ACCEPTED 07-15-00010-CR SEVENTH COURT OF APPEALS AMARILLO, TEXAS 4/6/2015 1:08:06 PM Vivian Long, Clerk
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SEVENTH COURT OF APPEALS DISTRICT OF TEXAS AMARILLO, TEXAS FILED IN 7th COURT OF APPEALS AMARILLO, TEXAS 4/6/2015 1:08:06 PM LAUREN KAYE HAMMOND * VIVIAN LONG * CLERK
VS. * NO. 07-15-00010-CR * THE STATE OF TEXAS *
ON APPEAL FROM CAUSE NO. F48715 413TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT OF JOHNSON COUNTY, TEXAS
BRIEF FOR THE STATE OF TEXAS
LEAD COUNSEL FOR THE STATE DALE S. HANNA 204 S. BUFFALO, SUITE 209 GUINN JUSTICE CENTER CLEBURNE, TEXAS 76033 817-556-6801 BAR NO. 08918500
DAVID W. VERNON ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY JOHNSON COUNTY, TEXAS BAR NO. 00785149 DavidV@johnsoncountytx.org
ORAL ARGUMENT NOT REQUESTED TABLE OF CONTENTS
Names of All Parties ............................................................................................. iv-v
Index of Authorities ..................................................................................................vi
Statement of the Case............................................................................................. 1-2
Statement of Facts .................................................................................................. 2-3
Argument and Authorities.................................................................................... 4-25
REPLY TO APPELLANT'S ISSUE NUMBER ONE: The trial court properly excluded defensive evidence .................................................. 4-15
A. Relevant facts ..................................... 5-7
B. Standard of review ................................. 7
C. Relevant law ........................................... 7
1. Relevance ........................................... 8
2. Rule 403 ......................................... 8-9
3. Hearsay ........................................ 9-10
D. The proffered evidence lacked relevance ......................................................... 10-11
E. The proffered testimony did not meet the requisites of Rule 403........................... 11-12
F. The proffered evidence did not meet the requisites of TEX.R.EVID. 803 § (24) .......... ......................................................... 12-13
G. Harmless error ............................... 13-15
ii REPLY TO APPELLANT’S ISSUE NUMBER TWO: The trial court properly admitted statements made by Appellant................................ 16-21
A. Relevant facts ................................. 16-17
B. Standard of review ......................... 17-18
C. Relevant law ................................... 18-20
D. Appellant’s admission was a noncustodial statement......................... 20-21
REPLY TO APPELLANT’S ISSUE NUMBER THREE: The trial court did not err in admitting impermissible hearsay testimony. .... ......................................................... 22-25
A. Relevant facts .................................. 22-23
B. Relevant law and standard of review ....... ......................................................... 23-24
C. Sparks’s testimony was not hearsay ..... 24
D. Harmless error ............................... 24-25
Conclusion and Prayer ............................................................................................. 26
Certificate of Compliance ........................................................................................ 27
Certificate of Service ............................................................................................... 27
iii NAMES OF ALL PARTIES
1. ATTORNEY FOR THE STATE (at trial) Dale S. Hanna District Attorney 18th, 249th, 413th Judicial District 204 S. Buffalo Ave, Suite 209 Guinn Justice Center Cleburne, Texas 76033
Matt Smid Assistant District Attorney
Derek Dumas Assistant District Attorney
2. ATTORNEY FOR THE STATE (on appeal) Dale S. Hanna District Attorney 18th, 249th, 413th Judicial District 204 S. Buffalo Ave, Suite 209 Guinn Justice Center Cleburne, Texas 76033
David W. Vernon Assistant District Attorney
3. ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT (at trial) Don W. Bonner Attorney at Law 16 N. Caddo St. Cleburne, Texas 76031
4. ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT (on appeal) Brian K. Walker Attorney at Law 222 W. Exchange Ave. Ft. Worth, Texas 76164
iv 5. PRESIDING JUDGE Honorable William C. Bosworth, Jr. 413th Judicial District Court 204 S. Buffalo Guinn Justice Center Cleburne, Texas 76033
6. APPELLANT Lauren Kaye Hammond Johnson County Law Enforcement Center PID# 137893 1800 Ridgemar Cleburne, TX 76033
v INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
Cases Page
Allridge v. State, 850 S.W. 2d 471 (Tex.Crim.App. 1991) ..........................................................................................23 Amores v. State, 816 S.W. 2d 407 (Tex.Crim.App. 1991) ..........................................................................................18 Brown v. State, 757 S.W. 2d 739 (Tex.Crim.App. 1988) ..........................................................................................25 Carrasco v. State, 154 S.W 3d 127 (Tex.Crim.App. 2005) ............................................................................................7 Davis v. State, 872 S.W. 2d 743 (Tex.Crim.App. 1994) ..........................................................................................12 Dowthitt v. State, 931 S.W. 2d 244 (Tex.Crim.App. 1996) ............................................................................. 