FILED
SEPTEMBER 29, 2015
In the Office of the Clerk of Court
WA State Court of Appeals, Division III
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
DIVISION THREE
STATE OF WASHINGTON, ) No. 33230-6-III ) Respondent, ) ) v. ) UNPUBLISHED OPINION ) HARVEY CLEM MADDUX, )
)
Appellant. )
LAWRENCE-BERREY, J. - Harvey Maddux pleaded guilty to second degree
assault and fourth degree assault after he was accused of confronting two men outside a
gas station and brandishing a knife. After entering the plea but before sentencing, Mr.
Maddux sought to withdraw his guilty plea for second degree assault, claiming that his
plea was not entered knowingly. Mr. Maddux contended that defense counsel failed to
advise him ofthe intent element of second degree assault and that had he known that
intent to assault was an element ofthe crime, he would not have pleaded guilty. The trial
court denied Mr. Maddux's motion to withdraw his guilty plea and sentenced Mr.
Maddux on both assault charges as well as charges from two other consolidated cases.
Mr. Maddux appeals. He challenges the trial court's conclusion that his plea was No. 33230-6-III State v. Maddux
knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently entered. Also, he contends that the State
breached the plea agreement by not following the agreed upon sentencing
recommendation. We disagree with his contentions and affirm.
FACTS
On August 22, 2013, a Centralia police officer was dispatched to an assault
complaint involving Mr. Maddux. The caller complained that Mr. Maddux attacked him
with a knife while at a Texaco gas station store.
On August 23,2013, the Lewis County prosecutor charged Mr. Maddux with first
degree assault with a deadly weapon enhancement and fourth degree assault. Mr.
Maddux was already facing prosecution for one count of possession of
methamphetamine, filed on July 2,2013. At the first appearances for each case, the court
appointed the same attorney to represent Mr. Maddux. Mr. Maddux's attorney worked
out a plea bargain with the prosecutor whereby the State would amend the first degree
assault to second degree assault without a deadly weapon enhancement on Mr. Maddux's
plea to that charge along with the companion fourth degree assault charge and the
possession charge from the earlier case.
Under the plea agreement, the State would ask for 24 months on the possession
charge, 364 days on the fourth degree assault charge, and 63 months on the second
degree assault charge, all sentences to be served concurrently. The second degree assault
charge had a standard sentencing range of 63 to 84 months.
No. 33230-6-UI State v. Maddux
The prosecutor signed this document along with Mr. Maddux and his attorney.
The plea agreement as reflected in the guilty plea form did not bind Mr. Maddux to any
recommendation and the parties specifically understood that Mr. Maddux would be
asking to set a future sentencing date at which he would seek a sentence below the
standard sentencing range.
Based on this agreement, the prosecutor filed an amended information reducing
the charge in count I from first degree assault to second degree assault and striking the
deadly weapon enhancement. The parties appeared before the trial court on
September 30, 2013, and Mr. Maddux pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine,
second degree assault, and fourth degree assault pursuant to the plea agreement. Mr.
Maddux entered an Alford plea on the assault charges, pursuant to North Carolina v.
Alford, 400 U.S. 25, 91 S. Ct. 160,27 L. Ed. 2d 162 (1970), in which he denied that he
committed the assaults but admitted that ifhe went to court, that he would likely be found
guilty; and he wished to take advantage of a favorable sentencing offer from the State.
The trial court asked the State what evidence it would present with respect to the
assault charges. The State informed the court that on August 22,2013, dispatch received
two calls reporting an assault at the Texaco gas station. The first caller stated that a male
was beating on a car in front of the store. The second caller claimed that he had just been
attacked with a knife by the same male who then ran into the car wash. Centralia Police
Officer Weismiller was dispatched to the gas station and contacted one of the victims,
No. 33230-6-III State v. Maddux
Edward Baker. Then, Officer Weismiller checked the car wash with negative results. An
unknown male at the gas pump yelled to all the responding officers that the crazy guy left
in a black truck. Officers saw the black truck stopped at the traffic light and approached.
Mr. Baker identified the sole male in the truck as his attacker.
Officer Weismiller conducted a felony stop and ordered the male driver to exit the
vehicle. Officer Weismiller recognized the driver, Mr. Maddux, from prior contacts.
Once out of the vehicle, Mr. Maddux was searched for weapons. Officers located two
knives and a bottle of pepper spray. Mr. Maddux was detained while the complaining
parties were interviewed. During contact with Mr. Maddux, the officers observed his
actions to be consistent with someone under the influence of a controlled substance.
