NOT DESIGNATED FOR PUBLICATION
STATE OF LOUISIANA COURT OF APPEAL, THIRD CIRCUIT
12-897
STATE OF LOUISIANA
VERSUS
DANIEL RAY ARCHANGEL
**********
APPEAL FROM THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF IBERIA, NO. 10-2134 HONORABLE LORI ANN LANDRY, DISTRICT JUDGE
JOHN D. SAUNDERS JUDGE
Court composed of Sylvia R. Cooks, John D. Saunders, and Jimmie C. Peters, Judges.
AFFIRMED.
Hon. J. Phillip Haney District Attorney 300 Iberia Street, Suite 200 New Iberia, LA 70560 (337) 369-4420 COUNSEL FOR APPELLEE: State of Louisiana Angela B. Odinet Assistant District Attorney 415 Main Street St. Martinville, LA 70582 (337) 394-2220 COUNSEL FOR APPELLEE: State of Louisiana
Edward K. Bauman Louisiana Appellate Project P. O. Box 1641 Lake Charles, LA 70602-1641 (337) 491-0570 COUNSEL FOR DEFENDANT/APPELLANT: Daniel Ray Archangel SAUNDERS, Judge.
On December 2, 2010, the Defendant, Daniel Ray Archangel, was charged
by bill of information with home invasion, in violation of La.R.S. 14:62.8(A). On
July 7, 2011, the Defendant entered a plea of guilty to the amended charge of
unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling. La.R.S. 14:62.3 The Defendant was
sentenced on February 8, 2012, to serve six years at hard labor with credit for time
served. The Defendant filed a pro se motion to reconsider his sentence on or about
February 26, 2012. Defense counsel also filed a motion to reconsider sentence on
March 5, 2012. The Defendant’s motion was summarily denied on March 23,
2012.1
The Defendant is now before this court on appeal, arguing that his sentence
is excessive. The Defendant’s sentence is affirmed.
FACTS:
At the time of the Defendant’s guilty plea, the State established that on April
4, 2010, the Defendant entered the residence of his ex-wife without her consent or
authorization.
ERRORS PATENT:
In accordance with La.Code Crim.P. art. 920, all appeals are reviewed by
this court for errors patent on the face of the record. After reviewing the record,
we find that there are no errors patent.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR:
In his sole assignment of error, the Defendant argues that the trial court erred
in imposing a constitutionally excessive sentence. The Defendant asserts that he
accepted responsibility for his actions as evidenced by his guilty plea. Also, the
1 The Defendant’s pro se motion did not have an order attached. The record reflects that the attorney-filed motion was denied. Defendant stresses that he fathered a baby with the victim, Eva Archangel, and that
the baby was two weeks old at the time of sentencing. Lastly, the Defendant
asserts that the victim wrote a letter to the trial court, asking the trial court that the
Defendant be allowed to return home to help provide assistance for their baby, who
suffers from mental and physical problems. The victim indicated that she and the
Defendant had put aside their differences and sought to continue their lives
together with their newborn child. The Defendant concludes that given the lack of
severity of the offense, his sentence is excessive.
The sentencing court has broad discretion in imposing penalties for criminal convictions:
A sentence which falls within the statutory limits may be excessive under certain circumstances. To constitute an excessive sentence, this Court must find that the penalty is so grossly disproportionate to the severity of the crime as to shock our sense of justice or that the sentence makes no reasonable contribution to acceptable penal goals and therefore, is nothing more than the needless imposition of pain and suffering. The trial judge has broad discretion, and a reviewing court may not set sentences aside absent a manifest abuse of discretion.
State v. Guzman, 99-1753, 99-1528, p. 15 (La.5/16/00), 769 So.2d 1158, 1167 (citations omitted). “The relevant question is whether the trial court abused its broad sentencing discretion, not whether another sentence might have been more appropriate.” State v. Barling, 00- 1241, 00-1591, p. 12 (La.App. 3 Cir. 1/31/01), 779 So.2d 1035, 1042, writ denied, 01-838 (La.2/1/02), 808 So.2d 331.
