Elton Paul Colomb, Jr. v. State

• Court: Court of Appeals of Texas
• Decided: April 29, 2009
• Docket: 10-08-00039-CR
• Status: Published

Opinion

IN THE TENTH COURT OF APPEALS

No. 10-08-00039-CR

ELTON PAUL COLOMB, JR., Appellant v.

THE STATE OF TEXAS, Appellee

From the 66th District Court Hill County, Texas Trial Court No. 34,977

MEMORANDUM OPINION

Elton Paul Colomb, Jr. was charged with theft under $1,500, which was elevated

to a state jail felony by two earlier theft convictions and was enhanced to a second-

degree felony by two prior felony convictions. TEX. PENAL CODE ANN. § 31.03(e)(4)(D)

(Vernon Supp. 2008); see also id. § 12.42(a)(2) (Vernon 2006). Punishment was assessed

at 15 years in prison and a $2,000 fine. Because Colomb did not object to the exchange

of benches, waived his right to counsel and was properly admonished regarding the

dangers and disadvantages of self-representation, failed to prove his appointed counsel’s ineffectiveness, and failed to present a written and sworn motion for

continuance, the trial court’s judgment is affirmed.

BACKGROUND

In the spring of 2007, Colomb was on drugs and in trouble. A friend decided to

help him; and when she picked him up, he was incoherent. She allowed him to sleep in

her van while she went to Wal-Mart to shop for groceries. When she returned, Colomb

was gone and so were a set of tools and a toolbox. Colomb left a note saying, “I’m

sorry.” A short time later, police responded to a medical assistance call and found

Colomb in the same Wal-Mart parking lot, pushing a shopping basket with the toolbox

inside. The toolbox and tools were identified as those taken from the van.

ISSUES

Exchange of Benches

Colomb asserts that the judge of the Hill County Court at Law, Judge Harris, was

not qualified to conduct Colomb’s jury trial. The felony charge against Colomb was

filed in the 66th District Court in Hill County. The County Court at Law in Hill County

has concurrent jurisdiction with the 66th District Court in felony cases other than capital

murder cases. TEX. GOV’T CODE ANN. § 25.1112(a) (Vernon Supp. 2008). And in matters

of concurrent jurisdiction, the judge of the County Court at Law and the judge of the

66th District Court may exchange benches, transfer cases, and assign each other to hear

cases in accordance with orders signed and approved by the judges involved. Id. (h).

About a month before trial, Judge Harris of the County Court at Law and Judge

McGregor of the 66th District Court signed an administrative order which indicated

Colomb v. State Page 2 there would be an exchange of benches regarding Colomb’s case. Judge Harris then sat

as the judge of the 66th District Court when Colomb’s case was called to trial.

Colomb did not object to Judge Harris presiding over his trial, but he contends

that he may raise his complaint for the first time on appeal. We do not agree with

Colomb. Although he couches his issue and argument in terms of “not qualified” and

“disqualified,” Colomb alleges no reasons why Judge Harris is statutorily or

constitutionally “disqualified” from presiding over his trial. See TEX. CONST. Art. V, §

11; TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. ANN. art. 30.01 (Vernon 2006) Instead, Colomb’s complaint

focuses on the allegedly flawed procedure used by which Judge Harris presided over

his trial—the assignment or exchange of benches.

We are not presented with the question of a judge who is disqualified as a matter

of law which can be raised for the first time on appeal. See Miller v. State, 866 S.W.2d

243, 246 n.6 (Tex. Crim. App. 1993); Ex parte Vivier, 699 S.W.2d 862, 863 (Tex. Crim. App.

1985). Further, we are not presented with a question of lack of jurisdiction of the

convicting court.