Officer Weismiller interviewed Mr. Baker. Mr. Baker said that he had pulled to
the side of the road near the Interstate 5 ramp to make a telephone call. While Mr. Baker
was on the telephone, Mr. Maddux walked up to Mr. Baker's vehicle and began pounding
on his passenger side door as well as screaming through the window. Using profane
language, Mr. Maddux asked Mr. Baker what he was doing. Mr. Baker explained that he
was on the telephone and asked Mr. Maddux ifhe had a problem. Mr. Maddux produced
a knife and held it in his hand with the blade up. With his other hand, Mr. Maddux pulled
at the passenger door handle in an attempt to open the locked door. After Mr. Maddux
was unable to gain entry to the vehicle, he hit the passenger side window with the knife.
Mr. Baker drove up the Interstate 5 ramp a short distance and called 911.
Mr. Baker told officers that it was obvious that Mr. Maddux was trying to enter his
vehicle. Also, Mr. Baker felt that he would be assaulted if Mr. Maddux gained entry to
the vehicle. Officers observed multiple deep gashes in the passenger side window.
Officer Weismiller interviewed victim two, Jason Beatty, a customer in the nearby
convenience store. Mr. Beatty said that he saw a black truck pull up and park. The
driver of the truck, Mr. Maddux, nearly fell out and began to yell and pound his chest.
Mr. Beatty exited the store and began walking to his vehicle when he observed Mr.
Maddux running toward him. Mr. Beatty jumped in his vehicle and locked the door. Mr.
Maddux stuck his hand through the Mr. Beatty's vehicle window and grabbed Mr. Beatty
by the shirt. Mr. Beatty tried to push Mr. Maddux back and roll up the window. In
response, Mr. Maddux pulled his arm out of the window and then stood in front ofMr.
Beatty's vehicle to prevent him from leaving. Mr. Beatty was eventually able to drive
away and call 911.
After presentation of this evidence, the trial court asked Mr. Maddux ifhe agreed
that the State would produce the recited evidence if the matter went to trial. Mr. Maddux
agreed, but he stated that this was not all of the evidence. However, he agreed that this
evidence would be enough for the jury to find him guilty. The court accepted Mr.
Maddux's Alford pleas. The court also granted Mr. Maddux's request to continue
sentencing to a future date.
On December 10, 2013, the parties appeared before the court with the defense
again asking for the sentencing court to continue the sentencing date so that Mr. Maddux
could obtain some of his mental health records to support a request for an exceptional
sentence below the standard range. At that time, Mr. Maddux also argued a pro se
motion to dismiss based on the jail's failure to provide him with access to the law library
or legal materials. In the alternative, Mr. Maddux argued a motion for release. The court
granted the motion to continue sentencing and denied both of Mr. Maddux's pro se
motions.
Following this second hearing, Mr. Maddux became convinced that his attorney
misinformed him about the law of assault and had he not been misinformed, he would not
have entered a gUilty plea to either assault charge. Based on Mr. Maddux's revelation of
this to the trial court, the trial court granted defense counsel's motion to withdraw and
appointed new defense counsel so that Mr. Maddux could pursue a motion to withdraw
his guilty plea.
On February 11,2014, Mr. Maddux filed a pro se motion to withdraw his guilty
plea to the assault charges. Two days later, Mr. Maddux's new counsel filed a
memorandum in support of the pro se motion. Mr. Maddux argued (1) that he had not
intended to assault either of the complaining witnesses, (2) that he did not display a knife
for the purpose of scaring either complaining witness, (3) that his attorney misinformed
him of the law of assault by stating that the only relevant inquiry was into the
apprehension of the complaining witness and that the defendant's intent was irrelevant,
and (4) had he known that the State had to prove that he acted with intent to assault, he
would not have pleaded guilty and would have gone to trial.
On February 19,2014, the State filed a third information against Mr. Maddux
alleging that on February 18,2014, Mr. Maddux committed the crime of second degree
malicious mischief by knowingly damaging a computer kiosk screen in the jail. At the
arraignment on this new charge, the trial court appointed the same attorney to represent
Mr. Maddux as in the motion to withdraw his guilty plea.
On March 21, 2014, the trial court held a hearing on Mr. Maddux's motion to
withdraw his guilty plea. In support of his motion, Mr. Maddux called his former
appointed attorney who represented him at the plea hearing. The attorney testified that at
his first meeting with Mr. Maddux, they discussed the charging documents, and Mr.
Maddux was aware of the elements for first degree assault. Mr. Maddux was concerned
about the significant sentence range for first degree assault with his offender score of 9
plus. The attorney also testified that Mr. Maddux knew he was pleading to second degree
assault and did it willingly. The attorney remembered discussing the change of plea
statement with Mr. Maddux at length, and that the statement included the elements of
second degree assault.
