms.
Webb then asked her daughter about the card. Her daughter said she did not make any
purchases at Fred Meyer. She then looked for the card, and said she no longer had it.
Ms. Webb called the police and reported her card was stolen.
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The investigating officer obtained information from Chase Bank and learned the
times of the Fred Meyer transactions. She then used those times and Fred Meyer video
surveillance to determine that Mr. Morgan and Joshua Snyder had used Ms. Webb's
missing credit card. The first video showed the men approaching a self-checkout kiosk
with two drinks, Mr. Snyder scanning the drinks and the credit card, Mr. Morgan pushing
buttons on the kiosk, Mr. Snyder retaining the credit card, and then each man walking
away, each with one drink. The second video showed Mr. Snyder purchasing clothes and
shoes at a check-out counter with the credit card, with Mr. Morgan standing close to the
counter.
The investigating officer learned from Fred Meyer records that Ms. Webb's credit
card was used at the store four times that day. The first time was the purchase of the two
drinks for $4.61. The second time was the purchase of clothes and shoes for $539.23.
The third time was an attempted purchase of an iPad for $538.92. The attempted
purchase was declined. Twenty-two seconds after the card was first swiped, the card was
again swiped in an attempt to purchase the same iPad. This second attempted purchase
also was declined.
The investigation to obtain the previously described facts took several months. On
March 1, 2015, the investigating officer interviewed Mr. Snyder and asked questions
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about his June 2014 purchases at Fred Meyer with Mr. Morgan. Mr. Snyder denied being
friends with Mr. Morgan, and said he did not even like Mr. Morgan. Mr. Snyder denied
purchasing over $500 of clothes at Fred Meyer. He said he wished he had nice clothes,
but he only had rags. Mr. Snyder also denied attempting to purchase an iPad. When
confronted with the fact that the investigating officer had video surveillance of him using
a stolen card at Fred Meyer, Mr. Snyder denied it was him.
Charges and pretrial hearing
The State charged Mr. Morgan and Mr. Snyder with 16 counts as being a principal
or an accomplice to a series of thefts involving Ms. Webb's credit card. Mr. Snyder
eventually pleaded guilty to some or all of the charges. Mr. Morgan chose to go to trial.
On the morning of trial, the State gave notice it intended to admit the video of Mr.
Snyder's police interview. Mr. Morgan's attorney objected. The prosecutor said he
would talk with defense counsel later and try to resolve his concerns. The trial court did
not rule on the objection.
Trial summary
At trial, Ms. Webb, her daughter, and the investigating officer testified to the facts
stated above. A Fred Meyer loss prevention specialist also testified. He testified about
the contents of the June 2014 surveillance videos as summarized above. He also testified
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the videos showed the two men walking together from one area of the store to another,
and shopping together for men's apparel using one cart. He admitted Fred Meyer was
paid by Ms. Webb's credit card company for the items purchased. In addition to these
testimonies, the State played the video of Mr. Snyder's police interview. Mr. Morgan did
not object.
The State also called Mr. Snyder, but as an adverse witness. Mr. Snyder said he
found the credit card on top of a gas pump and took the card for his own use. He then
drove his Jeep and picked up Mr. Morgan in Cle Elum, drove around, and just ended up
approximately 30 miles away at Fred Meyer. He admitted he knew Mr. Morgan for
approximately 10 years, and that they were friends and occasionally saw each other. He
also testified that in those 10 years, he had never shopped with Mr. Morgan before. He
explained Mr. Morgan probably pushed the buttons at the kiosk because he had a "brain
fart" and probably could not remember how to use a self-service kiosk. Report of
Proceedings at 199. He also testified that the clothes and shoes he purchased were for
him and his brother. He said he did not recall using the card to try to purchase the iPad,
and recalled he probably threw the card out the Jeep window later that night. He testified
he pleaded guilty to various theft crimes involving Ms. Webb's card. When questioned
by defense counsel, Mr. Snyder said Mr. Morgan did not know that the card was stolen.
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After all the evidence was presented, the trial court held a jury instruction
conference to discuss what instructions it should give the jury. During the conference, the
State discussed amending the information to include all three of the statutory means for
committing theft. Mr. Morgan objected on the basis that the State had only charged one
of the three means in the information. The trial court overruled Mr. Morgan's objection,
and instructed the jury on all three of the statutory means for committing theft.