Lack of jurisdiction over a case renders the judgment void, and it may be

collaterally attacked. See Ex parte Seidel, 39 S.W.3d 221, 224 (Tex. Crim. App. 2001);

accord Miller v. State, 866 S.W.2d 243, 246 fn. 6 (Tex. Crim. App. 1993). But the authority

of a judge to preside in a court is a different question than the jurisdiction of the court

itself. See Miller v. State, 866 S.W.2d 243, 246 n.6 (Tex. Crim. App. 1993). "’[A] court is a

tribunal organized for the purpose of administering justice, while a judge is the officer

who presides over that tribunal[.]’" Miller, 866 at 246 n.6 (quoting 48A C.J.S. Judges §

Colomb v. State Page 3 2a). "’The authority and powers of a judge are incident to, and grow out of, the

jurisdiction of the court itself.’" Id. (quoting 48A C.J.S. Judges § 54). Lack of authority to

act in a particular manner may render the judgment either void or voidable depending

on the type of the error. Ex parte Seidel, 39 S.W.3d 221, 224 (Tex. Crim. App. 2001).

Errors involving statutory procedure are merely voidable and require an objection to

preserve error. See id., 39 S.W.3d at 225; Davis v. State, 956 S.W.2d 555, 559 (Tex. Crim.

App. 1997); see also TEX. R. APP. P. 33.1.

Colomb asserts an alleged error involving statutory procedure. Thus, he was

required to object to Judge Harris presiding over his trial. Because he did not object, the

alleged error is not preserved. Colomb’s first issue is overruled.

Self-Respresentation

Colomb wanted to represent himself during his trial. He now argues on appeal

that his decision to dispense with counsel was not made knowingly, intelligently, and

voluntarily with full understanding of the right to counsel and with proper

admonishments. He also complains that his court appointed counsel was never

relieved of her duty to represent him.

Law

The Sixth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States guarantees that

"[in] all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right . . . to have the

Assistance of Counsel for his defense." U.S. CONST. AMEND. VI; Williams v. State, 252

S.W.3d 353, 355 (Tex. Crim. App. 2008). It also includes the reciprocal right to self-

representation. Faretta v. California, 422 U.S. 806, 818, 95 S. Ct. 2525, 45 L. Ed. 2d 562

Colomb v. State Page 4 (1975); Williams, 252 S.W.3d at 356. But the right to self-representation does not attach

until it has been clearly and unequivocally asserted. Funderburg v. State, 717 S.W.2d 637,

642 (Tex. Crim. App. 1986). Once the right is asserted, the trial judge must inform the

defendant about "the dangers and disadvantages of self-representation, so that the

record will establish that 'he knows what he is doing and his choice is made with eyes

open."' Faretta, 422 U.S. at 835 (quoting Adams v. United States, 317 U.S. 269, 279, 63 S.Ct.

236, 87 L.Ed. 268 (1942)).

Colomb primarily relies on Geeslin for a laundry list of inquiries that he believes

the court failed to make, and, his argument continues, because of that failure, Colomb

was not warned properly of the dangers and disadvantages of self-representation. See

Geeslin v. State, 600 S.W.2d 309 (Tex. Crim. App. 1980). However, that laundry list is no

longer required. Not long after Geeslin was issued, the Court of Criminal Appeals

distanced itself from Geeslin’s requirements. In Martin, the Court stated, “The Faretta

opinion simply cannot reasonably be read to require that a trial judge spread upon the

record all such information and data about an accused that might conceivably impugn

his decision to represent himself; rather, its approach is to provide awareness of

problems in the undertaking so that the decision is not lightly made.” Martin v. State,

630 S.W.2d 952, 954 n. 5 (Tex. Crim. App. 1982). See also Lambrect v. State, 681 S.W.2d

614, 615 n. 1 (Tex. Crim. App. 1984) (The Court in Martin “observed that prior decisions

of this Court which had iterated exacting ‘requisites’ for establishing a knowing waiver

of counsel, [e.g., Barbour v. State, 551 S.W.2d 371 (Tex.Cr[im].App. 1977); Goodman v.