The attorney testified that after the plea was entered, Mr. Maddux became
convinced that there was no possible way that he could ever be convicted of second
degree assault under the facts of his case. The attorney believed Mr. Maddux felt his plea
was not valid because Mr. Maddux erroneously thought that the short blade knife he used
could never be considered a deadly weapon and that he did not have the necessary intent
for second degree assault. In trying to explain the intent element to Mr. Maddux, the
attorney testified, "[W]hat I was trying to get across to him was you can't just come in
and say I didn't intend to do that. That might not be enough in the jury's eyes. A lot has
to do with the fact that he was just sitting in the car and being accosted by Mr. Maddux
under the circumstances." Report of Proceedings (RP) at 35-36. Later, the attorney
testified that Mr. Maddux "didn't think he would get convicted, because he didn't have
the intent to cause the apprehension in the victim and I tried to make sure that once again
that's from the victim's point of view in essence as to the apprehension whether he
intended to cause that apprehension." RP at 79.
Mr. Maddux also testified at the hearing. He stated that his former attorney spent
little time with him, that the attorney did not interview witnesses, and that the attorney
pressured him into accepting a plea bargain at the last minute without letting him read the
guilty plea form. In addition, Mr. Maddux stated that his attorney misinformed him of
the law of assault by stating that Mr. Maddux's intent was irrelevant. Mr. Maddux
claimed that he never intended to assault anyone and that had he known that the law
required that the State prove intent, he would not have pleaded guilty and would have
gone to trial.
No. 33230-6-II1 State v. Maddux
The trial court denied Mr. Maddux's motion to withdraw his plea. The court
entered findings of fact and conclusions of law in support of its ruling. Of specific
importance, the court stated in finding of fact 1.19 that Mr. Maddux was informed by his
attorney of the proper definition of assault. The court concluded that Mr. Maddux
received effective assistance of counsel and that he knowingly, voluntarily, and
intelligently gave up his rights by pleading guilty. The court also concluded that by filing
the motion to withdraw the gUilty plea was a repudiation of the agreement by Mr.
Maddux.
On April 2, 2014, the parties appeared before the court on all three cases. Mr.
Maddux entered an Alford plea on the new malicious mischief charge. In Mr. Maddux's
guilty plea statement for malicious mischief, the prosecuting attorney promised to
recommend a 29-month sentence, $200 filing fee, $500 crime victim assessment, $600
attorney fee, $89/day jail fee up to $1,000, $100 DNA! fee, $100 domestic violence fee,
subpoena service fee to be determined, and restitution in the amount of$I,046.
Following the trial court's acceptance of Mr. Maddux's plea to the malicious
mischief charge, the court heard sentencing recommendations on all three cases. For the
second degree assault charge, the State recommended 84 months, which was contrary to
I Deoxyribonucleic acid.
the 63-month recommendation in its plea agreement with Mr. Maddux. The State
maintained that it was not bound by the plea agreement, arguing:
So based on the defendant's new conviction, the State believes that it is free to recommend whatever sentence it feels is appropriate. We also feel we are free to recommend anything that we see is appropriate, based upon the clear violation of the Plea Agreement, by the defendant's filing of a Motion to Withdraw his guilty plea and be quote, unquote, "exonerated."
RP at 178. In contrast, Mr. Maddux asked for 63 months on the second degree assault
charge pursuant to his agreement with the State.
Both the prosecutor and Mr. Maddux asked for 364 days on the fourth degree
assault charge, 24 months on the possession charge, and 29 months on the new malicious
mischief charge. However, the State requested that the assault and drug sentences run
concurrent to each other but consecutive to the malicious mischief charge, while Mr.
Maddux asked for all counts to run concurrent.
The court sentenced Mr. Maddux to concurrent sentences of75 months for second
degree assault, 364 days for fourth degree assault, and 24 months for possession. The
court then imposed 22 months for malicious mischief, running consecutive to the other
terms of incarceration as an exceptional sentence. The court found that Mr. Maddux
committed multiple concurrent offenses and that his high offender score resulted in some
of the current offenses going unpunished. The court also found that Mr. Maddux
committed the crime while incarcerated, pending sentencing on the two other criminal
matters.
Mr. Maddux appeals. Although Mr. Maddux appeals the judgments and sentences
for all three cause numbers, which were consolidated on appeal, his arguments focus on
his conviction for second degree assault. First, he challenges the trial court's finding that
he was informed by his attorney of the proper definition of second degree assault and the
court's conclusion that his plea was knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently entered.
Second, he contends that the State breached the plea agreement by not recommending the
agreed upon sentence. Last, Mr. Maddux raises several related issues in his statement of
additional grounds for review.
ANALYSIS
1. Whether the trial court abused its discretion when it denied Mr. Maddux's motion to withdraw his guilty plea
An appeal court reviews a trial court's decision on a motion to withdraw a guilty
plea for an abuse of discretion. State v. Lamb, 175 Wn.2d 121, 127,285 P.3d 27 (2012).