The jury returned convictions on counts 1-8, and acquitted on counts 9-16. For
ease of our analysis below, we set forth counts 1-8 below, and summarize in
parentheticals their factual bases as noted in the final information:
Count 1: Second degree theft (stolen credit card)
Count 2: Second degree identity theft (unauthorized use of card)
Count 3: Third degree theft (purchase of drinks)
Count 4: Third degree theft (purchase of clothes)
Count 5: Second degree identity theft (unauthorized use of card for iPad)
Count 6: Attempted third degree theft (attempted purchase of iPad)
Count 7: Second degree identity theft (unauthorized use of card for iPad)
Count 8: Attempted third degree theft (attempted purchase of iPad)
Sentencing
At sentencing, Mr. Morgan argued the four felony convictions (counts 1, 2, 5 and
7) should be considered the same criminal conduct for purposes of calculating the current
offense portion of his offender score. The trial court took the matter under advisement
and later issued a memorandum decision stating that "each use of the credit card was a
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distinctive act that furthered a different, distinct criminal purpose." Clerk's Papers (CP)
at 590. The trial court calculated the current offense portion of Mr. Morgan's offender
score consistent with its memorandum decision, and calculated a total offender score of
11. The trial court imposed a sentence of 57 months of confinement and 12 months of
community custody, with a note that the total period of confinement and community
custody could not exceed the statutory maximum. The trial court also denied Mr.
Morgan's request for a drug offender sentencing alternative (DOSA) sentence.
ANALYSIS
1. SUFFICIENCY OF THE EVIDENCE
Mr. Morgan first contends the evidence was insufficient to convict him of the
offenses for which he was convicted.
Evidence is sufficient to convict if it permits a rational trier of fact to find the
essential elements of the crime proved beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Munoz-
Rivera, 190 Wn. App. 870,882,361 P.3d 182 (2015). This court "must draw all
reasonable inferences from the evidence in favor of the State and interpret the evidence
most strongly against the defendant." Id. Direct and circumstantial evidence carry the
same weight. Id. Reviewing courts also must defer to the trier of fact "on issues of
conflicting testimony, credibility of witnesses, and the persuasiveness of the evidence."
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State v. Thomas, 150 Wash. 2d 821, 874-75, 83 P.3d 970 (2004). An appellate court's role
is not to reweigh the evidence and substitute its judgment for that of the jury. State v.
Green, 94 Wash. 2d 216, 221, 616 P.2d 628 (1980).
a. Count I: Theft of credit card
To find Mr. Morgan guilty of second degree theft, count 1, the jury had to find
each of the following proved beyond a reasonable doubt:
(1) That on or about June 11, 2014 the defendant
(a) wrongfully obtained or exerted unauthorized control
over property of another; or
(b) by color or aid of deception, obtained control over
property of another; or
( c) appropriated lost or misdelivered property of another;
and
(2) That the property was [a credit card];
(3) That the defendant intended to deprive the other person of [a
credit card]; and
(4) That this act occurred in the State of Washington.
CP at 336 Uury instruction 20).
Mr. Morgan argues the evidence was that Mr. Snyder wrongfully obtained or
appropriated the lost card. He argues his mere presence with Mr. Snyder in Fred Meyer
was insufficient evidence as a matter of law. He argues to support his conviction as an
accomplice, the State was required to present evidence he was "ready to assist" or
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intended to encourage the conduct of Mr. Snyder. See State v. Aiken, 72 Wash. 2d 306, 349,
434 P.2d 10 (1967).
The State responds that it presented sufficient evidence that Mr. Morgan exerted
unauthorized control over the credit card. The State argues the jury could infer Mr.
Morgan agreed to go with Mr. Snyder to Fred Meyer to purchase items with the credit
card that Mr. Morgan knew was stolen. To support this inference, the State argues Mr.
Snyder admitted he had known Mr. Morgan for 10 years, yet this was the first time the
two ever shopped together. And for this first time shopping together, it was beyond
coincidence that Mr. Snyder happened to have a stolen credit card.
Although Mr. Snyder testified Mr. Morgan did not know the card was stolen, the
State argues the jury could have disbelieved him. Given Mr. Snyder's explanation that
they just happened to drive 30 miles to Fred Meyer late at night, that his statements were
very different from what he told the investigating officer, and the unusualness of
purchasing or attempting to purchase a total of over $1,000 of goods, we agree the jury
did not need to believe Mr. Snyder.
