State of Washington v. Jason D. Waits
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Opinion
FILED APRIL 15, 2025 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STATE OF WASHINGTON, ) ) No. 37894-2-III Respondent, ) ) v. ) ) JASON D. WAITS, ) UNPUBLISHED OPINION ) Appellant. )
COONEY, J. — Following a jury trial, Jason Waits was convicted of child
molestation in the first degree and attempted child molestation in the first degree. He was
sentenced to imprisonment for 89 months to life, subject to the Indeterminate Sentence
Review Board (ISRB), ordered to obey numerous community custody conditions, and
pay various legal financial obligations.
Mr. Waits appeals, arguing: (1) his right to a speedy trial under CrR 3.3 was
violated; (2) he was twice deprived of his right to confer privately with his trial counsel;
(3) the prosecutor committed multiple acts of misconduct; (4) he was afforded ineffective No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
assistance of counsel; (5) cumulative errors deprived him of a fair trial; and (6) certain
community custody conditions and legal financial obligations were improperly ordered
against him. Mr. Waits alleges four additional errors in a statement of additional grounds
for review (SAG).
We affirm Mr. Waits’ convictions and sentence and remand for the limited
purpose of striking certain community custody conditions and legal financial obligations
from the judgment and sentence.
BACKGROUND
On May 27, 2019, Audrie Eckerle, Mr. Waits’ cohabitant, contacted police to
report that Mr. Waits had engaged in three instances of sexual misconduct with her five-
year-old daughter, S.Y.,1 the day prior. Specifically, Ms. Eckerle claimed that she peered
through a crack in the bathroom door on May 26 and witnessed Mr. Waits on his knees
next to the bathtub where S.Y. was sitting. Ms. Eckerle testified Mr. Waits’ shorts were
pulled down to his knees, and he was attempting to force his erect penis into S.Y.’s
mouth. Later that evening, while Ms. Eckerle, Mr. Waits, and S.Y. were in bed together,
1 To protect the privacy interests of S.Y., we use her initials throughout this opinion. Gen. Order of Division III, In re the Use of Initials or Pseudonyms for Child Victims or Child Witnesses, (Wash. Ct. App. June 18, 2012), ttps://www.courts.wa. gov/appellatetrial_courts/?fa=atc.genorders_orddisp&ordnumber=2012_001&div=III.
2 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
Ms. Eckerle noticed S.Y. was “squirming and giggling.” Rep. of Proc. (RP)2 at 175.
She pulled back the covers and found S.Y.’s panties were down, her nightgown up,
and Mr. Waits had one hand on S.Y.’s vagina and the other hand on his erect penis.
Ms. Eckerle testified that Mr. Waits claimed, “he thought that that was [Ms. Eckerle] he
was touching, and he was so sorry and he didn’t mean to.” RP at 176. Mr. Waits
repeatedly apologized before returning to sleep.
Officer Matthew Malakowsky of the Clarkson Police Department responded to
Ms. Eckerle’s call. After taking a verbal and written statement from Ms. Eckerle, Officer
Malakowsky rapped on the front door of Mr. Waits’ home. Ex. P-1 at 00:30:44. After
a four-minute delay, Mr. Waits opened the door and spoke with Officer Malakowsky.
Ex. P-1. Officer Malakowsky advised Mr. Waits that the interaction was being recorded
and read him the Miranda 3 warnings. Mr. Waits stepped onto his porch and closed the
door behind him. Ex. P-1. Mr. Waits told officers he did not wish to waive his rights,
but he would answer their questions. Mr. Waits’ answers to Officer Malakowsky’s
questions were inconsistent, and his demeanor appeared to change as the questioning
progressed. After about a 30-minute conversation, Officer Malakowsky arrested
Mr. Waits.
2 Unless otherwise stated, “RP” refers to the reconstructed transcript filed with this court on December 1, 2023. 3 Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 86 S. Ct. 1602, 16 L. Ed. 2d 694 (1966).
3 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
The State charged Mr. Waits with attempted rape of a child in the first degree,
child molestation in the first degree, and attempted child molestation in the first degree.
Mr. Waits appeared for a probable cause hearing without an attorney on May 28, 2019.
After making a finding of probable cause, the court set Mr. Waits’ bond at $50,000,
ordered him not to have any contact with S.Y., appointed him an attorney, and scheduled
an arraignment for June 3, 2019. For brevity and clarity, Mr. Waits’ scheduled court
appearances and related delays are addressed in the analysis below.
Mr. Waits’ charges were tried to a jury. During voir dire, the prosecutor shared a
personal story with the venire about working a graveyard shift at a convenience store
while in law school. During the evidentiary portion of the trial, the State presented the
testimony of S.Y., among other witnesses. When S.Y. finished testifying, the prosecutor
stated to her, “Thank you. I don’t have any more questions for you. You did great.”
RP at 225. During the State’s closing and rebuttal arguments, the prosecutor presented
several arguments Mr. Waits claims were improper, among which was the story about
working a graveyard shift from voir dire. The prosecutor’s arguments are detailed in the
analysis below.
Ultimately, Mr. Waits was found not guilty of attempted rape of a child in the first
degree but guilty of child molestation in the first degree and attempted child molestation
in the first degree. Mr. Waits was later sentenced to 89 months to life on the charge of
child molestation in the first degree and 66 months to life on the charge of attempted
4 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
child molestation in the first degree, subject to the ISRB. The court ordered Mr. Waits to
pay a victim penalty assessment (VPA), a DNA collection fee, S.Y.’s counseling fees, the
cost of polygraph testing, and interest on nonrestitution legal financial obligations. The
court further ordered Mr. Waits not to have contact with minors without permission from
his community custody officer and not to possess or consume controlled substances
without a prescription from a licensed practicing physician, among other requirements.
Although the trial court did not enter any findings as to whether Mr. Waits possessed the
current or future ability to pay the legal financial obligations, he was found indigent for
purposes of this appeal.
Mr. Waits timely appeals.
ANALYSIS
WHETHER MR. WAITS’ RULE-BASED RIGHT TO A SPEEDY TRIAL WAS VIOLATED
Mr. Waits argues his rule-based right to a speedy trial, under CrR 3.3(b)(1), was
violated when the trial court struck his initial trial setting and did not reschedule a trial
date until the time for trial had expired. We disagree.
We review ruled-based speedy trial challenges de novo. State v. Kenyon, 167
Wn.2d 130, 135, 216 P.3d 1024 (2009). Court rule interpretation is a question of law and
subject to de novo review. Gourley v. Gourley, 158 Wn.2d 460, 466, 145 P.3d 1185
(2006). The meaning of court rules is determined in the same manner as the meanings of
statutes, in effect by applying statutory interpretation principles. Id. To that end, when
5 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
the meaning of a rule is plain on its face, the court must give effect to that plain meaning,
assuming that plain meaning was the drafter’s intent. Id.
Free access — add to your briefcase to read the full text and ask questions with AI
FILED APRIL 15, 2025 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. 37894-2-III Respondent, ) ) v. ) ) JASON D. WAITS, ) UNPUBLISHED OPINION ) Appellant. )
COONEY, J. — Following a jury trial, Jason Waits was convicted of child
molestation in the first degree and attempted child molestation in the first degree. He was
sentenced to imprisonment for 89 months to life, subject to the Indeterminate Sentence
Review Board (ISRB), ordered to obey numerous community custody conditions, and
pay various legal financial obligations.
Mr. Waits appeals, arguing: (1) his right to a speedy trial under CrR 3.3 was
violated; (2) he was twice deprived of his right to confer privately with his trial counsel;
(3) the prosecutor committed multiple acts of misconduct; (4) he was afforded ineffective No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
assistance of counsel; (5) cumulative errors deprived him of a fair trial; and (6) certain
community custody conditions and legal financial obligations were improperly ordered
against him. Mr. Waits alleges four additional errors in a statement of additional grounds
for review (SAG).
We affirm Mr. Waits’ convictions and sentence and remand for the limited
purpose of striking certain community custody conditions and legal financial obligations
from the judgment and sentence.
BACKGROUND
On May 27, 2019, Audrie Eckerle, Mr. Waits’ cohabitant, contacted police to
report that Mr. Waits had engaged in three instances of sexual misconduct with her five-
year-old daughter, S.Y.,1 the day prior. Specifically, Ms. Eckerle claimed that she peered
through a crack in the bathroom door on May 26 and witnessed Mr. Waits on his knees
next to the bathtub where S.Y. was sitting. Ms. Eckerle testified Mr. Waits’ shorts were
pulled down to his knees, and he was attempting to force his erect penis into S.Y.’s
mouth. Later that evening, while Ms. Eckerle, Mr. Waits, and S.Y. were in bed together,
1 To protect the privacy interests of S.Y., we use her initials throughout this opinion. Gen. Order of Division III, In re the Use of Initials or Pseudonyms for Child Victims or Child Witnesses, (Wash. Ct. App. June 18, 2012), ttps://www.courts.wa. gov/appellatetrial_courts/?fa=atc.genorders_orddisp&ordnumber=2012_001&div=III.
