NO. 12-04-00089-CR
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
TWELFTH COURT OF APPEALS DISTRICT
TYLER, TEXAS
BERDELL WILLIS, § APPEAL FROM THE 114TH
APPELLANT
V. § JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT OF
THE STATE OF TEXAS,
APPELLEE § SMITH COUNTY, TEXAS
MEMORANDUM OPINION
Berdell Willis appeals his conviction for possession of four hundred or more grams of
cocaine, for which he was sentenced to imprisonment for forty years. Appellant raises seven issues
on appeal. We affirm.
Background
On July 16, 2003, Highway Patrol Officer Corporal Wayne Hellen stopped a vehicle on
Interstate 20 in Smith County, Texas for following too closely to a tractor trailer rig. The car was
a rental vehicle. Appellant was the driver of the vehicle. Appellant was listed as the renter on the
rental agreement he showed to Hellen. Frederick Wilkins, who was riding in the front passenger
seat, was listed on the rental agreement as an authorized driver. The rental agreement indicated that
Appellant had rented the car the day before in Mississippi.
According to Hellen, Appellant appeared very nervous—his hands were trembling and the
artery in his neck was visibly throbbing. Although Wilkins appeared to be sleeping, Hellen stated
that he thought Wilkins was feigning sleep to avoid having to talk to him.
Appellant told Hellen that he was returning home to Mississippi after having taken Little
Raymond, his eight year old nephew, to visit his grandmother in Dallas. Appellant further stated that
he and Wilkins had been in Dallas a few days despite the fact that the rental car receipt presented to
Hellen indicated that Appellant had rented the car in Mississippi the day before.
At approximately 1:45 p.m., Hellen told Appellant that he was going to issue him a written
warning for following too closely. At 1:47 p.m., Hellen conversed with Wilkins concerning the
reason for their trip. Wilkins told Hellen that he and Appellant had gone to Dallas to pick up Little
Raymond to take him to his mother in Mississippi. However, according to Wilkins, when he and
Appellant could not find Little Raymond, they left Dallas and headed for Mississippi. Hellen
testified that while talking to Appellant and Wilkins, he noticed a strong air freshener smell
emanating from the car.
At 1:51 p.m., Hellen asked Appellant whether he had a gun on his person, then frisked
Appellant. Hellen next asked Appellant to sit inside his patrol vehicle while he performed a driver’s
license check on Appellant. Hellen radioed Appellant’s and Wilkins’s license information to
dispatch at 1:53 p.m. At 1:57 p.m., Hellen received word from dispatch that neither Appellant nor
Wilkins had any outstanding warrants. As he wrote out a warning,
Hellen asked Appellant for
permission to search his car. Appellant denied Hellen permission to search. Hellen responded that
he wanted to search the car because he believed Appellant was “hauling drugs.” Appellant then
accused Hellen of racially profiling him. Hellen again requested permission to search Appellant’s
car, and Appellant again denied Hellen’s request. Shortly after 1:59 p.m., Hellen called for a K-9
unit. However, there was a problem regarding availability of a K-9 unit, which necessitated an
additional request by Hellen at 2:00 p.m. While awaiting the K-9 unit’s arrival, Hellen completed
the written warning to Appellant at 2:24 p.m.
Ultimately, at 2:28 p.m., Smith County Deputy John Smith and his drug dog arrived on the
scene. Smith’s dog sniffed the vehicle and alerted to it, indicating the presence of narcotics, which
prompted Hellen and Smith to conduct a search of the vehicle. During the search, Smith located a
brick of cocaine with four plastic bags over it underneath the front passenger seat. The cocaine
weighed approximately one kilogram and had a street value of approximately one hundred thousand
dollars.
Appellant was charged with possession of four hundred or more grams of cocaine and
pleaded “not guilty.” The matter proceeded to jury trial. Ultimately, the jury found Appellant guilty
as charged and assessed Appellant’s punishment at imprisonment for forty years. The trial court
sentenced Appellant accordingly. This appeal followed.
Motion to Suppress
In his first and second issues, Appellant argues that the cocaine found in the rental car he was
driving was the product of an unreasonable seizure in violation of his Fourth Amendment rights.
