Derek Kyle Auvenshine v. State
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Opinion
ACCEPTED 07-15-00253-CR SEVENTH COURT OF APPEALS AMARILLO, TEXAS 10/29/2015 6:55:43 AM Vivian Long, Clerk
CASE NO. 07-15-00253-CR
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS FILED IN 7th COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SEVENTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS AMARILLO, TEXAS AMARILLO, TEXAS 10/29/2015 6:55:43 AM VIVIAN LONG CLERK
DEREK KYLE AUVENSHINE
APPELLANT
V.
THE STATE OF TEXAS
APPELLEE
Appealed from the 415TH Judicial District Court in Parker County, Texas CAUSE NO. CR14-0088
APPELLANT’S BRIEF
No oral argument requested.
Companion Cases: 07-15-00251-CR; 07-15-00254-CR; 07-15-00255-CR
Brandy Oliphint SBN: 24034608 1712 Santa Fe Dr. Weatherford, Texas 76086 Telephone: 817-341-7471 Facsimile: 817-599-5909 e-mail: brandy@oliphintlaw.com Attorney for Derek Kyle Auvenshine IDENTITY OF THE PARTIES AND COUNSEL
I hereby certify that the following listed persons or entities have rights which
may be adversely affected by the outcome of this appeal in this Court so that the
Justices of this Court may review the same to determine the need for recusal or
disqualification, if necessary herein.
Appellant Mr. Derek Kyle Auvenshine TDCJ # 02003998 Joe F. Gurney Unit 1385 FM 3328 Tennessee Colony, TX 75803 Telephone: (903) 928-3118 (**094)
Appellate Counsel for Ms. Brandy Oliphint Appellant Attorney At Law Texas Bar No. 24034608 1712 Santa Fe Dr. Weatherford, Texas 76086 Telephone: (817) 341-7471 Facsimile: (817) 599-5909 Electronic Mail: brandy@oliphintlaw.com
Trial Counsel for Mr. T. Richard Alley Appellant Texas Bar No. 01078010 108 Main Street Fort Worth, TX 76102 Telephone: (817) 888-2980 Facsimile: (817) 341-1536 Electronic Mail: agmmlaw@aol.com
Appellant’s Brief Page ii Appellate Counsel for Mr. Don Schnebly The State of Texas Parker County District Attorney Texas Bar No. 17782700 Mr. Edward Lewallen Texas Bar No. 00791105 Parker County District Court Bldg., Second Floor 117 Fort Worth Hwy. Weatherford, Texas 76086 Telephone: (817) 598-6124 Facsimile: (817) 599-7628 Electronic Mail: edward.lewallen@parkercountytx.com
Trial Counsel for Mr. Don Schnebly The State of Texas Parker County District Attorney Texas Bar No. 17782700 Ms. Abigail Placke Assistant District Attorney Texas Bar No. 24032882 Electronic Mail: abigail.placke@parkercountytx.com Mr. Robert S. DuBoise Assistant District Attorney Texas Bar No. 00783990 Electronic Mail: robert.duboise@parkercountytx.com 117 Fort Worth Hwy. Weatherford, Texas 76086 Telephone: (817) 598-6124 Facsimile: (817) 599-7628
Trial Court Judge The Honorable Judge David Cleveland, Presiding 415th Judicial District Court 117 Fort Worth Hwy. Weatherford, Texas 76086 Telephone: (817) 598-6162 Facsimile: (817) 598-6161 Electronic Mail: sheila.scruggs@parkercountytx.com
Appellant’s Brief Page iii TABLE OF CONTENTS
Identity of the Parties and Counsel ii
Table of Contents iv
Index of Authorities v
Statement of the Case 1
Issue Presented 1
Statement of Facts 2
Summary of the Argument 14
Argument 14
Prayer 21
Certificate of Service 22
Certificate of Compliance 22
Appendix A: Judgment of Conviction by Jury Tab A
Appendix B: Court’s Charge Tab B
Appendix C: Indictment Tab C
Appendix D: State’s Motion for Leave to Amend Indictment and Order Tab D granting
* Appendices were created by exporting from the original clerk’s record and converted to searchable .pdf documents which may have resulted in a change in formatting from the original.
Appellant’s Brief Page iv INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
Cases Bates v. State, 155 S.W.3d 212, 216-17 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2004, no pet.). citing 16 Young v. State, 752 S.W.2d 137, 140 (Tex.App.-Dallas 1988, pet. ref'd).
Brooks v. State of Texas, 323 S.W.3d 893, 917 (Tex. Crim. App. 2010) (Cochran, J., 20 concurring).
Brown v. State, 911 S.W.2d 744, 747 (Tex.Crim.App.1995). 16 Davis v. State, 93 S.W.3d 664, 667 (Tex.App.-Texarkana 2002, pet. ref'd). 16 Dixon v. State, 918 S.W.2d 678, 681 (Tex.App.-Beaumont 1996, no pet.); 17 Evans v. State, 202 S.W.3d 402, 405-406 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005). 15 Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 313 (1979) 14 Rabb v. State, 434 S.W.3d 613, 616 (Tex. Crim. App. 2014) 14 Wallace v. State, 932 S.W.2d 519, 524 (Tex.App.-Tyler 1995, pet. ref'd). 17 Watson v. State, 861 S.W.2d 410, 414-15 (Tex.App.-Beaumont 1993, pet. ref'd). 17
Statutes
Tex. Penal Code §46.04(a)(1) 14 Tex. Penal Code §6.01(a) 15 Tex. Penal Code §1.07(a)(39) 15 Tex. Penal Code §6.01(b) 15
Appellant’s Brief Page v STATEMENT OF THE CASE
Derek Kyle Auvenshine (hereinafter referred to as “Appellant”) was indicted
of intentionally or knowingly possessing a firearm after the fifth anniversary of
Appellant’s release from incarceration other than the premises at which the
Appellant lived by a grand jury on or about February 20, 2014.1 This case was
consolidated for trial with cases numbered CR14-0087, CR14-0089 and CR15-
02362 which are on appeal as companion cases numbered 07-15-00251-CR, 07-15-
00254-CR and 07-15-00255 respectively. Following a jury trial, Appellant was
convicted in each case on May 29, 2015.3 At the punishment phase of Appellant’s
trial, Appellant entered a plea of true to the enhancements contained in each case.4
The jury sentenced Appellant to 27 years in the Institutional Division, Texas
Department of Criminal Justice.5
ISSUE PRESENTED
The trial court erred in denying Appellant’s motion for directed verdict.
Appellant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence to establish that Appellant
possessed a firearm.
1 1 CR 7 2 1 CR 27 3 1 CR 101, 105 4 6 RR 11, ll. 13-25; 1 CR 111 5 6 RR 83, ll. 2-25; 1CR 111 Appellant’s Brief Page 1 STATEMENT OF FACTS
On or about January 14, 2014, members of the White Settlement Police
Department received information that a parole violator, Adam Crooks, would be at
a house on Perry Drive in the City of White Settlement, Tarrant County, Texas
with a green Jeep Cherokee.6 Officers of the White Settlement Police Department
then gathered for the purpose of apprehending Adam Crooks.7 A photograph and
description of Adam Crooks was made available to the officers.8 The officers were
additionally made aware that Adam Crooks was known to flee from officers
whether on foot or in a vehicle.9
When the green Jeep Cherokee vehicle left the house on Perry, the vehicle
travelled past Officer Ross.10 Officer Ross indicated there were two occupants of
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ACCEPTED 07-15-00253-CR SEVENTH COURT OF APPEALS AMARILLO, TEXAS 10/29/2015 6:55:43 AM Vivian Long, Clerk
CASE NO. 07-15-00253-CR
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS FILED IN 7th COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SEVENTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS AMARILLO, TEXAS AMARILLO, TEXAS 10/29/2015 6:55:43 AM VIVIAN LONG CLERK
DEREK KYLE AUVENSHINE
APPELLANT
V.
