State v. Baskin

2019 Ohio 2071

• Court: Ohio Court of Appeals
• Decided: May 28, 2019
• Docket: 1-18-23
• Status: Published

Opinion

[Cite as State v. Baskin, 2019-Ohio-2071.]

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT ALLEN COUNTY

STATE OF OHIO,

PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, CASE NO. 1-18-23

v.

DEANDRE T. BASKIN, OPINION

DEFENDANT-APPELLANT.

Appeal from Allen County Common Pleas Court Trial Court No. CR2017 0397

Judgment Affirmed

Date of Decision: May 28, 2019

APPEARANCES:

F. Stephen Chamberlain for Appellant

Jana E. Emerick for Appellee Case No. 1-18-23

ZIMMERMAN, P.J.

{¶1} Defendant-appellant, Deandre T. Baskin (“Baskin”), appeals the April

19, 2018 judgment entry of sentence of the Allen County Court of Common Pleas.

For the reasons that follow, we affirm.

{¶2} This case stems from an incident on December 3, 2017 during which

Baskin trespassed in the residence of the victim, T.H., caused her physical harm,

and prevented her from leaving or contacting law enforcement. In particular, when

T.H. returned to her residence the evening of the incident, Baskin jumped out of a

bedroom closet and punched her in the face. To escape Baskin, T.H. told him that

she needed to go to the Dollar Tree store to purchase bandages for the injury she

sustained to her leg during their scuffle. While at the Dollar Tree store, T.H. was

eventually able to escape from Baskin by leaving him at the store. Baskin and T.H.,

who share a child, have a history of domestic disputes. Because of that history, T.H.

had a protection order in effect against Baskin.

{¶3} On January 11, 2018, the Allen County Grand Jury indicted Baskin on

four counts: Count One of aggravated burglary in violation of R.C. 2911.11(A)(1),

(B), a first-degree felony; Count Two of abduction in violation of R.C.

2905.02(A)(2), (C), a third-degree felony; Count Three of domestic violence in

violation of R.C. 2919.25(A), (D)(3), a fourth-degree felony; and Count Four of

violating a protection order in violation of R.C. 2919.27(A)(1), (B)(3)(c), a fifth-

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degree felony. (Doc. No. 3). Baskin appeared for arraignment on January 19, 2018

and entered pleas of not guilty. (Doc. No. 10).

{¶4} On February 28, 2018, the State filed a notice of its intent to use “other

acts evidence” under Evid.R. 404(B). (Doc. No. 48).

{¶5} On March 2, 2018, the State filed a motion requesting that the trial court

issue an arrest warrant for T.H. as a material witness. (Doc. No. 60). The trial court

issued a warrant on March 5, 2018 for T.H.’s arrest as a material witness. (Doc. No.

62).

{¶6} After a jury trial on March 5-6, 2018, Baskin was found guilty of the

counts in the indictment. (Doc. Nos. 64, 65, 66, 67); (Mar. 5-6, 2018 Tr., Vol. II, at

364-368). On April 18, 2018, the trial court sentenced Baskin to 10 years in prison

on Count One, 24 months in prison on Count Two, 12 months in prison on Count

Three, and 12 months in prison on Count Four. (Doc. No. 73). The trial court

further ordered Baskin to serve the sentences consecutively for an aggregate term

of 14 years in prison. (Id.).

{¶7} On April 30, 2018, Baskin filed a notice of appeal and he raises four

assignments of error for our review. (Doc. No. 75).

Assignment of Error No. I

The Defendant Made a Request for New Counsel and Discussed Self Representation. The Court’s Denial of Both Requests is a Violation of the Defendant’s Fundamental Constitutional Rights

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Under Section 10, Article I of the Ohio Constitution; Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution

{¶8} In his first assignment of error, Baskin argues that the trial court erred

by denying his request for substitute trial counsel and his request to represent

himself. In particular, Baskin contends that it was error for the trial court to consider

the “time and effort[s]” of the jury over his right to counsel or to act as his own

counsel.

Standard of Review

{¶9} “The decision whether to remove court-appointed counsel and allow

substitution of new counsel is within the sound discretion of the trial court; its

decision will not be reversed on appeal absent an abuse of discretion.” State v. Stein,

3d Dist. Mercer No. 10-17-13, 2018-Ohio-2345, ¶ 19, citing State v. Murphy, 91

Ohio St.3d 516, 523 (2001). Similarly, “[w]e review for an abuse of discretion a

trial court’s denial of a request to proceed pro se asserted after voir dire was

complete.” State v. Kramer, 3d Dist. Defiance No. 4-15-14, 2016-Ohio-2984, ¶ 8,

citing State v. Owens, 9th Dist. Summit No. 25389, 2011-Ohio-2503, ¶ 17, citing

State v. Vrabel, 99 Ohio St.3d 184, 2003-Ohio-3193, ¶ 51-53. An abuse of

discretion suggests that a decision is unreasonable, arbitrary, or unconscionable.

State v. Adams, 62 Ohio St.2d 151, 157-158 (1980).

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Substitute-Counsel Analysis

{¶10} “An indigent defendant does not have a right to choose a particular

attorney; rather, such a defendant ‘has the right to professionally competent,

effective representation.’” Stein at ¶ 20, quoting State v. Evans, 153 Ohio App.3d

226, 2003-Ohio-3475, ¶ 30 (7th Dist.), citing Murphy at 523 (noting that an indigent

defendant must show “good cause” to warrant substitution of counsel).

“‘Competent representation does not include the right to develop and share a

“meaningful attorney-client relationship” with one’s attorney.’” Id., quoting State

v. Gordon, 149 Ohio App.3d 237, 2002-Ohio-2761, ¶ 12 (1st Dist.). “In order for

the court to discharge a court-appointed attorney, ‘“the defendant must show a

breakdown in the attorney-client relationship of such magnitude as to jeopardize the

defendant’s right to effective assistance of counsel.”’” Id., quoting State v. Henness,

79 Ohio St.3d 53, 65 (1997), quoting State v. Coleman, 37 Ohio St.3d 286 (1988),

paragraph four of the syllabus. “That said, the right to counsel must be balanced

against the trial court’s authority to control its docket, as well as its awareness that

a ‘demand for counsel may be utilized as a way to delay the proceedings or trifle

with the court.’” Id., quoting United States v. Krzyske, 836 F.2d 1013, 1017 (6th

Cir.1988), and citing State v. Lawson, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 97018, 2012-Ohio-

1050, ¶ 24. See also State v. Jones, 91 Ohio St.3d 335, 342 (2001) (stating that,

among the “[f]actors to consider in deciding whether a trial court erred in denying

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a defendant’s motion to substitute counsel include ‘the timeliness of the motion’”),

quoting United States v. Jennings, 83 F.3d 145, 148 (6th Cir.1996).

{¶11} Here, Baskin’s request for substitute counsel was neither supported by

good cause nor made timely. Specifically, during the second day of trial, Baskin

made the following outburst in open court after his trial counsel finished cross-

examining Detective Steven Stechschulte, Jr. (“Detective Stechschulte”) of the

Lima Police Department:

[Baskin’s Trial Counsel]: No further questions.