State, 591 S.W.2d 498 (Tex.Cr[im].App. 1980); and Geeslin v. State, 600 S.W.2d 309

Colomb v. State Page 5 (Tex.Cr[im].App. 1980)], had read Faretta incorrectly.”). Such an inquiry as Geeslin

demanded is unnecessary in cases where the record otherwise reflects a knowing

exercise of the right to self-representation. Blankenship v. State, 673 S.W.2d 578, 586 n. 1

(Tex. Crim. App. 1984) (Clinton, J., concurring).

Thus, when advising a defendant about the dangers and disadvantages of self-

representation, there is no litany for the trial court to use, “no formulaic questioning.”

Johnson v. State, 760 S.W.2d 277, 278 (Tex. Crim. App. 1988) (quoting Blankenship v. State,

673 S.W.2d 578, 583 (Tex. Crim. App. 1984)). Generally, the record must be sufficient for

the reviewing court to make an assessment that appellant knowingly exercised his right

to defend himself. Id. at 279. Admonishments should include an effort to ensure that

the defendant is aware of the practical disadvantages of representing himself. Id. The

defendant should be aware that there are technical rules of evidence and procedure and

that he will not be granted any special consideration solely because he asserted his pro

se rights. Id. But a trial judge has no duty to inquire into an accused's "age, education,

background or previous mental history in every instance where an accused expresses a

desire to represent himself[.]" Williams v. State, 252 S.W.3d 353, 356 (Tex. Crim. App.

2008) (quoting Goffney v. State, 843 S.W.2d 583, 584-85 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992)).

Facts

Sarah Keathley was initially appointed to represent Colomb. Over a month later,

Colomb wrote to the court expressing his desire to represent himself. The next month,

Colomb filed a motion to dismiss Sarah as his court appointed counsel. Four months

Colomb v. State Page 6 after Sarah’s appointment, Steve Keathley1 filed a motion to withdraw as counsel for

Colomb. A hearing was held at which both Sarah and Colomb were present. At the

beginning of the hearing, the trial court acknowledged that a motion to withdraw was

filed by the Keathley law firm. After the trial court heard testimony from Sarah,

Colomb stated that he did not want the Keathleys to represent him. The motion to

withdraw was granted and specifically, the trial court told Sarah that she was “relieved

at this point….”

Colomb unequivocally, in writing and in open court, asserted that he wanted to

represent himself. After counsel was relieved, and at the same hearing, the trial court

noted that Colomb had been in the criminal justice system for a good while and had a

lot of knowledge about the criminal justice system. The indictment reflects that Colomb

had at least two prior convictions for theft and two prior felony convictions. The court

verified that Colomb had had an attorney on other cases over the years. The court

admonished Colomb that he had a right to an attorney whether he could afford one or

not and that the court would be willing to appoint an attorney if Colomb could not

afford an attorney. Colomb understood that if he wanted to represent himself, he

would be doing so openly, intentionally, knowingly, and willingly and that the court

would allow Colomb to represent himself as long as Colomb’s “eyes are wide open”

and Colomb knew what he was doing.

1 It was established at the hearing on the motion to withdraw that Steve Keathley, who is also an attorney, is Sarah’s husband.

Colomb v. State Page 7 Colomb again affirmed that he wanted to proceed without an attorney. He

understood the role of the prosecutor. He understood that the prosecutor could not

represent Colomb at the same time she represented the State. He understood that the

judge was not in a position to give Colomb any legal advice. He understood, to some

degree, the role of the jury, the burden of proof, and what a defense attorney would do

for him. Colomb agreed that he had at least a basic understanding of those things. The

court admonished Colomb that there were some inherent disadvantages of self-

representation and that he would not have anyone to sit with him and advise him about

evidence, proof and procedures, and “all those kinds of things that lawyers are trained

to know and understand.” Colomb stated that he understood this admonishment. The

court then asked, “[H]aving understood all those matters, [do] you still want to

represent yourself?” Colomb replied, “Yes, sir.” The trial court then allowed Colomb

to represent himself.