THE STATE OF TEXAS
APPELLEE
Appealed from the 415TH Judicial District Court in Parker County, Texas CAUSE NO. CR14-0088
APPELLANT’S BRIEF
No oral argument requested.
Companion Cases: 07-15-00251-CR; 07-15-00254-CR; 07-15-00255-CR
Brandy Oliphint SBN: 24034608 1712 Santa Fe Dr. Weatherford, Texas 76086 Telephone: 817-341-7471 Facsimile: 817-599-5909 e-mail: brandy@oliphintlaw.com Attorney for Derek Kyle Auvenshine IDENTITY OF THE PARTIES AND COUNSEL
I hereby certify that the following listed persons or entities have rights which
may be adversely affected by the outcome of this appeal in this Court so that the
Justices of this Court may review the same to determine the need for recusal or
disqualification, if necessary herein.
Appellant Mr. Derek Kyle Auvenshine TDCJ # 02003998 Joe F. Gurney Unit 1385 FM 3328 Tennessee Colony, TX 75803 Telephone: (903) 928-3118 (**094)
Appellate Counsel for Ms. Brandy Oliphint Appellant Attorney At Law Texas Bar No. 24034608 1712 Santa Fe Dr. Weatherford, Texas 76086 Telephone: (817) 341-7471 Facsimile: (817) 599-5909 Electronic Mail: brandy@oliphintlaw.com
Trial Counsel for Mr. T. Richard Alley Appellant Texas Bar No. 01078010 108 Main Street Fort Worth, TX 76102 Telephone: (817) 888-2980 Facsimile: (817) 341-1536 Electronic Mail: agmmlaw@aol.com
Appellant’s Brief Page ii Appellate Counsel for Mr. Don Schnebly The State of Texas Parker County District Attorney Texas Bar No. 17782700 Mr. Edward Lewallen Texas Bar No. 00791105 Parker County District Court Bldg., Second Floor 117 Fort Worth Hwy. Weatherford, Texas 76086 Telephone: (817) 598-6124 Facsimile: (817) 599-7628 Electronic Mail: edward.lewallen@parkercountytx.com
Trial Counsel for Mr. Don Schnebly The State of Texas Parker County District Attorney Texas Bar No. 17782700 Ms. Abigail Placke Assistant District Attorney Texas Bar No. 24032882 Electronic Mail: abigail.placke@parkercountytx.com Mr. Robert S. DuBoise Assistant District Attorney Texas Bar No. 00783990 Electronic Mail: robert.duboise@parkercountytx.com 117 Fort Worth Hwy. Weatherford, Texas 76086 Telephone: (817) 598-6124 Facsimile: (817) 599-7628
Trial Court Judge The Honorable Judge David Cleveland, Presiding 415th Judicial District Court 117 Fort Worth Hwy. Weatherford, Texas 76086 Telephone: (817) 598-6162 Facsimile: (817) 598-6161 Electronic Mail: sheila.scruggs@parkercountytx.com
Appellant’s Brief Page iii TABLE OF CONTENTS
Identity of the Parties and Counsel ii
Table of Contents iv
Index of Authorities v
Statement of the Case 1
Issue Presented 1
Statement of Facts 2
Summary of the Argument 14
Argument 14
Prayer 21
Certificate of Service 22
Certificate of Compliance 22
Appendix A: Judgment of Conviction by Jury Tab A
Appendix B: Court’s Charge Tab B
Appendix C: Indictment Tab C
Appendix D: State’s Motion for Leave to Amend Indictment and Order Tab D granting
* Appendices were created by exporting from the original clerk’s record and converted to searchable .pdf documents which may have resulted in a change in formatting from the original.
Appellant’s Brief Page iv INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
Cases Bates v. State, 155 S.W.3d 212, 216-17 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2004, no pet.). citing 16 Young v. State, 752 S.W.2d 137, 140 (Tex.App.-Dallas 1988, pet. ref'd).
Brooks v. State of Texas, 323 S.W.3d 893, 917 (Tex. Crim. App. 2010) (Cochran, J., 20 concurring).
Brown v. State, 911 S.W.2d 744, 747 (Tex.Crim.App.1995). 16 Davis v. State, 93 S.W.3d 664, 667 (Tex.App.-Texarkana 2002, pet. ref'd). 16 Dixon v. State, 918 S.W.2d 678, 681 (Tex.App.-Beaumont 1996, no pet.); 17 Evans v. State, 202 S.W.3d 402, 405-406 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005). 15 Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 313 (1979) 14 Rabb v. State, 434 S.W.3d 613, 616 (Tex. Crim. App. 2014) 14 Wallace v. State, 932 S.W.2d 519, 524 (Tex.App.-Tyler 1995, pet. ref'd). 17 Watson v. State, 861 S.W.2d 410, 414-15 (Tex.App.-Beaumont 1993, pet. ref'd). 17
Statutes
Tex. Penal Code §46.04(a)(1) 14 Tex. Penal Code §6.01(a) 15 Tex. Penal Code §1.07(a)(39) 15 Tex. Penal Code §6.01(b) 15
Appellant’s Brief Page v STATEMENT OF THE CASE
Derek Kyle Auvenshine (hereinafter referred to as “Appellant”) was indicted
of intentionally or knowingly possessing a firearm after the fifth anniversary of
Appellant’s release from incarceration other than the premises at which the
Appellant lived by a grand jury on or about February 20, 2014.1 This case was
consolidated for trial with cases numbered CR14-0087, CR14-0089 and CR15-
02362 which are on appeal as companion cases numbered 07-15-00251-CR, 07-15-
00254-CR and 07-15-00255 respectively. Following a jury trial, Appellant was
convicted in each case on May 29, 2015.3 At the punishment phase of Appellant’s
trial, Appellant entered a plea of true to the enhancements contained in each case.4
The jury sentenced Appellant to 27 years in the Institutional Division, Texas
Department of Criminal Justice.5
ISSUE PRESENTED
The trial court erred in denying Appellant’s motion for directed verdict.
Appellant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence to establish that Appellant
possessed a firearm.