We note that Mr. Morgan pushed the buttons at the self-service kiosk and thus
assisted Mr. Snyder in his theft of the drinks. We also note that Mr. Morgan was with
Mr. Snyder throughout the store and was near him when the clothes and shoes were
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purchased. A reasonable finder of fact could find the inferences advanced by the State,
that it was not a mere coincidence that the two traveled to Fred Meyer in Ellensburg that
night with a stolen or lost credit card. The State presented sufficient evidence for a jury
to find Mr. Morgan, as an accomplice, exerted unauthorized control over the card and
knew the card was stolen.
b. Counts 3, 4, 6 and 8: Third degree theft and attempted third degree
theft
Mr. Morgan argues there was no evidence the jury could find that Fred Meyer was
the victim of the thefts. Mr. Morgan argues the jury instructions required the jury to find
that Fred Meyer was the victim of the theft, and the loss prevention officer testified Fred
Meyer did not sustain a loss.
The State accurately responds that the jury instructions did not identify the victim
of the loss. The instructions merely required the jury to find Mr. Morgan intended to
deprive the owner of the owner's property or services.
Mr. Morgan cites State v. Graham, 182 Wn. App. 180,327 P.3d 717 (2014) for his
argument that Fred Meyer was not a victim of theft. There, Chantell Graham removed
items from a shelf at Wal-Mart, "returned" them to customer service and obtained a gift
card. She used the gift card to purchase items, and later returned the items and obtained
cash. In Graham, we held the facts did not establish trafficking in "stolen property," but
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they did establish "theft." Id. at 185. Graham does not assist Mr. Morgan in this case, a
case involving charges of theft.
c. Counts 2, 5 and 7: Second degree identity theft
Mr. Morgan reiterates his argument there were insufficient facts that he knew the
credit card used by Mr. Snyder was stolen. We earlier rejected the argument.
2. INSTRUCTING ON ALTERNATIVE MEANS NOT CHARGED IN INFORMATION
Mr. Morgan contends the trial court erred when it instructed the jury on alternative
means not charged relating to counts 1, 3, 4, 6 and 8, and reversal is required unless the
State can show the error was harmless.
It is error for a trial court to instruct the jury on uncharged alternative means. In re
Pers. Restraint of Brockie, 178 Wash. 2d 532, 536, 309 P.3d 498 (2013) (citing State v.
Severns, 13 Wash. 2d 542, 548, 125 P.2d 659 (1942)). When the charging document alleges
only one alternative means of committing a crime, "it is error for the trial court to instruct
the jury on uncharged alternatives, regardless of the strength of the trial evidence." State
v. Chino, 117 Wash. App. 531, 540, 72 P.3d 256 (2003). When reviewing instructions to
the jury on uncharged alternative means, this court presumes prejudice unless the State
can show that the error was harmless. Brockie, 178 Wash. 2d at 538-39; Chino, 117 Wn.
App. at 540. This error may be harmless if other instructions specifically and clearly limit
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the crime to the charged alternative. Severns, 13 Wash. 2d at 548-49; Chino, 117 Wash. App.
at 540.
The charging document states only the alternative means of "wrongfully
obtain[ing] or exert[ing] unauthorized control" for counts 1, 3, 4, 6 and 8. CP at 304-07.
The to-convict jury instructions include all three of the alternative means for committing
theft. RCW 9A.56.020(1); CP at 336,343. The jury instructions also include the
definitions for all of the alternative means. Because the instructions do not "clearly and
specifically" define the charged crime, the error is not harmless. It is possible that the
jury convicted Mr. Morgan under the uncharged means. Chino, 117 Wash. App. at 540-41.
The State argues the underlying purpose of the rule is to provide the defendant
notice of the crimes charged. The State argues the underlying purpose of the rule was
satisfied here because Mr. Morgan obtained notice of the alternative means relied on
when the State and Mr. Morgan debated amending the information during the jury
instruction conference. The State provides no authority that a discussion that occurs after
all the evidence is concluded satisfies the underlying purpose of notice. Mr. Morgan may
have prepared his defense differently, and he may have questioned witnesses differently,
had he been given earlier notice that the State intended to argue all three alternative
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means for committing theft. We, therefore, reverse Mr. Morgan's convictions for counts
1, 3, 4, 6 and 8, and remand for retrial on those counts.