More specifically, Appellant argues that once the purpose for the traffic stop had been accomplished,
Hellen had no further cause to detain him.
We review a trial court's ruling on a motion to suppress for abuse of discretion. See
Villarreal v. State, 935 S.W.2d 134, 138 (Tex. Crim. App. 1996); Curry v. State, 965 S.W.2d 32,
33 (Tex. App.–Houston [1st Dist.] 1998, no pet.). A trial court does not abuse its discretion when
its decision is at least within the zone of reasonable disagreement. See Montgomery v. State, 810
S.W.2d 372, 391 (Tex. Crim. App. 1990) (op. on reh’g).
In reviewing the trial court’s ruling, we apply a bifurcated standard of review. See
Carmouche v. State, 10 S.W.3d 323, 327 (Tex. Crim. App. 2000); Hernandez v. State, 957 S.W.2d
851, 852 (Tex. Crim. App. 1998). We give almost total deference to the trial court’s determination
of historical facts, while conducting a de novo review of the trial court’s application of the law to
those facts. See Carmouche, 10 S.W.3d at 327. The trial court is the exclusive finder of fact in a
motion to suppress hearing, and as such, it may choose to believe or disbelieve any or all of any
witness’s testimony. Romero v. State, 800 S.W.2d 539, 543 (Tex. Crim. App. 1990). Furthermore,
when, as in the instant case, “the trial court fails to file findings of fact, we view the evidence in the
light most favorable to the trial court’s ruling and assume that the trial court made implicit findings
of fact that support its ruling as long as those findings are supported by the record.” State v. Ross,
32 S.W.3d 853, 855 (Tex. Crim. App. 2000). If the trial judge’s decision is correct on any theory
of law applicable to the case, the decision will be sustained. Id. at 856.
Length of Detention
As a general matter, the Supreme Court has recognized that the decision to stop an
automobile is reasonable where the police have probable cause to believe that a traffic violation has
occurred. Walter v. State, 28 S.W.3d 538, 542 (Tex. Crim. App. 2000) (citing Whren v. United
States, 517 U.S. 806, 810, 116 S. Ct. 1769, 1772, 135 L. Ed. 2d 89 (1996)). Furthermore, during
a routine traffic stop, an officer is permitted to detain the individual in order to check for outstanding
warrants. See Walter, 28 S.W.3d at 542. An officer may also request a driver’s license, liability
insurance information, vehicle ownership information, the driver’s destination, and the purpose of
the trip. See Veal v. State, 28 S.W.3d 832, 835 (Tex. App.–Beaumont 2000, pet. ref’d). While an
officer is awaiting a computer warrant check, questioning about matters unrelated to the initial traffic
stop does not violate the Fourth Amendment because such questioning does not extend the duration
of an initial valid seizure. Haas v. State, 172 S.W.3d 42, 50 (Tex. App.–Waco 2005, no pet.) (citing
United States v. Sharpe, 470 U.S. 675, 687, 105 S. Ct. 1568, 1576, 84 L. Ed. 2d 605 (1985)). In
some circumstances, however, extensive questioning about unrelated matters may exceed the scope
of the initial stop. Haas, 172 S.W.3d at 50 (citing United States v. Kelley, 981 F.2d 1464, 1470 (5th
Cir. 1993)).
Here, Appellant concedes that the initial stop for following another vehicle too closely was
justified. Thus, our inquiry will focus on whether the detention extended beyond a reasonable
duration, that is, whether Hellen diligently pursued a means of investigation that was likely to
confirm or dispel his suspicions quickly. See Haas, 172 S.W.3d at 51–52. A routine traffic stop is
a detention and, thus, must be reasonable under the United States and Texas Constitutions. See Davis
v. State, 947 S.W.2d 240, 244 (Tex. Crim. App. 1997). To be reasonable, a traffic stop must be
temporary and last no longer than is necessary to effectuate the purpose of the stop. See Florida v.