18, 19, 20 Fox v. State, 115 S.W. 3d 550 (Tex.App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 2002, pet. ref’d.).............................................9, 13 Galloway v. State, 778 S.W. 2d 110 (Tex.App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1989, no pet.) .....................................................19 Giesberg v. State, 984 S.W. 2d 245 (Tex.Crim.App. 1998) ..........................................................................................15 Guzman v. State, 995 S.W. 2d 85 (Tex.Crim.App. 1997) ................................................................................... 17, 18 Josey v. State, 981 S.W. 2d 831 (Tex.App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1998, pet. ref’d.).................................................20 King v. State, 953 S.W. 2d 266 (Tex.Crim.App. 1997) ..........................................................................................25 Laney v. State, 117 S.W. 3d 854 (Tex.Crim.App. 2003) ..........................................................................................18 Long v. State, 800 S.W. 2d 545 (Tex.Crim.App 1990) .............................................................................................9 Manning v. State, 114 S.W. 3d 922 (Tex.Crim.App. 2003) ............................................................................................7
vi Martinez v. State, 91 S.W. 3d 331 (Tex.Crim.App. 2002) ..........................................................................................18 Mason v. State, 416 S.W. 3d 720 (Tex.App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 2013, pet. ref’d)..................................................12 Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1996) ...............................................................19 Montgomery v. State, 810 S.W. 2d 372 (Tex.Crim.App. 1991) ......................................................................................7, 23 Morales v. State, 32 S.W. 3d 862 (Tex.Crim.App. 2000) ..........................................................................................14 Mozon v. State, 991 S.W. 2d 841 (Tex.Crim.App. 1999) ........................................................................................7, 8 Oles v. State, 993 S.W. 2d 103 (Tex.Crim.App. 1999) ..........................................................................................17 Owen v. State, 905 S.W. 2d 434 (Tex.App.-Waco 1995, pet. ref’d.) .......................................................................20 Powell v. State, 189 S.W. 3d 285 (Tex.Crim.App. 2006) ............................................................................................9 Rivera-Reyes v. State, 252 S.W. 3d 781 (Tex.App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 2008, no pet.) .....................................................25 Sherman v. State, 20 S.W. 3d 96 (Tex.App.-Texarkana 2000, no pet.) ......................................................................7 Standsbury v. California, 511 U.S. 318 (1994) .......................................................19 Thomas v. State, 137 S.W. 3d at 722 (Tex.App. -Waco, 2004, no pet.) ..........................................................................13 United States v. Cruz, 326 F.3d 392 (3d Cir. 2003) ..................................................9 Walters v. State, 247 S.W. 3d 204 (Tex.Crim.App. 2007) ..........................................................................................15 Willover v. State, 70 S.W. 3d 841 (Tex.Crim.App. 2002) ..........................................................................................23 Statutes
Art. 38.22 § (2) V.A.C.C.P. .....................................................................................19 TEX.R. APP. PROC. 44.2 (b) ........................................................................... 13, 25 TEX.R.EVID. 104(a) .................................................................................................7 vii TEX.R.EVID. 401 .................................................................................................8,10 TEX.R.EVID. 402 ......................................................................................................8 TEX.R.EVID. 403 ...................................................................................................... 8 TEX.R.EVID. 801(d) ...................................................................................... 9,23,24 TEX.R.EVID. 802 ................................................................................................9, 24 TEX.R.EVID. 803 § (24) .........................................................................................10
viii NO. 07-15-00010-CR
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SEVENTH COURT OF APPEALS DISTRICT OF TEXAS AMARILLO, TEXAS
LAUREN KAYE HAMMOND APPELLANT
VS.
THE STATE OF TEXAS APPELLEE
STATE’S BRIEF
TO THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS, TENTH COURT OF APPEALS DISTRICT OF TEXAS,
The State of Texas, by and through her District Attorney, respectfully submits this brief in the above entitled and numbered cause.
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
Appellant was indicted on July 31, 2014 for the felony offense of “Possession of Controlled Substance < 1 Gram” (i.e., Count One).1 At trial, Appellant entered a plea of “not guilty.” 2 After hearing all of the evidence, the jury found Appellant guilty as charged, and sentenced Appellant to 24 months confinement in the State jail (along with a $7,500.00 fine), but probated both the Sentence and fine.3
1 C.R. p. 10. 2 R.R. Vol. 5, pp. 30, 31. 3 C.R., pp. 71, 74, 80-83; R.R. Vol. 6, p. 131, 165. 1 STATEMENT OF FACTS
On the evening of June 4, 2014, a series of disturbance calls were made to
the 911 center for the Burleson Police Department emanating from 605 N.W.