2 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
Ms. Eckerle noticed S.Y. was “squirming and giggling.” Rep. of Proc. (RP)2 at 175.
She pulled back the covers and found S.Y.’s panties were down, her nightgown up,
and Mr. Waits had one hand on S.Y.’s vagina and the other hand on his erect penis.
Ms. Eckerle testified that Mr. Waits claimed, “he thought that that was [Ms. Eckerle] he
was touching, and he was so sorry and he didn’t mean to.” RP at 176. Mr. Waits
repeatedly apologized before returning to sleep.
Officer Matthew Malakowsky of the Clarkson Police Department responded to
Ms. Eckerle’s call. After taking a verbal and written statement from Ms. Eckerle, Officer
Malakowsky rapped on the front door of Mr. Waits’ home. Ex. P-1 at 00:30:44. After
a four-minute delay, Mr. Waits opened the door and spoke with Officer Malakowsky.
Ex. P-1. Officer Malakowsky advised Mr. Waits that the interaction was being recorded
and read him the Miranda 3 warnings. Mr. Waits stepped onto his porch and closed the
door behind him. Ex. P-1. Mr. Waits told officers he did not wish to waive his rights,
but he would answer their questions. Mr. Waits’ answers to Officer Malakowsky’s
questions were inconsistent, and his demeanor appeared to change as the questioning
progressed. After about a 30-minute conversation, Officer Malakowsky arrested
Mr. Waits.
2 Unless otherwise stated, “RP” refers to the reconstructed transcript filed with this court on December 1, 2023. 3 Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 86 S. Ct. 1602, 16 L. Ed. 2d 694 (1966).
3 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
The State charged Mr. Waits with attempted rape of a child in the first degree,
child molestation in the first degree, and attempted child molestation in the first degree.
Mr. Waits appeared for a probable cause hearing without an attorney on May 28, 2019.
After making a finding of probable cause, the court set Mr. Waits’ bond at $50,000,
ordered him not to have any contact with S.Y., appointed him an attorney, and scheduled
an arraignment for June 3, 2019. For brevity and clarity, Mr. Waits’ scheduled court
appearances and related delays are addressed in the analysis below.
Mr. Waits’ charges were tried to a jury. During voir dire, the prosecutor shared a
personal story with the venire about working a graveyard shift at a convenience store
while in law school. During the evidentiary portion of the trial, the State presented the
testimony of S.Y., among other witnesses. When S.Y. finished testifying, the prosecutor
stated to her, “Thank you. I don’t have any more questions for you. You did great.”
RP at 225. During the State’s closing and rebuttal arguments, the prosecutor presented
several arguments Mr. Waits claims were improper, among which was the story about
working a graveyard shift from voir dire. The prosecutor’s arguments are detailed in the
analysis below.
Ultimately, Mr. Waits was found not guilty of attempted rape of a child in the first
degree but guilty of child molestation in the first degree and attempted child molestation
in the first degree. Mr. Waits was later sentenced to 89 months to life on the charge of
child molestation in the first degree and 66 months to life on the charge of attempted
4 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
child molestation in the first degree, subject to the ISRB. The court ordered Mr. Waits to
pay a victim penalty assessment (VPA), a DNA collection fee, S.Y.’s counseling fees, the
cost of polygraph testing, and interest on nonrestitution legal financial obligations. The
court further ordered Mr. Waits not to have contact with minors without permission from
his community custody officer and not to possess or consume controlled substances
without a prescription from a licensed practicing physician, among other requirements.
Although the trial court did not enter any findings as to whether Mr. Waits possessed the
current or future ability to pay the legal financial obligations, he was found indigent for
purposes of this appeal.
Mr. Waits timely appeals.
ANALYSIS
WHETHER MR. WAITS’ RULE-BASED RIGHT TO A SPEEDY TRIAL WAS VIOLATED
Mr. Waits argues his rule-based right to a speedy trial, under CrR 3.3(b)(1), was
violated when the trial court struck his initial trial setting and did not reschedule a trial
date until the time for trial had expired. We disagree.
We review ruled-based speedy trial challenges de novo. State v. Kenyon, 167
Wn.2d 130, 135, 216 P.3d 1024 (2009). Court rule interpretation is a question of law and
subject to de novo review. Gourley v. Gourley, 158 Wn.2d 460, 466, 145 P.3d 1185
(2006). The meaning of court rules is determined in the same manner as the meanings of
statutes, in effect by applying statutory interpretation principles. Id. To that end, when
5 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
the meaning of a rule is plain on its face, the court must give effect to that plain meaning,
assuming that plain meaning was the drafter’s intent. Id.
We review a trial court’s decision to grant a continuance under the abuse of
discretion standard. State v. Flinn, 119 Wn. App. 232, 243, 80 P.3d 171 (2003). A court
“abuses its discretion when it acts on untenable grounds or its ruling is manifestly
unreasonable.” State v. Gaines, 194 Wn. App. 892, 896, 380 P.3d 540 (2016). When
defense counsel requests a delay or agrees to a delay, it is chargeable to the defendant. In
re Pers. Restraint of Benn, 134 Wn.2d 868, 920, 952 P.2d 116 (1998).
CrR 3.3(h) provides that “[n]o case shall be dismissed for time-to-trial reasons
except as expressly required by this rule.” The rule provides a single circumstance when
dismissal is required—when “[a] charge [is] not brought to trial within the time limit
determined under this rule.” CrR 3.3(h).
Mr. Waits argues he is entitled to dismissal because the trial court failed to comply
with two provisions of CrR 3.3. First, Mr. Waits contends the court continued his trial
date without setting a “specified date” for trial as required by CrR 3.3(f)(2). Br. of
Appellant 4 at 1. Secondly, Mr. Waits asserts the court failed to “set a new trial date” after
his trial date was continued, as required by CrR 3.3(d)(2). Id. at 7. Thus, Mr. Waits
4 This opinion cites to the brief of appellant filed on April 18, 2024.
6 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
asserts, “no valid excluded period resulted and the time for trial expired on August 2,
2019.” Id. at 26-27.
In giving effect to the plain language of CrR 3.3, dismissal is not the appropriate
remedy for the trial court’s lack of adherence to the provisions of the rule. Instead,
dismissal is allowed only when a charge is not brought to trial within the time limitations
of the rule. CrR 3.3(h). We therefore disagree with Mr. Waits’ argument that the trial
court’s lack of strict compliance with the provisions of CrR 3.3(d)(2) and CrR 3.3(f)(2)
warrants dismissal. However, if the trial court’s deviation from the rule violated Mr.
Waits’ right to a speedy trial, dismissal may be warranted.
CrR 3.3(b)(1) requires a defendant who is detained in jail to be brought to trial
within 60 days from the date of arraignment, subject to numerous exceptions. One
exception is “when such continuance is required in the administration of justice and the
defendant will not be prejudiced in the presentation of his or her defense.” CrR 3.3(f)(2).
In such an event, “the court shall set a new date for trial which is within the time limits
prescribed and notify each counsel or party of the date set.” CrR 3.3(d)(2). The time
period of the continuance is excluded when computing the time for trial. CrR 3.3(e)(3).
In addition to excluding the time period, CrR 3.3(b)(5) provides, “the allowable time for
trial shall not expire earlier than 30 days after the end of that excluded period.” Further,
if a defense attorney is disqualified, a new commencement date is set on the date of the
disqualification. CrR 3.3(c)(2)(vii).
7 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
Mr. Waits does not dispute that the trial court properly set an initial trial date as
required by CrR 3.3(d)(1) nor that his original trial setting was set within the parameters
of CrR 3.3(b)(1). Rather, in asserting a speedy trial violation, Mr. Waits focuses on the
period between July 15, 2019, when his attorney successfully moved to continue the trial
date set for July 25, and August 2, 2019, when Mr. Waits claims his time-for-trial period
expired. Thus, Mr. Waits argues, any trial date beyond August 2 was “beyond the time
for trial limits set forth in CrR 3.3.” Br. of Appellant at 27.
Mr. Waits was arraigned on June 3, 2019. Because Mr. Waits was detained in jail,
the initial expiration of his rule-based time for trial was August 2. A pretrial hearing was
held on July 15, and defense counsel informed the court that she had another trial
scheduled for July 25 and a major trial in Columbia County in August. The State
reported it was unavailable between August 19 and September 2.