[The Trial Court]: Redirect, please.

[Baskin]: Tom Lucente, Jr. I fire you. You’re fired.

***

[Baskin]: And it’s at this time that I ask to be

appointed another attorney.

(Mar. 5-6, 2018 Tr., Vol. II, at 214). Outside of the presence of the jury, Baskin

further informed the trial court, “I have the right to another attorney, Sir. I don’t

want this [sic], because he’s working with the State.” (Id. at 215). Baskin also

stated that his trial counsel was “not working for” him because he gave “him

questions to ask [Detective Stechschulte] and he just refuses them, questions that

are pertinent” and because he did “not subpoena[ the witnesses] that [he] asked him

to do.” (Id. at 217-218, 227).

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{¶12} Baskin’s stated reason for requesting substitute counsel midway

through trial fails to demonstrate how his attorney-client relationship suffered a

breakdown in communication or cooperation of such magnitude that warranted

substitution of counsel. See Coleman, 37 Ohio St.3d 286, at paragraph four of the

syllabus (stating that, in order to demonstrate good cause, “the defendant must show

a breakdown in the attorney-client relationship of such magnitude as to jeopardize

the defendant’s right to effective assistance of counsel.”); State v. Coleman, 2d Dist.

Montgomery No. 19862, 2004-Ohio-1305, ¶ 31. See also State v. Evans, 153 Ohio

App.3d 226, 2003-Ohio-3475, ¶ 31 (7th Dist.) (“There must be a legitimate reason

for the defendant’s lack of confidence in the attorney because good cause for

dismissal cannot be determined solely according to the subjective standard of what

the defendant perceives.”), citing State v. Julious, 4th Dist. Scioto No. 96CA2409,

1996 WL 718262, *2 (Dec. 5, 1996). Indeed, “[m]erely because appointed

counsel’s trial tactics or approach may vary from that which appellant views as

prudent is not sufficient to warrant the substitution of counsel.” State v. Glasure,

132 Ohio App.3d 227, 239, (7th Dist.1999). See also Stein at ¶ 29 (“‘Defendant and

trial counsel’s failure to ‘see eye to eye’ regarding trial strategy is an insufficient

basis for removal of appointed counsel.’”), quoting State v. Hill, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga

No. 105554, 2018-Ohio-279, ¶ 11, and citing State v. Crew, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No.

86943, 2006-Ohio-4102, ¶ 17 (“Hostility, tension, or personal conflict between an

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attorney and a client that do not interfere with the preparation or presentation of a

competent defense are insufficient to justify the withdrawal of appointed counsel.”).

{¶13} Moreover, Baskin’s substitute-counsel request—made on the second

day of trial—was not timely. Compare Coleman, 2004-Ohio-1305, at ¶ 32

(concluding that Coleman’s “request for new counsel, coming at the start of the

second day of his trial, was ill-timed”). See State v. Spencer, 10th Dist. Franklin

No. 16AP-444, 2017-Ohio-1140, ¶ 9 (concluding that Spencer’s substitute-counsel

request was not timely because “[i]t occurred the morning of trial”). In other words,

it was not error for the trial court to consider the time and efforts of the jury when

evaluating Baskin’s substitute-counsel request. Thus, the trial court’s refusal to

substitute Baskin’s trial counsel was not unreasonable, arbitrary, or unconscionable

under the facts presented.

Self-Representation Analysis

{¶14} ““‘The Sixth Amendment * * * guarantees that a defendant in a state

criminal trial has an independent constitutional right of self-representation and that

he may proceed to defend himself without counsel when he voluntarily, and

knowingly and intelligently elects to do so.”’” Kramer, 2016-Ohio-2984, at ¶ 5,

quoting State v. Neyland, 139 Ohio St.3d 353, 2014-Ohio-1914, ¶ 71, quoting State

v. Gibson, 45 Ohio St.2d 366 (1976), paragraph one of the syllabus, citing Faretta

v. California, 422 U.S. 806, 95 S.Ct. 2525 (1975). “‘If a trial court denies the right

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to self-representation, when properly invoked, the denial is per se reversible

error.’” Id., quoting State v. Cassano, 96 Ohio St.3d 94, 2002-Ohio-3751, ¶ 32,

citing State v. Reed, 74 Ohio St.3d 534 (1996), citing McKaskle v. Wiggins, 465

U.S. 168, 177, 104 S.Ct. 944 (1984).

{¶15} “‘The assertion of the right to self-representation must be clear and

unequivocal.’” Id. at ¶ 6, quoting Neyland at ¶ 72, citing State v. Dean, 127 Ohio

St.3d 140, 2010-Ohio-5070, ¶ 68 and Cassano at ¶ 38. A request for self-

representation is not unequivocal if the request is a “‘“momentary caprice or the

result of thinking out loud,’”” “or the result of frustration.” Neyland at ¶ 73,

quoting Jackson v. Ylst, 921 F.2d 882, 888 (9th Cir.1990), quoting Adams v.

Carroll, 875 F.2d 1441, 1445 (9th Cir.1989) and citing Reese v. Nix, 942 F.2d 1276,

1281 (8th Cir.1991). “Nor is a request unequivocal if it is ‘an “emotional

response.”’” Kramer at ¶ 6, quoting State v. Steele, 155 Ohio App.3d 659, 2003-

Ohio-7103, ¶ 13 (1st Dist.), quoting Lacy v. Lewis, 123 F.Supp.2d 533, 548

(C.D.Cal.2000). “‘Further, given the disfavored status of the right to self-

representation compared to the right to counsel, a defendant who has made an

unequivocal assertion of the right to self-representation may later waive it by

accepting the assistance of counsel.’” Id., quoting Steele at ¶ 13,

citing Cassano at ¶ 42.

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{¶16} “‘The defendant must also assert the right in a timely fashion.’” Id. at

¶ 7, quoting Steele ¶ 14. “‘A trial court may deny a defendant’s request for self-

representation if it is untimely made.’” Id., quoting Neyland at ¶ 76,

citing Cassano at ¶ 40, United States v. Young, 287 F.3d 1352, 1354 (11th

Cir.2002), Wood v. Quarterman, 491 F.3d 196, 202 (5th Cir.2007), and United

States v. Smith, 413 F.3d 1253, 1281 (10th Cir.2005). “In addition, ‘[a] request for

self-representation may be denied when circumstances indicate that the request is

made for purposes of delay or manipulation of the trial process.’” Id., quoting

Neyland at ¶ 72, citing United States v. Frazier-El, 204 F.3d 553, 560 (4th Cir.2000).

{¶17} In this case, Baskin’s assertion of the right to self-representation was

not clear and unequivocal or timely raised. In reviewing the record, it is clear that

Baskin’s request for self-representation was a momentary caprice, the result of

thinking out loud, and the result of frustration. As we addressed above, at the

conclusion of Baskin’s trial counsel’s cross-examination of Detective Stechschulte,

Baskin interjected in front of the jury, that he wished to fire his trial counsel. (See

Mar. 5-6, 2018 Tr., Vol. II, at 214). Because of the extent of Baskin’s outburst, the

trial court permitted a break for Baskin to collect his thoughts and calm down. When

the trial resumed, Baskin, outside of the presence of the jury, informed the trial court

that he wished to represent himself. At that point, the trial court began to engage

Baskin in a colloquy regarding his self-representation request. However, when

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responding to the trial court’s direct inquiry (as to self-representation), Baskin

repeatedly made inappropriate responses to the trial court’s questions. (See id. at

235-236).