3. FAILURE TO GIVE UNANIMITY INSTRUCTION FOR COUNTS 1, 3, 4, 6 AND 8
Mr. Morgan contends the trial court violated his right to a unanimous jury verdict
on counts 1, 3, 4, 6 and 8 when it failed to given an instruction on unanimity. Because of
how we resolved the last issue, this issue is moot. Further, because the evidence might be
different between the two trials, we decline to give an advisory opinion.
4. FAILURE TO GIVE A UNANIMITY INSTRUCTION FOR COUNT 2
Mr. Morgan next argues the trial court violated his right to a unanimous verdict by
failing to give a unanimity instruction for second degree identity theft, as charged in count
2. This count relates to the purchases of the two drinks.
The State responds that second degree identify theft is not a multiple means crime,
citing State v. Butler, 194 Wash. App. 525, 374 P.3d 1232 (2016). Mr. Morgan agrees with
the State's citation to Butler, but contends his argument is a multiple acts argument, not a
multiple means argument. Mr. Morgan's argument is that the trial court was required to
give a unanimity instruction because the State argued that three separate acts could
support conviction on count 2.
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Criminal defendants in Washington have a right to a unanimous jury verdict.
CONST. art. I,§ 21; State v. Ortega-Martinez, 124 Wn.2d 702,707,881 P.2d 231 (1994).
In multiple acts cases, the State must elect which of the acts it is relying on for a
conviction, or the court must instruct the jury to agree on a specific criminal act. State v.
Coleman, 159 Wash. 2d 509, 511, 150 P.3d 1126 (2007). Failure to give a necessary
unanimity instruction is constitutional error, and constitutional harmless error analysis
applies. State v. Bobenhouse, 166 Wash. 2d 881, 893, 214 P.3d 907 (2009). In order to find
a constitutional error harmless, this court must find the error harmless beyond a
reasonable doubt. State v. Camarillo, 115 Wash. 2d 60, 64, 794 P.2d 850 (1990). This court
can only overcome the presumption of error if no rational juror could have a reasonable
doubt as to any of the incidents alleged. Coleman, 159 Wash. 2d at 512. This issue may be
raised for the first time on appeal. RAP 2.5(a); Bobenhouse, 166 Wash. 2d at 892 n.4.
In count 2, the State charged Mr. Morgan with second degree identity theft as a
principal or accomplice for "knowingly obtain[ing] or possess[ing] a means of
identification or financial information of another person, living or dead, with the intent to
commit or to aid or abet any crime, to-wit: Maureen Webb's credit card." CP at 304. The
State did not argue there were multiple acts that supported count 2. Instead, the State
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argued that Mr. Morgan committed count 2 as an accomplice when he assisted Mr.
Snyder's commission of crimes with the credit card, which Mr. Morgan knew was stolen.
5. INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL
Mr. Morgan next argues he was denied effective assistance of counsel when his
attorney failed to object during trial to the video of Mr. Snyder's police interview. Mr.
Morgan asserts that an objection would have been sustained on three possible bases:
(1) hearsay, (2) unduly prejudicial, and (3) improper rebuttal, given Mr. Snyder had yet to
testify.
A criminal defendant has a Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution
right to effective assistance of counsel. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 685-86,
104 S. Ct. 2052, 80 L. Ed. 2d 674 (1984). "A claim of ineffective assistance of counsel is
an issue of constitutional magnitude that may be considered for the first time on appeal."
State v. Ky/lo, 166 Wash. 2d 856, 862, 215 P.3d 177 (2009). The claim is reviewed de novo.
State v. Sutherby, 165 Wash. 2d 870, 883, 204 P.3d 916 (2009). To establish ineffective
assistance of counsel, a defendant must prove the following two-pronged test:
(1) [D]efense counsel's representation was deficient, i.e., it fell below an
objective standard of reasonableness based on consideration of all the
circumstances; and (2) defense counsel's deficient representation prejudiced
the defendant, i.e., there is a reasonable probability that, except for
counsel's unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have
been different.
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State v. McFarland, 127 Wash. 2d 322, 334-35, 899 P.2d 1251 (1995) (citing State v.
Thomas, 109 Wash. 2d 222, 225-26, 743 P.2d 816 (1987)). There is a strong presumption
that counsel's performance was reasonable. State v. Grier, 171 Wash. 2d 17, 42, 246 P.3d
1260 (2011). To rebut this presumption, the defendant bears the burden of establishing
that no conceivable legitimate tactic exists to explain counsel's performance. Id.