Due to defense counsel’s conflicts, the court found “good cause for continuance,”
struck the July 25 trial date, and, by agreement of the parties, scheduled a “Re-setting”
hearing for August 5. Clerk’s Papers (CP) at 185. Under CrR 3.3(e)(3), the time between
July 25 and September 3 is an excluded period. Further, when a court determines a
continuance is required in the administration of justice and the defendant will not be
prejudiced in the presentation of his or her defense, the allowable time for trial “shall not
expire earlier than 30 days after the end of that excluded period.” CrR 3.3(b)(5).
Therefore, Mr. Waits’ time for trial would have expired 30 days from September 3.
8 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
On September 23, Mr. Waits requested his attorney be disqualified from
representing him due to a conflict. The court granted Mr. Waits’ motion and appointed a
new attorney. The disqualification of Mr. Waits’ attorney spawned a new
commencement date, which “shall be the date of disqualification.” CrR 3.3(c)(2)(vii).
With a new commencement date of September 23, the expiration for Mr. Waits’ time for
trial extended to November 22.
Because Mr. Waits claims any trial date after August 2 was outside his rule-based
time for trial, any subsequent setting would have violated CrR 3.3. Therefore, we need
not address any delays beyond August 2. Regardless of whether the trial court failed
to set a specific date for trial following a continuance, the time periods Mr. Waits
complains of were either excluded periods under CrR 3.3(e)(3), allowable time after an
excluded period under CrR 3.3(b)(5), or caused the commencement date to be reset under
CrR (c)(2)(vii). Consequently, Mr. Waits’ rule-based right to a speedy trial was not
violated. CrR 3.3 limits dismissal for violations of the rule to “charge[s] not brought to
trial within the time limit determined under this rule.” CrR 3.3(h). Although the trial
court deviated from the provisions of CrR 3.3(d)(2) and (f)(2), because Mr. Waits’ rule-
based time for trial was not violated, dismissal is not allowed under the plain language of
the rule.
9 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
WHETHER MR. WAITS WAS DEPRIVED OF THE RIGHT TO CONFER PRIVATELY WITH COUNSEL
Mr. Waits contends his constitutional right to confer with his attorney was violated
when he appeared by videoconference for two pretrial hearings while physically
separated from his attorney with no means of private communication. We agree Mr.
Waits’ right to counsel was violated, but deem any error harmless under the constitutional
harmless error analysis.
As an initial matter, Mr. Waits did not preserve the alleged error for review.
Generally, unpreserved errors are not subject to appeal. RAP 2.5(a). Nevertheless, a
manifest error affecting a constitutional right may be reviewed for the first time on
appeal. RAP 2.5(a)(3); State v. Kirkman, 159 Wn.2d 918, 934, 155 P.3d 125 (2007).
The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, and article I, section 22
of the Washington Constitution guarantee an accused assistance of counsel during critical
stages of the litigation. State v. Heddrick, 166 Wn.2d 898, 909-10, 215 P.3d 201 (2009).
“A critical stage is one ‘in which a defendant’s rights may be lost, defenses waived,
privileges claimed or waived, or in which the outcome of the case is otherwise
substantially affected.’” Id. at 910 (quoting State v. Agtuca, 12 Wn. App. 402, 404, 529
P.2d 1159 (1974)). A pretrial hearing is a critical stage of the litigation. State v.
Schlenker, 31 Wn. App. 2d 921, 939, 553 P.3d 712 (2024). Mr. Waits had a
constitutional right to assistance of counsel at his pretrial hearings.
10 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
Mr. Waits appeared by videoconference for two pretrial hearings: one on July 15,
2019, and the second on August 5, 2019. At both hearings, Mr. Waits appeared from jail
and was separated from his attorney who was physically present in the courtroom. The
trial court neglected to establish any ground rules for how Mr. Waits could confer
privately with his attorney at both hearings. Hence, Mr. Waits has demonstrated he was
twice denied access to counsel, constituting errors of a constitutional dimension.
In addition to establishing the error is of a constitutional dimension, RAP 2.5(a)(3)
requires Mr. Waits to also establish the error was manifest. An error is manifest if the
appellant makes a “plausible showing” that the asserted error had practical and
identifiable consequences in the trial of the case. State v. Lynn, 67 Wn. App. 339, 345,
835 P.2d 251 (1992). “To determine whether an error is practical and identifiable, the
appellate court must place itself in the shoes of the trial court to ascertain whether, given
what the trial court knew at that time, the court could have corrected the error.” State v.
O’Hara, 167 Wn.2d 91, 99-100, 217 P.3d 756 (2009). The question and analysis of
manifest error differs from the analysis used to determine whether an error warrants a
reversal. Id.
The trial court’s failure to allow Mr. Waits to confer privately with his attorney
during the pretrial hearings amounts to identifiable and unmistakable errors that the trial
court could have foreseen and should have remedied even without an objection. A trial
judge is tasked with ensuring that a criminally accused and their attorney have the
11 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
opportunity to engage in private consultation. State v. Anderson, 19 Wn. App. 2d 556,
562, 497 P.3d 880 (2021). This includes the ability for private and continual discussions
between the accused and their attorney. State v. Hartzog, 96 Wn.2d 383, 402, 635 P.2d
694 (1981). Upon recognizing Mr. Waits’ inability to privately confer with his attorney,
the trial court should have taken measures to correct the error. Thus, the error was
manifest.
Since Mr. Waits has met his burden of showing the existence of a constitutional
error that is manifest, we next engage in a constitutional harmless error analysis.
Anderson, 19 Wn. App. 2d at 564. Under the constitutional harmless error analysis, we
presume prejudice. Id. Reversal is mandated unless the State proves the constitutional
error did not contribute to the verdict beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Orn, 197
Wn.2d 343, 359, 482 P.3d 913 (2021); State v. Romero-Ochoa, 193 Wn.2d 341, 347, 440
P.3d 994 (2019). This heavy burden is placed on the State to deter conduct that
undermines the principle of equal justice. State v. Jackson, 195 Wn.2d 841, 856, 467
P.3d 97 (2020).
Here, we conclude that the State has met its burden of showing the error was
harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. Although Mr. Waits did not consent to appear by
videoconference and was unable to privately and continually communicate with his
attorney without interrupting the proceedings, neither the July 15 nor the August 5
videoconference hearings contributed to the verdict.
12 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
At the July 15 hearing, Mr. Waits’ counsel moved for a continuance of the July 25
trial date due to a conflict in her schedule. Under CrR 3.3(e)(3), a continuance is an
excluded period, not requiring a defendant to waive his right to a speedy trial. Similarly,
the court scheduled a CrR 3.5 hearing during the August 5 hearing and noted that Mr.
Waits’ attorney was unavailable for trial during the month of August. Again, this was an
excluded period under CrR 3.3(e)(3) and was not dependent on Mr. Waits waiving his
right to a speedy trial.
The sole issue presented at both pretrial hearings was scheduling a realistic trial
date given the schedule of defense counsel and the need for two evidentiary hearings.
Regardless of whether Mr. Waits could have privately and continuously communicated
with his attorney, the outcome of both hearings would have been unaffected due to his
attorney’s unavailability for trial as well as the need for a CrR 3.5 hearing and child
hearsay hearing.
We are persuaded beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Waits’ inability to privately
and continuously confer with his attorney during the July 15 and August 5 hearings did
not contribute to the verdict. The constitutional error was harmless.
WHETHER THE PROSECUTOR ENGAGED IN ACTS OF MISCONDUCT
Mr. Waits asserts the prosecutor engaged in misconduct by presenting knowingly
objectionable questions and by advancing improper arguments that, when viewed
13 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
individually and collectively, created a substantial likelihood of affecting the jury’s
verdict. We disagree.
On a claim of prosecutorial misconduct, the defendant bears the burden of
showing that the prosecutor’s remarks were both improper and prejudicial. State v.
Stenson, 132 Wn.2d 668, 718, 940 P.2d 1239 (1997). In determining whether the State’s
conduct rises to the level of misconduct, we examine the conduct in the context of the
entire trial, including the evidence presented, the arguments presented, the issues in the
case, the evidence addressed in the argument, and the court’s instructions to the jury.
State v. Monday, 171 Wn.2d 667, 675, 257 P.3d 551 (2011). Even if a prosecutor’s
comments are improper, the misconduct does not require reversal unless the “court
determines there is a substantial likelihood the misconduct affected the jury’s verdict.”
Stenson, 132 Wn.2d at 719. In presenting its argument to the jury, a prosecutor enjoys
wide latitude “in drawing and expressing reasonable inferences from the evidence.” State
v. Gentry, 125 Wn.2d 570, 641, 888 P.2d 1105 (1995).