Renfro; Burleson (Johnson County), Texas.4 Because of the nature of this location
(an apartment suspected by law enforcement to be a “drug house”), Larry Sparks,
an investigator with Burleson Police Department and a member of the STOP
Special Crimes Unit, was called to assist patrol officers at the scene.5
Upon his arrival, Sparks spoke with the owner of the apartment (i.e.,
Appellant) and received written consent from her to search the apartment for
drugs.6 As Sparks stayed with Appellant (and other occupants of the apartment) in
the living room, patrol officer Brandon Lymen searched Appellant’s closet.7
Lymen’s search resulted in the discovery of drug paraphernalia (i.e., used syringes,
digital scales, and small plastic baggies) and two drug exhibits (i.e., meth-looking
substance found in a plastic baggie inside a small basket and in a plastic baggie
stuffed inside a woman’s pink, Nike running shoe).8
4 R.R. Vol. 5, pp. 46, 47, 50; R.R. Vol. 6, pp. 46-48, 67, 87; R. R. Vol. 7, State’s Exhibit Nos. 3, 10. 5 R.R. Vol. 5, pp. 53, 54; R.R. Vol. 6, pp. 37-48. 6 R.R. Vol. 5, pp. 54, 56, 78, 79, 82, 83; R.R. Vol. 6, pp. 48, 49, 68, 70, 81; R.R. Vol. 7, Defendant’s Exhibit No. 1. 7 R.R. Vol. 5, pp. 54-59, 62, 85, 87, 89-91; R. R. Vol. 6, pp. 50-52. 8 R.R. Vol. 5, pp. 60, 62, 69, 101, 105; R.R. Vol. 6, pp. 51, 54, 55, 57, 58; R. R. Vol. 7, State’s Exhibit Nos. 1, 2, 5-9. 2 After being told of and given the drug exhibits, Sparks confronted Appellant
(and fellow occupant Jeremiah Smart) about them.9 Following an initial denial by
Appellant and Smart as to knowledge and possession of the drug exhibits, Sparks
indicated that he would have the two baggies tested for fingerprints. 10 At this
point, Appellant stated, “I can’t lie. My fingerprints will be on the bag. I’ll take
the rap for it.”11
Not knowing for certain that the two baggies contained illegal substances
(i.e., lacking probable cause to arrest), Sparks took possession of the drug exhibits
and left the apartment.12 The drug exhibits were later sent to be tested at Integrated
Forensic Laboratories where it was determined that the smaller of the two baggies
(found inside the Nike shoes) contained 0.02 grams of methamphetamine while the
other baggie contained 0.01 grams of meth.13 As a result of these findings,
Appellant was indicted on July 31, 2014 on the underlying charge.14
9 R.R. Vol. 5, pp. 62, 63, 68, 89, 90, 91; R.R. Vol. 6, pp. 60. 10 R.R. Vol. 6, p. 61. 11 Id. at 61, 62, 78, 81. 12 R.R. Vol. 5, pp. 64, 106; R.R. Vol. 6, pp. 64-66. 13 R.R. Vol. 5, pp. 63-65, 107, 108-110, 112-114, 118, 119; R.R. Vol. 7, State’s Exhibit Nos. 1, 2, 11, 12. 14 C.R., p. 10. 3 REPLY TO APPELLANT'S ISSUE NUMBERS ONE: The trial court properly excluded defensive evidence.
In Appellant’s Issue Number One, she argues that the trial court reversibly erred by excluding defensive evidence. Specifically, Appellant claims that a statement made by a third party to law enforcement that should have been admitted as a statement against interest. The State of Texas respectfully disagrees.
ISSUES PRESENTED
ONE
If a statement made to law enforcement by a third-party has no tendency to prove whether or not Appellant possessed discovered drug exhibits, was the statement properly excluded for lacking relevance?
TWO
If a statement made to law enforcement by a third party has little to no probative value and risks the possibility of misleading and/or confusing the jury, was the statement properly excluded under TEX.R.EVID. 403?
THREE
If a statement made to law enforcement by a third party was purportedly against the third party’s interest, did the trial court properly exclude said evidence when there was insufficient corroborating circumstances to clearly indicate the trustworthiness of the statement (per the requirements of TEX.R.EVID 803 § (24))?
4 FOUR
If the trial court erred in including a statement against interest made by a third party, was the error harmless?
SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT
The trial court properly excluded the proffered statement by Jeremiah Smart (that he might test possible for methamphetamine if given a drug test) in that it lacked relevance (i.e., it did not tend to establish whether or not Appellant possessed the two drug exhibits found in her closet), it ran afoul of Rule 403 (i.e., it had little to no probative value and ran the risk of confusing and/or misleading the jury concerning the determination of guilt/innocence), and it was not a statement against interest because it lacked corroborating circumstances to clearly indicate the trustworthiness of the statement (i.e., it was impermissible hearsay). In the alternative, the exclusion of the proffered statement was harmless error given Appellant’s admission that she possessed the drug exhibits; that the drug exhibits were found in the closet of her apartment and inside her personal effects, and the failure of the proffered statement to establish a nexus to the drug exhibits. A. Relevant facts. On December 8, 2014, the State filed a motion-in-limine in the cause, sub
judice, that included, inter alia,
(5) Any specific instances of conduct of a Jeremiah Smart, for the
purpose of attacking or supporting Jeremiah Smart’s credibility. TRE
Rule 608 (b); and
(8) Any testimony concerning prior convictions of Jeremiah Smart or
any testimony regarding his parole status.15
15 C.R., pp. 51-53. 5 That same day, the subject of the State’s motion-in-limine was taken up
prior to voir dire with defense counsel agreeing to approach the bench “prior to
discussing or raising any of the issues” in said motion and the trial court approving
of the argument.16
As trial was about to commence the next day, defense counsel asked the
court for a hearing outside the presence of the jury to determine the admissibility
of Appellant’s incriminating statement to Investigator Sparks (i.e., “I can’t lie. My
fingerprints will be on the bag. I’ll take the rap for it.”) and Smart’s statement to
Sparks that he was on parole and would probably test positive for
methamphetamine if given a hair-follicle drug test.17 At the conclusion of the
hearing, defense counsel argued that Smart’s statement should be admissible
because it was relevant and constituted an exception to hearsay (i.e., a statement
against interest).18 According to defense counsel, the two drug exhibits were found
in Appellant’s closet near a shelf allocated to some of Smart’s personal effects, that
admitting he would test positive for methamphetamine would be against his
interest (a violation of parole warranting a blue warrant), and that together, an
inference was raised that the drugs might possibly have belonged to Smart.19 Not
convinced that corroborating circumstances clearly indicated the trustworthiness of 16 R.R. Vol. 4, pp. 1, 4, 5. 17 R.R. Vol. 5, pp. 1, 5-7, 23. 18 Id. at 33-35. 19 Id. at 34, 35. 6 smart’s statement (as required by TEX.R.EVID. 803 § (24)), the trial court ruled
