Gary L. Allgood v. State of Indiana (mem. dec.)

• Court: Indiana Court of Appeals
• Decided: February 11, 2019
• Docket: 18A-CR-1916
• Status: Published

Opinion

MEMORANDUM DECISION

Pursuant to Ind. Appellate Rule 65(D), FILED this Memorandum Decision shall not be Feb 11 2019, 10:37 am regarded as precedent or cited before any court except for the purpose of establishing CLERK Indiana Supreme Court the defense of res judicata, collateral Court of Appeals and Tax Court

estoppel, or the law of the case.

ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLEE Kristin A. Mulholland Curtis T. Hill, Jr. Office of the Lake County Public Attorney General of Indiana Defender – Appellate Division J.T. Whitehead Crown Point, Indiana Deputy Attorney General Indianapolis, Indiana

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF INDIANA

Gary L. Allgood, February 11, 2019 Appellant-Defendant, Court of Appeals Case No. 18A-CR-1916 v. Appeal from the Lake Superior Court State of Indiana, The Honorable Samuel L. Cappas, Appellee-Plaintiff. Judge Trial Court Cause No. 45G04-1712-F2-16

Mathias, Judge.

[1] Gary Allgood (“Allgood”) was convicted in Lake Superior Court of Level 5

felony robbery and Level 6 felony intimidation and ordered to serve an

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1916 | February 11, 2019 Page 1 of 11 aggregate six-year sentence, with five years and three months to be served in the

Department of Correction and nine months to be served in community

corrections. Allgood appeals and raises two issues, which we restate as:

I. Whether Allgood knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently waived his right to counsel; and,

II. Whether his aggregate six-year sentence is inappropriate in light of the nature of the offense and the character of the offender.

We affirm.

Facts and Procedural History [2] On December 4, 2017, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Miriam Eckenrode

(“Miriam”) was grocery shopping at Aldi in Hammond, Indiana. Miriam

noticed Allgood in the store parking lot as she walked into Aldi. Allgood was

walking back and forth while speaking on his cell phone.

[3] Miriam completed her grocery shopping and returned to her vehicle, placing

her groceries on the front passenger seat. As Miriam began to sit down in the

driver’s seat of her vehicle, Allgood opened the front passenger side door and

leaned into the car. Allgood had his hand in his pocket and pointed at Miriam.

He threatened Miriam and stated, “don’t make me blow your brains out here in

this parking lot.” Tr. Vol. II, p. 104. Miriam believed that Allgood had a

weapon in his pocket.

[4] Miriam tried to give Allgood her purse, but he refused to take it. Instead,

Allgood demanded that Miriam drive him to an unknown location. Miriam

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1916 | February 11, 2019 Page 2 of 11 told Allgood to take her car. Allgood threatened her again and then told her to

shut her car door. Id. at 108.

[5] Miriam saw a woman nearby, later identified as Meiko Cook (“Cook”), loading

groceries into her car. Miriam got out of her vehicle and ran toward Cook

yelling “call the police.” Id. at 110. Allgood followed Miriam calling her

“Alice.” Id. at 163. Allgood told Cook that Miriam was under the influence of

drugs and that she owed him money. Id. at 164. Miriam gave Allgood a few

dollars, told Cook to run, and then she walked into Aldi. Allgood apologized to

Cook and told her that “Alice” had taken Xanax and he just wanted his money.

Id. at 165. Allgood then walked away from Aldi toward Walmart.

[6] Cook went back inside Aldi to return her cart. She saw Miriam, asked if she

was okay, and learned that the police had been called. Both Miriam and Cook

gave a description of Allgood to the police. A police officer found a person

matching Allgood’s description nearby. Miriam and Cook were taken to

Allgood’s location, and they both identified Allgood as the man in the parking

lot who demanded money from Miriam.

[7] On December 6, 2017, the State charged Allgood with Level 2 felony attempted

kidnapping, Level 5 felony robbery, Level 6 felony intimidation, and Class A

misdemeanor theft. On June 5, 2018, during a pre-trial conference, Allgood

informed the trial court that he wanted to proceed pro se. The trial court

advised Allgood of the disadvantages of self-representation and informed him

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1916 | February 11, 2019 Page 3 of 11 that he would be held to the same standard as an attorney. The court urged

Allgood to speak with his attorney and think about whether to proceed pro se.

[8] Allgood then filed a written motion to proceed pro se, and the trial court held a

hearing on his motion on June 7, 2018. The court advised Allgood that

if you’re going to represent yourself at that trial, I have to tell you that you are held to the same standards as that of an attorney. So you have to know trial procedure. You have to know . . . the difference between direct examination and cross examination. I mean, leading and non-leading questions, the appropriate objections. You have to follow the Rules of Evidence. I am not required to give you any leeway, because you don’t have the same legal education as the prosecuting attorney will have. [The prosecutor] has been here for quite some[]time, and he is very thorough. So in your presentation of this case, I don’t know if you’re going to know how to object, when to object. If he’s introducing evidence, if you know the proper foundation. If you know how to question witnesses and engage in proper cross examination and impeachment. . . . If you’ve got great evidence and you don’t know how to get it out, that’s too bad for you. . . . I can’t imagine that you not having gone to law school or studied or been trained in trial advocacy could even come close to matching an attorney with the lowest level of skill.