{¶18} Moreover, the transcript supports that Baskin was venting his

frustration that his trial counsel was not asking the questions that Baskin wanted

him to ask and that he failed to subpoena the witnesses that Baskin wanted to call.

Compare id. at ¶ 10 (“We can discern from the transcript that Kramer was venting

his frustration when he verbalized his complaint that his counsel was not asking the

questions that Kramer wanted to ask.”), citing State v. Jones, 4th Dist. Athens No.

14CA7, 2014-Ohio-5177, ¶ 18. Indeed, Baskin’s “outburst ‘was the product of an

emotional response to the situation’ in which [he] found himself, not a clear and

unequivocal self-representation request.” Id., quoting Jones, 2014-Ohio-5177, at ¶

18-19 and citing Steele, 155 Ohio App.3d 659, 2003-Ohio-7103, at ¶ 20 (“The

record shows that [the defendant’s two pretrial requests to represent himself] were

more in the name of impulsive acts expressing frustration with his first counsel than

unequivocal requests to represent himself.”). Similar to the situation that we

addressed in Kramer, Baskin’s frustration is obvious by virtue of his continuous-

courtroom outburst—which began in the presence of the jury and lasted until he was

removed from the courtroom (outside of the presence of the jury), despite the trial

court admonishing him to cease. Compare id. (“This frustration is evidenced by

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Kramer’s continuing his outburst in front of the jury, even after the trial court judge

directed him to cease.”), citing Jones, 2014-Ohio-5177, at ¶ 18 and State v.

Montgomery, 5th Dist. Licking No. 2007 CA 95, 2008-Ohio-6077, ¶ 59. Likewise,

the trial court was in the best position to observe Baskin’s demeanor as he vented

his frustration to the court. See id., citing Jones, 2014-Ohio-5177, at ¶ 18, citing

Seasons Coal Co. v. Cleveland, 10 Ohio St.3d 77 (1984).

{¶19} Finally, Baskin’s self-representation request—made on the second day

of trial—was untimely. See id. at ¶ 13 (“Finally, we note that Kramer’s self-

representation request—which was made on the second day of trial—was

untimely.”), citing Vrabel, 99 Ohio St.3d 184, 2003-Ohio-3193, at ¶ 53 (holding

“that the trial court did not abuse its discretion and properly refused appellant’s

request to represent himself after voir dire had been completed and on the first day

that evidence was to be presented”), Cassano, 96 Ohio St.3d 94, 2002-Ohio-3751,

at ¶ 32 (“find[ing] that Cassano’s request was untimely because it was made only

three days before the trial was to start”), Steele at ¶ 20 (concluding that “Steele’s

last-minute request on the day of trial was not timely made”), Montgomery at ¶ 59

(“[B]ecause the request was made after the presentation of three witnesses, the self-

representation request was untimely.”), and State v. Lozada, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No.

94902, 2011-Ohio-823, ¶ 37 (concluding that “the inquiry * * * made on the day of

trial” was untimely). Put another way, similar to our conclusion regarding Baskin’s

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substitute-counsel request, it was not error for the trial court to consider the time

and efforts of the jury when considering Baskin’s self-representation request.

Therefore, the trial court did not abuse its discretion by denying Baskin’s request to

represent himself. See id. at ¶ 14.

{¶20} Baskin’s first assignment of error is overruled.

Assignment of Error No. II

The Action of the Court in Removing the Defendant from the Courtroom for Part of the Testimony of a State Witness, Admission of the State’s Exhibits and the Motion for Acquittal Pursuant to Rule 29 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure Violated Defendant’s Fundamental Constitutional Right to a Fair Trial and Confrontation of Witnesses Under Section 10, Article I of the Ohio Constitution; Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution

{¶21} In his second assignment of error, Baskin argues that his right to a fair

trial was violated when the trial court removed him from the courtroom for a portion

of the State’s evidence as a result of his outburst. In particular, he contends that the

trial court “acted too quickly to remove [him] from his own trial” and “should have

used more of a cooling off period or extended recess * * *.” (Appellant’s Brief at

13).

{¶22} “A trial judge is empowered to maintain decorum and enforce

reasonable rules to insure the orderly and judicious disposition of the court’s

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business.” State v. Dumas, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 12 MA 31, 2015-Ohio-2683, ¶

20, citing State v. Clifford, 162 Ohio St. 370, 372 (1954).

The United States Supreme Court has stated that “[w]e believe trial judges confronted with disruptive, contumacious, stubbornly defiant defendants must be given sufficient discretion to meet the circumstances of each case. No one formula for maintaining the appropriate courtroom atmosphere will be best in all situations.”

Id., quoting Illinois v. Allen, 397 U.S. 337, 343, 90 S.Ct. 1057 (1970). Accordingly,

we review a trial court’s decision to remove a defendant from the courtroom for an

abuse of discretion. Id. at ¶ 19, citing Allen at 343 and State v. Chambers, 10th Dist.

Franklin No. 99AP-1308, 2000 WL 963890, *4 (July 13, 2000). A trial court abuses

its discretion when its decision is unreasonable, arbitrary, or unconscionable.

Adams, 62 Ohio St.2d 151 at 157-158.

Analysis

{¶23} “The Confrontation Clause of the Sixth Amendment of the United

States Constitution guarantees a defendant’s right to be present in the courtroom at

every stage of the trial.” State v. Boynton, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 106301, 2018-

Ohio-4429, ¶ 34, citing Allen at 338. See also State v. Williams, 6 Ohio St.3d 281,

286 (1983); Ohio Constitution, Article I, Section 10; Crim.R. 43. However, “[a]

defendant can lose his right to be present at trial if, after he has been warned by the

judge that he will be removed if he continues his disruptive behavior, he

nevertheless insists on conducting himself in a manner so disorderly, disruptive, and

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disrespectful of the court that his trial cannot be carried on with him in the

courtroom.” State v. Brown, 5th Dist. Richland No. 2003-CA-01, 2004-Ohio-3368,

¶ 75, citing Allen at 343. In that instance, “trial may proceed in the defendant’s

absence or by remote contemporaneous video.” Crim.R. 43(B). “Once lost, the

right to be present can, of course, be reclaimed as soon as the defendant is willing

to conduct himself consistently with decorum and respect inherent in the concept of

courts and judicial proceedings.” Brown at ¶ 75, citing Allen at 343.

{¶24} As an initial matter, because Baskin’s trial counsel did not object to

Baskin’s removal from the courtroom, he waived all but plain error on appeal.