Smart’s statement inadmissible.20
B. Standard of review.
Preliminary questions concerning the admissibility of evidence shall be
determined by the trial court.21 A trial court’s decision to admit or exclude
evidence is reviewed under an abuse-of-discretion standard.22 Such an inquiry
necessarily depends on the facts of each case.23 The appellate court must uphold
the trial court’s ruling if it is reasonably supported by the record and is correct
under any theory of law applicable to the case.24 While an appellate court may
decide it would have ruled differently from the trial court on a particular
evidentiary issue, such disagreement does not inherently demonstrate an abuse of
discretion.25 Instead, the appellate court may only find an abuse of discretion when
the trial court’s decision “is so clearly wrong as to fall outside the zone of
reasonable disagreement or when the trial court acts arbitrarily and unreasonably,
without reference to any guiding rules or principles.”26
C. Relevant law.
20 Id. at 35. 21 TEX.R.EVID. 104(a). 22 Mozon v. State, 991 S.W. 2d 841, 846-47 (Tex.Crim.App. 1999). 23 Sherman v. State, 20 S.W. 3d 96, 110 (Tex.App.-Texarkana 2000, no pet.). 24 Carrasco v. State, 154 S.W 3d 127, 129 (Tex.Crim.App. 2005). 25 Manning v. State, 114 S.W. 3d 922, 926 (Tex.Crim.App. 2003). 26 Montgomery v. State, 810 S.W. 2d 372, 380 (Tex.Crim.App. 1991). 7 1. Relevance
“Relevant evidence” is defined as evidence having any tendency to make the
existence of any fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action more
probable or less probable than it would be without the evidence.27 All relevant
evidence is admissible except as otherwise provided by Constitution, by statute, by
the rules of evidence, or by other rules prescribed by statutory authority. 28
However, all evidence — including evidence of a defensive theory — is subject to
a Rule 403 balancing test.29
2. Rule 403.
Under TEX.R.EVID. 403, relevant evidence may be excluded if its
probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice,
confusion of the issues, or misleading the jury, or by consideration of undue delay,
or needless presentation of cumulative evidence. Factors to consider in conducting
a Rule 403 balancing test are the following: (1) how compellingly the evidence
makes a fact of consequence more or less probable; (2) the potential the evidence
has to impress the jury in an irrational but nevertheless indelible way; (3) the time
the defendant will need to develop the evidence, during which the jury will be
distracted from consideration of the indicted offense; and (4) the defendant’s need
27 TEX.R.EVID. 401. 28 TEX.R.EVID. 402. 29 Mozon, 991. S.W. 2d at 846. 8 for this evidence to prove a fact of consequence (i.e., whether the proponent has
other probative evidence available to help establish this fact and whether this fact
relates to an issue in dispute). 30
The trial judge is given a very substantial discretion in balancing probative
value on the one hand and unfair prejudice on the other, and should not be reversed
simply because an appellate court believes that it would have decided the matter
otherwise.31 This is because the trial judge, not the appellate judge, is in the best
position to assess the extent of the prejudice caused to a party by a piece of
evidence.32 “[I]f judicial self-restraint is ever desirable, it is when a Rule 403
analysis of a trial court is reviewed by an appellate tribunal.”33
3. Hearsay.
TEX.R.EVID. 801(d) defines “hearsay” as a statement, other than the one
made by the declarant while testifying at the trial or hearing, offered in evidence to
prove the truth of the matter asserted. Hearsay is not admissible except provided
by statute or by the Rules of Evidence.34 TEX.R.EVID. 803 § (24) grants an
exception to hearsay for statements made by a declarant against the declarant’s
interest (tending to subject the declarant to criminal liability), that a reasonable
person in declarant’s position would not have made the statement unless believing 30 Fox v. State, 115 S.W. 3d 550, 562 (Tex.App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 2002, pet. ref’d.). 31 Powell v. State, 189 S.W. 3d 285, 288 (Tex.Crim.App. 2006). 32 Id. at 289. 33 Id. (quoting United States v. Cruz, 326 F.3d 392, 396 (3d Cir. 2003). 34 TEX.R.EVID. 802. See also, Long v. State, 800 S.W. 2d 545, 547 (Tex.Crim.App 1990). 9 it to be true. In criminal cases, a statement tending to expose the declarant to
criminal liability is not admissible unless corroborating circumstances clearly
indicate the trust worthiness of the statement.35
D. The proffered evidence lacked relevance.
The State would first argue that the proffered evidence (i.e., Smart’s
statement to Sparks about likely testing positive for methamphetamine on a hair-
follicle test in violation of his parole) was properly excluded because it lacked
relevance. As stated above, evidence is relevant if it has any tendency to make the
existence of any fact that is of consequences to the determination of the action
more probably or less probable than it would be without the evidence.36 While
Smart’s statement may well have been true, it would only have relevance should
Sparks have to testify against Smart in a parole-revocation hearing. In other
words, Smart’s statement had no bearing on whether Appellant possessed the two
drug exhibits found in her closet because he made no claim that the drugs were his,
he gave no indication that he had any knowledge of them, and he gave no
information as to where he obtained and used the methamphetamine. The
proffered statement’s lack of relevance is further underscored by (1) Appellant’s
statement to Sparks whereby she admitted the drug exhibits belonged to her; (2)
that the drug exhibits were not found on the one, meticulously kept shelf in the
35 TEX.R.EVID. 803 § (24). 36 TEX.R.EVID. 401. 10 closet dedicated to Smith’s personal effects, but in items (i.e., a pink Nike shoe and
a small storage basket) located in areas of the closet controlled by Appellant, (3)
that Smart, when shown the used syringes found next to one of the drug exhibits
disavowed that method of using meth and proved it by demonstrating that he had
no needle marks on his arms, and (4) that Appellant was the legal owner of the
residence.37 Consequently, the trial court properly excluded the proffered
testimony due to its lack of relevance.