State v. Prejean, 10-480, pp. 2-3 (La.App. 3 Cir. 11/3/10), 50 So.3d 249, 251-52.
The courts agree that maximum sentences are typically reserved for the most
serious offenses and the most egregious offenders. See State v. Baker, 08-54
(La.App. 3 Cir. 5/7/08), 986 So.2d 682.
The penalty for unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling is a sentence of
not more than six years, a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both. La.R.S.
14:62.3. As such, the trial court imposed the maximum possible sentence but 2 spared the Defendant a fine. As a result of his plea agreement, however, the
Defendant’s sentencing exposure was significantly reduced. Prior to his plea
agreement, the Defendant faced a sentence of five to twenty years, the first five
years to be served without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence,
and a fine of not more than $5,000.00. La.R.S. 14:62.8.
At sentencing, the trial court noted that the Defendant did not appear for his
original sentencing scheduled on September 28, 2011. He was picked up on
January 5, 2012, and had remained incarcerated since that time. The State directed
the trial court to a letter written by the victim, Eva Archangel, wherein she
requested that the Defendant be allowed to return home as soon as possible
because they had a newborn child together. The child had both mental and
physical problems, and the victim was unable to provide for the child on her own
and needed the Defendant’s assistance. According to the victim, the Defendant
was one of the main care providers for the child, both financially and physically, as
he assisted with child care. The victim acknowledged that the Defendant had an
extensive criminal history but asked the trial court to consider the time that had
elapsed since his last offense. She also asked the trial court to consider a possible
sentence of home incarceration. If home incarceration was not possible, she asked
the trial court to consider a work-release program to allow him to provide
financially for the child.
The Defendant stated that he was home with his baby when he was picked
up on January 5, 2012. He asserted that he would like to be home with the baby
because he had a bad back and the baby was missing appointments with her doctor.
The trial court recalled that at the time of the plea agreement, the Defendant
maintained that he had no prior convictions or pending charges. A certified
criminal history report indicated, however, that he was a fourth felony offender. 3 The Defendant had been convicted of purse snatching, carnal knowledge of a
juvenile, simple burglary, aggravated battery, and resisting arrest. He also had
convictions for thefts under $100 and driving under suspension. The trial court
acknowledged there was an indication of some type of substance abuse that
precipitated the behavior, and the prior offenses were committed years earlier in
the 1980’s. The trial court opined, however, that just because the Defendant had a
new baby, it could not impose a sentence that was not commensurate with his
criminal record. The trial court reminded the Defendant that he was not
incarcerated pending sentencing scheduled on September 28, 2011, and failed to
appear for sentencing on that date. The trial court believed that the only reason he
Free access — add to your briefcase to read the full text and ask questions with AI
NOT DESIGNATED FOR PUBLICATION
STATE OF LOUISIANA COURT OF APPEAL, THIRD CIRCUIT
12-897
STATE OF LOUISIANA
VERSUS
DANIEL RAY ARCHANGEL
**********
APPEAL FROM THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF IBERIA, NO. 10-2134 HONORABLE LORI ANN LANDRY, DISTRICT JUDGE
JOHN D. SAUNDERS JUDGE
Court composed of Sylvia R. Cooks, John D. Saunders, and Jimmie C. Peters, Judges.
AFFIRMED.
Hon. J. Phillip Haney District Attorney 300 Iberia Street, Suite 200 New Iberia, LA 70560 (337) 369-4420 COUNSEL FOR APPELLEE: State of Louisiana Angela B. Odinet Assistant District Attorney 415 Main Street St. Martinville, LA 70582 (337) 394-2220 COUNSEL FOR APPELLEE: State of Louisiana
Edward K. Bauman Louisiana Appellate Project P. O. Box 1641 Lake Charles, LA 70602-1641 (337) 491-0570 COUNSEL FOR DEFENDANT/APPELLANT: Daniel Ray Archangel SAUNDERS, Judge.