An abuse of discretion occurs if a trial court's decision is manifestly unreasonable or is
based on untenable grounds or reasons. Id. A manifestly unreasonable decision is one
that is outside the range of acceptable choices, given the facts and applicable legal
standard. Id. (quoting In re Marriage ofLittlefield, 133 Wn.2d 39, 47, 940 P.2d 1362
(1997)).
A trial court's decision is based on untenable reasons if it uses an incorrect
standard or if the facts do not meet the requirements of the correct standard. Id. (quoting
No. 33230-6-111 State v. Maddux
Littlefield, 133 Wn.2d at 47). The correct standard for a trial court to use when a
defendant moves to withdraw his guilty plea prior to judgment is whether withdrawal is
necessary to correct a manifest injustice. Id. at 128; CrR 4.2(f). Manifest injustice is a
demanding standard. State v. Bao Sheng Zhao, 157 Wn.2d 188, 197, 137 P.3d 835
(2006). "[A] 'manifest injustice' is 'an injustice that is obvious, directly observable,
overt, [and] not obscure.'" State v. Saas, 118 Wn.2d 37,42,820 P.2d 505 (1991)
(quoting State v. Taylor, 83 Wn.2d 594, 596, 521 P.2d 699 (1974)). Courts have found
instances of manifest injustice where (1) effective assistance of counsel was denied, (2)
the plea was not ratified by the defendant, (3) the plea was not voluntary, or (4) the plea
agreement was not kept. Saas, 118 Wn.2d at 42 (quoting Taylor, 83 Wn.2d at 597).
A trial court's decision is based on untenable grounds if the factual findings are
unsupported by the record. Lamb, 175 Wn.2d at 127 (quoting Littlefield, 133 Wn.2d at
47). "An appellate court reviews whether substantial evidence supports the trial court's
findings of fact and whether the findings of fact support the conclusions of law." State v.
Brockob, 159 Wn.2d 311, 343, 150 P.3d 59 (2006). Substantial evidence is evidence of
sufficient quantity to persuade a fair-minded, rational person of the truth of the declared
premise. State v. Hill, 123 Wn.2d 641,644,870 P.2d 313 (1994). "Unchallenged
findings of fact are verities on appeal, and an appellate court reviews only those facts to
which the appellant has assigned error." Brockob, 159 Wn.2d at 343. The appellate
court defers to the fact finder regarding credibility of witnesses and the weight to be
given to reasonable but competing inferences. State ex. reI. Lige & Wm. B. Dickson Co.
v. County o/Pierce, 65 Wn. App. 614,618,829 P.2d 217 (1992).
Mr. Maddux contends that the trial court abused its discretion when it denied his
motion to withdraw his guilty plea. Mr. Maddux contends that his plea was not
knowingly and voluntarily entered because he was misinformed by his attorney of the
proper definition of assault. Specifically, Mr. Maddux claims that his attorney failed to
inform him that assault required the State to prove intent.
A trial court shall not accept a guilty plea without first determining that the plea is
made voluntarily, competently, and with an understanding of the nature of the crime and
the consequences of the plea. CrR 4.2(d). Additionally, the court shall not enter a
judgment on a plea of guilty unless it is satisfied that there is a factual basis for the plea.
CrR 4.2(d). "Due process requires that a defendant be apprised of the nature of the
offense in order for a guilty plea to be accepted as knowing, intelligent, and voluntary."
State v. Osborne, 102 Wn.2d 87, 92-93, 684 P.2d 683 (1984). "At a minimum, 'the
defendant would need to be aware of the acts and the requisite state of mind in which
they must be performed to constitute a crime.'" Id. at 93 (quoting In re Pers. Restraint 0/
Keene, 95 Wn.2d 203,207,622 P.2d 360 (1980)).
RCW 9A.36.021(1)(c) provides that a person is guilty of second degree assault if
he or she, under circumstances not amounting to assault in the first degree, assaults
another with a deadly weapon. The Washington Pattern Jury Instruction: Criminal sets
forth the common law definitions for assault. State v. Smith, 159 Wn.2d 778, 781-82,
154 P .3d 873 (2007). The common law assault definition does not provide an additional
means of committing assault, but instead elaborates and clarifies the term "assault" as
used in statutes. Id. at 785-86. Assault is defined in three ways: (1) An intentional
touching, striking, cutting, or shooting of another person, with unlawful force, that is
harmful or offensive regardless of whether any physical injury is done to the person. A
touching, striking, cutting, or shooting is offensive if it would offend an ordinary person
who is not unduly sensitive; (2) An act, with unlawful force, done with intent to inflict
bodily injury on another, tending but failing to accomplish it and accompanied with the
apparent present ability to inflict the bodily injury if not prevented. It is not necessary
that bodily injury be inflicted; and (3) An act, with unlawful force, done with the intent to
create in another apprehension and fear of bodily injury, and which in fact creates in
another a reasonable apprehension and imminent fear of bodily injury even though the
actor did not actually intend to inflict bodily injury. 11 WASHINGTON PRACTICE:
WASHINGTON PATTERN JURY INSTRUCTIONS: CRIMINAL 35.50, at 547 (3d ed. 2008)
(WPIC).