E. The proffered testimony did not meet the requisites of Rule 403.
The State would also argue that the proffered testimony ran afoul of Rule
403. As indicated above, Smart’s statement had little to no probative value. And,
although Appellant needed some evidence to counter her admission of possessing
the drug exhibits, and the development of this evidence probably would not have
taken a great deal of time to develop, the proffered evidence ran the risk of
confusing and/or misleading the jury. The effect of the trial court’s admission of
the evidence would have suggested to the jury that the evidence had relevance
when none was present. Moreover, the proffered evidence would also have
suggested the possibility that Appellant and Smart jointly possessed the drug
exhibits. Such a consideration had the potential to have created confusion during
jury deliberations in guilt/innocence in that there was no instruction concerning the
37 R.R. Vol. 5, pp. 26, 27, 29, 57-60, 62-65, 69, 70, 87, 105; R.R. Vol. 6, pp. 48, 49, 51, 54, 55, 58-62, 73, 74, 78, 81, 90. 11 scenario for joint possession (i.e., the law of parties) in the jury charge.38 As such,
the proffered evidence did not meet the requisites of Rule 403.
F. The proffered evidence did not meet the requisites of TEX.R.EVID. 803 § (24).
In addition to lacking relevance and violating Rule 403, the State would
argue that the proffered evidence did not meet the requisites of TEX.R.EVID. 803
§ (24). This rule sets out a two-step foundation requirement to determine the
admissibility of an alleged statement against interest.39 First, the trial court must
determine whether the statement, considering all the circumstances, subjects the
declarant to criminal liability and whether the declarant realized this when he made
the statement.40 Secondly, the court must determine whether there are sufficient
corroborating circumstances that clearly indicate the trustworthiness of the
statement.41 There is no set standard for making the latter determination. 42 The
focus of this inquiry is on verifying to the greatest extent possible the
trustworthiness of the statement so as to avoid the admissibility of a fabrication.43
The burden lies with the party seeking to admit the statement, and the test is not an
easy one.44
38 See, C.R. pp. 65-70; R.R. Vol. 6, pp. 95-101. 39 Mason v. State, 416 S.W. 3d 720, 733 (Tex.App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 2013, pet. ref’d). 40 Id. 41 Id. 42 Davis v. State, 872 S.W. 2d 743, 747, 749 (Tex.Crim.App. 1994). 43 Id. at 748. 44 Id. at 749. 12 Here, there was no evidence which corroborated or verified Smart’s
statement (about the likelihood of his testing positive for methamphetamine) to
clearly indicate its trustworthiness. Other than his statement, there was no
evidence proving that he had, in fact, previously taken methamphetamine —
especially within a time frame recent enough to test positive on a hair-follicle
analysis. Thus, because there was no corroborating evidence which clearly
indicated the trustworthiness of Smart’s statement, the proffered evidence did not
meet the requisites of TEX.R.EVID. 803 § (24). Therefore, for the reasons stated
above, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in excluding Smart’s statement.
G. Harmless error.
In the alternative that the trial court erred in excluding the proffered
evidence, the State would next argue that the error was harmless. The wrongful
exclusion of evidence is a misapplication of the rules of evidence and, as such, is
non-constitutional in nature.45 Consequently, the harmless-error standard of
TEX.R.APP. PROC. 44.2 (b) is applied.
Under Rule 44.2 (b), an appellate court must disregard an error when no
substantial rights of the defendant are affected because the error did not influence
the jury, or had but a slight effect.46 In assessing the likelihood that the error
45 Fox, 115 S.W. 3d at 563. 46 Thomas v. State, 137 S.W. 3d 792, 796. (Tex.App.-Waco 2004, no pet.). See also, TEX.R. APP. PROC. 44.2 (b). 13 adversely affected the jury’s decision, we consider everything in the record—
including the State’s theory of the case, closing arguments, and voir dire.47
As stated above, Appellant admitted that the two drug exhibits were hers.48
Such an admission was supported by the fact that they were found in the closet of
her apartment, within the portion of the closet which included her belongings, and
inside said belongings.49 In contrast, Smart’s connection to these drugs were
tenuous at best. The only nexus to the drug exhibits was his uncorroborated
statement to Sparks and that Appellant allowed him to use one shelf in her closet
for his personal effects. Smart’s statement concerning his prior drug use, however,
demonstrates only that he recently abused methamphetamine. Such a statement,
combined with Smart having very limited use of Appellant’s closet, falls far short
of connecting him to the drug exhibits. As such, Appellant was not harmed by its
exclusion. In fact, the converse may be true. Had the jury been informed of
Smart’s methamphetamine usage, it would have been logical for them to conclude
that Appellant hid the drug exhibits in her personal belongings to prevent Smart
from finding and using the drugs.