On December 2, 2010, the Defendant, Daniel Ray Archangel, was charged
by bill of information with home invasion, in violation of La.R.S. 14:62.8(A). On
July 7, 2011, the Defendant entered a plea of guilty to the amended charge of
unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling. La.R.S. 14:62.3 The Defendant was
sentenced on February 8, 2012, to serve six years at hard labor with credit for time
served. The Defendant filed a pro se motion to reconsider his sentence on or about
February 26, 2012. Defense counsel also filed a motion to reconsider sentence on
March 5, 2012. The Defendant’s motion was summarily denied on March 23,
2012.1
The Defendant is now before this court on appeal, arguing that his sentence
is excessive. The Defendant’s sentence is affirmed.
FACTS:
At the time of the Defendant’s guilty plea, the State established that on April
4, 2010, the Defendant entered the residence of his ex-wife without her consent or
authorization.
ERRORS PATENT:
In accordance with La.Code Crim.P. art. 920, all appeals are reviewed by
this court for errors patent on the face of the record. After reviewing the record,
we find that there are no errors patent.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR:
In his sole assignment of error, the Defendant argues that the trial court erred
in imposing a constitutionally excessive sentence. The Defendant asserts that he
accepted responsibility for his actions as evidenced by his guilty plea. Also, the
1 The Defendant’s pro se motion did not have an order attached. The record reflects that the attorney-filed motion was denied. Defendant stresses that he fathered a baby with the victim, Eva Archangel, and that
the baby was two weeks old at the time of sentencing. Lastly, the Defendant
asserts that the victim wrote a letter to the trial court, asking the trial court that the
Defendant be allowed to return home to help provide assistance for their baby, who
suffers from mental and physical problems. The victim indicated that she and the
Defendant had put aside their differences and sought to continue their lives
together with their newborn child. The Defendant concludes that given the lack of
severity of the offense, his sentence is excessive.
The sentencing court has broad discretion in imposing penalties for criminal convictions:
A sentence which falls within the statutory limits may be excessive under certain circumstances. To constitute an excessive sentence, this Court must find that the penalty is so grossly disproportionate to the severity of the crime as to shock our sense of justice or that the sentence makes no reasonable contribution to acceptable penal goals and therefore, is nothing more than the needless imposition of pain and suffering. The trial judge has broad discretion, and a reviewing court may not set sentences aside absent a manifest abuse of discretion.
State v. Guzman, 99-1753, 99-1528, p. 15 (La.5/16/00), 769 So.2d 1158, 1167 (citations omitted). “The relevant question is whether the trial court abused its broad sentencing discretion, not whether another sentence might have been more appropriate.” State v. Barling, 00- 1241, 00-1591, p. 12 (La.App. 3 Cir. 1/31/01), 779 So.2d 1035, 1042, writ denied, 01-838 (La.2/1/02), 808 So.2d 331.
State v. Prejean, 10-480, pp. 2-3 (La.App. 3 Cir. 11/3/10), 50 So.3d 249, 251-52.
The courts agree that maximum sentences are typically reserved for the most
serious offenses and the most egregious offenders. See State v. Baker, 08-54
(La.App. 3 Cir. 5/7/08), 986 So.2d 682.
The penalty for unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling is a sentence of
not more than six years, a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both. La.R.S.
14:62.3. As such, the trial court imposed the maximum possible sentence but 2 spared the Defendant a fine. As a result of his plea agreement, however, the
Defendant’s sentencing exposure was significantly reduced. Prior to his plea
agreement, the Defendant faced a sentence of five to twenty years, the first five
years to be served without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence,
and a fine of not more than $5,000.00. La.R.S. 14:62.8.