Tr. Vol. II, pp. 26–28. After Allgood continued to insist on proceeding pro se,

the trial court granted his motion. The court also appointed Allgood’s former

attorney as standby counsel.

[9] A jury trial was held on June 11–12, 2018. The jury acquitted Allgood of

attempted kidnapping, but he was found guilty of the robbery, intimidation, and

theft charges.

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1916 | February 11, 2019 Page 4 of 11 [10] At the July 10, 2018 sentencing hearing, the trial court merged the theft and

robbery charges. The court then found the following aggravating circumstances:

1) the victim’s harm, injury, and loss were greater than the elements necessary

to prove the commission of the offense, 2) Allgood’s criminal history, including

eight prior felony convictions, and 3) that Allgood is in need of correctional

rehabilitative treatment that can only be provided by a penal facility. Tr. Vol.

III, p. 101. The trial court found that Allgood’s attempt to avail himself of two

jail programs was the only mitigating circumstance. Allgood was ordered to

serve concurrent terms of six years, with nine months to be served in work

release, for the robbery conviction and two and one-half years for the

intimidation conviction. Allgood now appeals.

Waiver of Counsel

[11] Allgood claims that the trial court “failed to perform a sufficient analysis of

whether the waiver of his constitutional right to counsel was made knowingly,

voluntarily, and intelligently.” Appellant’s Br. at 7. A defendant in a criminal

case has a constitutional right under the Sixth Amendment to proceed without

the assistance of counsel. Faretta v. California, 422 U.S. 806, 821 (1975) (holding

that “[t]he Sixth Amendment . . . implies a right of self-representation”). The

trial court is in the best position to assess whether a defendant has the ability

and willingness to proceed pro se. See Edwards v. State, 902 N.E.2d 821, 824

(Ind. 2009); Poynter v. State, 749 N.E.2d 1122, 1128 (Ind. 2001).

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1916 | February 11, 2019 Page 5 of 11 [12] The trial court “must determine that the defendant’s waiver of counsel is

knowing, voluntary, and intelligent.” Wilson v. State, 94 N.E.3d 312, 320 (Ind.

Ct. App. 2018). There are no “talking points” a trial court is required to use, but

it must advise a defendant of the “dangers and disadvantages of proceeding

without counsel” and “come to a ‘considered determination’ that the defendant

is making a knowing, voluntary, and intelligent waiver of his right to counsel.”

Id. at 320–21 (citing Poynter, 749 N.E.2d at 1126).

[13] To determine whether a waiver of trial counsel was made voluntarily and

intelligently, our court must consider (1) the extent of the court’s inquiry into

the defendant’s decision, (2) other evidence of record that establishes whether

the defendant understood the dangers and disadvantages of self-representation,

(3) the background and experience of the defendant, and (4) the context of the

defendant’s decision to proceed pro se. Hopper v. State, 957 N.E.2d 613, 618

(Ind. 2011). We review the trial court’s conclusion that a defendant knowingly

and voluntarily waived the right to counsel de novo. Hart v. State, 79 N.E.3d

936, 940 (Ind. Ct. App. 2017).

[14] Here, the trial court held two hearings concerning Allgood’s request to proceed

pro se. At both hearings, Allgood was advised of the dangers of self-

representation, and the court repeatedly reminded Allgood that attorneys have

specialized training that Allgood lacks. For example, the court stated:

Now, if you’re going to represent yourself at that trial, I have to tell you that you are held to the same standards as that of an attorney. So you have to know trial procedure. You have to

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1916 | February 11, 2019 Page 6 of 11 know . . . the difference between direct examination and cross examination . . . , leading and non-leading questions, the appropriate objections. You have to follow the Rules of Evidence. I am not required to give you any leeway, because you don’t have the same legal education as the prosecuting attorney will have. Mr. Bruno has been here for quite some[]time, and he is very thorough. So in your presentation of this case, I don’t know if you’re going to know how to object, when to object. If he’s introducing evidence, if you know the proper foundation. If you know how to question witnesses and engage in proper cross examination and impeachment.

Tr. Vol. II, pp. 26–27.

[15] The trial court advised Allgood if he did not understand how to impeach a

witness or establish a foundation for admitting exhibits into evidence, he should

not represent himself at trial. Id. at 13. And the court repeatedly instructed

Allgood that he would be held to the same standard as an attorney.

[16] At the first hearing, the trial court advised Allgood to think about his request to

proceed pro se and to seek advice from his appointed counsel. The trial court

questioned Allgood about his mental health and determined that he does not

suffer from any mental disease or defect. Id. at 14. Allgood informed the court

that he graduated from high school and attended three years of college. And

Allgood has significant experience with the criminal justice system. At the

second hearing, the trial court granted Allgood’s motion to proceed pro se after

he continued to insist that he wanted to represent himself.