1 1 CR 7 2 1 CR 27 3 1 CR 101, 105 4 6 RR 11, ll. 13-25; 1 CR 111 5 6 RR 83, ll. 2-25; 1CR 111 Appellant’s Brief Page 1 STATEMENT OF FACTS
On or about January 14, 2014, members of the White Settlement Police
Department received information that a parole violator, Adam Crooks, would be at
a house on Perry Drive in the City of White Settlement, Tarrant County, Texas
with a green Jeep Cherokee.6 Officers of the White Settlement Police Department
then gathered for the purpose of apprehending Adam Crooks.7 A photograph and
description of Adam Crooks was made available to the officers.8 The officers were
additionally made aware that Adam Crooks was known to flee from officers
whether on foot or in a vehicle.9
When the green Jeep Cherokee vehicle left the house on Perry, the vehicle
travelled past Officer Ross.10 Officer Ross indicated there were two occupants of
the vehicle11 and positively identified the driver of the vehicle as Adam Crooks
over the radio.12 Officer Ross testified he activated his patrol unit’s lights to
initiate a traffic stop for the purpose of arresting Adam Crooks.13 The vehicle
6 3 RR 27, ll. 4-12; 80, ll. 12-24; 108, l. 19-109, l. 3; 109, ll. 18-21; 175, ll. 20-23; 176, ll. 5-7; 208, l. 21-209, l. 1 7 3 RR 32, ll. 11-15, 40, ll. 9-10, 209, l. 21 – 210, l. 7; 4 RR 13, ll. 11-16 8 3 RR 37, 6-9, 80, l. 25 – 81, l. 4, 113, ll. 20-22, 175, ll. 3-8 9 3 RR 37, ll. 17-22, 117, ll. 6-8, 176, ll. 8-16, 22-25, 201, ll. 3-7; 4 RR 31, ll. 1-10 10 3 RR 112 ll. 23-25 11 3 RR 113, 12-15 12 3 RR 175, ll. 9-15; 194, l. 12; 4 RR 30, ll. 17-25, 51, ll. 10-15; see State’s Exhibit No. 6 at :050. 13 3 RR 114, ll. 4-8, ll. 13-9, 115, ll. 5-6 Appellant’s Brief Page 2 failed to yield14 and a pursuit of the vehicle ensued.15 Officer Ross was joined by
three additional marked City of White Settlement Police Department patrol units
and an unmarked vehicle.16
During the pursuit, the Jeep Cherokee came to a stop. Officer Ross exited
his vehicle and shot at the Jeep Cherokee with his Department issued AR-15, also
known as an M4 rifle, nine times striking the Jeep Cherokee.17 The vehicle was
then able to continue moving.18 The pursuit ended when the vehicle flipped and
landed on its side on FM 3325 in Parker County, Texas.19
One person, identified as Adam Crooks, was located inside the Jeep
Cherokee, removed from the vehicle and arrested.20
A second person later identified as the Appellant21, exited the vehicle
through the upturned driver’s door window.22 Appellant ran away from officers
through a barbed wire fence and was continuing to run away from officers up a hill
14 3 RR 115, ll. 7-12 15 3 RR 118, ll. 17-22 16 3 RR 58, ll. 7-12; 4 RR 26, ll. 6-15 17 3 RR 72, ll. 12-14, 73, l. 22 – 74, l. 3, 126, l. 23-127, l. 3, 143, l. 19 – 147, l. 14, 154, ll. 3-13, 18 3 RR 127, ll. 10-18, 153, ll. 7-15; 4 RR 8-10 19 3 RR 27, l. 25 – 28, l. 4,45, ll. 11-13, 128, ll. 21-24, 129, ll. 2-6, 139, ll. 15-18, 261, ll. 13-15; 4 RR 100, ll. 7-11, 162, ll. 22-25; see State’s Exhibit No. 4 20 3 RR 48, l. 24 – 49, l. 8, 132, l. 24 – 133, l. 3 21 3 RR 265, ll. 15-24, 4 RR 135, ll. 2-14, see State’s Exhibit No. 98 22 3 RR 46, ll. 21-24, 129, ll. 20-23, 130, ll. 9-13, 261, l. 23-262, l. 7, 4 RR 35, ll. 2-6 Appellant’s Brief Page 3 when he was shot by Officer Ross and fell to the ground.23 Appellant was
transported to John Peter Smith Hospital where White Settlement Police Officer
Joseph Anthony retrieved Appellant’s property from a nurse.24
No firearm was recovered from Appellant’s person or from the area where
Appellant fell.25 A gun was located inside the Jeep Cherokee in which Appellant
was one of the two occupants.26
Appellant was indicted in this case of intentionally or knowingly possessing
a firearm after the fifth anniversary of Appellant’s release from incarceration other
than the premises at which the Appellant lived by a grand jury on or about
February 20, 2014.27 This case was consolidated for trial28 with cases numbered
CR14-0087 alleging aggravated assault against a public servant, CR14-0089
alleging aggravated assault against a public servant, and CR15-0236 alleging
evading arrest or detention with a vehicle which are on appeal as companion cases
numbered 07-15-00251-CR, 07-15-00254-CR and 07-15-00255 respectively. On
May 8, 2015, the State’s Motion to Amend the indictment was granted and the
23 3 RR 47, ll. 2-5, 48, ll. 11-14, 69, ll. 4-7, 12-18, 73, l. 24- 74, l. 3, 74, ll. 17-24, 131, ll. 1-10, 223, ll. 17-18; 4 RR 40, ll. 15-20 24 4 RR 129, l. 1 – 130, l. 3. 25 3 RR 6-9, 250, ll. 19-25; 4 RR 169, ll. 4-10 26 3 RR 94, ll. 5-7, 240, ll. 2-6, 4 RR 80, ll. 1-2, 92, ll. 15-16, 197, ll. 14-19, 27 1 CR 7 28 1 CR 27 Appellant’s Brief Page 4 enhancement paragraphs were replaced and the language “Felony Enhancement
One” was crossed out of the indictment.
The cases were called for jury trial on May 26, 2015.
The State called Adam Crooks, as the only other occupant of the vehicle, to
testify in regard to which of the two occupants in the vehicle (1) was driving the
vehicle; and (2) possessed the firearm. Adam Crooks testified (1) that Adam
Crooks was not the driver29; and (2) that Adam Crooks saw Appellant had a gun
while in White Settlement, but did not see Appellant with a gun after the beginning
of the events.30 Under direct examination by the State’s attorney, Adam Crooks
additionally testified as follows:
Q. Did you notice when Mr. Auvenshine, when he was in the driver’s seat and you’re in the passenger, that he reached his arm across you and pointed a gun at the officer that was outside your window? A. I don’t really remember that. *** Q. When Mr. Auvenshine drove that vehicle and it kind of spun around …was that when you saw him holding that gun at that officer? A. I never even seen that.31
29 3 RR 90, ll. 17-19 30 3 RR 100, l. 17 – 101, l. 3 31 3 RR 99, l. 24 – 100, l. 1, 8-16 Appellant’s Brief Page 5 In addition to Adam Crooks, the State presented testimony from Sergeant
Tim Denison, Officer William Ross, Corporal Josh Dacus, and Sergeant Roger
Yount of the White Settlement Police Department.
Sergeant Denison testified that he could tell there were two occupants in the
vehicle, but could not see who was in side.32 Sergeant Dennison also testified that
no time did he see a weapon in the possession of either of the people in the vehicle
during the time that he was able to observe them33 and did not observe anyone in
the vehicle discharge a weapon toward or at the officers.34
Officer Ross testified that when the Jeep Cherokee spun out and first came
to a stop35, he could see “the driver of the vehicle came across his body with his
right hand and put a pistol out the window pointed directly at me”36 from inside
Officer Ross’s vehicle.37 Officer Ross further testified, “I thought the weapon had
been fired.”38 Officer Ross described the gun as “a black semiautomatic
handgun.”39 When asked if he got a good look at the driver that day, Officer Ross
responded, “I don’t recall.”40 Officer Ross further testified that he “saw what [he]
32 3 RR 37, ll. 4-5 33 3 RR 76, ll. 10-13 34 3 RR 76, ll. 7-9 35 3 RR 192, ll. 2-5 36 3 RR 124, ll. 11-13 37 3 RR 192, ll. 6-8 38 3 RR 125, l. 4 39 3 RR 126, ll. 3-9 40 3 RR 126, ll. 10-12 Appellant’s Brief Page 6 believed to be the driver jump out of the vehicle”41 and he did not see a gun in the
hand of the person who climbed out of the vehicle.42 Officer Ross testified that the
video recording equipment in his unit was not working43 and there is no recorded
radio traffic or in-car video from his unit corroborating the presence of a gun.44
Following the apprehension of Appellant and Adam Crooks, Officer Ross testified
that he was contacted by Texas Ranger Bradford who was conducting an
investigation into the incident.45 On the advice of counsel, Officer Ross provided
Ranger Bradford with a written statement which was typed by Officer Ross’s
attorney and reviewed and signed by Officer Ross.46 Officer Ross’s written
statement was admitted as Defense Exhibit No. 3.47
Corporal Dacus testified that he noticed a handgun come out of the driver’s
side window of the Jeep Cherokee.48 Corporal Dacus said that from inside his
patrol unit he saw the driver of Jeep Cherokee, who was inside his vehicle, point a
gun at Officer Ross and then move to point the gun at him.49 Corporal Dacus later
clarified his statement in response to the Assistant District Attorney’s question