"[S]pecific intent either to create apprehension of bodily harm or to cause bodily
harm is an essential element of assault in the second degree." State v. Byrd, 125 Wn.2d
707,713,887 P.2d 396 (1995). Intent "'can be inferred as a logical probability from all
facts and circumstances. '" State v. Yarbrough, 151 Wn. App. 66, 87, 210 P .3d 1029
(2009) (quoting State v. Wilson, 125 Wn.2d 212, 217, 883 P.2d 320 (1994)).
The trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying Mr. Maddux's motion to
withdraw his guilty plea. First, substantial evidence supports the trial court's finding that
Mr. Maddux was informed by his original attorney of the proper definition of assault.
Specifically, Mr. Maddux's attorney informed him of the intent element of the crime.
For instance, Mr. Maddux's attorney provided him with all charging documents. The
charging information for both first degree assault and second degree assault listed intent
to assault as an element of the crime. The attorney discussed the charging documents
with Mr. Maddux. The attorney testified that Mr. Maddux was aware of the elements for
first degree assault. In addition, the attorney sent Mr. Maddux case law that explained
the definition of assault.
Mr. Maddux testified that intent was discussed, although it confused him. The
record shows that when entering his guilty plea, Mr. Maddux considered intent and
potential that the jury could find this element. Mr. Maddux entered an Alford plea
because he never intended to cause harm, but understood that the jury could find
otherwise based on the evidence and the victim testimony. Mr. Maddux was more
concerned with the length of the sentence for first degree assault with his offender score
of over 9 points. He understood that by accepting the plea offer for second degree
assault, the standard range sentence was significantly less.
Moreover, there was no basis for the trial court to withdraw Mr. Maddux's plea
based on his argument at trial. Mr. Maddux's argument was not that counsel failed to
inform him of the intent element, but that counsel's information on intent was incorrect.
He contended that he relied on the common law definition for assault based on counsel's
information. He maintained that the statute listing the elements for second degree assault
with a deadly weapon applied in his case and not common law. However, counsel's
information was not erroneous. The common law definition states an intent element for
statutory second degree assault. Mr. Maddux's disbelief in counsel's correct information
is not grounds for withdrawing the plea. Mr. Maddux's counsel correctly advised him of
the intent element for assault.
Mr. Maddux and counsel entered into significant discussions regarding the intent
element for second degree assault. As a result, ample evidence supports the trial court's
finding that Mr. Maddux's attorney explained the mens rea element under the assault
statute.
Second, the court did not err in concluding that Mr. Maddux's guilty plea was
knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently entered. A defendant's signature on a plea
statement is strong evidence ofvoluntariness. State v. Branch, 129 Wn.2d 635,642,919
P.2d 1228 (1996). A defendant must present some evidence of involuntariness beyond
self-serving allegations. Osborne, 102 Wn.2d at 97. "An Alford plea is valid when it
'represents a voluntary and intelligent choice among the alternative courses of action
open to the defendant.'" State v. Stowe, 71 Wn. App. 182, 187,858 P.2d 267 (1993)
(quoting Alford, 400 U.S. at 31).
The trial court conducted a thorough colloquy with Mr. Maddux to assure his
gUilty plea was knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently entered. Mr. Maddux
communicated knowing and intelligent understanding of the charges to which he was
pleading and the rights he was giving up. Mr. Maddux was aware of the elements of the
crime, including intent, based on his discussions with counsel. The court questioned Mr.
Maddux at length about the meaning of an Alford plea for the assault charge. The State's
evidence in support of the charges was presented to the trial court, and Mr. Maddux
agreed that this evidence was sufficient to support a jury finding of gUilty. Additionally,
Mr. Maddux has extensive experience with the criminal court system, dating back 30
years. He stated that his guilty plea was voluntary. The trial court did not err in
concluding that Mr. Maddux's plea was knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently entered.
Based on the record, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying Mr.
Maddux's motion to withdraw his guilty plea. The court's decision was not manifestly
unreasonable nor was it based on untenable grounds or reasons. The court's challenged
findings and conclusions are supported by the record.