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1916 | February 11, 2019 Page 7 of 11 [17] Allgood complains that he should not have been permitted to proceed pro se

because he demonstrated that he did not understand the nature of the attempted

kidnapping charge (of which he was acquitted), how to impeach a witness, or

lay a foundation to admit evidence. But the trial court repeatedly told Allgood

that if he did not understand how to conduct himself as a trained attorney, he

should not represent himself. Allgood ignored the trial court’s warning and

continued his request to proceed pro se. For all of these reasons, we conclude

that Allgood’s waiver of counsel was knowing, intelligent, and voluntary.

Inappropriate Sentence

[18] Allgood also claims that his aggregate six-year sentence is inappropriate in light

of the nature of the offense and the character of the offender. Indiana Appellate

Rule 7(B) provides that “[t]he Court may revise a sentence authorized by statute

if, after due consideration of the trial court’s decision, the Court finds that the

sentence is inappropriate in light of the nature of the offense and the character

of the offender.” In conducting our review, “[w]e do not look to determine if

the sentence was appropriate; instead we look to make sure the sentence was

not inappropriate.” Conley v. State, 972 N.E.2d 864, 876 (Ind. 2012).

“[S]entencing is principally a discretionary function in which the trial court’s

judgment should receive considerable deference.” Cardwell v. State, 895 N.E.2d

1219, 1222 (Ind. 2008).

[19] Thus, although we have the power to review and revise sentences, the principal

role of appellate review should be to attempt to “leaven the outliers, and

identify some guiding principles for trial courts and those charged with Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1916 | February 11, 2019 Page 8 of 11 improvement of the sentencing statutes, but not to achieve a perceived ‘correct’

result in each case.” Id. at 1225. It is Allgood’s burden on appeal to establish

that his sentence is inappropriate. Grimes v. State, 84 N.E.3d 635, 645 (Ind. Ct.

App. 2017), trans. denied.

[20] When considering the nature of the offense, we observe that “the advisory

sentence is the starting point the Legislature selected as appropriate for the

crime committed.” Pierce v. State, 949 N.E.2d 349, 352 (Ind. 2011). Allgood

received the maximum six-year sentence for his Level 5 felony robbery

conviction. See I.C. § 35-50-2-6(b). His concurrent term of two and one-half

years for Level 6 felony intimidation is also the maximum allowable sentence.

See I.C. § 35-50-2-7(b). Citing Hamilton v. State, 955 N.E.2d 723, 727 (Ind.

2011), Allgood argues that the maximum sentence “should be reserved for the

worst of the worst,” and “this case does not fit that description.” Appellant’s Br.

at 13.

[21] Concerning the nature of the offense, Allgood argues that he did not have a

weapon, no one suffered physical injury, and Miriam’s financial loss was not

significant. We acknowledge those facts but also observe that Miriam has

suffered significant and lasting emotional trauma as a result of Allgood’s

crimes. She suffers from panic attacks, sleepless nights, and fear of leaving her

home after dark. Tr. Vol. III, pp. 81–82. Miriam also stated that she has

suffered financially because she is “unable to work in public this summer due to

the anxiety[.]” Id. at 82. In addition, the stress caused by Allgood’s offenses has

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1916 | February 11, 2019 Page 9 of 11 aggravated her preexisting neurological condition, and she has incurred

additional medical expenses not covered by her insurance. Id.

[22] Allgood also argues that his “character does not constitute the worst” because

he “comported himself well during trial” and he has secured two jobs so that he

can be a productive member of society. Appellant’s Br. at 13. But Allgood’s

criminal history is significant and reflects poorly on his character.

[23] Fifty-one-year-old Allgood has spent much of his adult life on probation or in

prison. In 1987, he was convicted of felony passing forged instruments in Texas

and sentenced to ten years. In 1989, Allgood was convicted of two felony

robberies in Illinois and sentenced to serve three years in the Illinois

Department of Corrections. In 1992, he was convicted of felony aggravated

criminal sexual assault, felony armed violence, and felony home invasion in

Illinois and ordered to serve twenty years in the Illinois Department of

Corrections. In 1993, Allgood was convicted in Illinois of felony obtaining

substance by fraud. In 2009 and 2010, he was convicted of misdemeanor

domestic assault and four misdemeanor domestic batteries for offenses that

occurred in 2007 and 2009. And in 2010, Allgood was convicted of felony

burglary and sentenced to twelve years in the Illinois Department of

Corrections. Allgood’s criminal history establishes his poor character and

inability to lead a law-abiding life.

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1916 | February 11, 2019 Page 10 of 11 [24] For all of these reasons, we conclude that Allgood’s six-year aggregate sentence

is not inappropriate in light of the nature of the offense and the character of the

offender.

Conclusion [25] Allgood knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waived his right to counsel.

And his six-year aggregate sentence is not inappropriate.

[26] Affirmed.

Vaidik, C.J., and Crone, J., concur.

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-1916 | February 11, 2019 Page 11 of 11