Accord State v. Dixon, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 17AP-884, 2018-Ohio-3759, ¶ 15

(“We agree with the state that Dixon has waived all but plain error as his counsel

did not object when Dixon was removed from the courtroom.”); State v. Porter, 9th

Dist. Summit No. 15511, 1992 WL 308528, *3 (Oct. 21, 1992) (applying plain-error

analysis to Porter’s courtroom-removal argument because his trial counsel did not

object to Porter’s removal). “Crim.R. 52(B) governs plain-error review in criminal

cases.” State v. Bagley, 3d Dist. Allen No. 1-13-31, 2014-Ohio-1787, ¶ 55, citing

State v. Risner, 73 Ohio App.3d 19, 24 (3d Dist.1991). “A court recognizes plain

error with the utmost caution, under exceptional circumstances, and only to prevent

a miscarriage of justice.” State v. Smith, 3d Dist. Hardin No. 6-14-14, 2015-Ohio-

2977, ¶ 63, citing State v. Saleh, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 07AP-431, 2009-Ohio-

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1542, ¶ 68. See also Dixon at ¶ 15. Under plain-error review, “[w]e may reverse

only when the record is clear that defendant would not have been convicted in the

absence of the improper conduct.” Smith at ¶ 63, citing State v. Williams, 79 Ohio

St.3d 1, 12, 679 N.E.2d 646 (1997).

{¶25} Baskin’s argument that the trial court acted “too quickly” by removing

him from the courtroom is without merit. Accord Boynton at ¶ 36 (concluding that

“Boynton’s argument that he was removed without warning and an opportunity to

return [was] specious”). The record reflects that Baskin continued his disruptive

conduct despite the trial court’s repeated warnings that he would be removed from

the courtroom if he continued to interrupt the proceedings. See id. (“Even a cursory

review of the record demonstrates that the trial judge repeatedly warned Boynton

throughout the proceedings, both before and during trial, that he would be removed

from the courtroom if he continued his disruptive behavior.”). Indeed, when the

trial court was announcing its decision to call the victim as its witness, Baskin

interrupted the proceedings by voicing his disagreement with the trial court’s

decision. After cautioning Baskin about his disruptive conduct, Baskin continued

his disruptive, contumacious, and defiant conduct by arguing with the trial judge.

Baskin again interrupted the proceedings at the conclusion of his trial counsel’s

cross-examination of Detective Stechschulte. Baskin’s outburst continued for 15

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pages of transcript before (contrary to Baskin’s argument on appeal) the trial court

permitted a break for Baskin to collect his thoughts and calm down.

{¶26} When trial resumed, the trial court again warned Baskin (outside of

the presence of the jury) to cease his disruptive conduct. Notwithstanding the trial

court’s admonishment, Baskin continued to conduct himself in a disorderly,

disruptive, and disrespectful manner. Compare Chambers, 2000 WL 963890, at *4

(“The trial judge used his power to maintain order and decorum in the courtroom.

He attempted to warn appellant after the first outburst, outside the presence of the

jury. However, appellant chose not to heed such warnings * * *.”). Accordingly,

the trial court properly exercised its power to maintain order and decorum in the

courtroom by removing Baskin to a room in which he could observe the proceedings

by remote contemporaneous video. See id. (noting that “the trial judge placed

appellant in a holding cell that adjoined the courtroom with the door open, thereby

allowing appellant to hear the testimony and evidence”); Crim.R. 43. Therefore,

the trial court did not deviate from any legal rule here. See Boynton at ¶ 36

(concluding that the trial court did not err by removing Boynton from the courtroom

because he “chose not to heed the warnings and continued to interrupt the trial court

so the proceedings could not continue”); Chambers at *4.

{¶27} Even if Baskin’s removal from the courtroom was in error, the record

reflects that Baskin received a fair trial. See Dixon, 2018-Ohio-3759, at ¶ 19

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(concluding that Dixon’s absence from the courtroom did not amount to plain error

because he was not deprived of a fair and just hearing). That is, the only portions

of trial that Baskin witnessed by remote contemporaneous video were the redirect

examination of Detective Stechschulte, the State’s admission of its exhibits, and

Baskin’s Crim.R. 29 motion. During his absence, the trial court permitted Baskin

to meet with his trial counsel “as his trial counsel [saw] fit” and the opportunity to

adjust his conduct and return to the courtroom. (Mar. 5-6, 2018 Tr., Vol. II, at 241).

See Dixon at ¶ 19. Eventually, Baskin agreed to cease his disruptive conduct and

was then permitted to return to the courtroom.

{¶28} Moreover, the trial court polled each juror as to whether he or she

could remain fair and impartial despite Baskin’s conduct and absence from the

courtroom to which each juror indicated that they could. (See Mar. 5-6, 2018 Tr.,

Vol. II, at 244-247). Likewise, the trial court instructed the jury not to consider

Baskin’s absence from the courtroom for any purpose. (See id. at 248). Compare

Chambers at *4 (noting “that the trial court gave the jurors two cautionary

admonitions telling them to disregard any action on appellant’s part, as such was

unrelated to the facts of the present case”). See also Coleman, 2004-Ohio-1305, at

¶ 32 (noting that the trial court “instructed the jury not to consider Defendant’s

absence from the trial for any purpose, and it presumed that the jury followed the

court’s instructions”), citing State v. Goff, 82 Ohio St.3d 123, 135 (1998). In sum,

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Baskin offers no cogent argument as to how his presence in the courtroom would

have changed the outcome of his trial, and we fail to see how it would have. See

Dixon at ¶ 19. Accordingly, Baskin’s second assignment of error is overruled.

Assignment of Error No. III

The Court Errored [sic] When It Allowed Evidence of Other Crimes, Wrongs or Acts of the Defendant Under Rule 404(B) of the Ohio Rules of Evidence in the Case in Chief Against the Defendant in that the Same was Unfairly Prejudicial to the Defendant

{¶29} In his third assignment of error, Baskin argues that the trial court

abused its discretion by admitting evidence under Evid.R. 404(B). In particular, he

contends that evidence of a prior domestic-violence conviction involving a different

victim and evidence of a prior domestic-violence incident involving T.H. (that did

not result in a conviction) was prejudicial and not admissible.

{¶30} “Generally, ‘[a] trial court is given broad discretion in admitting and

excluding evidence, including “other bad acts” evidence.’” State v. Wendel, 3d Dist.

Union No. 14-16-08, 2016-Ohio-7915, ¶ 23, quoting State v. Williams, 7th Dist.

Jefferson No. 11 JE 7, 2013-Ohio-2314, ¶ 7, citing State v. Maurer, 15 Ohio St.3d

239, 265 (1984). However, we apply a plain-error standard of review to this

assignment of error because Baskin failed to object at trial to the admission of his

prior domestic-violence conviction. See Bagley, 2014-Ohio-1787, at ¶ 55 (applying

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a plain-error standard of review because Bagley failed to object at the time the “other

acts” evidence was admitted); State v. Hare, 2d Dist. Clark No. 2017-CA-4, 2018-

Ohio-765, ¶ 41 (stating that Hare waived all but plain error on appeal because he

“failed to object at the time that this ‘other acts’ evidence was admitted”).

Accordingly, to be reversible, we must conclude that there was error—a deviation

from a legal rule—and that the error was an obvious defect in the proceedings that

affected the outcome of trial. See Hare at ¶ 41, citing State v. Barnes, 94 Ohio St.3d

21, 27 (2002) and Crim.R. 52(B).