2. Whether the State was required to abide by its plea agreement with Mr. Maddux
Mr. Maddux contends that the State breached the plea agreement in the assault
case by recommending an 84-month sentence instead of the agreed upon 63-month
sentence. He contends that this breach entitles him to withdraw his guilty plea on those
charges. 2
"Because a plea agreement is a contract, issues concerning the interpretation of a
plea agreement are questions oflaw reviewed de novo." State v. Bisson, 156 Wn.2d 507,
517, 130 P3d 820 (2006). "Due process requires a prosecutor to adhere to the terms of
the [plea] agreement." State v. Sledge, 133 Wn.2d 828,839,947 P.2d 1199 (1997). "The
State fulfills its obligations if it acts in good faith and does not contravene the defendant's
reasonable expectations that arise from the agreement." State v. McInally, 125 Wn. App.
854, 861-62, 106 P3d 794 (2005). When a defendant fails to comply with the terms of a
plea agreement, he or she loses the right to enforce the agreement. Id. at 867.
If there is a genuine factual dispute as to whether the defendant breached the
agreement, remand for an evidentiary hearing is required. In re Pers. Restraint ofJames,
96 Wn.2d 847, 850, 640 P.2d 18 (1982). But ifno question exists as to the defendant's
breach, this court need not order an evidentiary hearing. See State V. Hall, 32 Wn. App.
108, 110,645 P.2d 1143 (1982).
Section 6(d) of the guilty plea statement between Mr. Maddux and the State reads,
"If I am convicted of any new crimes before sentencing, or if any additional criminal
2 Mr. Maddux also contends that his motion to withdraw his guilty plea was not a violation of the plea agreement. Thus, the State could not use this ground as a basis to repudiate the plea agreement. Because another sound reason permitted the State to increase its sentencing recommendation, this issue will not be addressed.
history is discovered, both the standard sentence range and the prosecuting attorney's
recommendation may increase. Even so, my plea of guilty to this charge is binding on
me," Clerk's Papers (No. 13-1-00554-3) at 11.
The State did not breach the plea agreement. The agreement between Mr. Maddux
and the State allowed the State to increase its recommendation ifMr. Maddux was
convicted of new crimes before sentencing. This is exactly what happened. Mr. Maddux
was convicted of the crime of malicious mischief between the plea hearing and
sentencing.
There is no need to remand for an evidentiary hearing because there is no question
as to Mr. Maddux's breach. Mr. Maddux admitted to the new crime of malicious
mischief by pleading gUilty to the charge. Based on section 6(d) of the plea agreement,
the State had the discretion to increase the sentencing recommendation.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL GROUNDS
1. Whether the charging document sufficiently set forth the intent element ofassault
Mr. Maddux raises several issues in his statement of additional grounds.
"Ordinarily, a plea of guilty constitutes a waiver by the defendant of his right to appeal,
regardless of the existence of a plea bargain." State v. Majors, 94 Wn.2d 354, 356, 616
P.2d 1237 (1980). However, a guilty plea does not preclude a defendant from raising
collateral issues such as the validity of a statute, sufficiency of the information,
jurisdiction of the court, or the circumstances in which the plea was made. Id. The
majority ofMr. Maddux's arguments in his statement of additional grounds are
appealable despite his guilty plea.
First, Mr. Maddux contends that the charging information was insufficient because
it failed to set forth the intent element for assault. This contention fails. The common
law element of intent does not need to be included in the charging information for second
degree assault with a deadly weapon, RCW 9A.36.021(1)(c). State v. Janes, 64 Wn.
App. 134, 146,822 P.2d 1238 (1992), remanded on other grounds, 121 Wn.2d 220,850
P.2d 495 (1993). "An assault is by definition an intentional act and is commonly
understood as such." Jd. Even then, Mr. Maddux's charging document included an
intent element, as it stated that Mr. Maddux acted intentionally when assaulting Mr.
Baker. The charging information sufficiently set forth the intent element for assault.
2. Whether Mr. Maddux's counsel provided ineffective representation
Second, Mr. Maddux contends that his counsel at the plea hearing was ineffective.
He claims that his counsel failed to inform him of the acts, elements, and requisite state
of mind for assault.
To demonstrate ineffective assistance of counsel, a defendant must show:
(1) defense counsel's representation was deficient, i.e., it fell below an objective standard
of reasonableness based on consideration of all the circumstances; and (2) defense
counsel's deficient representation prejudiced the defendant, i.e., there is a reasonable
probability that, except for counsel's unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding
would have been different. State v. McFarland, 127 Wn.2d 322,334-35,899 P.2d 1251
(1995).
Mr. Maddux fails to show that his counsel's perfonnance was deficient. As
previously detennined here, Mr. Maddux's counsel informed him of all of the elements
of second degree assault, including the requisite mens rea for the crime. Counsel gave
Mr. Maddux all discovery and charging information, allowed him to review it, and
discussed it together.
3. Whether the trial court conducted a proper colloquy to determine whether Mr. Maddux's plea was knowingly entered
Third, Mr. Maddux contends that the trial court did not conduct a proper colloquy
to determine ifhis guilty plea was knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently entered.