The State would also argue that Appellant was not harmed by the exclusion
of the proffered evidence in that this evidence did not constitute a statutory defense
47 Morales v. State, 32 S.W. 3d 862, 867 (Tex.Crim.App. 2000). 48 R.R. Vol. 6, pp. 61, 62, 78, 81. 49 R. R. Vol. 5, pp. 56-59, 62-65, 78, 79, 82, 83, 87, 101, 105; R.R. Vol. 6, p. 49, 51, 54, 55, 58- 60, 70, 73, 74, 90. 14 recognized by the legislature. Appellant’s defensive issue essentially asserted that
the State could not prove the element that Appellant possessed the two drug
exhibits. A defensive issue, however, which goes no further than to merely negate
an element of the offense is not considered a defense warranting a jury instruction
and is sufficiently embraced in the general charge (i.e., that the defendant is
presumed innocent until each and every element of the offense is proven beyond a
reasonable doubt).50 Such an instruction was included in the court’s charge to the
jury.51 Consequently, no substantial due-process rights were affected by the
exclusion of the proffered evidence.
Accordingly, for the reasons stated above, Appellant’s Issue Number One
should be overruled.
50 Walters v. State, 247 S.W. 3d 204, 209-10 (Tex.Crim.App. 2007). See also, Giesberg v. State, 984 S.W. 2d 245, 250-51 (Tex.Crim.App. 1998). 51 C.R., p. 67; R.R. Vol. 6, p.98. 15 REPLY TO APPELLANT’S ISSUE NUMBER TWO: The trial court properly admitted statements made by Appellant.
In her Issue Number Two, Appellant asserts that a statement made by her during the search of her apartment (i.e., “I can’t lie. My fingerprints will be on the bag. I’ll take the rap for it.”) were made in violation of her Miranda rights and in violation of her rights under Art. 38.22 V.A.C.C.P. Specifically, Appellant maintains that she was in custody when she made these responses and that she had not been given her Miranda warnings. The State of Texas respectfully disagrees.
ISSUE PRESENTED
Was Appellant’s admission (to possessing the two drug exhibits) a custodial statement (requiring Miranda warnings) when her freedom of movement was never restricted, she was not placed in handcuffs, detained, or restrained in any manner, probable cause to arrest had not yet been developed, and she was told by law enforcement that she was not under arrest.
SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT
Appellant’s statement to Investigator Sparks, (i.e., “I can’t lie. My fingerprints will be on the bag. I’ll take the rap for it.”) was not made in violation of her Miranda rights and her rights under Art. 38.22 V.A.C.C.P. because Appellant was not in custody when the statement was made. The statement was made during a search in which Appellant had consented. During the search, Appellant was free to roam her apartment, was not in handcuffs, was not detained or restrained in any manner, probable cause to arrest had not yet been developed (the drug exhibits needed to be sent to a lab for analysis and the non-drug exhibits were not confirmed to be drug paraphernalia), and Appellant was told that she was not under arrest.
A. Relevant facts.
On December 8, 2014, defense counsel filed a motion-in-limine regarding a
statement that Appellant had made to Investigator Sparks during a consensual
16 search of her apartment (i.e., “I can’t lie. My fingerprints will be on the bag. I’ll
take the rap.”).52 Thereafter, prior to the commencement of the State’s case-in-
chief in guilt/innocence, defense counsel requested a hearing outside the presence
of the jury to determine the admissibility of this statement. 53 According to defense
counsel, Appellant’s custodial interrogation made by Appellant’s remark was a
custodial statement [given without Miranda warnings] and should not be
admitted.54 Following testimony on the matter, the trial court ruled that the
statement was admissible.55
On appeal, a trial court’s ruling on a motion to suppress is generally
reviewed on appeal for an abuse of discretion.56 The process for such a review was
articulated by the Court of Criminal Appeals in Guzman v. State.57 Using a
bifurcated standard of review, almost total deference is given to a trial court’s
determination of historical facts-especially when the trial court’s findings are based
on an evaluation of credibility and demeanor.58 The same amount of deference is
given to the trial court’s ruling on application of law-to-fact questions if the
52 C.R., pp. 57, 58; R.R. Vol. 5, pp. 26, 27. 53 R.R. Vol. 5, pp. 1, 5, 6. 54 Id. at 6. 55 Id. at 29. 56 Oles v. State, 993 S.W. 2d 103, 106 (Tex.Crim.App. 1999). 57 See, Guzman v. State, 995 S.W. 2d 85 (Tex.Crim.App. 1997). 58 Id. 17 resolution of those questions turn on an evaluation of credibility and demeanor.59
Applications of law-to-fact question that do not turn on the evaluation of
credibility and demeanor of witness testimony at the suppression hearing, however,
are reviewed de novo.60
The reviewing court must uphold a trial court’s ruling on a motion to
suppress if the ruling is reasonably supported by the record and correct on any
theory of law applicable to the case.61 This is so even if the trial judge gives the
wrong reason for the decision.62 A reviewing court, however, may not reverse a
trial court’s ruling on any theory or basis that might have been applicable to the
case, but was not raised.63
A person is under custodial arrest only when, under the circumstances, a
reasonable person would believe that his or her freedom of movement is restricted
or restrained.64 To effectuate a full custodial arrest, an officer must have probable
cause to believe that the person arrested has committed, or is committing an
offense.65 Probable cause to arrest exists where the facts and circumstances within
59 Id. 60 Id. 61 Laney v. State, 117 S.W. 3d 854, 857 (Tex.Crim.App. 2003). 62 Id. 63 Martinez v. State, 91 S.W. 3d 331, 336 (Tex.Crim.App. 2002). 64 Dowthitt v. State, 931 S.W. 2d 244, 254 (Tex.Crim.App. 1996); Amores v. State, 816 S.W. 2d 407, 411 (Tex.Crim.App. 1991). 65 Amores, 816 S.W. 2d at 411. 18 the arresting officer’s knowledge, and of which he as reasonably trustworthy