A defendant’s failure to object to a prosecutor’s improper remark constitutes a
waiver of such error unless the remark was “so flagrant and ill-intentioned that it evinces
an enduring and resulting prejudice” that could not have been cured by an admonishment
to the jury. Stenson, 132 Wn.2d at 719; see also Gentry, 125 Wn.2d at 596; State v.
Hoffman, 116 Wn.2d 51, 93, 804 P.2d 577 (1991).
14 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
Improper Questions
Mr. Waits claims the State engaged in misconduct by knowingly and repeatedly
asking every witness but S.Y. to comment on Ms. Eckerle’s or Mr. Waits’ credibility.
We disagree that the State persistently asked improper questions.
A prosecutor is a representative of the people who acts in a quasijudicial capacity.
Monday, 171 Wn.2d at 676. “Defendants are among the people the prosecutor
represents.” Id. Thus, a prosecutor owes a duty to ensure that a defendant’s right to a
fair trial is not violated. Id. Because the Rules of Evidence impose a duty on an attorney
to prevent inadmissible evidence from reaching the jury, repeatedly asking witnesses
questions a prosecutor knows to be objectionable is misconduct. Teter v. Deck, 174
Wn.2d 207, 223, 274 P.3d 336 (2012). The purposeful asking of improper questions
places opposing counsel in the position of having to constantly object, giving the
appearance they are attempting to hide something important. Id.
Generally, no witness may offer testimony in the form of an opinion regarding the
veracity of another witness. Kirkman, 159 Wn.2d at 927. This type of testimony
amounts to misconduct because it invades the province of the jury. State v. Walden, 69
Wn. App. 183, 186, 847 P.2d 956 (1993); State v. Jerrels, 83 Wn. App. 503, 507, 925
P.2d 209 (1996); State v. Casteneda-Perez, 61 Wn. App. 354, 360, 810 P.2d 74 (1991).
“‘Opinion testimony’ is testimony that is ‘based on one’s belief or idea rather than on
direct knowledge of the facts at issue.’” State v. Fleeks, 25 Wn. App. 2d 341, 368, 523
15 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
P.3d 220 (2023) (citing BLACK’S LAW DICTIONARY 1779 (11th ed. 2019)). However, it
is not improper to point out the inconsistency in a witness’s statements. Walden, 69 Wn.
App. at 187. Testimony that does not directly address the credibility of another witness is
not improper. Kirkman, 159 Wn.2d at 930.
In support of his argument, Mr. Waits directs us to 16 questions posed by the State
to 5 different witnesses. The 16 questions can generally be separated into 3 categories:
(1) questions lacking an objection from Mr. Waits or questions he objected to on a
basis other than commenting on another witness’s credibility; (2) questions where Mr.
Waits successfully objected or the State withdrew its question after his objection; and
(3) questions where Mr. Waits’ objection was overruled. Of the 16 questions, Mr. Waits
failed to object to 11 of the now-challenged questions, unsuccessfully objected to 1, and
successfully objected to 4.
Because Mr. Waits failed to object to 11 of the alleged improper questions, he is
burdened on appeal with demonstrating the questions were so flagrant and ill-intentioned
that they evinced an enduring and resulting prejudice that could not have been remedied
by an instruction to the jury. Mr. Waits has failed to make this showing.
The 11 questions Mr. Waits failed to object to called for a comment on the
witness’s direct knowledge of facts at issue—whether other witnesses offered conflicting
16 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
accounts.5 None of the responses to the 11 questions provided an explicit expression of
personal belief such as “I felt very strongly that[,]” or “we believe.” See State v.
Montgomery, 163 Wn.2d 577, 594, 183 P.3d 267 (2008). Rather, the questions were
intended to highlight either differing or inconsistent statements made by Mr. Waits and
Ms. Eckerle. Thus, the questions were not designed to solicit the witness’s own belief or
idea of another witness’s credibility but were instead intended to point out inconsistencies
in the statements made by other witnesses. This was not improper.
Because the 11 questions were not improper, Mr. Waits has failed to establish that
the prosecutor’s conduct in asking the questions was so flagrant and ill-intentioned that it
evinced an enduring and resulting prejudice that could not have been remedied by an
instruction to the jury.
5 The 11 questions posed by the State without objection from Mr. Waits or objected to on other grounds are: “Throughout the interview of Mr. Waits did you note other—strange answers or inconsistent answers[?]” RP at 128; “Did you note certain contradictions or inconsistencies in answers given by the defendant in response to questions[?]” RP at 128; “What was it that seemed to—to cause the change in the answer[?]” RP at 129; “Later did that story stand up?” RP at 129; “Did that account change in light of the information that you provided to him[?]” RP at 129; “Did that story change[?]” RP at 129; “And at first did he deny that . . . But then later admitted it again[?]” RP at 129; “Was [Ms. Eckerle’s] statement to law enforcement consistent with the statement that she had made to you when you first got home[?]” RP at 243; “So her story—stayed the same?” RP at 344; “Has his story changed?” RP at 344; “When you first asked him about the confrontation in the bed, what was his response[?]” RP at 143.
17 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
Mr. Waits objected to the State’s question, “What was your impression of the
defendant’s description of Ms. Eckerle’s diabetic, low sugar business[?]” RP at 138. The
court overruled the objection. On appeal, Mr. Waits fails to assign error to the trial
court’s evidentiary ruling. Accordingly, we decline to review the evidentiary ruling and
deem the question proper. See RAP 10.3(a)(3); RAP 2.5.
Mr. Waits successfully objected to four of the State’s questions he alleges were
intended to elicit comments on the credibility of Mr. Waits and Ms. Eckerle. 6 Although
certain questions may have been improper, the prosecutor’s presentation of a mere four
objectionable questions does place the defense in a position of having to constantly
object, leaving the jury with the impression Mr. Waits was attempting to hide something.
Teter, 174 Wn.2d at 223.
In support of his argument, Mr. Waits cites Teter and In re Personal Restraint of
Glasmann, 175 Wn.2d 696, 704, 286 P.3d 673 (2012). Br. of Appellant at 53, 64. Both
cases are distinguishable.
6 “Is [Mr. Waits] trying to use that as an explanation for why[?]” RP at 138; “Do you think it’s reasonable to mistake your five—then five-year-old daughter’s body for your own body?” RP at 176; “And did the statement that [Ms. Eckerle] gave to the law enforcement officers was it the same as the basic statement that she’d give to you[?]” RP at 242; “Without commenting on credibility, did you find Mr. Waits’ responses to questions concerning?” RP 251.
18 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
In Teter, offending counsel repeatedly ignored the court’s instruction to refrain
from speaking objections, put exhibits before the jury that had not been admitted,
attempted to elicit testimony in violation of an order in limine, and persisted in this and
other misconduct after the trial court threatened to fine her. 174 Wn.2d at 207.
Glasmann does not discuss objectional prosecutorial questions, but does provide a
clear example of what constitutes “flagrant and ill-intentioned misconduct.” 175 Wn.2d
at 704. In Glasmann, the prosecutor presented Glasmann’s booking photograph, showing
him “unkempt and bloody” from a violent altercation with law enforcement. Id. at 705.
Glasmann’s booking photograph was accompanied by captions stating: “DO YOU
BELIEVE HIM?”; “WHY SHOULD YOU BELIEVE ANYTHING HE SAYS ABOUT
THE ASSAULT?”; and “GUILTY, GUILTY, GUILTY.” Id. at 701-02.
These captions not only directly attacked Glasmann’s credibility, but they injected
the prosecutor’s personal opinion of guilt into the case. Id. at 706-07. The court likened
it to the prosecutor “shout[ing] in closing argument that ‘Glasmann is guilty, guilty,
guilty!’” Id. at 708. Moreover, the court emphasized that the visual presentation was
particularly likely to manipulate the jury, especially during the critical closing moments
of trial. Id. at 709-10. The prosecutor also shifted the State’s burden of proof to
Glasmann by arguing the “jurors could acquit Glasmann only if they believed him.” Id.
at 710.
19 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
Here, the State did not exhibit any of the behavior found in Teter and Glasmann.
After the court warned the State that some of its questions called for opinion testimony,
the State only asked one further question on the topic, which Mr. Waits did not object to.
Moreover, the jury was instructed that they were “the sole judges of the credibility of
each witness.” CP at 53. Juries are presumed to follow the instructions that the trial
court gives them. State v. Keend, 140 Wn. App. 858, 863, 166 P.3d 1268 (2007). The
State reminded the jury of this obligation during its closing argument: “You are the sole
judges of credibility of each witness. That’s the law. That’s your job. Judge their
credibility. You are also the sole judges of the value or weight to be given the testimony
of each witness.” RP at 382-83.
We are unpersuaded that the four objectionable questions posed by the State rose
to the level of misconduct. Even if we were to conclude otherwise, Mr. Waits has failed
to demonstrate the questions created a substantial likelihood of affecting the jury’s
verdict.