Specifically, Mr. Maddux contends that the trial court did not confirm ifhe understood
the requisite state of mind for the crime charged.
While a defendant must be aware of the requisite state of mind for the crime
charged, the trial court does not need to ask a defendant if he understands each and every
element of the crime charged during colloquy. See In re Pers. Restraint ofNess, 70 Wn.
App. 817, 821-22, 855 P.2d 1191 (1993). "An infonnation which notifies a defendant of
the nature of the crime to which he pleads guilty creates a presumption that the plea was
knowing, voluntary and intelligent." Id. at 821. "A defendant is adequately informed of
the nature of the charges if the infonnation details the acts and the state of mind
necessary to constitute the crime." Id. To determine whether a defendant understands
the charges against him, a trial court may rely on the defendant's plea statement or other
written statements. Id.
Pertinent to this contention, the trial court inquired whether Mr. Maddux
understood the charges in the amended information, to which Mr. Maddux answered
"yes." The trial court also offered to read the charges to Mr. Maddux, but Mr. Maddux
declined. The information included the element of intent. Relying on the information, the
court properly concluded that Mr. Maddux understood the elements of second degree
assault, including intent. The trial court did not need to specifically inquire into the
element of intent during colloquy.
4. Whether the prosecutor abused its discretion in charging Mr. Maddux with assault
Fourth, Mr. Maddux contends that the prosecutor abused its discretion by charging
Mr. Maddux with assault because the evidence does not show that anyone was hurt. 3 The
county prosecutor is charged with prosecution of all criminal actions in which the State is
a party. RCW 36.27.020(4). The decision whether to file criminal charges is within the
3 Mr. Maddux relies on RCW 9.94A.411(l)(h)(i) to support his argument. RCW 9.94A.411 provides examples to prosecutors when it is appropriate to decline prosecution even though technically sufficient evidence to prosecute exists. This statute is intended solely for the guidance of Washington prosecutors and may not be relied on to create a right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by any party in litigation with the State. RCW 9.94A.401. Thus, Mr. Maddux may not use this statute to gain relief from the State.
prosecutor's discretion. State v. Judge, 100 Wn.2d 706,713,675 P.2d 219 (1984).
Exercise ofa prosecutor's discretion by charging some but not others guilty of the same
crime does not violate equal protection so long as selection was not deliberately based on
an unjustifiable standard such as race, religion, or other arbitrary classification. Id. The
prosecutor considers factors such as the public interest and the strength of the case which
can be proved when deciding when exercising his or her discretion. Id.
Mr. Maddux's guilty plea precludes him from challenging his acquiescence to the
charge of second degree assault. Even then, the prosecutor did not abuse its discretion in
charging Mr. Maddux with second degree assault. The prosecutor based its decision on
the elements to be proved and the strength of the evidence. While Mr. Maddux considers
the facts of his case to be innocuous, the evidence is sufficient to support the prosecutor's
charge. Actual injury to a person was not required for the prosecutor to charge Mr.
Maddux with second degree assault. Assault can be proved by showing the defendant
had the intent to cause apprehension of harm. Byrd, 125 Wn.2d at 713.
5. Whether the assault statute violates equal protection because it prescribes different punishments for the same acts committed under the same circumstances
Fifth, Mr. Maddux contends that the assault statute violates the equal protection
clause because it allows the prosecutor to charge similarly situated defendants with
different degrees of assault.
The right to equal protection of the laws may be violated when two statutes
criminalize the same acts, but penalize them differently. State v. Leech, 114 Wn.2d 700,
711, 790 P.2d 160 (1990). However, "there is no equal protection violation when a
statutory scheme proscribes crimes that 'require proof of different elements.'" State v.
Armstrong, 143 Wn. App. 333, 338, 178 P.3d 1048 (2008) (quoting Leech, 114 Wn.2d at
711). "When the crimes have different elements, the prosecutor's discretion is not
arbitrary but is constrained by which elements can be proved under the circumstances."
/d. Accordingly, we consider whether "the crimes that the prosecuting attorney has the
discretion to charge require proof of different elements." Leech, 114 Wn.2d at 711.
Mr. Maddux's equal protection argument fails. '" [T]he equal protection
guaranties are not contravened if the statutes require proof of different elements in order
to convict for each offense.'" State v. Cook, 26 Wn. App. 683, 685, 614 P.2d 215 (1980)
(quoting State v. Burley, 23 Wn. App. 881, 883, 598 P.2d 428 (1979)). "Each degree of
assault requires proof of distinct essential elements." /d. Thus, the assault statute does
not violate equal protection.
6. Whether a factual bas is exists for the plea for second degree assault
Sixth, Mr. Maddux contends that his guilty plea is invalid because there was no
factual basis to support the plea to second degree assault.