{¶31} “‘Evid.R. 404(B) provides that “[e]vidence of other crimes, wrongs,

or acts is not admissible to prove the character of a person in order to show action

in conformity therewith.”’” Bagley at ¶ 56, quoting State v. May, 3d Dist. Logan

No. 8-11-19, 2012-Ohio-5128, ¶ 69, quoting Evid.R. 404(B). See also Wendel at ¶

21. “‘However, there are exceptions to the general rule: “It may, however, be

admissible for other purposes, such as proof of motive, opportunity, intent,

preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake or accident.”’” Bagley

at ¶ 56, quoting May at ¶ 69, quoting Evid.R. 404(B). See also R.C. 2945.59. “‘The

list of acceptable reasons for admitting testimony of prior bad acts into evidence is

non-exhaustive.’” Bagley at ¶ 56, quoting State v. Persohn, 7th Dist. Columbiana

No. 11 CO 37, 2012-Ohio-6091, ¶ 23, citing State v. Melton, 11th Dist. Lake No.

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2009-L-078, 2010-Ohio-1278, ¶ 78, and citing State v. Faye, 3d Dist. Wyandot Nos.

16-99-08 and 16-99-09, 2000 WL 566741, *4 (May 4, 2000).

{¶32} One such exception is when a prior conviction is an element of a

charged offense. See, e.g., State v. Myers, 9th Dist. Summit No. 25737, 2012-Ohio-

1820, ¶ 11. See also R.C. 2945.75(B)(1) (providing that “[w]henever in any case it

is necessary to prove a prior conviction, a certified copy of the entry of judgment in

such prior conviction together with evidence sufficient to identify the defendant

named in the entry as the offender in the case at bar, is sufficient to prove such prior

conviction”). “Accordingly, even if a defendant’s prior convictions are

inadmissible under Evid.R. 404(B) and R.C. 2945.59, they may be admissible under

R.C. 2945.75, so long as they are not offered ‘to prove the character of a person in

order to show that he acted in conformity therewith.’” Myers at ¶ 12, quoting State

v. Thompson, 9th Dist. Lorain No. 98CA007112, 2000 WL 235535, *4 (Mar. 1,

2000), and citing State v. Swiergosz, 6th Dist. Lucas Nos. L-10-1013 and L-10-

1052, 2012-Ohio-30, ¶ 23 and State v. Rivera, 99 Ohio App.3d 325, 330-331 (11th

Dist.1994) (concluding that there is no conflict between R.C. 2945.75 and Evid.R.

404(B) because the latter acknowledges “that evidence of other crimes may be

admitted for purposes other than to prove that the defendant acted in conformity

therewith.”).

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{¶33} Here, evidence of Baskin’s prior domestic-violence conviction was

properly admitted because it was proof of an element of Count Three. See State v.

Spaulding, 151 Ohio St.3d 378, 2016-Ohio-8126, ¶ 118 (concluding that evidence

of Spaulding’s prior domestic-violence conviction was properly admitted because it

“was not just other-acts evidence, it was proof of an element of” the domestic-

violence charge for which he stood trial). Indeed, to convict Baskin of domestic-

violence as a fourth-degree felony, the State was required to prove that he had a

prior domestic-violence conviction. See id. (“To convict Spaulding of third-degree-

felony domestic violence, the state had to prove that he had two or more prior

domestic-violence convictions.”); R.C. 2919.25(D)(3). See also State v. Bibler, 3d

Dist. Marion No. 9-13-70, 2014-Ohio-3375, ¶ 8 (“Because a prior domestic-

violence conviction raises the degree of a subsequent offense, a prior conviction is

an essential element of the offense.”), citing State v. Allen, 29 Ohio St.3d 53, 54

(1987). Therefore, the admission of Baskin’s prior domestic-violence conviction

was not error, let alone plain error.

{¶34} Moreover, Baskin does not direct us to any evidence, and we can find

none, that any facts were revealed to the jury surrounding his prior conviction

beyond what was necessary under R.C. 2945.75. See Myers at ¶ 12 (“‘Facts

surrounding a prior conviction that are beyond what is necessary pursuant to R.C.

2945.75, however, are admissible only to the extent permitted by Evid.R.

-22- Case No. 1-18-23

404(B).’”), quoting State v. Halsell, 9th Dist. Summit No. 24464, 2009-Ohio-4166,

¶ 13, citing Thompson at *4. Stated better, and contrary to Baskin’s argument on

appeal, Baskin’s prior domestic-violence conviction was not introduced to prove his

character or that he acted in conformity with that character.

{¶35} Nevertheless, Baskin argues that the trial court erred by admitting the

evidence of his prior domestic-violence conviction because it involved a different

victim. Baskin does not point us to any authority—as he is required to do—that

prior domestic-violence convictions involving different victims are inadmissible to

enhance a subsequent domestic-violence offense. See App.R. 12 and 16.

Regardless, even a cursory review of Ohio’s domestic-violence statute does not

reveal any such limitation. See R.C. 2919.25.

{¶36} Baskin also argues that evidence of prior domestic-violence incidents

that did not result in criminal charges was inadmissible. Importantly, Baskin failed

to identify specifically where in the record the evidence that he contends was

inadmissible was introduced. “[A] defendant has the burden of affirmatively

demonstrating the error of the trial court on appeal.” State v. Stelzer, 9th Dist.

Summit No. 23174, 2006-Ohio-6912, ¶ 7, citing State v. Cook, 9th Dist. Summit

No. 20675, 2002-Ohio-2646, ¶ 27. “Moreover, ‘[i]f an argument exists that can

support this assignment of error, it is not this court’s duty to root it out.’” Id.,

quoting Cook at ¶ 27. “App.R. 12(A)(2) provides that an appellate court ‘may

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disregard an assignment of error presented for review if the party raising it fails to

identify in the record the error on which the assignment of error is based or fails to

argue the assignment separately in the brief, as required under App.R. 16(A).’”

State v. Jackson, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 14AP-670, 2015-Ohio-3322, ¶ 11, quoting

App.R. 12(A)(2). “Additionally, App.R. 16(A)(7) requires that an appellant’s brief

include ‘[a]n argument containing the contentions of the appellant with respect to

each assignment of error presented for review and the reasons in support of the

contentions, with citations to the authorities, statutes, and parts of the record on

which appellant relies.’” Id., quoting App.R. 16(A)(7). Because Baskin’s argument

does not satisfy his obligation to direct us to the parts of the record on which he is

relying, we decline to root those out on his behalf. See State v. Judd, 8th Dist.

Cuyahoga No. 89278, 2007-Ohio-6811, ¶ 46; State v. Raber, 189 Ohio App.3d 396,

2010-Ohio-4066, ¶ 30 (9th Dist.).

{¶37} Baskin’s third assignment of error is overruled.