Royer, 460 U.S. 491, 500, 103 S. Ct. 1319, 1325, 75 L. Ed. 2d 229 (1983); Davis, 947 S.W.2d at
245. If the detention becomes prolonged, it can no longer be considered an investigative stop; but
there is no rigid time limitation on the permissible length of an investigative stop. Herrera v. State,
80 S.W.3d 283, 288 (Tex. App.–Texarkana 2002, pet. ref’d).
On appeal, we review the reasonableness of the detention from the same perspective as the
officer: using an objective standard, we ask whether the facts available at the moment of detention
would warrant a person of reasonable caution to have the belief that the action taken was appropriate.
Haas, 172 S.W.3d at 52. The determination of reasonable suspicion is made by considering the
totality of the circumstances. Id.
Hellen’s questioning of Appellant and Wilkins, even when such questioning was unrelated
to Appellant’s traffic violation, was legitimate. See Haas, 172 S.W.3d at 53; United States v.
Dortch, 199 F.3d 193, 198 (5th Cir. 1999). Moreover, all articulable facts and rational inferences
from those facts that Hellen discovered during the lawful detention—driver appeared nervous,
passenger appeared to be feigning sleep to avoid talking to Hellen, rental car traveling known drug
corridor, heavy scent of air freshener, passenger and driver giving inconsistent stories regarding
purpose of their trip, driver’s story concerning trip contradicting rental agreement presented to
officer—could form the basis for further reasonable detention and justify further investigation. See
Haas, 172 S.W.3d at 53 (citing Razo v. State, 577 S.W.2d 709, 711 (Tex. Crim. App. [Panel Op.]
1979); Powell v. State, 5 S.W.3d 369, 378–79 (Tex. App.–Texarkana 1999, pet. ref’d); Mohmed v.
State, 977 S.W.2d 624, 628 (Tex. App.–Fort Worth 1998, pet. ref’d); Bustamante v. State, 917
S.W.2d 144, 146 (Tex. App.–Waco 1996, no pet.)); see also Wolf v. State, 137 S.W.3d 797, 804
(Tex. App.–Waco 2004, no pet.) (stop may be lengthened to accommodate its new justification).
Hellen’s questioning of Appellant and Wilkins concerning the purpose of their trip was
justified as was his questioning while he waited for dispatch to return any outstanding warrant
information. See Haas, 172 S.W.3d at 50. The record reflects that at 1:57 p.m., Hellen received a
notification from dispatch that neither Appellant nor Wilkins had any outstanding warrants. As he
wrote out a warning, Hellen asked Appellant for permission to search his car. Appellant declined
Hellen permission to search. Hellen responded that he wanted to search the car because he believed
Appellant was “hauling drugs.” Appellant then accused Hellen of racially profiling him. Hellen
again requested permission to search Appellant’s car, and Appellant again denied Hellen’s request.
Shortly after 1:59 p.m., Hellen called for a K-9 unit. We conclude that Hellen had reasonable
suspicion to continue to question Appellant for between two and three minutes after he received the
report from dispatch that there were no outstanding warrants. We further conclude that Hellen had
reasonable suspicion to request a K-9 unit to perform a sniff on the car. Any further extension of
Appellant’s detention was due to the fact that a K-9 unit was not readily available. We note that
Hellen sought to expedite a K-9 unit’s arrival by making a follow-up request one minute after he
made the initial request. See, e.g., Haas, 172 S.W.3d at 54 n.8 (held twenty minute wait four backup
to arrive and canine sniff to begin was not unreasonable) (citing Sims, 98 S.W.3d 292, 294 (Tex.
App.–Houston [1st Dist.] 2003, pet. ref’d). We hold that Hellen’s detention of Appellant did not
violate Appellant’s Fourth Amendment rights. Appellant’s first issue is overruled.
Improperly Admitted Evidence
Appellant next argues that the trial court erred in overruling his objections to the
admissibility of the cocaine located in the car because it was obtained as the result of a warrantless
and unreasonable seizure. As we have held that Hellen’s detention of Appellant did not violate
Appellant’s Fourth Amendment rights, we likewise hold that the trial court did not err in admitting
the cocaine discovered in the car on such grounds. Appellant’s second issue is overruled.
Evidentiary Sufficiency
In his third and fourth issues, Appellant argues that the evidence was both legally and
factually insufficient to support the jury’s verdict for possession of cocaine. Specifically, Appellant
argues that there is insufficient evidence to support that he possessed the cocaine in question
knowingly.