Before accepting a gUilty plea, the trial court must be satisfied that a factual basis
exists for the plea. erR 4.2( d). "In determining whether a factual basis exists for a plea,
the trial court need not be convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is in
fact guilty." Saas, 118 Wn.2d at 43. "Rather, a factual basis exists if there is sufficient
evidence for a jury to conclude that the defendant is guilty." Id. The court may consider
any reliable source of information to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to
support the plea, as long as it is made part of the record at the time of the plea. Osborne,
102 Wn.2d at 95.
The State charged Mr. Maddux with second degree assault under
RCW 9A.36.021(1)(c). The information alleged that Mr. Maddux intentionally assaulted
Mr. Baker with a deadly weapon. An item is a deadly weapon if, under the
circumstances in which it is used, it is readily capable of causing death or substantial
bodily harm. RCW 9A.04.llO(6). When a weapon is not deadly per se, the inherent
capacity and the circumstances in which the weapon is used determine whether it is
deadly. RCW 9A.04.110(6). Circumstances include "'the intent and present ability of
the user, the degree of force, the part of the body to which it was applied and the physical
injures it inflicted.'" State v. Sorenson, 6 Wn. App. 269, 273, 492 P.2d 233 (1972)
(quoting People v. Fisher, 234 Cal. App. 2d 189, 193,44 Cal. Rptr. 302 (1965». Ready
capability is determined in relation to surrounding circumstances, with reference to
potential substantial bodily harm. RCW 9A.04.11 0(6). '" Substantial bodily harm'
means bodily injury which involves a temporary but substantial disfigurement, or which
causes a temporary but substantial loss or impairment of the function of any bodily part
or organ, or which causes a fracture of any bodily part." RCW 9A.04.110(4)(b).
Pertinent to Mr. Maddux's offense, assault is an act by the defendant done with the
intent to create a reasonable apprehension and fear of bodily injury in another, and which
in fact creates a reasonable apprehension and imminent fear of bodily injury even though
the actor did not actually intend to inflict bodily injury. WPIC 35.50.
Here, a factual basis existed for Mr. Maddux's guilty plea. At the plea hearing,
the trial court required the State to recite the evidence to support the charge for second
degree assault. The evidence presented by the State was sufficient to establish that Mr.
Maddux acted with the intent to create a reasonable apprehension in the mind of Mr.
Baker. The evidence shows that Mr. Maddux approached Mr. Baker's car unexpectedly
and yelled, using profane language. With a knife in his hand, Mr. Maddux tried to enter
Mr. Baker's vehicle and when unsuccessful, forcefully banged on the window with the
knife. Mr. Baker stated that he felt that he would be assaulted if Mr. Maddux entered the
vehicle. While Mr. Maddux claims that he did not have intent to cause reasonable
apprehension in Mr. Baker, the evidence is sufficient for a jury to conclude that Mr.
Maddux acted with intent.
The State's evidence was sufficient to support the deadly weapon element as well.
The jury could conclude from the evidence that the knife was a deadly weapon per se.
Mr. Maddux produced a knife and held it in his hand with the blade up so that Mr. Baker
could see it. He also banged on the window with the knife with enough force to cause
scratches to the window. Mr. Baker felt like he would be assaulted by Mr. Maddux.
Given the amount of force Mr. Maddux used in wielding the knife, his aggression toward
Mr. Baker, his intent to contact Mr. Baker inside the vehicle, and the ready capability of a
knife to cause substantial bodily harm, a jury could conclude that Mr. Maddux assaulted
Mr. Baker with a deadly weapon. A factual basis exists to support Mr. Maddux's guilty
plea for second degree assault.
7. Whether the court neglected Mr. Maddux's constitutional civil rights by not acting on Mr. Maddux's complaints about access to the jail's law library
Last, Mr. Maddux contends that the trial court neglected its duty to protect his
constitutional rights when it failed to address Mr. Maddux's lack of access to a law
library.
Prisoners have a "fundamental constitutional right of access to the courts," which
"requires prison authorities to assist inmates in the preparation and filing of meaningful
legal papers by providing prisoners with adequate law libraries." Bounds v. Smith, 430
U.S. 817, 828,97 S. Ct. 1491,52 L. Ed. 2d 72 (1977). However, this right "ensure[s] a
meaningful pro se defense." State v. Bebb, 108 Wn.2d 515,524,740 P.2d 829 (1987)
(emphasis added). Mr. Maddux was represented by counsel. Thus, he was not denied
legal access to the courts even though the jail's legal library had extremely limited
capabilities. The trial court did not violate Mr. Maddux's rights.
Affirm.
A majority of the panel has determined this opinion will not be printed in the
Washington Appellate Reports, but it will be filed for public record pursuant to
RCW 2.06.040.
Lawrence-Berrey, J.
WE CONCUR:
Brown, A.C,J.