Comment to S.Y.
Mr. Waits’ second instance of alleged misconduct was a statement made by the
prosecutor to S.Y. At the conclusion of S.Y.’s testimony, the prosecutor remarked,
“Thank you. I don’t have any more questions for you. You did great.” RP at 225. Mr.
Waits did not object. Under the circumstances, we disagree this statement amounts to
misconduct.
20 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
The prosecutor’s comment was directed at a child witness who testified against an
adult she considered a father figure. S.Y. testified before a courtroom full of adults about
sexual acts she may not have been capable of fully comprehending. She was subject to
cross-examination by Mr. Waits’ attorney, causing her to repeat much of her testimony.
In viewing the prosecutor’s statement, “You did great,” in context of the circumstances,
the comment was not intended as an endorsement of her testimony, but rather to
encourage a child at the conclusion of a stressful situation. RP at 225. When viewed in
context, the prosecutor’s comment to S.Y. was neither improper nor prejudicial.
Comments During Closing Argument
Mr. Waits next contends the prosecutor presented inflammatory and disparaging
comments during closing argument. Mr. Waits failed to object to the prosecutor’s
comments.
The prosecutor stated during closing argument:
This is a hard case. It’s not easy. Anyone who can sit through this type of case and not have a reaction, there’s something wrong with them. Anyone who can sit here and blithefully talk about remembering movie lines, when we’re talking about sexually abusing a five-year-old child, there’s [s]omething wrong with that person.
RP at 395 (emphasis added). Later, during rebuttal, the prosecutor argued:
Texting Jason. “That doesn’t make any sense. Why would she try and get him to come back—after he’d done these horrible things to the child.” She told you. She told you. She used the word “luring him back.” She needed him at the house so that he could be confronted by law enforcement. He was out someplace she didn’t know. She was afraid what
21 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
would happen if he found out that she was reporting it. She told you that. She needed—to trap him. So she texted him. And what was it. What was the piece of cheese that drew the rat. It wasn’t, “Gosh, she’s crying her eyes out about the pool party.” What was it that she did to lure the defendant back to where he could be arrested. “I need you to watch [S.Y.].” “I’m going to give you a chance to be alone with the child again—if you come back.” She didn’t intend to. And you may think that that’s horrible thing for a mother to do to use her child—as bait to catch a predator. But she told you why she sent the texts, why she wanted him to come back. Because she wanted to be safe. And she wanted her daughter to be safe.
RP at 411-12 (emphasis added).
In support of his contention that the prosecutor’s argument amounted to
misconduct, Mr. Waits directs us to State v. Rivers, 96 Wn. App. 672, 981 P.2d 16
(1999). In Rivers, the court found the prosecutor had committed misconduct during
closing argument when he referred to Rivers and the other alleged assailants as
“predators,” stating, “[t]hey are nothing more than hyenas.” Id. at 673. There, the
prosecutor read the definition of “jackal” to the jury and commented that “[t]hat’s what
these four young men were. They were jackals.” Id. The prosecutor continued his
attack, referring to Rivers’ witnesses, who were dressed in orange jail coveralls when
they testified, as the “pajama crowd.” Id. at 674. The prosecutor insinuated that the
“pajama crowd” had an ulterior motive, sarcastically stating, “Can you imagine how they
would be welcomed in the shower? Absolutely no incentive for them to come in here and
say that the defendant was involved?” Id.
22 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
While the prosecutor’s comments were improper, the statements fall short of the
inflammatory language of Rivers. Rather, the State offered a lone comment about Mr.
Waits’ presentation and a fairly innocuous statement intended to support its argument of
Ms. Eckerle’s unusual response to Mr. Waits’ actions. Further, Mr. Waits has failed to
establish that these comments created a substantial likelihood of affecting the jury’s
verdict. Consequently, the prosecutor’s arguments do not rise to a level of being so
flagrant and ill-intentioned that they evince an enduring and resulting prejudice that could
not have been cured with a jury instruction.
Appeal to the Emotions of the Jury
Mr. Waits next claims the State improperly appealed to the emotions of the jury.
Without objection from Mr. Waits, the prosecutor stated during closing argument:
If you are not convinced beyond a reasonable doubt, you cannot convict him. But if you know—that based on what you heard, that based on the evidence that was presented, that you have passed reasonable doubt, and that you have an abiding belief—not a fleeting belief, not a “Hm, maybe,” but an abiding belief in the truth of the charges you must—convict. You must find him guilty. That’s what the law says. That’s what your heart tells you.
RP at 396 (emphasis added).
While “That’s what your heart tells you” is not the standard for a jury to determine
guilt, in viewing the prosecutor’s comment in context of the entire argument, the jury was
clearly informed they were not to “decide the case on emotion.” RP (Aug. 14, 2020) at
396. Prior to the objectionable comment, the prosecutor argued:
23 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
Don’t decide this case on emotion. And if I get emotional, I’m sorry. Emotion is not the measure. Common sense, reasonable thought, carefully considering the evidence is the measure. If you are not convinced beyond a reasonable doubt, you cannot convict him.
RP at 396. Viewed in context of the State’s entire argument, the prosecutor’s comment
of “That’s what your heart tells you” is not improper nor prejudicial. Id. Thus, the
comment does not rise to a level of being so flagrant and ill-intentioned that it evinces an
enduring and resulting prejudice that could not have been cured with a jury instruction.
Storytelling
Mr. Waits next contends that the prosecutor offered a personal story during
closing argument to introduce facts not in evidence and to invite the jury to imagine
themselves in Ms. Eckerle’s position.
During summation, attorneys are precluded from presenting argument that is
unsupported by evidence presented during the trial. State v. Schierman, 192 Wn.2d 577,
640, 438 P.3d 1063 (2018).
Here, during voir dire the prosecutor shared with the venire a story about working
a graveyard shift at a convenience store while in law school. The State revisited the story
during rebuttal argument, without objection from Mr. Waits. The story was shared after
Mr. Waits’ closing argument and was intended to counter the assertion that Ms. Eckerle’s
account was “bizzare” and “stretches common sense.” RP at 397, 399.
24 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
In the context of the totality of both parties’ closing arguments, the court’s
instruction that the jury “remember that the lawyers’ statements are not evidence,” and
that the “evidence is the testimony and the exhibits,” and in granting wide latitude to the
parties to draw and express reasonable inferences from the evidence, the prosecutor’s
story was neither improper nor prejudicial. CP at 365. Accordingly, the prosecutor’s
argument falls short of being so flagrant and ill-intentioned that it evinces an enduring
and resulting prejudice that could not have been cured with an admonishment to the jury.
Appeal to the Jurors’ Emotions and Prejudice
Mr. Waits claims the prosecutor offered argument that improperly appealed to the
emotions and prejudices of the jurors. During summation, the prosecutor stated:
What would you do if someone you loved, who you had invested two years of your life into, who you had given your five-year-old child to to care for, who you had allowed to potty train and bathe and dress your daughter. What would you do if you walked in and saw—he was molesting her. Would you do what [Ms. Eckerle] did and say, “I can’t believe it, I refuse to believe it, I’m—I’m in shock, I’m in trauma, I didn’t see what I just saw. I don’t believe my own eyes.
RP at 416. Mr. Waits did not object.
The prosecutor’s argument unquestionably ventured into an appeal to emotions
and prejudices. However, in reviewing the State’s improper comment in the context of
the State’s entire argument, it seems the State was attempting to address Ms. Eckerle’s
perceived unorthodox behavior toward Mr. Waits after he committed sexual offenses
against S.Y. Because the improper argument was limited to rationalizing Ms. Eckerle’s
25 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
behavior toward Mr. Waits, we are unconvinced that the argument was so flagrant and ill-
intentioned that it evinced an enduring and resulting prejudice that could not have been
neutralized by an instruction to the jury.
EFFECT OF CUMULATIVE ERROR
Mr. Waits argues the five instances of prosecutorial misconduct resulted in
cumulative error that deprived him of a fair trial.
“Under the cumulative error doctrine, a defendant may be entitled to a new trial
when cumulative errors produce a trial that is fundamentally unfair.” State v. Emery, 174
Wn.2d 741, 766, 278 P.3d 653 (2012). To prevail under the cumulative error doctrine, an
appellant must show that while multiple errors “standing alone . . . might not be of
sufficient gravity to constitute grounds for a new trial, the combined effect of the
accumulation of errors most certainly requires a new trial.” State v. Coe, 101 Wn.2d 772,
789, 684 P.2d 668 (1984).