Legal Sufficiency
Legal sufficiency is the constitutional minimum required by the Due Process Clause of the
Fourteenth Amendment to sustain a criminal conviction. See Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307,
315-16, 99 S. Ct. 2781, 2786-787, 61 L. Ed. 2d 560 (1979); see also Escobedo v. State, 6 S.W.3d
1, 6 (Tex. App.–San Antonio 1999, pet. ref’d). The standard for reviewing a legal sufficiency
challenge is whether any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the offense
beyond a reasonable doubt. See Jackson, 443 U.S. at 320, 99 S. Ct. at 2789; see also Johnson v.
State, 871 S.W.2d 183, 186 (Tex. Crim. App. 1993). The evidence is examined in the light most
favorable to the jury’s verdict. See Jackson, 443 U.S. at 320, 99 S. Ct. at 2789; Johnson, 871
S.W.2d at 186. A successful legal sufficiency challenge will result in rendition of an acquittal by
the reviewing court. See Tibbs v. Florida, 457 U.S. 31, 41–42, 102 S. Ct. 2211, 2217–18, 72 L. Ed.
2d 652 (1982). A claim regarding sufficiency of the evidence need not be preserved for review at
the trial level and is not waived by the failure to do so. Rankin v. State, 46 S.W.3d 899, 901 (Tex.
Crim. App. 2001).
The sufficiency of the evidence is measured against the offense as defined by a hypothetically
correct jury charge. See Malik v. State, 953 S.W.2d 234, 240 (Tex. Crim. App. 1997). Such a
charge would include one that “accurately sets out the law, is authorized by the indictment, does not
unnecessarily increase the State’s burden of proof or unnecessarily restrict the State’s theories of
liability, and adequately describes the particular offense for which the defendant is tried.” Id.
To support a conviction for possession of a controlled substance, the State must show (1) that
the accused exercised actual care, control, or custody of the substance, (2) that he was conscious of
his connection with it, and (3) that he possessed the substance knowingly or intentionally. See Tex.
Health & Safety Code Ann. §§ 481.103(3)(D), 481.115(f) (Vernon 2003 & Supp. 2005); Brown
v. State, 911 S.W.2d 744, 747 (Tex. Crim. App. 1995). The evidence used to satisfy these elements
can be either direct or circumstantial. Id.
Be it by direct or circumstantial evidence, the State must establish that the accused’s
connection with the substance was more than just fortuitous. Id. However, when the contraband
is not found on the accused’s person or is not in the accused’s exclusive possession, additional facts
must affirmatively link the accused to the contraband. See Jones v. State, 963 S.W.2d 826, 830
(Tex. App.–Texarkana 1998, pet. ref’d). The affirmative link ordinarily emerges from an
orchestration of several factors and the logical force they have in combination. Id.
Among the nonexclusive factors that may be considered when evaluating affirmative links
are (1) whether the contraband was in plain view or recovered from an enclosed place; (2) whether
the accused was the owner of the premises or had the right to possess the place where the contraband
was found, or was the owner or driver of the automobile in which the contraband was found; (3)
whether the accused was found with a large amount of cash; (4) whether the contraband was
conveniently accessible to the accused or found on the same side of the vehicle as the accused was
sitting; (5) whether the contraband was found in close proximity to the accused; (6) whether a strong
residual odor of the contraband was present; (7) whether the accused possessed other contraband
when arrested; (8) whether paraphernalia to use the contraband was in view or found on the accused;
(9) whether the physical condition of the accused indicated recent consumption of the contraband
in question; (10) whether conduct by the accused indicated a consciousness of guilt; (11) whether
the accused attempted to escape or flee; (12) whether the accused made furtive gestures; (13)
whether the accused had a special connection to the contraband; (14) whether the occupants of the
premises gave conflicting statements about relevant matters; (15) whether the accused made
incriminating statements connecting himself to the contraband; (16) the quantity of the contraband;
and (17) whether the accused was observed in a suspicious place under suspicious circumstances.
See Lassaint v. State, 79 S.W.3d 736, 740–41 (Tex. App.–Corpus Christi 2002, no pet).