We first note that defense counsel was aware of the potential evidentiary
objections and did object during the pretrial conference. The prosecutor said he would
discuss the objection with defense counsel and try to resolve it.
We next note that Mr. Snyder's statements during the police interview were
statements of a coconspirator made during and in furtherance of the conspiracy, and
therefore not hearsay under ER 801(d)(2)(v). 1 We also doubt an objection that the video
was unduly prejudicial would have been sustained, given the relevance and inconsistency
of Mr. Snyder's anticipated testimony. For these reasons, we conclude that Mr. Morgan's
attorney was not deficient for failing to object at trial to the video of Mr. Snyder's police
interview.
1
Although the thefts were committed months prior, conspiracy extends to
statements made to conceal the crime and avoid conviction. United States v. Herrero,
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6. SENTENCING ERROR-SAME CRIMINAL CONDUCT ( COUNTS 5, 7)
Mr. Morgan contends that the trial court erred in sentencing when finding that
counts 5 and 7 did not constitute the same criminal conduct. He argues that both attempts
to purchase the iPad involved the same criminal intent, victim, time, and location.
A court may consider current convictions involving the same criminal conduct as
one crime for sentencing purposes. RCW 9.94A.589(l)(a). '"Atrial court's
determination of what constitutes the same criminal conduct for purposes of calculating
an offender score will not be reversed absent an abuse of discretion or misapplication of
the law."' State v. Tili, 139 Wash. 2d 107, 122,985 P.2d 365 (1999) (quoting State v.
Walden, 69 Wash. App. 183, 188, 847 P.2d 956 (1993)).
Same criminal conduct requires: (1) the same criminal intent, (2) commission at
the same time and place, and (3) the same victim. RCW 9.94A.589(1)(a). "Although the
statute is generally construed narrowly to disallow most claims that multiple offenses
constitute the same criminal act," there is one clear exception: the repeated commission of
the same crime against the same victim over a short period. State v. Porter, 133 Wn.2d
177,181,942 P.2d 974 (1997).
893 F .2d 1512, 1528 (7th Cir. 1990), abrogated by United States v. Durrive, 902 F .2d
1221 (7th Cir. 1990) (on other grounds).
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Crimes may involve the same criminal intent if they were part of a "continuing,
uninterrupted sequence of conduct." Id. at 186. When "an offender has time to 'pause,
reflect, and either cease his criminal activity or proceed to commit a further criminal act,'
and makes the decision to proceed, he or she has formed a new intent to commit the
second act." Munoz-Rivera, 190 Wash. App. at 889 (quoting State v. Grantham, 84 Wn.
App. 854, 859, 932 P.2d 657 (1997)).
Mr. Morgan and Mr. Snyder attempted to purchase an iPad with the stolen credit
card. The first time the card was swiped, the transaction was declined. Twenty-two
seconds after the first swipe, a second swipe occurred and the transaction was again
declined. Mr. Snyder and Mr. Morgan had time to pause and reflect after the first
transaction. In its memorandum decision, the trial court determined that "each use of the
credit card was a distinctive act that furthered a different, distinct criminal purpose." CP
at 590. Because of the discretion we give to trial courts in making these types of
determinations, and because 22 seconds is a sufficient pause to consider the criminality of
one's actions, we conclude the trial court did not abuse its discretion when it determined
that both swipes were not the same criminal offense for purposes of sentencing.
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7. SENTENCING ERROR-EXCEEDS STATUTORY MAXIMUM
Mr. Morgan next argues the trial court sentenced him to a term of confinement in
excess of the statutory maximum for class C felonies of 60 months, when it sentenced
him to 57 months of confinement and 12 months of community custody and included a
Brooks 2 notation. The State correctly concedes error.
A defendant may challenge sentencing error for the first time on appeal. State v.
Bahl, 164 Wash. 2d 739, 744, 193 P.3d 678 (2008). A defendant's sentence cannot exceed
the statutory maximum term for the class of crime for which the offender was convicted.
RCW 9A.20.021(1). Terms of confinement and community custody are both included in
the calculation of the statutory maximum term, and the combination of the two cannot
exceed the statutory maximum. RCW 9.94A.505(5); State v. Boyd, 174 Wn.2d 470,473,
275 P.3d 321 (2012). Brooks notations no longer comply with statutory sentencing
requirements. Boyd, 174 Wash. 2d at 472. The trial court must reduce the amount of
community custody in order to avoid a sentence in excess of the statutory maximum. Id.
at 473.