Here, Mr. Waits’ assertion that he was deprived of a fair trial boils down to two
instances of unpreserved improper comments by the prosecutor. As previously
discussed, independently, neither instance of improper comments created a substantial
likelihood of affecting the jury’s verdict. Likewise, in reviewing the totality of the
State’s argument, the two improper comments collectively did not produce a trial that is
fundamentally unfair. Cumulative errors did not deprive Mr. Waits of a fair trial.
26 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
WHETHER MR. WAITS WAS AFFORDED INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL
In the event we were to conclude Mr. Waits waived his claim of prosecutorial
misconduct based on his trial counsel’s failure to object, Mr. Waits asserts he was
afforded ineffective assistance of counsel. Br. of Appellant at 85.
Criminal defendants have a constitutionally guaranteed right to effective
assistance of counsel. U.S. CONST. amend. VI; WASH. CONST. art. I, § 22; State v. Lopez,
190 Wn.2d 104, 115, 410 P.3d 1117 (2018). A claim of ineffective assistance of counsel
is an issue of constitutional magnitude that may be considered for the first time on appeal.
State v. Nichols, 161 Wn.2d 1, 9, 162 P.3d 1122 (2007). Claims of ineffective assistance
of counsel are reviewed de novo. State v. White, 80 Wn. App. 406, 410, 907 P.2d 310
(1995).
To succeed on a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, an appellant bears the
burden of showing that his trial counsel’s performance fell below an objective standard of
reasonableness based on consideration of all the circumstances and, if so, there is a
reasonable probability that but for trial counsel’s poor performance the outcome of the
proceedings would have been different. State v. McFarland, 127 Wn.2d 322, 334-35,
899 P.2d 1251 (1995). “If either element . . . is not satisfied, the inquiry ends.” State v.
Kyllo, 166 Wn.2d 856, 862, 215 P.3d 177 (2009).
In reviewing the record for deficiencies, there is a strong presumption that trial
counsel’s performance was reasonable. McFarland, 127 Wn.2d at 335. The burden is on
27 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
a defendant alleging ineffective assistance of counsel to show deficient representation.
Id. “The reasonableness of trial counsel’s performance is to be evaluated from [trial]
counsel’s perspective at the time of the alleged error and in light of all the
circumstances.” Kimmelman v. Morrison, 477 U.S. 365, 384, 106 S. Ct. 2574, 91 L. Ed.
2d 305 (1986). “When [trial] counsel’s conduct can be characterized as legitimate trial
strategy or tactics, performance is not deficient.” Kyllo, 166 Wn.2d at 863.
A defendant must affirmatively prove prejudice, not simply show that “the errors
had some conceivable effect on the outcome.” Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668,
693, 104 S. Ct. 2052, 80 L. Ed. 2d 674 (1984). A defendant demonstrates prejudice by
demonstrating that the proceedings would have been different but for trial counsel’s
deficient representation. McFarland, 127 Wn.2d at 337.
Mr. Waits claims “there was no strategic reason for objecting to some but not all
of the prosecutor’s questions designed to elicit inadmissible opinions of [Ms.] Eckerle’s
and [Mr.] Waits’ credibility” and in failing “to lodge a single objection to the
prosecutor’s repeated misconduct in closing and rebuttal.” Br. of Appellant at 86-87.
Of Mr. Waits’ six claimed occurrences of misconduct, we conclude only a few
questions and two minor arguments were improper, and that Mr. Waits failed to establish
prejudice. Consequently, Mr. Waits’ trial counsel was not ineffective in failing to object
to questions or arguments aside from the instances previously discussed. Furthermore,
defense counsel may have refrained from objecting as a trial tactic. Similar to the
28 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
prosecutor’s perceived appeal to the emotions and prejudices of the jury, defense counsel
argued:
Imagine the shame and embarrassment to find yourself in that position. It’s hard to come up with—a perfect, articulable way to say, “I didn’t mean it.” You’re shocked. He was shocked. “Whoa, whoa, whoa.” “Didn’t do that.” “I didn’t mean it.”
RP at 405 (emphasis added). Defense counsel also made argument that appealed to the
emotions of the jurors. As such, it may have looked hypocritical to a jury for defense to
object to the State’s similar appeal. This is a legitimate trial tactic.
Moreover, Mr. Waits has failed to establish prejudice by demonstrating that the
proceedings would have been different but for trial counsel’s failure to object to a few
questions and to the prosecutor’s two improper arguments.
Even if defense counsel was ineffective, Mr. Waits has failed to establish that the
proceedings would have been different but for trial counsel’s failure to object to a few
questions and two arguments presented by the State. Mr. Waits was not afforded
ineffective assistance from his trial counsel.
WHETHER MR. WAITS IS ENTITLED TO RELIEF FROM VARIOUS COMMUNITY CUSTODY CONDITIONS AND LEGAL FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
Mr. Waits challenges several community custody conditions and legal financial
obligations.
The imposition of crime-related prohibitions is fact specific and based upon “the
sentencing judge’s in-person appraisal of the trial and the offender.” In re Pers. Restraint
29 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
of Rainey, 168 Wn.2d 367, 374-75, 229 P.3d 686 (2010). As such, we review them under
the abuse of discretion standard. Id. at 374. A judge abuses their discretion in imposing
community custody conditions in violation of the legal parameters set by
RCW 9.94A.703. See State v. Rohrich, 149 Wn.2d 647, 654, 71 P.3d 638 (2003). It is
also an abuse of discretion to impose unconstitutional conditions of community custody.
State v. Johnson, 197 Wn.2d 740, 744, 487 P.3d 893 (2021). Judicial discretion “means a
sound judgment exercised with regard to what is right under the circumstances and
without doing so arbitrarily or capriciously.” State ex rel. Carroll v. Junker, 79 Wn.2d
12, 26, 482 P.2d 775 (1971).
No Contact with Minors
Mr. Waits claims the order prohibiting him from contact with minors without
permission from his community corrections officer violates his right to parent his four
minor children. We disagree.
The right to parent without interference from the State has been recognized as a
fundamental constitutionally protected liberty interest. See In re Custody of Smith, 137
Wn.2d 1, 14-15, 969 P.2d 21 (1998). Preventing harm to children is a compelling state
interest. State v. Ancira, 107 Wn. App. 650, 654, 27 P.3d 1246 (2001). Consequently, a
sentencing court may impose on the right to parent when it is reasonably necessary to
further the State’s compelling interest to protect children. State v. Letourneau, 100 Wn.
App. 424, 438, 997 P.2d 436 (2000).
30 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
When a court sentences a person to a term of community custody, the court shall
impose conditions of community custody as provided in RCW 9.94A.703. A court may
also impose discretionary conditions, including a restriction that the offender “[r]efrain
from direct or indirect contact with the victim of the crime or a specified class of
individuals.” RCW 9.94A.703(3)(b).
Here, the court restricted Mr. Waits from having contact with minors, including
his own children. In entering the order, the court considered, among other information, a
statement from Mr. Waits’ former wife with whom he has two children in common. His
former wife explained the tremendous impact Mr. Waits’ behavior had on their children
and described Mr. Waits’ continuous failure to accept responsibility for his actions and
inability to comply with court orders. In accentuating her observations, the State directed
the court to Mr. Waits’ pretrial conduct. Within two hours of being released from jail
after a bond reduction, Mr. Waits violated his conditions of release by purchasing beer.
The next day, Mr. Waits again violated the pretrial order by having contact with his
minor children. When the court ordered Mr. Waits not to have contact with minors, it
highlighted Mr. Waits’ “fatherly type role” to S.Y. and how he took advantage of that
role. RP (Dec. 7, 2020) at 513.
It is within the court’s discretion to order crime-related restrictions. State v.
Howard, 182 Wn. App. 91, 100-01, 328 P.3d 969 (2014). “A no contact order is a crime-
related prohibition.” Id. at 101. Although the no contact order prohibits Mr. Waits from
31 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
having contact with minors, the order offers Mr. Waits the ability to have contact with the
permission of his community corrections officer. The no contact order was reasonably
necessary to further the compelling state interest of protecting minors but was no more
restrictive than necessary given his crimes and Mr. Waits’ demonstrated inclination to
disobey court orders.
The trial court did not abuse its discretion in restricting Mr. Waits from having
contact with minors.
Restitution for S.Y.’s Counseling Fees
Mr. Waits contends the community custody condition that he “[p]ay for any fees
that may be generated from counseling for the victim” is not authorized by the
Sentencing Reform Act of 1981, chapter 9.94A RCW. CP at 145. Without conceding
the legal basis cited by Mr. Waits, the State agrees the condition should be struck.
RCW 9.94A.753(1) provides, in part, “When restitution is ordered, the court shall
determine the amount of restitution due at the sentencing hearing or within 180 days.”
RCW 9.94A.753(3)(a) limits the amount of restitution to “easily ascertainable damages
for . . . actual expenses incurred for treatment for injury to persons.”