In the case at hand, Hellen testified that Interstate 20 was a heavily traveled narcotics corridor
from Dallas to the east coast. Hellen further testified that drug couriers often use rental cars to avoid
having their own vehicles subject to seizure if they are apprehended. The record reflects that
Appellant and Wilkins were stopped on Interstate 20 in a rental car and that Appellant’s name and
driver’s license number was typed onto the rental agreement. See, e.g., Mohmed v. State, 977
S.W.2d 624, 627 (Tex. App.–Fort Worth 1998, pet. ref’d). The application indicated that Appellant
had rented the car the day before. Appellant and Wilkins gave conflicting stories about the
underlying reasons for their trip from Mississippi to Dallas. Moreover, Appellant told Hellen that
he and Wilkins had been in Dallas a few days, despite the fact that the rental agreement indicated
that Appellant had rented the car in Mississippi the day before. A strong scent of air freshener
emanated from the car, which Hellen stated is an indicator of a common practice employed by drug
traffickers to cut down the smell of the drugs. Hellen testified that Appellant appeared extremely
nervous because his hands were trembling and the artery on his neck was throbbing. The record
further reflects that the cocaine Smith located was underneath the front passenger seat and was a
large amount of cocaine weighing approximately one kilogram and having a street value of
approximately one hundred thousand dollars.
Examining the aforementioned evidence in the light most favorable to the jury’s verdict and
in light of the nonexclusive factors set forth above, we conclude that the jury could have reasonably
determined beyond a reasonable doubt that Appellant possessed the cocaine located in the passenger
compartment in the car in which he was traveling knowingly and intentionally, that he exercised
actual care, custody, or control of the cocaine, and that he was conscious of his connection with it.
Therefore, we hold that the evidence was legally sufficient to support the jury’s verdict. Appellant’s
third issue is overruled.
Factual Sufficiency
Turning to Appellant’s contention that the evidence is not factually sufficient to support the
jury’s verdict, we must first assume that the evidence is legally sufficient under the Jackson
standard. See Clewis v. State, 922 S.W.2d 126, 134 (Tex. Crim. App. 1996). We then consider all
of the evidence weighed by the jury that tends to prove the existence of the elemental fact in dispute
and compare it to the evidence that tends to disprove that fact. See Santellan v. State, 939 S.W.2d
155, 164 (Tex. Crim. App. 1997). Although we are authorized to disagree with the jury’s
determination, even if probative evidence exists that supports the verdict, see Clewis, 922 S.W.2d
at 133, our evaluation should not substantially intrude upon the jury’s role as the sole judge of the
weight and credibility of witness testimony. Santellan, 939 S.W.2d at 164. Where there is
conflicting evidence, the jury’s verdict on such matters is generally regarded as conclusive. See Van
Zandt v. State, 932 S.W.2d 88, 96 (Tex. App.– El Paso 1996, pet. ref’d). Ultimately, we must ask
whether a neutral review of all the evidence, both for and against the finding, demonstrates that the
proof of guilt is so obviously weak as to undermine our confidence in the jury's determination, or the
proof of guilt, although adequate if taken alone, is greatly outweighed by contrary proof. Johnson
v. State, 23 S.W.3d 1, 11 (Tex. Crim. App. 2000).
A verdict will be set aside “only if the evidence supporting guilt is so obviously weak, or the
contrary evidence so overwhelmingly outweighs the supporting evidence, as to render the conviction
clearly wrong and manifestly unjust.” Ortiz v. State, 93 S.W.3d 79, 87 (Tex. Crim. App. 2002); see
Sims v. State, 99 S.W.3d 600, 601 (Tex. Crim. App. 2003). A clearly wrong and manifestly unjust
verdict occurs where the jury's finding “shocks the conscience,” or “clearly demonstrates bias.”
Zuniga, 144 S.W.3d at 481.
As the court of criminal appeals explained in Zuniga, “There is only one question to be
answered in a factual sufficiency review: Considering all of the evidence in a neutral light, was a
jury rationally justified in its finding of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt?” See id. at 484.