“Did you see him point the gun at Officer Ross?” by testifying “I saw the gun 41 3 RR 129, ll. 7-8, 22-23 42 3 RR 135, ll. 22-25 43 3 RR 187, ll. 14-17 44 3 RR 199, l. 17 – 200, l. 2 45 3 RR 141, ll. 17-20 46 3 RR 142, l. 15- 143, l. 3 47 3 RR 144, l. 25 – 145, l. 6 48 3 RR 215, ll. 2-7 49 3 RR 215, l. 19 – 216, l. 6 Appellant’s Brief Page 7 pointed at Officer Ross’s vehicle.”50 Corporal Dacus testified he then stepped out
of his vehicle and was able to identify Adam Crooks and noted that Adam Crooks
“was in the passenger seat and not driving at that point”.51 Corporal Dacus further
testified that he saw the movement of the finger on the trigger of the gun, but the
gun didn’t fire52 and then the gun went down into the person’s lap.53 Corporal
Dacus acknowledge that, in his written statement, he stated he saw Appellant firing
a black-in-color semiautomatic handgun out of the driver window at Officer Ross
just prior to Corporal Dacus’s vehicle colliding with the Jeep Cherokee.54 Corporal
Dacus described the gun as a black semiautomatic handgun.55 While watching the
video recorded on his in-car recording equipment (marked State’s Exhibit number
756), Corporal Dacus indicates that the “black spot” visible on the video is the
handgun.57 Corporal Dacus further testified that it is his voice heard on the video
stating, “Driver has a gun. Driver has a gun.”58 In testimony, Corporal Dacus
acknowledges that the gun and persons inside the vehicle are not visible on the
video because the windshield looks black59 and the sound of shots fired from the
50 3 RR 228, ll. 14-16 51 3 RR 216, ll. 18-19 52 3 RR 216, l. 25 – 217, l. 9 53 3 RR 217, ll. 19-23 54 3 RR 234, l. 18 – 235, l. 9 55 3 RR 219, ll. 20-23 56 3 RR 213, ll. 12-24 57 3 RR 220, ll. 10 - 23 58 3 RR 222, ll. 10 - 13 59 3 RR 237, l. 22 – 239, l. 10 Appellant’s Brief Page 8 handgun cannot be heard on the video.60 Corporal Dacus further acknowledged that
the gun found inside the vehicle had not been fired and his written statement was
not accurate.61 Corporal Dacus testified that he could hear two separate incidents
of shots being fired coming, not from the Jeep Cherokee, but presumably from
another officer.62 Corporal Dacus testified that he did not see any kind of weapon
in Appellant’s hands or on his body when he was apprehended and there was no
weapon of any kind removed from the general area around which we was taken
into custody.63
Sergeant Yount testified that he was not able to see the driver of the
vehicle.64 Sergeant Yount testified that he was familiar with Adam Crooks’s
history of running from the police, being in possession of drugs, doing some
violence, having weapons and the pursuit was just like what the White Settlement
Police Department had dealt with before with Adam Crooks.65 Sergeant Yount
further testified that he saw a person climb out of the vehicle, fall to the ground and
take off running.66 Sergeant Yount testified that he did not see any weapons in the
60 3 RR 241, ll. 14-25 61 3 RR 240, ll. 2-21 62 3 RR 242, ll. 4-22 63 3 RR 250, ll. 19-25 64 4 RR 21, ll. 10-12 65 4 RR 31, ll. 1-10 66 4 RR 35, ll. 10-14 Appellant’s Brief Page 9 possession of the person67, did not see anything discarded by him, and didn’t find
anything in the area where Appellant was apprehended.68 Sergeant Yount further
testified that he did not find any drug paraphernalia on Appellant.69 When asked
about the appearance of Adam Crooks and Appellant, Sergeant Yount testified,
“[Adam Crooks] is shorter from Mr. Auvenshine. Other than that, I can’t say
there’s a whole lot of distinctive difference.”70
The State called Heather Casey, Crime Scene Investigator with the Parker
County Sheriff’s Office71 who testified that the following items were located inside
the Jeep Cherokee: (1) firearm72; (2) two magazine clips73; (3) methamphetamine
pipe74; (4) butane lighter and spoon symbolizing drug use75; (5) box of 9 mm
ammo76; (6) three 9 mm live rounds77; (7) four .38 special rounds78; and (8) a gun
case79. Ms. Casey described the firearm found inside the vehicle as majority tan in
color.80 Ms. Casey testified that there were no fired ammunition cartridges found
67 4 RR 35, ll. 20-23 68 4 RR 43, l. 13 – 44, l. 6 69 4 RR 7-9 70 4 RR 53, ll. 19-23 71 4 RR 96, ll. 12-18 72 4 RR 80, l. 1-81, l. 7, 82, ll. 15-18; see State’s Exhibit No. 87 73 4 RR 83. L. 9-84, l. 20; see State’s Exhibit No. 88 74 4 RR 88, ll. 20-24, 90, ll. 15-18, see State’s Exhibit No.89 75 4 RR 89, ll. 6-4; see State’s Exhibit No.74 76 4 RR 90, l. 23 – 91, l. 4; see State’s Exhibit No. 90 77 4 RR 91, ll. 8-11; see State’s Exhibit No. 91 78 4 RR 91, ll. 20-23; see State’s Exhibit No. 92 79 4 RR 92, ll. 15-20; see State’s Exhibit No. 93 80 4 RR 117, ll. 2-8, see State’s Exhibit Nos. 40-42 Appellant’s Brief Page 10 inside the vehicle and that she did not recall seeing any ammunition in the vehicle
which looked like the hammer had struck the primer causing an indent.81 Ms.
Casey further testified she observed large bullet holes in the body of the vehicle
and the only spent cartridges recovered from the scene were all of a .223 caliber.82
Jamie Becker, senior criminalist in the firearm and toolmark section of the
Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office83 testified that she conducted tests on
the firearm along with the ammunition contained in a magazine submitted to her
consisting of State’s Exhibits Nos. 87, 94, 95 and 9684. The items consist of the
box with the handgun found in the vehicle, an envelope containing 9 mm caliber
ammunition from the handgun chamber, 15 live rounds from the handgun
magazine and the magazine from the handgun.85 Ms. Becker determined that while
the .380 caliber rounds will load into the firearm from the magazine and fire, it
would fail to extract and eject.86 Ms. Becker further testified that during her
testing, every time she put a .380 round into the firearm, it would fire, but it would
not extract or eject.87 Ms. Becker testified that the ammunition did not look like it
had an imperfection of the base of the cartridge where the primer would be…the
81 4 RR 111, l. 25 – 112, l. 16 82 4 RR 112, l. 21 – 113, l. 10 83 4 RR 207, ll 18-25 84 4 RR 211, l. 22- 212, l. 14 85 See 1RR 25 86 4 RR 217, ll. 4-23, 218, ll. 14-18, see State’s Exhibit No. 102 87 4 RR 219, ll. 13-17 Appellant’s Brief Page 11 read sealant looked intact88, and she did not see any indication of misfires on the
evidence submitted.89 “The bullets fired without fail.”90
Texas Ranger Anthony Bradford testified that he conducted an investigation,
but never contacted Appellant.91 Ranger Bradford did interview Adam Crooks
who “in [Ranger Bradford’s] opinion, he was likely under the influence of
methamphetamine.”92 Ranger Bradford testified that he was not able to interview
Officer Ross who indicated he wanted an attorney.93 Officer Ross accompanied by
his attorney met with Ranger Bradford three days after the incident94 and then
delivered a written statement on February 3, 2014.95 Ranger Bradford testified that
he had determined through his investigation that the only weapon fired during the
incident was fired by Officer Ross96 and according to all of the evidence seen by
Ranger Bradford, Appellant did not fire or discharge a weapon at anyone, nor was
there a weapon on or near his person where he was shot.97
After the State rested, trial counsel for Appellant made a motion for acquittal
on the basis that the State failed to make a prima facie case against the Appellant in
88 4 RR 224, ll. 10 - 21 89 4 RR 220, ll. 18-25 90 4 RR 225, l. 7 91 4 RR 192, ll. 15-20 92 4 RR 193, ll. 16-20 93 4 RR 185, ll. 23-25 94 4 RR 186, ll. 3-15 95 4 RR 188, ll. 8-15; See Defense’s Exhibit No. 3 96 4 RR 178, ll. 11-19 97 4 RR 202, ll. 19-25 Appellant’s Brief Page 12 each case.98 The motion was denied as to each case.99 The jury found Appellant
“guilty” in each case on May 29, 2015.100
At the punishment phase of Appellant’s trial, Appellant entered a plea of
true to the enhancements contained in each case.101 The jury then sentenced
Appellant to 27 years in the Institutional Division, Texas Department of Criminal
Justice.102 On June 1, 2015, Appellant filed his Notice of Appeal with the trial
court.103 Trial Counsel requested the Court Reporter’s record be prepared and
designated that “any and all exhibits of all parties and the Court…including the
reporter’s list of the same showing court activity thereon.”104 On September 9,
2015, Appellant requested counsel be appointed for purposes of appeal105 and the
undersigned counsel was appointed.106 Counsel for Appellant filed a Motion for
New Trial on and presented said Motion for New Trial to the trial court on June 23,