Assignment of Error No. IV

The Trial Court Committed Error in Calling the Alleged Victim of the Crime as a Court’s Witness Under Evidence Rule 614 for the Sole Purpose of Allowing the State of Ohio to Examine the Said Witness as if on Cross Examination Specifically Where the Only Inquiry Made by the Court for Evidence Purposes Was to Ask the Defendant’s Name and then Immediately Turn Over the Witness to the State for Cross Examination

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{¶38} In his fourth assignment of error, Baskin argues that the trial court

erred by designating T.H. as a court’s witness. Specifically, Baskin argues that he

was prejudiced when T.H. was called as a court’s witness because it allowed the

State to present otherwise inadmissible evidence to the jury. That is, Baskin

contends that the State impermissibly used impeachment as a “subterfuge” to

present inadmissible hearsay evidence to the jury.

{¶39} Under Evid.R. 614(A), “[t]he court may, on its own motion or at the

suggestion of a party, call witnesses, and all parties are entitled to cross-examine

witnesses thus called.” The purpose of calling a witness as a court’s witness is to

allow for a proper determination in a case where a witness is reluctant or unwilling

to testify, or there is some indication that the witness’s trial testimony will contradict

a prior statement made to police. State v. Renner, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 25514,

2013-Ohio-5463, ¶ 23, citing State v. Curry, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 89075, 2007-

Ohio-5721, ¶ 18; State v. Arnold, 189 Ohio App.3d 507, 2010-Ohio-5379, ¶ 18 (2d

Dist.). “The prime candidate is a victim and an eyewitness who will not otherwise

cooperate with the party originally planning to call him.” Renner at ¶ 23, citing

Curry at ¶ 18.

{¶40} “The decision as to whether to call a witness on its own motion

pursuant to Evid.R. 614(A) is within the discretion of the trial court and will be

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reversed only for an abuse of such discretion.” State v. Marshall, 9th Dist. Lorain

No. 01 CA007773, 2001 WL 1647706, *2 (Dec. 26, 2001). See also Renner at ¶

24. For us to conclude that the trial court abused its discretion, we must conclude

that its decision is unreasonable, arbitrary, or unconscionable. Adams, 62 Ohio

St.2d at 157-158.

{¶41} As an initial matter, Evid.R. 614(C) requires that objections to the trial

court’s calling of a witness be made either at the time of the calling or shortly

thereafter. In this case, the trial court asked Baskin’s trial counsel if he had “any

input on [the] subject” of declaring T.H. a court’s witness. (Mar. 5-6, 2018 Tr., Vol.

I, at 30). Baskin’s trial counsel responded, “Yeah, Your Honor, only to say that

she’s the victim here and if she doesn’t want to move forward I don’t know who the

State is to force her to do so, Your Honor.” (Id.). Even if we interpret this statement

as an objection, we conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in

declaring T.H. its witness.

{¶42} In this case, after the parties presented their opening statements to the

jury, the State, outside the presence of the jury, requested that the trial court call

T.H. as its witness under Evid.R. 614(A). The State argued that it anticipated T.H.’s

testimony would be inconsistent with her pre-trial statements. In support of its

argument, the State represented to the trial court that, prior to trial, it received a

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phone call from a woman identifying herself as T.H. who stated that she would not

appear at Baskin’s trial. (Doc. No. 60). The State further represented that T.H. was

heard to say to Baskin that, during a jailhouse phone call from Baskin, she did not

intend to testify or cooperate with the State at trial. (See id.). Accordingly, we

conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion by calling T.H. as its witness.

See Renner, 2013-Ohio-5463, at ¶ 26 (concluding that the trial court did not abuse

its discretion by calling the victim as its witness because she “maintained a

supportive relationship with her husband (the defendant), she expressed that she did

not want the State to pursue charges against Renner, and she was uncooperative with

the State once charges were filed”).

{¶43} Nevertheless, Baskin contends that it was error for the State to use “its

ability to cross examine and impeach [T.H.] as a substitute for introducing otherwise

inadmissible evidence * * *.” (Appellant’s Brief at 21). Here, Baskin makes two

arguments. First, he argues that the State’s cross-examination of T.H. (which

continued for nearly 30 pages of trial transcript) encompassed many details of the

charges for which Baskin stood trial. That is, he argues that the State’s cross-

examination of T.H. implied that the content of T.H.’s prior statements—that Baskin

broke into her house; jumped out of her closet and punched her in the face; and

prevented her from leaving or contacting law enforcement—were true. Compare

State v. Johnson, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 26055, 2015-Ohio-5491, ¶ 66. Second,

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Baskin contends that the trial court failed to instruct the jury that it could not

consider T.H.’s pre-trial statements (to law enforcement and the State) as

substantive evidence because such statements constituted inadmissible hearsay.

{¶44} We begin our analysis by addressing the State’s cross-examination of

T.H. “As a general rule, cross-examination is permitted ‘on all relevant matters and

matters affecting credibility.’” State v. West, 5th Dist. No. 16 CA 11, 2017-Ohio-

4055, ¶ 91, quoting Evid.R. 611(B). “The scope of cross-examination lies within

the sound discretion of the trial court” and “will not be reversed in the absence of *

* * an abuse of discretion.” Id., citing State v. Slagle, 65 Ohio St.3d 597, 605 (1992).

As we previously stated, for this court to conclude that a trial court abused its

discretion, the trial court’s decision must be unreasonable, arbitrary, or

unconscionable. Adams, 62 Ohio St.2d at 157-158. However, because Baskin failed

to object to the manner and extent of the State’s cross-examination of T.H., he has

waived all but plain error on appeal. See State v. Chapman, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No.

107375, 2019-Ohio-1452, ¶ 20 (noting that “[t]he failure to object to trial testimony

forfeits all but plain error”), citing State v. Rogers, 143 Ohio St.3d 385, 2015-Ohio-

2459, ¶ 23. Accordingly, we are restricted to only recognize errors to prevent a

manifest miscarriage of justice. See Rogers at ¶ 22.

{¶45} In this case, the State’s cross-examination of T.H. did not amount to

plain error. Typically, the rules of evidence prohibit a party from attacking the

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credibility of its own witness. See, e.g., Evid.R. 607. However, “[b]y authorizing

the court to call a witness who may then be cross-examined by any party, Evid.R.

614 creates an exception to the limitation imposed by Evid.R. 607(A), barring a

party’s impeachment of its own witness with evidence of a prior inconsistent

statement.” Arnold, 189 Ohio App.3d 507, 2010-Ohio-5379, at ¶ 45.

{¶46} Baskin does not dispute that T.H.’s prior inconsistent statements were

admissible for the purpose of impeaching her. Instead, he objects to the manner and

the extent of the State’s cross-examination of T.H., claiming that such examination

amounted to the presentation of substantive evidence. Specifically, Baskin argues

that the State’s cross-examination of T.H. about her prior statements did more than

attempt to impeach her credibility; it presented the complete version of events that

T.H. previously recounted. Compare Johnson, 2015-Ohio-5491, at ¶ 69 (“However,

the extent and detail with which the State questioned [the witness] about his prior

statements did more than attempt to refresh [the witness’s] recollection and impeach

his credibility; it presented, through the State’s questioning, the complete version of

events previously testified to or recounted by [the witness].”).