2
In re Pers. Restraint ofBrooks, 166 Wn.2d 664,674,211 P.3d 1023 (2009).
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SAG ISSUE I: VINDICTIVE PROSECUTION
Mr. Morgan argues in his statement of additional grounds for review (SAG) that
the State vindictively added several additional charges after Mr. Morgan refused to accept
a plea deal.
The term prosecutorial vindictiveness describes the actions of the government
when it '" acts against a defendant in response to the defendant's prior exercise of
constitutional or statutory rights."' State v. Korum, 157 Wn.2d 614,627, 141 P.3d 13
(2006) (quoting United States v. Meyer, 258 U.S. App. D.C. 263, 810 F.2d 1242, 1245
(1987)). The action is vindictive only"' if designed to penalize a defendant for invoking
legally protected rights."' Id. (quoting Meyer, 810 F.2d at 1245). Prosecutorial
vindictiveness may be actual or presumptive. Id. "A presumption of vindictiveness arises
when a defendant can prove that 'all of the circumstances, when taken together, support a
realistic likelihood of vindictiveness.'" Id. (quoting Meyer, 810 F .2d at 1246). Filing
additional charges cannot support a presumption of vindictiveness without additional
facts. Id. at 634.
Mr. Morgan fails to allege any facts other than the filing of additional charges in
support of his argument. The record reflects that the State told Mr. Morgan during plea
negotiations that potential additional charges existed, and the State was attempting to
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work a "global resolution" with Mr. Morgan on this and another case. CP at 123. A long
line of cases supports the State in this matter. See State v. Bonisisio, 92 Wash. App. 783,
790-92, 964 P.2d 1222 (1998) (finding no prosecutorial vindictiveness when the State
charged the defendant with 10 additional counts after the defendant rejected a plea
agreement); State v. Lee, 69 Wash. App. 31, 35-38, 847 P.2d 25 (1993) (finding no
prosecutorial vindictiveness when the State increased the charge after defendant refused
to plead guilty); State v. Lass, 55 Wash. App. 300, 306, 777 P.2d 539 (1989) (filing a more
serious charge after the defendant elects to go to trial does not amount to prosecutorial
vindictiveness); State v. Fryer, 36 Wash. App. 312, 316-17, 673 P.2d 881 (1983) (finding
no prosecutorial vindictiveness when the prosecutor carried out a threat to file an
additional charge against the defendant if he refused to plead guilty to two lesser
charges); State v. Serr, 35 Wash. App. 5, 10-11, 664 P.2d 1301 (1983) (finding no
prosecutorial vindictiveness when the State carried out a threat to file a habitual criminal
charge against the defendant if he refused to plead guilty); State v. Penn, 32 Wash. App.
911, 913-14, 650 P.2d 1111 (1982) (finding no prosecutorial vindictiveness when the
State filed additional charges after the defendant elected to go to trial). Mr. Morgan fails
to show vindictiveness.
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SAG ISSUE II: EVIDENTIARY ERROR
Mr. Morgan next contends the State did not establish a chain of custody before
presenting exhibits at trial, specifically receipts and surveillance video. Mr. Morgan does
not appear to argue that anyone fabricated or altered the evidence.
Mr. Morgan stipulated to the authenticity and admissibility of the receipts. Mr.
Morgan also did not object to the admission of the surveillance videos at a pretrial
hearing when given the opportunity, and the record reflects the parties admitted them by
agreement.
This court may refuse to review unpreserved claims of error on appeal. RAP
2.5(a). Especially given the stipulation to the receipts and the agreement concerning the
videos, we decline to review the asserted errors.
SAG ISSUE III: PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT
Mr. Morgan next argues he was the victim of prosecutorial misconduct. He
contends the misconduct happened when the State improperly questioned Mr. Lomax
about what red flags two males shopping together might raise and also when the State
made false statements of fact and law during closing arguments.
To prevail on a claim of prosecutorial misconduct, a defendant must show that in
the context of the record and all of the circumstances of the trial, the prosecutor's conduct
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was both improper and prejudicial. State v. Thorgerson, 172 Wash. 2d 438, 442, 258 P.3d
43 (2011). Misconduct is prejudicial if there is a substantial likelihood it affected the
verdict. State v. Emery, 174 Wash. 2d 741, 760, 278 P.3d 653 (2012). However, a
defendant waives any error by failing to object to the prosecutor's improper conduct,
unless that conduct was so flagrant and ill intentioned that an instruction could not have
cured the resulting prejudice. Id. at 760-61.