Here, the trial court did not determine the amount of restitution at sentencing nor
within 180 days thereof. Further, the trial court did not limit the amount of restitution to
the actual expenses incurred for S.Y.’s treatment. Rather, the court’s order leaves the
32 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
duration of S.Y.’s counseling and amount of restitution owed by Mr. Waits to the
discretion of the Department of Corrections.
We remand for the trial court to strike the condition that Mr. Waits “[p]ay for any
fees that may be generated from counseling for the victim” from Appendix H(b)(6) to his
judgment and sentence. CP at 162.
Restriction on Controlled Substances
Mr. Waits contends the trial court exceeded its authority when it ordered two
community custody conditions that restricted his ability to possess or consume controlled
substances. Without conceding the legal basis cited by Mr. Waits, the State agrees one
condition should be amended and the other struck. We accept the State’s concession.
Mr. Waits’ judgment and sentence incorporated Appendix A and Appendix H.
Among other conditions, Appendix A requires Mr. Waits “not consume and/or possess
controlled substances unless prescribed by a physician.” CP at 160. Similarly, Appendix
H(b)(8) provides, “Do not consume or possess any controlled substance, unless
prescribed by licensed practicing physician.” CP at 162.
Unless waived by the court, RCW 9.94A.703(2)(c) requires the trial court to order
that an offender subject to community custody “[r]efrain from possessing or consuming
controlled substances except pursuant to lawfully issued prescriptions.” (Emphasis
added.) However, RCW 69.41.030 authorizes healthcare professionals other than
physicians to order or prescribe legend drugs.
33 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
Here, the record is void of any facts warranting a restriction on Mr. Waits’ ability
to possess or consume controlled substances beyond that specified in RCW
9.94A.703(2)(c). Accordingly, the trial court arbitrarily restricted Mr. Waits’ access to
legend drugs.
We remand for the trial court to strike, “Shall not consume and/or possess
controlled substances unless prescribed by a physician” from Appendix A because it is
superfluous to Appendix H(b)(8). CP at 160. As to Appendix H(b)(8), we direct the trial
court to amend, “Do not consume or possess any controlled substance, unless prescribed
by licensed practicing physician” to “Refrain from possessing or consuming controlled
substances except pursuant to lawfully issued prescriptions.” CP at 162;
RCW 9.94A.703(2)(c).
VPA and DNA Collection Fee
Mr. Waits contends it was improper for the trial court to order him to pay the VPA
and DNA collection fee due to his indigency. Although the trial court found Mr. Waits
possessed the present and future ability to pay the legal financial obligations, the State
requests we remand for the trial court to determine whether Mr. Waits is indigent.
Prior to July 1, 2023, imposition of a VPA was mandatory for any individual
found guilty of a crime in superior court. Former RCW 7.68.035(1)(a) (2018). However,
Engrossed Substitute H.B. 1169, 68th Leg., Reg. Sess. (2023), amended RCW 7.68.035
to provide, “The court shall not impose the penalty assessment under this section if
34 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
the court finds that the defendant, at the time of sentencing, is indigent as defined in
RCW 10.01.160(3).” LAWS OF 2023, ch. 449, § 1. Generally, when a statute is amended
while a case is pending on direct appeal, the amendment will apply. State v. Ramirez,
191 Wn.2d 732, 748-49, 426 P.3d 714 (2018).
Pursuant to former RCW 43.43.7541 (2018), the trial court was required to
impose a $100 DNA collection fee for every sentence imposed for the crimes specified in
RCW 43.43.754. Effective July 1, 2023, the legislature amended RCW 43.43.7541 by
eliminating language that made imposition of the DNA collection fee mandatory. See
LAWS OF 2023, ch. 449, § 4.
At the time of Mr. Waits’ sentencing, the trial court found “the Defendant has
the ability or likely future ability to pay the legal financial obligations imposed herein.
RCW 9.94A.142.” CP at 152. The same day, the trial court entered an “Order of
Indigency,” that authorized Mr. Waits to appeal at public expense. CP at 166-67.
Because the trial court found Mr. Waits indigent on the day he was sentenced, he is
entitled to the benefit of the statutory amendments. Accordingly, we remand for the trial
court to strike the VPA and DNA collection fee from Mr. Waits’ judgment and sentence.
Community Custody Supervision Fees and Polygraph Testing Expenses
Mr. Waits contends RCW 9.94A.703(2) prohibits the trial court from imposing
community custody supervision fees. The State concedes. We accept the State’s
concession.
35 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
Effective July 1, 2022, RCW 9.94A.703(2) no longer authorizes the imposition of
community custody supervision fees. State v. Ellis, 27 Wn. App. 2d 1, 17, 530 P.3d 1048
(2023). Generally, when a statute is amended while a case is pending on direct appeal,
the amendment will apply. Ramirez, 191 Wn.2d at 748-49. Because Mr. Waits’ case is
pending on direct appeal, he receives the benefit of the amendment. We remand for the
trial court to strike the community custody supervision fees from Mr. Waits’ judgment
and sentence.
Mr. Waits next argues the expense of polygraph testing amounts to a community
custody supervision fee. Specific to the facts before us, we agree.
The trial court incorporated Appendix H into Mr. Waits’ judgment and sentence.
In part, Appendix H(b)(11) requires Mr. Waits to “[s]ubmit to and pay for any polygraph
examination, as directed by his Supervising Officer or the sexual deviancy treatment
provider.” CP at 162. Because the polygraph testing is ordered by a community
corrections officer for the purpose of monitoring Mr. Waits’ compliance with the terms of
his community custody, the expense amounts to a community custody supervision fee.
LAWS OF 2022, ch. 29, § 8(2)(d); see RCW 9.94A.703.
We remand for the trial court to strike the condition requiring Mr. Waits to pay for
polygraph testing from Appendix H.
36 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
Interest on NonRestitution Legal Financial Obligations
Mr. Waits contends RCW 10.82.090(1) precludes the court from ordering interest
on nonrestitution legal financial obligations. Although at the time of sentencing Mr.
Waits failed to object, the State concedes. We accept the State’s concession.
Effective June 7, 2018, “no interest shall accrue on nonrestitution legal financial
obligations.” RCW 10.82.090(1). Here, the trial court ordered interest on Mr. Waits’
legal financial obligations, including nonrestitution amounts. Accordingly, we remand
for the trial court to strike the interest on nonrestitution legal financial obligations from
Mr. Waits’ judgment and sentence.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL GROUNDS FOR REVIEW
RAP 10.10(a) allows an appellant to “file a pro se statement of additional grounds
for review to identify and discuss those matters related to the decision under review that
the defendant believes have not been adequately addressed by the brief filed by the
defendant’s counsel.” Mr. Waits raises four additional grounds for review. We address
each in the order presented.
First SAG
In his first SAG, Mr. Waits argues his rights under the Fourth Amendment were
violated when law enforcement officers entered the curtilage of his home and arrested
him without a warrant. Alternatively, if we conclude law enforcement’s entry onto the
curtilage of his home was lawful, Mr. Waits asserts the statements he made to law
37 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
enforcement should have been suppressed because he did not waive his rights under
Miranda, 384 U.S. 436. We disagree with his first contention and decline review of the
second.
Mr. Waits directs us to Florida v. Jardines, 569 U.S. 1, 133 S. Ct. 1409, 185 L.
Ed. 2d 495 (2013), to advance his argument that the curtilage to his home deserves the
same protection as the interior. We disagree with his interpretation of Jardines.
For purposes of the Fourth Amendment, Jardines did not hold that the curtilage of
a house must be treated the same as the interior of the home. Rather, the issue in
Jardines was whether law enforcement could use a dog to sniff for drugs within the
curtilage of Jardines’ house without a search warrant. Id. at 3. Notably, Jardines
confined police activity within the curtilage to activities that the occupant would likely
consider reasonable for the general public to engage in, such as walking up to the front
door and knocking with the hopes of being received by the occupant. Id. at 8.
Generally, law enforcement officers who are not armed with a warrant enjoy the
same license to approach a residence and knock on the door as a private citizen.
Kentucky v. King, 563 U.S. 452, 469, 131 S. Ct. 1849, 179 L. Ed. 2d 865 (2011). The
occupant of the residence has no duty to open the door nor to speak with the officers.
Kentucky, 563 U.S. at 470. Absent coercion by law enforcement officials, an occupant
who exits their residence may be arrested without a warrant if officers have probable
cause. State v. Solberg, 122 Wn.2d 688, 701, 861 P.2d 460 (1993).