2015.107 Appellant’s motion for new trial was overruled by operation of law.
98 4 RR 226, ll. 5-11 99 4 RR 226, ll. 10-11 100 1 CR 101, 105 101 6 RR 11, ll. 13-25; 1 CR 111 102 6 RR 83, ll. 2-25; 1CR 111 103 1 CR 115 104 1 CR 124, 125 par. 7. It is undersigned counsel’s understanding that the original of the video evidence admitted in the trial of this case is in the possession of the Parker County Clerk. 105 1CR 133 106 1 CR 137 107 1 CR 141 Appellant’s Brief Page 13 SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT
The trial court erred in denying Appellant’s motion for directed verdict.
Appellant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence to establish that Appellant
possessed a firearm. In assessing the sufficiency of the evidence, Appellant
respectfully requests the Court of Appeals to find that when all the evidence is
reviewed, no rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the
offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
ARGUMENT
Appellant was indicted for the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm
by a felon at premises other than his home. Due process requires that the State
prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, every element of the crime charged.108 In this
case, the State was required to prove109:
1. A person 2. Who had been convicted of a felony 3. Possessed a firearm 4. After conviction and after the 5th anniversary of the later of 5. The person’s release from a. Confinement following conviction of the felony, or b. Supervision under community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision 6. At any location other than the premises at which the person lives.
108 Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 313 (1979); Rabb v. State, 434 S.W.3d 613, 616 (Tex. Crim. App. 2014). 109 See Tex. Penal Code §46.04(a)(1) Appellant’s Brief Page 14 Appellant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence to establish that
Appellant possessed a firearm. A person commits an offense only if he voluntarily
engages in conduct, including an act, or an omission, or possession.110
“Possession” means actual care, custody, control or management.111 Possession is a
voluntary act if the possessor knowingly obtains or receives the thing possessed or
is aware of his control of the thing for a sufficient time to permit him to terminate
his control.112
In this case, it cannot be shown that Appellant had exclusive possession of
the firearm because the firearm was found inside the Jeep Cherokee which was
occupied by both Appellant and Adam Crooks. This is a situation that most often
occurs when a jury is called upon to determine whether a defendant possessed a
controlled substance. It cannot be presumed that the appellant had possession over
the controlled substance unless there are other independent facts or links that tend
to connect appellant to the knowing possession of the controlled substance.113 In
cases involving unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, the sufficiency of the
evidence is analyzed under the rules adopted for determining the sufficiency of the
110 Tex. Penal Code §6.01(a). 111 Tex. Penal Code §1.07(a)(39). 112 Tex. Penal Code §6.01(b). 113 Evans v. State, 202 S.W.3d 402, 405-406 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005). Appellant’s Brief Page 15 evidence in cases of unlawful possession of a controlled substance.114 The State's
evidence, which may be either direct or circumstantial, must establish the accused's
connection with the firearm was more than just fortuitous.115
If the firearm is not found on the accused's person or is not in the exclusive
possession of the accused, the evidence must affirmatively link the accused to the
firearm.116 Factors which may establish affirmative links include whether: (1) the
contraband was in plain view; (2) the accused was the owner of the car in which
the contraband was found; (3) the accused was the driver of the car in which the
contraband was found; (4) the accused was in close proximity and had ready access
to the contraband; (5) the contraband was found on the same side of the car seat as
the accused was sitting; (6) contraband was found on the accused; (7) the
defendant attempted to flee; (8) conduct by the accused indicated a consciousness
of guilt, including extreme nervousness or furtive gestures; (9) the accused had a
special connection or relationship to the contraband; (11) the place where the
contraband was found was enclosed; (12) occupants of the automobile gave
conflicting statements about relevant matters; and (13) affirmative statements
connect the accused to the contraband, including incriminating statements made by
114 Bates v. State, 155 S.W.3d 212, 216-17 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2004, no pet.). citing Young v. State, 752 S.W.2d 137, 140 (Tex.App.-Dallas 1988, pet. ref'd). 115 Brown v. State, 911 S.W.2d 744, 747 (Tex.Crim.App.1995). 116 Davis v. State, 93 S.W.3d 664, 667 (Tex.App.-Texarkana 2002, pet. ref'd). Appellant’s Brief Page 16 the accused when arrested.117 The number of factors present is not as important as
the logical force or the degree to which the factors, alone or in combination, tend to
affirmatively link the accused to the contraband.118
The State produced two witnesses in support of their theory that Appellant
was in possession of a firearm. The first witness was Adam Crooks. Adam Crooks
admitted to having been convicted of the following offenses119:
2001 Assault Tarrant County, Texas 2002 Assault – Family Violence Tarrant County, Texas 2004 Possession of a Controlled Substance Potter County, Texas 2004 Possession of a Controlled Substance Tarrant County, Texas 2004 Terroristic Threat Tarrant County, Texas 2006 Possession of a Controlled Substance Tarrant County, Texas 2012 Criminal Mischief $500 < $1,500 Tarrant County, Texas 2012 Possession of a Controlled Substance Tarrant County, Texas 2012 Bail Jumping Tarrant County, Texas 2015 Possession of a Controlled Substance Tarrant County, Texas Adam Crooks acknowledged that at the time of his testimony, he was serving a two
year sentence resulting from a Tarrant County offense.120 Adam Crooks further
acknowledged that on the day of the incident, he was subject to certain parole
117 Dixon v. State, 918 S.W.2d 678, 681 (Tex.App.-Beaumont 1996, no pet.); Watson v. State, 861 S.W.2d 410, 414-15 (Tex.App.-Beaumont 1993, pet. ref'd). 118 See Wallace v. State, 932 S.W.2d 519, 524 (Tex.App.-Tyler 1995, pet. ref'd). 119 3 RR 91, ll. 11- 120 3 RR 93, l. 20 – 94, l. 4 Appellant’s Brief Page 17 conditions including wearing of an ankle monitor which he had cut off121 and that
he really didn’t want to go back to the penitentiary on that day.122
The State’s only other witness who identifies Appellant as the person
holding the firearm is Corporal Dacus. Corporal Dacus testified that when his
vehicle collided with the Jeep Cherokee, he stepped out of his vehicle and
recognized Crooks was a passenger and not driving at that point. Corporal Dacus
also testified that he saw the driver pull the trigger on the black semiautomatic
firearm and acknowledged that his written statement indicated that he saw the
driver firing a black in color semiautomatic handgun out the driver window at
Officer Ross.