A month after the hearing, Colomb signed a form waiver of counsel which the

trial court approved. Further, on the day of trial, the court confirmed that Colomb had

asked for his court appointed counsel to be withdrawn. Also on the day of trial,

Colomb confirmed with the trial court that there was an approved waiver of counsel in

the file.

Application

Given these facts and circumstances, we find the record establishes that

Colomb’s decision to dispense with counsel was made knowingly, intelligently, and

voluntarily with full understanding of the right to counsel and with proper

Colomb v. State Page 8 admonishments. And because Colomb waived his right to counsel, his complaint that

his appointed attorney was never officially relieved of her duties to represent him is

irrelevant. Colomb’s second and third issues are overruled.

Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

Colomb also claims that prior to the trial court allowing him to represent himself,

his counsel was ineffective because she attempted to transfer the responsibility of

representation to her husband and partner in the law firm and did not interview

Colomb or perform any tasks during the time from her appointment to the time of the

hearing on the motion to withdraw, which encompassed a little over four months.

To prove ineffective assistance of counsel, a defendant must show that: (1)

counsel's performance was deficient to the extent that counsel failed to function as the

"counsel" guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment and (2) that counsel's deficient

performance prejudiced the defense. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687, 104 S.

Ct. 2052, 2064, 80 L. Ed. 2d 674 (1984). To establish prejudice, a defendant must show

there is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's unprofessional errors, the result

of the proceeding would have been different. Wiggins v. Smith, 539 U.S. 510, 534, 123 S.

Ct. 2527, 156 L. Ed. 2d 471 (2003).

Colomb makes assumptions about what counsel may or may not have done

using statements in his own motions and generalized testimony by counsel at the

hearing on the motion to withdraw. But this record, however, is undeveloped and

cannot adequately reflect the motives behind counsel's alleged actions and inactions.

See Goodspeed v. State, 187 S.W.3d 390, 392 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005). Counsel should

Colomb v. State Page 9 ordinarily be afforded an opportunity to explain her actions. Id. Absent such an

opportunity, an appellate court should not find deficient performance unless the

challenged conduct was "so outrageous that no competent attorney would have

engaged in it." Id. (citing Garcia v. State, 57 S.W.3d 436, 440 (Tex. Crim. App. 2001)).

Just less than two months after counsel was appointed, Colomb asserted his right

to self-representation. Further, there is nothing in this record to show what was done

by counsel and whether counsel tried to transfer responsibility of representation to her

husband. Accordingly, based on this record we cannot find deficient performance by

counsel. Colomb’s fourth issue is overruled.

Continuance

Colomb asserts that the trial court erred in failing to grant his request for a

continuance on the day of trial. A criminal action may be continued on the defendant's

written and sworn motion showing sufficient cause. TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. ANN. arts.

29.03, 29.08 (Vernon 2006). An unsworn, oral motion for continuance presents nothing

for appellate review. Dewberry v. State, 4 S.W.3d 735, 755 (Tex. Crim. App. 1999);

Matamoros v. State, 901 S.W.2d 470, 478 (Tex. Crim. App. 1995); Potter v. State, 74 S.W.3d

105, 110 (Tex. App.--Waco 2002, no pet.); see TEX. R. APP. P. 33.1(a).

Colomb made an unsworn, oral motion for continuance to the trial court on the

day of trial. Accordingly, nothing is presented for review; and Colomb’s fifth issue is

overruled.

Colomb v. State Page 10 CONCLUSION

Having overruled each of Colomb’s issues on appeal, we affirm the trial court’s

judgment of conviction.

TOM GRAY Chief Justice

Before Chief Justice Gray, Justice Reyna, and Justice Davis Affirmed Opinion delivered and filed April 29, 2009 Do not publish [CR25]

Colomb v. State Page 11