In the case at hand, in addition to the evidence already discussed, the record reflects that
some facts do not affirmatively link Appellant to the cocaine in question. Appellant has not
addressed such facts. However, we note that (1) the cocaine was not in plain view, (2) Appellant did
not have a large amount of cash on his person when he was arrested, (3) Hellen stated that he could
not smell the cocaine when he was speaking to Appellant and Wilkins, (4) Appellant did not possess
any contraband or drug paraphernalia at the time of his arrest, (5) Appellant was not impaired due
to the consumption of narcotics, (6) Appellant did not attempt to escape, and (7) Appellant made no
furtive gestures or incriminating statements.
We have reviewed the record in its entirety. We iterate that our evaluation should not
substantially intrude upon the jury’s role as the sole judge of the weight and credibility of witness
testimony, see Santellan, 939 S.W.2d at 164, and where there is conflicting evidence, the jury’s
verdict on such matters is generally regarded as conclusive. See Van Zandt, 932 S.W.2d at 96. We
further note that there is no set formula for finding an affirmative link, but rather affirmative links
are established by a consideration of a totality of the circumstances. See Hyett v. State, 58 S.W.3d
826, 830 (Tex. App.–Houston [14th Dist.] 2001, pet. ref’d).
Our review of the record as a whole, with consideration given to all of the evidence, both for
and against the jury’s finding, has not revealed to us any evidence that causes us to conclude that the
proof of guilt is so obviously weak or is otherwise so greatly outweighed by contrary proof as to
render Appellant’s conviction clearly wrong or manifestly unjust. Therefore, we hold that the
evidence is factually sufficient to support the jury’s verdict. Appellant’s fourth issue is overruled.
Prosecutorial Argument
In his fifth issue, Appellant argues that the prosecutor improperly argued to the jury that it
should consider Appellant’s refusal to consent to the search of his vehicle as proof of his knowledge
that there were drugs present in the car. However, as the State notes in its brief, Appellant made no
objection to the prosecutor’s allegedly impermissible comments to the jury. As a prerequisite to
presenting a complaint for appellate review, the record must show that the complaint was made to
the trial court by a timely request, objection, or motion that stated the grounds for the ruling that the
complaining party sought from the trial court with sufficient specificity to make the trial court aware
of the complaint, and that the trial court ruled or refused to rule on the request, objection or motion.
See Tex. R. App. P. 33.1(a). Therefore, by his failure to raise an objection to the trial court
concerning the matter he now seeks to argue on appeal, Appellant has waived such error, if any, on
the trial court’s part. Appellant’s fifth issue is overruled.
Cruel and Unusual Punishment
In his sixth issue, Appellant contends that Appellant’s forty year sentence amounts to cruel
and unusual punishment. Initially, we note that Appellant made no objection to the trial court raising
the issue of cruel and unusual punishment and has, therefore, waived such an issue on appeal. See
Rhoades v. State, 934 S.W.2d 113, 120 (Tex. Crim. App. 1996) (waiver with regard to rights under
the Texas Constitution); Curry v. State, 910 S.W.2d 490, 497 (Tex. Crim. App. 1995) (waiver with
regard to rights under the United States Constitution); Tex. R. App. P. 33.1. However, even absent
waiver, we conclude that Appellant’s sentence did not constitute cruel and unusual punishment.
The legislature is vested with the power to define crimes and prescribe penalties. See Davis
v. State, 905 S.W.2d 655, 664 (Tex. App.–Texarkana 1995, pet. ref’d); see also Simmons v. State,
944 S.W.2d 11, 15 (Tex. App.–Tyler 1996, pet. ref’d). Courts have repeatedly held that punishment
which falls within the limits prescribed by a valid statute is not excessive, cruel, or unusual. See
Harris v. State, 656 S.W.2d 481, 486 (Tex. Crim. App. 1983); Jordan v. State, 495 S.W.2d 949, 952
(Tex. Crim. App. 1973); Davis, 905 S.W.2d at 664. In the case at hand, Appellant was convicted
of possession of four hundred or more grams of cocaine. See Tex. Health & Safety Code Ann.