information, are sufficient in themselves to warrant a person of reasonable caution
to believe that an offense has been or is being, committed.66
Article 38.22 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and the United States
Constitution generally preclude the use of incriminating statements that result from
custodial interrogation absent compliance with certain procedural safeguards. 67 If
a statement is not the result of a custodial interrogation, these safeguards do not
apply and the statement is not required to be suppressed.68
Custodial interrogation is “questioning initiated by law enforcement officers
after a person has been taken into custody or otherwise deprived of his freedom of
action in any significant way.”69 In determining whether an interrogation is
custodial for purposes of Miranda, a reviewing court looks to the objective
circumstances, not to the subjective views harbored by either the interrogating
officer or the person being questioned.70 The determination of custody must be
made on an ad hoc basis, after considering all of the objective circumstances.71
The subjective views of the interrogating officer and the person being questioned
66 Id. 67 See, Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 444 (1996). See also, Art. 38.22 § (2) V.A.C.C.P. 68 Id. See also, Galloway v. State, 778 S.W. 2d 110, 112 (Tex.App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1989, no pet.). 69 Miranda, 384 U.S. at 444. 70 Standsbury v. California, 511 U.S. 318, 323 (1994). 71 Dowthitt, 931 S.W. 3d at 255. 19 are relevant only to the extent that they may be manifested in the words or actions
of law enforcement officials.72
Four general situations may constitute custody: significant deprivation of
freedom; a police command not to leave; a reasonable subjective belief of the
suspect that his freedom is significantly restricted; and when there is probable
cause to arrest and the suspect is not told he is free to leave.73 Concerning the
fourth situation, the officers’ knowledge of probable cause must be manifested to
the suspect.74 And, inasmuch as “probable cause” is only a factor to be considered,
probable cause to arrest, alone, does not automatically establish custody. Rather,
custody is established if the manifestation of probable cause, combined with other
circumstances, would lead a reasonable person to believe he is under restraint to
the degree associated with an arrest.75
A reviewing court must look at the totality of the circumstances to determine
whether a defendant’s freedom of movement was restrained to a degree associated
with a formal arrest at the time of the interrogation.76
D. Appellant’s admission was a noncustodial statement.
The State would respond that the trial court did not err in ruling that
Appellant’s statement to Sparks was admissible (in effect, overruling an implied 72 Id. at 254. 73 Owen v. State, 905 S.W. 2d 434, 436 (Tex.App.-Waco 1995, pet. ref’d.). 74 Dowthitt, 931 S.W. 2d at 255. 75 Id. 76 Josey v. State, 981 S.W. 2d 831, 839 (Tex.App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1998, pet. ref’d.). 20 motion to suppress) in that Appellant was not in custody when the statement was
made. First, the record reflects that Appellant was one of the people who called
the police to her apartment and then voluntarily gave Sparks and Lymen consent to
search.77 Thus, the search began in a non-coercive manner. In addition, Sparks
testified that (1) Appellant’s freedom of movement was never restricted, (2) that
she was not placed in handcuffs, detained, or restrained (3) that he could not
remember having closed the bedroom door before speaking to Appellant (4) that
Appellant was not in custody, (5) that he did not have probable cause to arrest
Appellant for the drug exhibits because there was not yet any lab confirmation that
they contained illegal drugs, (6) that he did not have probable cause to arrest
Appellant for drug paraphernalia because possessing syringes and scales (without
proof connecting them to illegal drug activity) is not a crime, and (7) that he told
Appellant that he no intention of arresting her that day.78 As such, a review of the
factors annouced in Dowthitt indicates that Appellant was not in custody when she
made her statement to Sparks. Therefore, because the giving of Miranda warnings
were not required, the trial court did not err in ruling that Appellant’s statement
was admissible or in overruling an implied motion to suppress.
Accordingly, Appellant’s issue Number Two should be overruled.
77 R.R. Vol. 5, pp. 8-11, 16, 27. 78 Id. at 9-11, 13-15, 19, 20, 24, 25, 28, 29. 21 REPLY TO APPELLANT’S ISSUE NUMBER THREE: The trial court did not err in admitting evidence that allegedly contained impermissible hearsay.
In Appellant’s Issue Number Three, she argues that the trial court erroneously admitted evidence during guilt/innocence testimony that contained impermissible hearsay (i.e., Investigator Sparks’s testimony comment that he was called to the scene because individuals responsible for causing the disturbance at Appellant’s apartment alleged that it was a “drug house”). The State of Texas respectfully disagrees.
If testimony is not offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted, is it hearsay?
If the trial court erroneously admits inadmissible hearsay testimony, is the error cured (i.e. harmless) when the same evidence is admitted elsewhere at trial, and without objection?
Investigator Sparks’s comment (i.e., that he was called to the scene of a disturbance at Appellant’s apartment because some of the actors alleged that the apartment was a “drug house”) was not hearsay in that it was offered, not for the truth of the matter asserted, but to (1) explain why he, an investigator with the STOP drug task force, responded to the scene of an ordinary disturbance call and (2) to set up how the drug exhibits were ultimately discovered. In the alternative that the trial court erroneously admitted Sparks’s testimony, error was cured (i.e., harmless) because the same evidence was adduced earlier in trial, and without objection, during Officer Lyman’s testimony.