{¶47} “Where impeachment is used as a ‘subterfuge’ to get evidence before

the jury which is not otherwise admissible, it is improper.” Id. at ¶ 69, citing Arnold

at ¶ 45, quoting Annotation, Calling and Interrogation of Witnesses by Court under

Rule 614 of the Federal Rules of Evidence, 53 A.L.R.Fed. 498, 500-501 (1981) and

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citing State v. Slaughter, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 25215, 2014-Ohio-862, ¶ 51.

However, even though some of the State’s questions implicated Baskin or

corroborated T.H.’s prior version of events, the State’s cross-examination of T.H.

did not amount to a subterfuge to get substantive evidence before the jury. See State

v. Brown, 11th Dist. Lake No. 2014-L-032, 2015-Ohio-950, ¶ 22 (“Nevertheless,

the fact that a witness may be impeached as a court’s witness in an otherwise

inadmissible fashion does not, by necessity, indicate subterfuge.”), citing Arnold at

¶ 45 (“When the reason a party relies on for requesting the court to call a witness as

a court’s witness, rather than calling him as a witness itself, is to avoid being unable

to test the credibility of the testimony the witness is expected to give by use of his

prior out-of-court statements, the request is not improper.”). Contra Johnson at ¶

69 (concluding that the State’s questioning of the witness amounted to a subterfuge

to get evidence before the jury that was not otherwise admissible because “[m]any

of the State’s questions directly implicated Johnson [or] corroborated the version of

events suggested in the ‘impeachment’ questioning of” another witness). Rather, in

accordance with the rules of evidence, the State was attempting to lay a proper

foundation to introduce extrinsic evidence of T.H.’s prior inconsistent statements.

See Arnold at ¶ 48; Brown at ¶ 23. See also Evid.R. 613. Accordingly, the resolution

of Baskin’s argument concerning the State’s cross-examination of T.H. necessitates

a review of her pre-trial statements that were admitted into evidence.

-30- Case No. 1-18-23

{¶48} As with the scope of the examination of witnesses, the admission or

exclusion of evidence lies within the trial court’s discretion, and a reviewing court

should not reverse absent an abuse of discretion and material prejudice. State v.

Conway, 109 Ohio St.3d 412, 2006-Ohio-2815, ¶ 62, citing State v. Issa, 93 Ohio

St.3d 49, 64 (2001). See also State v. Shook, 3d Dist. Logan No. 8-14-01, 2014-

Ohio-3987, ¶ 49 (applying the abuse-of-discretion standard of review a trial court’s

admission of extrinsic evidence under Evid.R. 613(B)), citing State v. Graham, 58

Ohio St.2d 350, 352 (1979). To constitute an abuse of discretion, the trial court

must have acted unreasonably, arbitrarily, or unconscionably. Adams, 62 Ohio

St.2d at 157-158. However, when a party “wishing to exclude evidence fails to

contemporaneously object at trial when the evidence is presented, that party waives

for appeal all but plain error.” Bagley, 2014-Ohio-1787, at ¶ 53-54, citing State v.

Hancock, 108 Ohio St.3d 57, 2006-Ohio-160, ¶ 59-60, State v. Barrett, 4th Dist.

Scioto No. 03CA2889, 2004-Ohio-2064, ¶ 20, and State v. Lenoir, 2d Dist.

Montgomery No. 22239, 2008-Ohio-1984, ¶ 19. To find plain error, we must

conclude that the trial court erred by admitting the evidence and the record must

clearly reflect that the defendant would not have been convicted but for the

admission of the improper evidence. Id., citing Williams, 79 Ohio St.3d at 12.

{¶49} As an initial matter, we must address whether Baskin properly

preserved this issue on appeal. In this case, Baskin did not object to the admission

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of T.H.’s prior inconsistent statements—namely, testimonial or extrinsic evidence

of what she reported: (1) in her phone call to the Lima Police Department; (2) to

Officer Blake Van Vorce (“Officer Van Vorce”) of the Lima Police Department; (3)

during an interview with Detective Stechschulte; or (4) during a trial-preparation

interview with Detective Stechschulte and the State—on the basis that it was

inadmissible impeachment evidence. Although Baskin lodged an objection to the

admission of the recording of T.H.’s phone call to the Lima Police Department,

Baskin’s objection was on a different basis—namely, Baskin’s stated reason for the

objection was that he “didn’t receive it ‘til today.” (Mar. 5-6, 2018 Tr., Vol. I, at

149).1 “‘“Error may not be predicated upon a ruling which admits or excludes

evidence unless a substantial right of the party is affected, and” “[i]n case the ruling

is one admitting evidence, a timely objection appears in the record stating the

specific ground of the objection, if the specific ground was not apparent from the

context.”’” State v. Bentz, 3d Dist. Allen No. 1-16-17, 2017-Ohio-5483, ¶ 127,

quoting Stark v. Stark, 5th Dist. Delaware No. 01CAF6020, 2002 WL 109281, *3

(Jan. 4, 2002), quoting Evid.R. 103(A)(1). Notwithstanding the prescription of

Evid.R. 103(A)(1) requiring a timely objection stating the specific ground of the

objection, even if we assume without deciding that an abuse-of-discretion standard

applies to T.H.’s phone call to the Lima Police Department, the result is still the

1 Baskin did not contemporaneously object to either time that the State played the T.H.’s phone call to the Lima Police Department for the jury. (Mar. 5-6, 2018 Tr., Vol. I, at 61, 127).

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same. See Wendel, 2016-Ohio-7915, at ¶ 10 (“We will assume without deciding

that an abuse-of-discretion standard of review applies as to Rebecca’s testimony,

even though Wendel objected to only one of the statements.”); Stark at *3

(“Although appellant did not specifically state hearsay as the reason for the

objection, the court did not abuse its discretion in admitting the evidence.”).

{¶50} Moreover, because Baskin did not object on any basis to the admission

of testimonial or extrinsic evidence of what T.H.: (1) told Officer Van Vorce; (2)

said during an interview with Detective Stechschulte; or (3) said during a trial-

preparation interview with Detective Stechschulte and the State, Baskin waived all

but plain error on appeal as to the admission of that evidence as impeachment

evidence.

{¶51} Under Evid.R. 613, extrinsic evidence of a prior inconsistent statement

by a witness is admissible if both of the following apply:

(1) If the statement is offered solely for the purpose of impeaching the witness, the witness is afforded a prior opportunity to explain or deny the statement and the opposite party is afforded an opportunity to interrogate the witness on the statement or the interests of justice otherwise require;

(2) The subject matter of the statement is one of the following:

(a) A fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action other than the credibility of a witness;

(b) A fact that may be shown by extrinsic evidence under Evid.R. 608(A), 609, 616(A), or 616(B);

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(c) A fact that may be shown by extrinsic evidence under the common law of impeachment if not in conflict with the Rules of Evidence.

Evid.R. 613(B).

“‘When extrinsic evidence of a prior inconsistent statement * * * is offered into evidence pursuant to Evid.R. 613(B), a foundation must be established through direct or cross-examination in which: (1) the witness is presented with the former statement; (2) the witness is asked whether he made the statement; (3) the witness is given an opportunity to admit, deny or explain the statement; and (4) the opposing party is given an opportunity to interrogate the witness on the inconsistent statement.’”