The record shows Mr. Morgan did object to the State's question about how often
Mr. Lomax saw two older males shopping together. Mr. Morgan asserts such questions
and argument by the prosecutor is an affront. The problem with Mr. Morgan's argument
is there was no testimony that he and Mr. Snyder were romantically involved.
Mr. Morgan also asserts the prosecutor, during closing, misstated the law of
accomplice liability and also misstated various facts. We reviewed the prosecutor's
arguments made at the pages cited by Mr. Morgan. The prosecutor does not misstate the
law of accomplice liability, and he did not argue Mr. Morgan was guilty because he was
present with Mr. Snyder. Further, ifthere were misstatements of facts, which we do not
see, they were not so flagrant that an instruction could not have cured any minimal
prejudice.
23
No. 33987-4-III
State v. Morgan
SAG ISSUE IV: JUDICIAL MISCONDUCT
Mr. Morgan next argues the trial court committed judicial misconduct when it
denied his CrR 7.4 motion for arrest of judgment and when it denied his request for a
DOSA sentence.
1. Arrest ofjudgment
CrR 7.4(a)(3) allows a defendant to bring a motion for arrest of judgment for
"insufficiency of the proof of a material element of the crime." Review of a trial court
decision denying a motion for arrest of judgment requires the appellate court to engage in
the same inquiry as the trial court. State v. Longshore, 141 Wn.2d 414,420, 5 P.3d 1256
(2000). "The evidence presented in a criminal trial is legally sufficient to support a guilty
verdict if any rational trier of fact, viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the
[S]tate, could find the essential elements of the charged crime beyond a reasonable
doubt." Longshore, 141 Wash. 2d at 420-21 (citing State v. Bourne, 90 Wash. App. 963, 967-
68, 954 P.2d 366 (1998)).
We earlier rejected Mr. Morgan's first argument on appeal and found there was
sufficient evidence on each and every count. We also reject his argument that the trial
court committed misconduct when it denied his motion for arrest of judgment.
24
No. 33987-4-III
State v. Morgan
2. DOSA request
Generally, a trial court's decision to deny a DOSA is not reviewable. State v.
Bramme, 115 Wash. App. 844, 850, 64 P.3d 60 (2003); State v. Smith, 118 Wash. App. 288,
292, 75 P.3d 986 (2003); RCW 9.94A.585(1). However, "appellate review is still
available for the correction of legal errors or abuses of discretion in the determination of
what sentence applies." State v. Williams, 149 Wash. 2d 143, 147, 65 P.3d 1214 (2003). A
trial court a~uses its discretion when its decision is "manifestly unreasonable or based
upon untenable grounds or reasons." State v. Stenson, 132 Wash. 2d 668, 701, 940 P.2d
1239 (1997). A decision is based on untenable grounds or made for untenable reasons
when it was reached by applying the wrong legal standard. State v. Quismundo, 164
Wash. 2d 499, 504, 192 P.3d 342 (2008).
A sentencing court shall waive the imposition of a standard range sentence in favor
of a DOSA sentence "[i]f the sentencing court determines that the offender is eligible ...
and that the alternative sentence is appropriate." RCW 9.94A.660(3). The legislature has
granted trial courts the discretion to impose a DOSA. State v. Gronnert, 122 Wash. App.
214, 226, 93 P.3d 200 (2004).
The trial court determined that a DOSA was inappropriate. It noted the following
factors to show that the community would not benefit from a DOSA: no evidence that Mr.
25
No. 33987-4-111
State v. Morgan
Morgan's drug use caused him to commit these crimes, his lengthy criminal history that
indicates an unwillingness to abide by the rules of society, and his failure to otherwise
avail himself of treatment programs. These are tenable grounds or reasons for denial,
well within the trial court's discretion in deciding whether an alternative sentence is
appropriate.
APPELLATE COSTS
Mr. Morgan requests that this court not impose costs on appeal in the event the
State prevails. This court generally awards costs to the party that substantially prevails.
RAP 14.2. Of the eight charges that are the subject of this appeal, five will require retrial.
We determine that the State has not substantially prevailed. For this reason, we do not
award it appellate costs.
Affirmed in part, reversed and remanded.
A majority of the panel has determined this opinion will not be printed in the
Washington Appellate Reports, but it will be filed for public record pursuant to
RCW 2.06.040.
WE CONCUR:
26