A. Relevant facts. 22 In the State’s case-in-chief during guilt/innocence, Investigator Sparks, a
member of the STOP drug task force, was questioned by the prosecution why he
was asked to respond to a disturbance call at 605-A Northwest Renfro Street (i.e.,
Appellant’s apartment).79 Sparks responded that some of the individuals involved
in the disturbance alleged that the location was a “drug house.”80 Defense counsel
immediately objected on the basis of, inter alia, hearsay.81 The trial court
overruled the objection and told the prosecutor to move on to a different area.82
B. Relevant law and standard of review.
The trial court has broad discretion in determining the admissibility of
evidence, and its ruling will not be reversed on appeal absent a clear abuse of
discretion.83 As long as the trial court’s ruling was at least within the zone of
reasonable disagreement, a reviewing court will not intercede.84
Hearsay is a statement, other than one made by the declarant while testifying
at trial or hearing, offered in evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted.85
79 R.R. Vol. 6, pp. 37-40, 46, 47. 80 Id. at 47 (ls. 4-7). 81 Id. at 47, 48. 82 Id. 83 Allridge v. State, 850 S.W. 2d 471, 492 (Tex.Crim.App. 1991). 84 Montgomery, 810 S.W. 2d at 391. 85 Willover v. State, 70 S.W. 3d 841, 845 (Tex.Crim.App. 2002). See also, TEX.R.EVID. 801(d). 23 As a general rule, hearsay evidence is inadmissible unless it falls within one of the
many exceptions.86
C. Sparks’s testimony was not hearsay.
The State would first respond that Investigator Sparks’s testimony did not
constitute impermissible hearsay. As mentioned above, hearsay is a statement,
other than one made by the declarant while testifying at trial or hearing, offered in
evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted.87 Here, Sparks’s testimony was
not offered to prove the truth of the allegations made by unspecified participants
involved in the disturbance at Appellant’s apartment , (i.e., that Appellant’s
apartment was, in fact, a “drug house”). Instead, Sparks was asked to explain the
peculiar circumstances of why an investigator with the STOP drug task force
would respond to an ordinary disturbance call.88 Such an explanation also served
to set up and explain the scenario in which Appellant had her apartment searched
and the drug exhibits discovered. Consequently, the complained-of comment did
not constitute impermissible hearsay.
D. Harmless error.
In the alternative that Appellant preserved his issue for appellate review, the
State would next argue that if the trial court erred in allowing the complained-of
86 Id. See also, TEX.R.EVID. 802. 87 Id. See also, TEX.R.EVID. 801(d). 88 R.R. Vol. 6, pp. 37-40, 46, 47. 24 testimony, error was harmless. Inadmissible evidence is harmless if evidence,
otherwise admitted at trial without objection, proves the same fact that the
inadmissible evidence sought to prove.89 In other words, when the same objected-
to facts are adduced elsewhere at trial (without objection), no substantial rights are
affected and, as such, the error should be disregarded (if it is non-constitutional in
nature).90 The admission of inadmissible hearsay constitutes non-constitutional
error.91
Here, the same or substantially similar testimony as that given by Sparks
was adduced earlier at trial during the prosecution’s questioning of Officer Lyman.
In response to the prosecutor’s question concerning why Sparks was contacted,
Lyman testified (without objection), “We were advised that there was possible
narcotic activity inside the house, and I believe that there was known knowledge
among the STOP Task Force about possible drug activity going on inside the
residence.”92 Consequently, in that this unobjected to statement was essentially the
same as Sparks’s testimony, the admission of the complained-of comment was
harmless.
Accordingly, for the reasons stated above, Appellant’s issue Number Three
should be overruled. 89 Brown v. State, 757 S.W. 2d 739, 741 (Tex.Crim.App. 1988). 90 King v. State, 953 S.W. 2d 266, 271 (Tex.Crim.App. 1997); See also, TEX.R.APP.PROC. 44.2 (b). 91 Rivera-Reyes v. State, 252 S.W. 3d 781, 786 (Tex.App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 2008, no pet.). 92 R.R. Vol. 5, pp. 53, 54. 25 CONCLUSION AND PRAYER
For the reasons previously stated, it is respectfully submitted that there was
no reversible error.
WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, the State respectfully prays
that Appellant's conviction for "Possession of a Controlled Substance, < 1 Gram”
(i.e., Count One) be affirmed.
/s/ David W. Vernon David W. Vernon Assistant District Attorney 18th, 249th, 413th Judicial District 204 S. Buffalo, Suite 209 Guinn Justice Center Cleburne, Texas 76033 817/556-6815 Fax No. 817/556-6817 Bar No. 00785149
26 CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
The State of Texas, by and through her District Attorney, hereby certified
that its Brief contains 5400 words and that it meets the length requirement for a
computer generated document as dictated by TEX. R. APP. PROC. 9.4(i)(2) (eff.
12/01/2012).
/s/ David W. Vernon David Vernon Assistant District Attorney
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a true copy of the State’s Brief was sent by electronic
service to Brian K. Walker, Attorney at Law, at brian@walkeratorneys.com, 222
W. Exchange Ave., Ft. Worth, Texas 76164 to Lauren Kaye Hammond, Johnson
County Law Enforcement Center, 1800 Ridgemar, Cleburne, TX 76033 on this the
6th day of April , 2015.
/s/ David W. Vernon David W. Vernon Assistant District Attorney