38 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
Here, law enforcement officers approached Mr. Waits’ residence to speak with
him after receiving a complaint of sexual misconduct. Ex. P-1 at 00:30:44. After officers
knocked on Mr. Waits’ door, Mr. Waits belatedly answered the door and voluntarily
exited his residence. A warrant was not required for the officers to enter the curtilage of
Mr. Waits’ home with the hope of speaking to him.
Citing United States v. Lundin, Mr. Waits argues the officers violated the Fourth
Amendment when they approached his residence with the subjective intent to arrest him.
817 F.3d 1151 (9th Cir. 2016). Lundin is factually distinguishable. There, police
dispatch broadcasted a request for Lundin’s arrest. Id. at 1160. In response, officers
went to Lundin’s residence for the sole purpose of arresting him. Id. Here, it is unclear
whether the encounter between Mr. Waits and the officers would result in an arrest.
Indeed, the officers spoke with Mr. Waits for nearly 30 minutes before deciding they had
probable cause to arrest him.
Law enforcement’s entry onto the curtilage of Mr. Waits’ home was not violative
of Mr. Waits’ Fourth Amendment rights.
In light of our ruling on Mr. Waits’ Fourth Amendment claim, he requests we
review the admissibility of statements he made to the officers. In support of his
argument, Mr. Waits cites to one sentence in the record, “‘I don’t want to waive my
rights, but I’ll talk to you.’” SAG at 22 (quoting RP at 56).
39 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
On September 3, 2019, the trial court conducted a CrR 3.5 hearing. At the
conclusion of the hearing, the trial court entered findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Because Mr. Waits fails to even mention the CrR 3.5 hearing, let alone challenge any of
the findings of fact, they are treated as verities on appeal. Stenson, 132 Wn.2d at 697.
The record contains substantial evidence to support the trial court’s determination that
Mr. Waits was not in custody when he spoke to the officers and that Mr. Waits
voluntarily waived his rights when he freely decided to speak with the officers.
Second SAG
In his second SAG, Mr. Waits claims his rights under the Sixth Amendment and
Fourteenth Amendment were violated when the trial court ordered an “exceptional life
sentence without any aggravating circumstances being plead or proven to the jury.” SAG
at 24. We disagree.
Citing Blakely v. Washington, 542 U.S. 296, 124 S. Ct. 2531, 159 L. Ed. 2d 403
(2004), Mr. Waits contends he should not have been sentenced to a term of up to life
imprisonment. In part, Blakely held:
Other than the fact of a prior conviction, any fact that increases the penalty for a crime beyond the prescribed statutory maximum must be submitted to a jury, and proved beyond a reasonable doubt.
Blakely, 542 U.S. at 296 (emphasis added) (quoting Apprendi v. New Jersey, 530 U.S.
466, 490, 120 S. Ct. 2348, 147 L. Ed. 2d 435 (2000)). Both of Mr. Waits’ convictions are
class A felonies. A class A felony is punishable “by confinement in a state correctional
40 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
institution for a term of life imprisonment.” RCW 9A.20.021(1)(a). Both of Mr. Waits’
convictions also fall under RCW 9.94A.507(1)(a)(i) and (iii), subjecting him to the
provisions of RCW 9.94A.507(5). RCW 9.94A.507(5) states:
When a court sentences a person to the custody of the department under this section, the court shall, in addition to the other terms of the sentence, sentence the offender to community custody under the supervision of the department and the authority of the board for any period of time the person is released from total confinement before the expiration of the maximum sentence.
(Emphasis added.)
Any claimed aggravating circumstances need not have been pleaded or proved to
the jury because Mr. Waits was sentenced within the prescribed statutory maximum for
each offense. Mr. Waits’ sentence of up to life imprisonment did not transgress on his
rights under the Sixth Amendment or Fourteenth Amendment.
Third SAG
In his third SAG, Mr. Waits argues he was denied his Sixth Amendment right to
counsel at the May 28, 2019, preliminary appearance,7 a hearing Mr. Waits claims was a
7 The trial court’s order refers to the hearing as a “BOND HEARING.” CP at 174. The RPs refer to the hearing as a “PROBABLE CAUSE HEARING.” RP (May 28, 2019) at 4. The hearing appears to have been a preliminary appearance under CrR 3.2. For the sake of consistency, we refer to the CrR 3.2 hearing as a “preliminary appearance.”
41 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
critical stage of the litigation. Although it was error to allow Mr. Waits to appear without
counsel, the error was harmless.
Our Supreme Court has recognized that “[a] person facing criminal charges needs
counsel at their first preliminary appearance to protect their constitutional rights while the
court decides bail and other important questions.” State v. Heng, 2 Wn.3d 384, 391, 539
P.3d 13 (2023). Consequently, the failure to have counsel present for Mr. Waits’
preliminary appearance was error. Id. However, not all constitutional errors are
structural. To determine whether an error is structural, we assess whether the preliminary
appearance was a critical stage of the proceedings.
Here, the preliminary appearance was not a critical stage of the proceedings. Mr.
Waits lost no rights, waived no defenses, and neither claimed nor waived any privileges.
Moreover, Mr. Waits did not lose his ability to challenge bond. Rather, the court allowed
Mr. Waits to argue bond, but also designated the bond amount as temporary since Mr.
Waits had yet to have been appointed counsel. Mr. Waits’ case was not demonstrably
affected by a lack of counsel at the preliminary hearing. Because the preliminary
appearance was not a critical stage of the proceedings, the error was not structural.
Therefore, we turn to the constitutional harmless error analysis. Orn, 197 Wn.2d at 359.
Rather than argue the error contributed to the verdict, Mr. Waits claims the error
was structural, mandating automatic reversal. SAG at 42. We fail to draw a correlation
between Mr. Waits’ preliminary appearance and the verdict. The focus of Mr. Waits’
42 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
defense was to attack Ms. Eckerle’s credibility and present S.Y. as a victim who had been
coached. Nothing from the preliminary appearance affected the evidence presented at
trial nor Mr. Waits’ ability to challenge the evidence. We are persuaded beyond a
reasonable doubt that the order setting bond without Mr. Waits having counsel present
did not contribute to the verdict.
Fourth SAG
In his fourth SAG, Mr. Waits contends a “portion of the record [report of
proceedings] that is missing is of critical importance to an abuse of discretion claim on
appeal.” SAG at 43. We disagree.
A criminal defendant is “constitutionally entitled to a ‘record of sufficient
completeness’ to permit effective appellate review of his or her claims.” State v. Thomas,
70 Wn. App. 296, 298, 852 P.2d 1130 (1993) (quoting Coppedge v. United States, 369
U.S. 438, 446, 82 S. Ct. 917, 8 L. Ed. 2d 21 (1962)). “A ‘record of sufficient
completeness’ does not translate automatically into a complete verbatim transcript.”
Mayer v. City of Chicago, 404 U.S. 189, 194, 92 S. Ct. 410, 30 L. Ed. 2d 372 (1971)
(quoting Griffin v. Illinois, 351 U.S. 12, 20, 76 S. Ct. 585, 100 L. Ed. 891 (1956)).
As an initial matter, Mr. Waits advances this argument for the second time. We
earlier addressed the completeness of the record, as did the Supreme Court. State v.
Waits, 20 Wn. App. 2d 800, 502 P.3d 878, aff’d in part and remanded, 200 Wn.2d 507,
43 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
520 P.3d 49 (2022). Here, the report of proceedings was substantially recreated such that
Mr. Waits has now been able to raise alleged errors.
Mr. Waits directs us to portions of the report of proceedings designated as
“inaudible.”8 Although these sections are notated with “inaudible,” the record is
sufficiently complete to allow Mr. Waits the ability to identify specific issues contained
in each section. Moreover, Mr. Waits fails to identify a specific error that cannot be fully
discerned because he believes the record is incomplete. Rather, he argues he is unable to
discern whether an error exists.
Mr. Waits is not entitled to a flawless record, but a record of sufficient
completeness for effective review. Based on the myriad of issues raised on appeal, Mr.
Waits has demonstrated the record has been recreated to sufficient completeness for our
review.
CONCLUSION
We affirm Mr. Waits’ convictions and sentence and remand for the trial court to
strike the conditions that Mr. Waits “[p]ay for any fees that may be generated from
counseling for the victim” and pay for polygraph testing from Appendix H(b)(6). CP at
96. We further direct the trial court to amend, “Do not consume or possess any
controlled substance, unless prescribed by licensed practicing physician” to “Refrain
8 RP at 162-67; RP at 187-91; RP at 315; and RP at 346.
44 No. 37894-2-III State v. Waits
from possessing or consuming controlled substances except pursuant to lawfully issued
prescriptions” (CP at 96) and to strike the VPA, the DNA collection fee, and the interest
on nonrestitution legal financial obligations.
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.
Cooney, J.
WE CONCUR:
Lawrence-Berrey, C.J.
Staab, J.
Related
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