The evidence directly contradicted Corporal Dacus’s testimony and written
statement establishing instead that (1) none of the ammunition in the vehicle
showed any mark consistent with a misfire123; (2) there were no spent or fired
rounds found in the Jeep Cherokee124; (3) there were no shots heard, other than
those of Officer Ross, by any witness and none were audible on the in-car video
presented to the jury125; and (4) the gun located inside the vehicle was primarily tan
121 3 RR 95, ll. 7-22 122 3 RR 95, l. 23 – 96, l. 1 123 4 RR 111, l. 25 – 112, l. 16, 220, ll. 18-25 124 4 RR 111, l. 25 – 112, l. 16 125 3 RR 241, ll. 14-25; Appellant’s Brief Page 18 in color.126 Further, the State’s firearm expert testified that when subjected to tests,
the ammunition found inside the gun located inside the Jeep Cherokee fired
without fail and none of the submitted ammunition appeared to bear any indication
of a misfire. In fact, Ranger Bradford testified, “[t]here’s no evidence [Appellant]
fired a weapon.”127
All of Corporal Dacus’s impressions regarding the firing of the firearm or
attempted firing of the firearm and the person in possession of the firearm were
formed within a short few seconds following a two county pursuit, and the Jeep
Cherokee spinning out then colliding with Officer Dacus’s vehicle. As Sergeant
Yount testified “[Adam Crooks] is shorter from Mr. Auvenshine. Other than that, I
can’t say there’s a whole lot of distinctive difference.”128 The attorney for the State
even argued to the jury, “I would submit to you there’s a striking resemblance
between [Appellant] and Adam Gene Crooks”.129 During testimony Corporal
Dacus, having been presented with the evidence in this case, admitted that he was
wrong in his initial belief that a firearm had been fired at Officer Ross.130 Corporal
Dacus’s testimony at the particular time in the course of events in which he
126 See State’s Exhibit Nos.40-42 127 4 RR 175, ll. 16-17 128 4 RR 53, ll. 19-23 129 5 RR 13, ll. 24-25 130 3 RR 240, ll. 2-21 Appellant’s Brief Page 19 identified the Appellant as the driver of the Jeep Cherokee has already been proven
inaccurate.
Conversely, (1) members of the White Settlement Police department had
been informed that Adam Crooks would be at a residence in White Settlement; (2)
the Jeep Cherokee was located at the residence indicated; (3) Adam Crooks was an
occupant of the Jeep Cherokee; (4) Adam Crooks was known to use
methamphetamine; (5) Ranger Bradford testified that, in his opinion, Adam Crooks
was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of the incident; (6) a pipe,
butane lighter and spoon symbolizing drug use was found inside the Jeep
Cherokee; and (7) when the Jeep Cherokee drove past Officer Ross on a city street,
prior to the initial attempt to stop the vehicle on a traffic violation, prior to any
pursuit, prior to any perception by anyone that a firearm was present, Officer Ross
positively identified the driver of the vehicle as Adam Crooks.
“[O]nly that evidence which is sufficient in character, weight, and amount to
justify a fact finder in concluding that every element of the offense has been
proven beyond a reasonable doubt is adequate to support a conviction.”131 Even
when considered in the light most favorable to the verdict, the recorded evidence
131 Brooks v. State of Texas, 323 S.W.3d 893, 917 (Tex. Crim. App. 2010) (Cochran, J., concurring). Appellant’s Brief Page 20 would not allow a rational trier of fact to find that Appellant possessed the firearm
found in the Jeep Cherokee with Adam Crooks.
PRAYER
WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, Appellant prays that the
judgement be reversed.
Respectfully submitted,
Texas Bar No. 24034608 1712 Santa Fe Dr. Weatherford, Texas 76086 Telephone: (817) 341-7471 Facsimile: (817) 599-5909 Electronic Mail: brandy@oliphintlaw.com
COUNSEL FOR APPELLANT DEREK KYLE AUVENSHINE
Appellant’s Brief Page 21 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
This is to certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing instrument has
been forwarded in accordance with Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure 6.3 and
9.5 on the 29th day of October, 2015 as indicated below:
Via Personal Service Mr. Don Schnebly Parker County District Attorney District Courts Building, 2nd Floor 117 Fort Worth Hwy. Weatherford, Texas 76086 Telephone: (817) 598-6124 Facsimile: (817) 599-7628
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
The undersigned counsel for Appellant, Derek Kyle Auvenshine, certifies
that the word count of Appellant’s Brief in Cause No. 07-15-00253-CR is less than
15,000 words and in compliance with Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.4(i).
Specifically, Appellant’s Brief contained 4,621words.
Appellant’s Brief Page 22 TAB A 0 Q CASE No. CR14-0088 COUNT INCIDENT No./TRN: 9139375080
THE STATE OF TEXAS § § v. § § )DEREK KYLE AUVENSHINE § § STATE ID No.: TX05827902 §
JUDGMENT OF CONVICTION BY JURY Date Judgment Judge Presiding: HoN. DAVID CLEVELAND; Entered: 5/29/2015 DON SCHNEBLY / ABIGAIL Attorney for Attorney for State: Defendant: RICK ALLEY / JAMES WILSON PLACKE / ROBERT DUBOISE Offense for which Defendant Convicted: UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A.FIREARM BY A FELON Charging Instrument: - Statute for Offense: INDICTMENT 46.04(a)(2) Penal Code Date of Offense: 1/14/2014 Degree of Offense: Plea to Offense: 3RD DEGREE FELONY NOT GUILTY Verdict of Jury: Findings on Deadly Weapon: GUILTY N/A Plea to 1st Enhancement ) Plea to 2nd Enhancement/Habitual Paragraph: TRUE Paragraph: TRUE Findings on 2nd Findings on 1st Enhancement Enhancement/ Habitual Paragraph: TRUE Para ra h: TRUE Punished Assessed by: Date Sentence Imposed: Date Sentence to Commence: JURY 5/29/2015 5/29/2015 Punish~ent and Place 'l 7.JJli~< INSTITU.TIONAL DIVISION TDCJ of Confinement: o'I E._J . ' THIS SENTENCE SHALL RUN CONCURRENTLY.
D SENTENCE OF CONFINEMENT SUSPENDED, DEFENDANT PLACED ON COMMUNITY SUPERVISION FOR NI A • Fine:. Court Costs: Restitution: Restitution Payable to: $N/A $.302Y'.DOC0 $ N/A 0 VICTIM (see below) 0 AGENCY/AGENT (see below) Sex Offender Registration Requirements do not apply to the Defendant. TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. chapter 62. The age of the victim at the time of the offense was N /A . If Defendant is to serve sentence in 'I'DCJ, enter incarceration periods in chronological order. From 1/14/2014 to 5/29/2015 From to From to Time From to From to From to Credited: If Defendant is to serve sentence in county jail or is given credit toward fine and costs. enter days credited below. N/A DAYS NOTES: N/A All pertinent information, names and assessments indicated above are incorporated into the language of the judgment below by reference. · This cause was called for trial in Parker County, Texas. The State appeared by her District Attorney. Counsel I Waiver of Counsel (select one) C8J Defendant appeared in person with Counsrl. D Defendant knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waived the right to representation by counsel in writing in open court. It appeared to the Court that Defendant was mentally competent and had pleaded as shown above to the charging instrument. Both parties announced ready for trial. A jury was selected, impaneled, and sworn. The INDICTMENT was read to the jury, and Defendant entered a plea to the charged offense. The Court received the plea and entered it of record.
111 Judgment.0088 Page 1 of2 ) TAB B \, r' .
I• 0 a Cause No. CR14-0088
THE STATE OF TEXAS )( vs. )( DEREK KYLE AUVENSHINE )( PARKER COUNTY, TEXAS
COURT'S CHARGE
MEMBERS OF THE JURY:
The defendant, Derek Kyle Auvenshine, stands charged by indictment with the offense of
Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Felon, alleged to have been committed on or about the 14th
day of January, 2014, in Parker County, Texas. The defendant has pleaded not guilty.
Our law provides that a person who has been convicted of a felony commits the offense
of unlawful possession of a firearm if he possesses a firearm after conviction and before the fifth
anniversary of the person's release from confinement following conviction of the felony or the
person's release from supervision under community supervision, parole, or mandatory
supervision, whichever date is later, or after such period, at any location other than the premises
at which the person lives.
A "firearm" includes any device designed, made, or adapted to expel a projectile through
a barrel by using the energy generated by an explosion or burning substance or any device
readily convertible to that use. A pistol is a firearm.
The term "possess" means actual care, custody, control, or management of property.
A person acts intentionally, or with intent, with respect to the nature of his conduct or to a
result of his conduct when it is his conscious objective or desire to engage in the conduct or
cause the result.
1 101 .. 0 0 A person acts knowingly, or with knowledge, with respect to the nature of his conduct or
to circumstances surrounding his conduct when he is aware of the nature of his conduct or that
the circumstances exist. A person acts knowingly, or with knowledge, with respect to a result of
his conduct when he is aware that his conduct is reasonably certain to cause the result.