At sentencing, the trial court noted that the Defendant did not appear for his
original sentencing scheduled on September 28, 2011. He was picked up on
January 5, 2012, and had remained incarcerated since that time. The State directed
the trial court to a letter written by the victim, Eva Archangel, wherein she
requested that the Defendant be allowed to return home as soon as possible
because they had a newborn child together. The child had both mental and
physical problems, and the victim was unable to provide for the child on her own
and needed the Defendant’s assistance. According to the victim, the Defendant
was one of the main care providers for the child, both financially and physically, as
he assisted with child care. The victim acknowledged that the Defendant had an
extensive criminal history but asked the trial court to consider the time that had
elapsed since his last offense. She also asked the trial court to consider a possible
sentence of home incarceration. If home incarceration was not possible, she asked
the trial court to consider a work-release program to allow him to provide
financially for the child.
The Defendant stated that he was home with his baby when he was picked
up on January 5, 2012. He asserted that he would like to be home with the baby
because he had a bad back and the baby was missing appointments with her doctor.
The trial court recalled that at the time of the plea agreement, the Defendant
maintained that he had no prior convictions or pending charges. A certified
criminal history report indicated, however, that he was a fourth felony offender. 3 The Defendant had been convicted of purse snatching, carnal knowledge of a
juvenile, simple burglary, aggravated battery, and resisting arrest. He also had
convictions for thefts under $100 and driving under suspension. The trial court
acknowledged there was an indication of some type of substance abuse that
precipitated the behavior, and the prior offenses were committed years earlier in
the 1980’s. The trial court opined, however, that just because the Defendant had a
new baby, it could not impose a sentence that was not commensurate with his
criminal record. The trial court reminded the Defendant that he was not
incarcerated pending sentencing scheduled on September 28, 2011, and failed to
appear for sentencing on that date. The trial court believed that the only reason he
was now before the trial court for sentencing was because he had been caught. The
trial court considered the hardship and impact on the Defendant’s family in his
absence and that he was a “good guy” when he was sober. Lastly, the trial court
considered the benefit gained from his plea agreement wherein the charge was
amended from home invasion to unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling.
After imposition of sentence, the trial court stated it would recommend the
Defendant for any type of work release program for which the Department of
Corrections found suitable or any type of reentry program. The trial court added
that home incarceration was cost prohibitive for the Defendant. Also, home
incarceration made no sense in light of the Defendant’s problems at home.
Additionally, the trial court recommended substance abuse treatment and education
while incarcerated so that the Defendant could learn to cope with stress upon his
release.
In State v. Dossman, 06-449, 06-450 (La.App. 3 Cir. 9/27/06), 940 So.2d
876, writ denied, 06-2683 (La. 6/1/07), 957 So.2d 174, the defendant, adjudged a
second felony offender, was sentenced to six years for unauthorized entry of an 4 inhabited dwelling. 2 The trial court expressed concern regarding the past
harassment of one of the two victims, and the defendant’s violation of a restraining
order she had against him. In its reasons for sentencing, the trial court also noted
the second victim’s allegations that the defendant had pushed her and threatened to
kill the first victim during the incident. At the hearing on the defendant’s motion
to reconsider sentence, the trial court noted a serious concern that the defendant
would continue to pursue the first victim if given a lesser sentence.
In State v. Williams, 32,993 (La.App. 2 Cir. 3/1/00), 754 So.2d 418, the
defendant’s five-year sentence for unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling was
affirmed. In Williams, the defendant went to his girlfriend’s apartment, but she
told him she did not want to see him. He kicked in the door, entered, and argued
with the victim. Also, he physically restrained the victim, but she managed to
escape and contact a friend for assistance.
Although the facts of the instant case do not appear as egregious as those in
Dossman and Williams, and the Defendant has not been adjudicated a habitual
offender, he, nonetheless, has an extensive criminal history, including four
felonies, and had a troubled past with the victim. Considering his criminal history
and the benefit received from his plea agreement, we find that the Defendant’s
sentence is not excessive; thus, this assignment of error is without merit.
DECREE:
The Defendant’s sentence is affirmed.
2 As a second offender, the sentencing range was three to twelve years. 5