§§ 481.115(a), (f); 481.102(3)(D) (Vernon 2003 & Supp. 2005). The punishment range for such an
offense is imprisonment for between ten and ninety-nine years or life and a fine not to exceed
$100,000.00. Tex. Health & Safety Code Ann. § 481.115(f) (Vernon 2005). Here, the
punishment assessed by the trial court falls within the range set forth by the legislature. Id.
Therefore, the punishment is not prohibited as cruel, unusual, or excessive per se.
Nonetheless, Appellant urges the court to perform the three part test originally set forth in
Solem v. Helm, 463 U.S. 277, 103 S. Ct. 3001, 77 L. Ed. 2d 637 (1983). Under this test, the
proportionality of a sentence is evaluated by considering (1) the gravity of the offense and the
harshness of the penalty, (2) the sentences imposed on other criminals in the same jurisdiction, and
(3) the sentences imposed for commission of the same crime in other jurisdictions. Solem, 463 U.S.
at 292, 103 S. Ct. at 3011.
The application of the Solem test has been modified by Texas courts and
the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in Harmelin, to require
a threshold determination that the sentence is grossly disproportionate to the crime before addressing
the remaining elements. See, e.g., McGruder, 954 F.2d at 316; see also Jackson v. State, 989
S.W.2d 842, 845–46 (Tex. App.–Texarkana 1999, no pet.).
In determining whether Appellant’s sentence is grossly disproportionate, we are guided by
the holding in Rummel v. Estell, 445 U.S. 263, 100 S. Ct. 1133, 63 L. Ed. 2d 382 (1980).
In
Rummel, the Supreme Court addressed the proportionality claim of an appellant who had received
a mandatory life sentence under a prior version of the Texas habitual offender statute for a conviction
for obtaining $120.75 by false pretenses. Id., 445 U.S. at 266, 100 S. Ct. at 1135. The life sentence
was imposed because the appellant also had two prior felony convictions—one for fraudulent use
of a credit card to obtain $80.00 worth of goods or services and the other for passing a forged check
in the amount of $28.36. Id., 445 U.S. at 266, 100 S. Ct. at 1134-35. After both recognizing the
legislative prerogative to classify offenses as felonies and considering the purpose of the habitual
offender statute, the court determined that the appellant’s mandatory life sentence did not constitute
cruel and unusual punishment. Id., 445 U.S. at 285, 100 S. Ct. at 1145.
In the case at hand, the offense committed by Appellant—delivery of four hundred or more
grams of cocaine—was far more serious than the offenses committed by the appellant in Rummel,
while Appellant’s forty-year sentence is far less severe than the life sentence upheld by the Supreme
Court in Rummel. Thus, it follows that if the sentence in Rummel was not unconstitutionally
disproportionate, then neither is the sentence assessed against Appellant in the case at hand.
Therefore, since we do not find the threshold test to be satisfied, we need not apply the remaining
elements of the Solem test. Appellant’s sixth issue is overruled.
Motion for New Trial/Motion for Judgment N.O.V.
In his seventh issue, Appellant contends that the trial court erred in overruling his motion for
new trial or, alternatively, his motion for judgment N.O.V. Appellant elaborates that he preserved
all error by previously raising the issues in this brief with the trial court, save and except his fifth
issue concerning improper prosecutorial argument. With regard to his fifth issue, Appellant argues
that the prosecutor’s argument was incurable and that no instruction to disregard would have been
adequate to cure it. However, inasmuch as Appellant has cited no authority in support of his
proposition that the prosecutor’s argument was incurable, he has waived any such argument on
appeal. See Tex. R. App. P. 38.1(h) (briefs must contain citations to authority in support of
argument). Furthermore, Appellant has made no argument concerning why, as he alleges in his
seventh issue, the trial court erred in overruling either of the named motions. Therefore, Appellant
has also waived that argument on appeal. Id. (briefs must contain clear and concise argument for
the contentions made). Appellant’s seventh issue is overruled.
Disposition
Having overruled Appellant’s issues one, two, three, four, five, six, and seven, we affirm the
trial court’s judgment.
DIANE DEVASTO
Justice
Opinion delivered January 18, 2006.
Panel consisted of Worthen, C.J., Griffith, J., and DeVasto, J.
(PUBLISH)