Our law provides that a defendant may testify in his own behalf if he elects to do so.
This, however, is privilege accorded a defendant, and in the event he elects not to testify, that
fact cannot be taken as a circumstance against him. In this case, the defendant has elected not to
testify, and you are instructed that you cannot and must not refer to or allude to that fact
throughout your deliberations or take it into consideration for any purpose whatsoever as a
circumstance against the defendant.
Now, if you find from the evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that on or about the 14th
day of January, 2014, in Parker County, Texas, the defendant, Derek Kyle Auvenshine, did then
and there, having been convicted of the felony offense of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle
on the 20th day of October, 2000, in cause number 13725 in the 43rd Judicial District Court of
Parker County, Texas, intentionally or knowingly possess a firearm after the fifth anniversary of
the defendant's release from incarceration following said felony at a location other than the
premises at which the defendant lived, as alleged in the indictment, then you will find the
defendant guilty as charged.
Unless you so find beyond a reasonable doubt, or if you have a reasonable doubt thereof,
you will find the defendant not guilty.
You are the exclusive judges of the facts proved, of the credibility of the witnesses, and ' of the weight to be given to the testimony, but you are bound to receive the law from the Court
which is herein given to you and be governed thereby.
2 102 ' . 0 0 In all criminal cases, the burden of proof is on the State, and the defendant is presumed to
be innocent until the defendant's guilt is established by legal evidence beyond a reasonable
doubt; and in case you have a reasonable doubt of the defendant's guilt, you will acquit the
defendant and say by your verdict "Not Guilty". ~
You are instructed the grand jury indictment is the means whereby a defendant is brought
to trial in a felony prosecution and is not evidence of guilt. The indictment shall not be
considered by you in passing upon the innocence or guilt of the defendant.
All persons are presumed to be innocent, and no person may be convicted of an offense
unless each element of the offense is proved beyond a reasonable doubt. The fact that a person
has been arrested, confined or indicted for, or otherwise charged with the offense, gives rise to
no inference of guilt at his trial.
The law does not require a defendant to prove his innocence or produce any evidence at
all. The presumption of innocence alone is sufficient to acquit the defendant unless the jurors are
satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt of the defendant's guilt after careful and impartial
consideration of all the evidence in the case.
The prosecution has the burden of proving the defendant guilty and it must do so by
proving each and every element of the offense charged beyond a reasonable doubt and if it fails
to do SO; you must acquit the defendant.
It is not required that the prosecution prove guilt beyond all possible doubt; it is required
that the prosecution's proof excludes all "reasonable doubt" concerning the defendant's guilt.
In the event you have a reasonable doubt as to the defendant's guilt after considering all
the evidence before you, and these instructions, you will acquit him and say by your verdict "not
guilty".
3 103 0 0 During your deliberations in this case, you must not consider, discuss, or relate any
matters not in evidence before you. You should not consider or mention any personal knowle~ge
or information you may have about any fact or person connected with this case which is not
shown by the evidence.
If the jury wishes to communicate with the Court, they shall so notify the bailiff in
writing, who shall inform the Court thereof; and they may be brought before the Court, and
through their presiding juror, shall state to the Court in writing what they desire to communicate.
After summation by counsel, you will retire and select one of your members as presiding
Juror. It is the duty of your presiding juror to preside at your deliberations and to vote with you
in arriving at a verdict. Your verdict must be unanimous. After you have arrived at your verdict,
you may use one of the forms attached hereto by having your presiding juror sign the particular
fomi that conforms to your verdict. Your sole duty at this time is to determine the guilt or
innocence of the defendant under indictment in this cause. You shall restrict your deliberations
solely to the issue of guilt or innocence of the defendant.
Parker County, Texas
·-
4 104 ' . 0 0 VERDICT FORMS
We, the jury, find the defendant, Derek Kyle Auvenshine, GUILTY of the offense of
Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Felon, as charged in the indictment.
-------..,.._,,___
-OR-
Thiii:J ~ We, the jury, find the d<;::fendant, Derek Kyle Auvenshine, NOT GUILTYof the offense
of Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Felon, as charged in the indictment. I
PRESIDING JUROR
5 105 0 0 Cause No.CR14-0088
THE STATE OF TEXAS. )( vs. )( DEREK KYLE AUVENSHINE )( COURT'S CHARGE
You have found the defendant, Derek Kyle Auvenshine, guilty of the offi:mse of
'Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, as charged in the indictment. It now
becomes your duty to determine the punishment to be assessed against the defendant.
The indictment alleges the defendant has previously been finally convicted of the
following felony offenses, to-wit:
Felony Enhancement 1 alleges the defendant, Derek Kyle Auvenshine, prior to
the commission of the criminal offense being tried in this case, on August 21, 2009, in
the District Court in and for.Tulsa County, Oklahoma, in case number CF-08-5817, the
said Derek Kyle Auvenshine was finally convicted of the felony offense of Distribution
of Controlled Substance; and
Felony Enhancement 2 alleges the defendant, Derek Kyle Auvenshine, prior to
the commission of the criminal offense being tried in this case, and prior to the conviction
alleged in Felony Enhancell!ent 1, on October 20, 2000, in the 43rd District Court, Parker
County, Texas, in cause number 13474 the said Derek Kyle Auvenshine was finally
convicted of the felony offense of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, na~ely
Methamphetamine, of less than 4 grams but more than 1 gram.
106 0 0 The defendant has pleaded ''true" to the allegations in Enhancement 1 and
Enhancement 2; therefore, you are instructed to find the allegations in Enhancement 1
and Enhancement 2 true.
The punishment authorized for this offense. is by confinement in the Texas
Department of Criminal Justice-Institutional Division for Life, or for any term of not
more than ninety-nine (99) years, or less than twenty-five (25) years.
In arriving at your verdict on the question of punishment, you may take into
consideration all of the evidence submitted before you under this charge and the previous
charge, wherein you found the defendant guilty. However, you are not to refer to or J
discuss any matters or issues not in evidence before you.
Under the law applicable in this case, the defendant, if sentenced to a term of
imprisonment, may earn time off the period of incarceration imposed through the award
of good conduct time. Prison authorities may award good conduct time to a prisoner who
exhibits good behavior, diligence in carrying out prison work assignments, and attempts
at rehabilitation. If a prisoner engages in misconduct, prison authorities may also take
away all or part of any good conduct time earned by the prisoner.
It is also possible that the length of time for which the defendant will be
imprisoned might be reduced by the award of parole.
Under the law applicable in this case, if the defendant is sentenced to a term of
imprisonment, he will not become eligible for parole until the actual time served, plus
any good conduct time earned, equals one-fourth of the sentence imposed or 15 years,
\ whichever is less. Eligibility for parole does not guarantee that parole will be granted.
107 0 0 It cannot accurately be predicted how the parole law and good conduct time might
be applied to this defendant if he is sentenced to a term of imprisonment, because the
application of these laws will depend on decisions made by prison and parole authorities.
You may consider the existence of the parole law and good conduct time.
However, you are not to consider the extent to which good conduct time may be awarded
to or forfeited by this particular defendant. You are not to consider the m~nner in which
the parole law may be applied to this particular defendant.
Our law provides that a defendant may testify in his own behalf if he elects to do
so. This, however, is a privilege accorded a defendant, and in the event he elects not to
testify, that fact cannot be taken as a circumstance against him. In this case, the
defendant has elected not to testify, and you are instructed that you cannot and must not
refer to or allude to that fact throughout your deliberations or take it into consideration
for any purpose whatsoever as a circumstance against the defendant.
Evidence of extraneous crimes or bad acts other than the one charged in the
indictment in this case has been presented in the trial of this case. You cannot consider
the testimony in this_ regard in determining the proper punishment for the offense for
which you have found the defendant guilty or for any purpose unless you find and believe
beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed such other acts, if any.
You are instructed that your verdict must be unanimous and that you must not
determine the defendant's punishment by drawing lots, or by adding the punishment each
of you might think proper and dividing the result by twelve, or in any manner except by
deliberation upon the law and evidence submitted to you.
108 ' 1 0 0 You are the exclusive judges of the facts proved, of the credibility of the
witnesses and of the weight to be given to the testimony, but you are bound to receive the
law from the Court which is herein given you, and be governed thereby.
If the jury wishes to communicate with the Court they shall so .notify the bailiff in
writing, who shall inform the Court thereof; and they may be brought before the Court
and through their presiding juror, shall state to the Court in writing what they desire to
communicate.
When you have unanimously agreed upon a verdict, your presiding juror shall
certify to your verdict by using the appropriate form attached hereto and signing the same
as your presiding juror.
415th Judicial District Court Parker County, Texas
109 0 0 VERDICT .FORMS
We, the jury, having found the defendant, Derek Kyle Auvenshine, guilty of the
offense of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, as charged in the indictment,
and we further find the allegations in Enhancement 1 and Enhancement 2 are "true", now
assess his punishment at confinement in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice-
Institutional Division for Life.
We, the jury, having found the defendant, Derek Kyle Auvenshine, guilty of the
offense of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, as charged in the indictment,
and we further find the allegations in Enhancement 1 and Enhancement 2 are "true", now
assess his punishment at confinement in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice-
_z_____ Institutional Division for a term of _ _ _----{,;2,,,...'·· years (not more than 99
years and not less than 25 years).
110 TAB C ~' ... .... ..
No. ~\~-Ooo'D u RECfI/'Vc_-: , .· . The State of Texas Vs. DEREK KYLE AUVENSHINE roo tfi,~ND.·.·P't.L t:" .
. lOt~rEB ;o•tCORD q
Charge: UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM BY A FELON COURT:L\s~l9J:i'R1IfICT PH l,: 35 P!.tRltifR, 't4ND D'- ,eouflfy.. rracr c 15 .. • rsx 4s l.ffi: St .(i:r ~-OePtJr.f IN THE NAME AND BY AUTHORITY OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
THE GRAND_JURY, for the County of Parker, State of Texas, duly selected, impaneled, sworn, charged, and organized as such at the JANUARY Term A.D. 2014 of the 415TH Judicial District Court for said County, upon their oaths present in and to said court at said term that DEREK KYLE AUVENSHINE hereinafter styled Defendant, on or about the 14th day of January, 2014, and before the presentment of this indictment, in the County and State aforesaid,
did then and there, having been convicted of the felony offense of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle on the 20th day of October, 2000 in cause number 13725 in the 43rct Judicial District Court of Parker County, Texas, intentionally or knowingly possess a firearm after the fifth anniversary of the defendant release from incarceration following said felony at a location other than the premises at which the defendant lived,
FELONY ENIIAHCEBEWP ONE
And it is further presented in and to said Court, that prior to the commission of the primary offense alleged in Paragraph One by the said Derek Kyle Auvenshine, on the 20th day of October, 2000 in the 43rd Judicial District Court, Parker County, Texas, Cause No. 13474, the said Derek Kyle Auvenshine was convicted of a felony, to-wit: Delivery of a Controlled Substance, and said conviction became ,final prior to the commission of the primary offense alleged in Paragraph One,
against the peace and dignity of the State.
7 0 0 Ex.A
FELONY ENHANCEMENT ONE And it is further presented in and to said Court, that prior to the commission of the primary offense alleged in Paragraph One by the said Derek Kyle Auvenshine aka Derek Auyenshine, on the 21st day of August, 2009 in the District Court of the Fourteenth Judicial District of the State of Oklahoma sitting in and for Tulsa County, Cause No. CF-2008-5817 or CF-08-5817, the said Derek Kyle Auvenshine aka Derek Auvenshine was convicted of a felony, to-wit: Distribution of Controlled Substance, and said conviction be.came final prior to the commissiOn of the primary offense alleged in Paragraph One,
FELONY ENHANCEMENT TWO And it is further presented in and to said Court, that prior to the commission of the primary offense alleged in Paragraph One and the offense set out in Enhancement One by the said Derek Kyle Auvenshine aka Derek Auvenshine, on the 20th day ·of October, 2000 in the 43rd Judicial District Court, Parker County, Texas, Cause No. 13474, the said Derek Kyle Auvenshine aka Derek Auvenshine was convicted of a. felony, to-wit: Delivery of a Controlled Substance, namely Methamphetamine, of less than four grams but more than one gram, and said conviction became final prior to the commission of the primary offense in Paragraph one and Enhancement One,
8 TAB D 0 0
vs.
DEREK KYLE AUVENSHINE PARKER COUNTY, TEXAS "Defendant"
STATE'S MOTION FOR LEAVE TO AMEND INDICTMENT TO ALLEGE PRIOR CONVICTIONS TO ENHANCE PUNISHMENT PURSUANT TO TEXAS PENAL CODE §12.42
TO THE HONORABLE JUDGE OF SAID COURT:
NOW COMES the ·state of Texas, represented by her District Attorney and hereby requests leave to amend the indictment returned by the Grand Jury of Parker County, Texas in this cause to allege the following enhancements pursuant to Texas Penal Code §12.42:
I.
FELONY ENHANCEMENT 1
And it is further presented in and tb said Court that prior to the commission of the primary offense listed in the indictment by the said Derek Kyle Auvenshine on August 21, 2009, in the District Court in and for Tulsa County, Oklahoma, in case number CF-08-5817, the said Derek Kyle Auvenenshine was finally convicted of the felony offense of Distribution of Controlled Substance
FELONY ENHANCEMENT 2
And it is further presented in and to said Court that prior to the commission of the primary offense listed in the indictment and Felony· Enhancement 1 by the said Derek Kyle Auvenshine on Odober 20, 2000, in the 43rd District Court of Parker County, Texas, in cause number 13474, the said Derek Kyle Auvenshine was finally convicted of the felony offense of Delive~ of a Controlled Substance, Namely Methamphetaniine, of less than 4 grams but more than 1 gram.
II.
The State further requests that the preceding Felony Enhancement paragraphs replace, for all purposes, all enhancements currently detailed in the Indictment in the
29 0 0 above referenced causes of action. In addition, the State requests this Court to Order the Clerk of the Court to cross out, on the face of the Indictment, the current language of "FELONY ENHANCEMENT ONE"
III.
The State further requests that this signed Motion and Order shall be attached to the indictment and shall be considered part of the indictment for all purposes as if incorporated therein verbatim. ]'he State requests that the District Clerk be ordered to provide a copy of this signed Order and Indictment to defendant's attorney of record and shall make a docket entry reflecting the same.
Assistant istrict Attorney ~ 17 Fort Worth Hwy. W~atherford, Texas 76086 -P) 817-598-6124 F) 817-599-7628 SBN 24034629
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing document was sent via email to the defendant's attorney, James Wilson and Rick Alley on 5-8-2015.
Abi~~ Assistant ~istrict Attorney
30 0 0
DEREK KYLE AUVENSHINE "Defendant"
ORDER ON STATE'S MOTION FOR LEAVE TO AMEND INDICTMENT TO ALLEGE PRIOR CONVICTIONS TO ENHANCE PUNISHMENT PURSUANT TO TEXAS PENAL CODE §12.42
Having considered the State's Motion for Leave to Amend Indictment, the said Motion is hereby granted and IT IS ORDERED that this signed Motion and Order shall be attached to the indictment and shall be considered part of the indictment for all purposes as if incorporated therein verbatim.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the District Clerk shall provide a copy of this signed Order and Indictment to defendant's attorney of record and shall make a docket entry reflecting the same and that the Clerk is to cross out, on the face of the Indictment, the current language of "FELONY ENHANCEMENT ONE" in each case.
Signed this the ~ ~---+---~~ day of __ \
Judge ~esidihg 415th Ju' "cial District · . :'
Related
Cite This Page — Counsel Stack
Derek Kyle Auvenshine v. State, Counsel Stack Legal Research, https://law.counselstack.com/opinion/derek-kyle-auvenshine-v-state-texcrimapp-2015.