Johnson, 2015-Ohio-5491, at ¶ 68, quoting State v. Robinson, 2d Dist. Montgomery

No. 26441, 2015-Ohio-1167, ¶ 27, citing State v. Mack, 73 Ohio St.3d 502, 514-515

(1995). See also Shook, 2014-Ohio-3987, at ¶ 51. “If a witness denies making the

statement, extrinsic evidence of the statement is generally admissible; provided, the

evidence does not relate to a collateral matter.” Shook at ¶ 52, citing State v. Soke,

105 Ohio App.3d 226, 239 (8th Dist.1995), citing State v. Riggins, 35 Ohio App.3d

1, 3 (8th Dist.1986).

{¶52} T.H. was an uncooperative and difficult witness. Initially, T.H.

testified that she recalled reporting to Officer Van Vorce and Detective Stechschulte

that Baskin hit her. However, shortly thereafter, T.H. became argumentative and

unresponsive to the State’s questions, which resulted in the need for the trial court

to excuse the jury and to instruct T.H. to properly answer the State’s questions.

When the jury returned and the State resumed its cross-examination of T.H., she

-34- Case No. 1-18-23

denied, contradicted, or could not recall the content of her prior statements to law

enforcement or the State. Thus, based on T.H.’s inconsistent testimony, the State

was permitted to impeach T.H.’s testimony—namely T.H.’s denials that Baskin

committed the crimes of aggravated burglary, abduction, and domestic violence.2

{¶53} Accordingly, because the State sought to impeach T.H.’s denials that

Baskin committed aggravated burglary, abduction, and domestic violence, the State

had to confront T.H. with the content of her prior statements in order to lay the

proper foundation for the admission of extrinsic evidence of her prior inconsistent

statements. See State v. Sullens, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 15AP-1159, 2017-Ohio-

4081, ¶ 18. Stated differently, the State was not attempting to impeach T.H. for

asserting that she did not contact law enforcement or that she did not make a

statement to law enforcement or the State—it was attempting to impeach the content

(facts that were of consequence to the determination of the action) of her prior

statements to law enforcement and the State.3 Compare id. (stating that, because

“the State was not attempting to impeach Z.S. for asserting that she had not made a

statement to police,” “that denial was irrelevant, because impeachment evidence

2 Baskin does not dispute that he violated the protection order. 3 Although an argument exists that a portion of the State’s cross-examination of T.H. was an attempt to lay a foundation to refresh T.H.’s recollection as to whether she called the Lima Police Department because she testified, in part, that she could not recall whether she placed the call, we need not address whether the admission of that audio recording into evidence was proper under Evid.R. 803(5) because we conclude that it was admissible for another reason.

-35- Case No. 1-18-23

must contradict a statement regarding a ‘fact that [was] of consequence to the

determination of the action.’”), quoting Evid.R. 613(B)(2)(a).

{¶54} Moreover, in addition to T.H. having the opportunity to explain or

deny her prior statements, Baskin was afforded the opportunity to interrogate T.H.

about her statements. For these reasons, we conclude that the State laid the proper

foundation for the admission of extrinsic evidence of T.H.’s prior inconsistent

statements—namely, evidence of what she reported: (1) in her phone call to the

Lima Police Department; (2) to Officer Van Vorce; (3) during an interview with

Detective Stechschulte; and (4) during a trial-preparation interview with Detective

Stechschulte and the State—as impeachment evidence. See State v. Reed, 155 Ohio

App.3d 435, 2003-Ohio-6536, ¶ 31 (2d Dist.) (concluding that a proper foundation

was laid for the introduction of extrinsic evidence of prior inconsistent statements

under Evid.R. 613(B) because the witness “repeatedly testified that she did not

remember her responses to many of [the] questions”); State v. Allen, 5th Dist. Stark

No. 2012CA00196, 2013-Ohio-3715, ¶ 12 (concluding that the elements of Evid.R.

613(B) were satisfied because an issue existed as to the witness’s credibility and the

witness was afforded the opportunity to explain or deny her statements and defense

counsel was afforded the opportunity to interrogate the witness on her statements).

Therefore, because we conclude that the State laid the proper foundation for the

admission of the extrinsic evidence of T.H.’s prior inconsistent statements, the

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manner and the extent of the State’s cross-examination of T.H. did not amount to

plain error under the specific facts and circumstances of this case. Likewise, it was

not error—let alone discretionary error or plain error—to admit the extrinsic

evidence of T.H.’s prior inconsistent statements under Evid.R. 613.

{¶55} Nevertheless, Baskin contends that the unbridled admission of T.H.’s

prior inconsistent statements amounted to error and that the trial court erred by

failing to instruct the jury that it could consider T.H.’s pre-trial statements for only

impeachment purposes and not as substantive evidence to establish the truth of those

facts. Statements admitted under Evid.R. 613(B) require a trial court to inform the

jury that it may consider the evidence of the prior statements solely for the purpose

of impeaching a witness’s credibility, not as substantive evidence of a defendant’s

guilt. State v. Dyer, 11th Dist. Lake No. 2015-L-121, 2017-Ohio-426, ¶ 57, citing

State v. Armstrong, 11th Dist. Trumbull Nos. 2001-T-0120 and 2002-T-0071, 2004-

Ohio-5635, , ¶ 109, and citing State v. Fields, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 88916, 2007-

Ohio-5060, ¶ 17 and Evid.R. 105 (“[w]hen evidence which is admissible as to one

party or for one purpose but not admissible as to another party or for another purpose

is admitted, the court, upon request of a party, shall restrict the evidence to its proper

scope and instruct the jury accordingly”).

{¶56} “Ordinarily, the trial court has discretion to decide to give or refuse a

particular instruction, and an appellate court will not disturb that decision absent an

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abuse of discretion.” State v. Teitelbaum, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 14AP-310, 2016-

Ohio-3524, ¶ 127, citing Clark v. Grant Med. Ctr., 10th Dist. Franklin No. 14AP-

833, 2015-Ohio-4958, ¶ 50. However, because Baskin did not request a limiting

instruction or otherwise object to the jury instructions given, we are limited to

reviewing whether the trial court committed plain error by not providing any such

limiting instruction. See State v. McKelton, 148 Ohio St.3d 261, 2016-Ohio-5735,

¶ 128; Dyer at ¶ 58. Thus, similar to our other plain-error review, we are limited to

noticing errors that affect substantial rights. Dyer at ¶ 59, citing Evid.R. 103(A)(1),

(D).

{¶57} To determine whether the trial court’s failure to instruct the jury that

it could only consider T.H.’s prior statements as impeachment evidence constituted

plain error, we must determine whether the jury could consider that evidence as

substantive evidence.

“[T]he use of prior inconsistent statements is limited. ‘[W]hen a prior inconsistent statement is offered for the purpose of impeachment, the trier of fact may only consider the prior statement as substantive evidence if the prior statement is not inadmissible as hearsay.’”

Johnson, 2015-Ohio-5491, at ¶ 77, quoting State v. Heard, 1st Dist. Hamilton No.

C-130789, 2014-Ohio-4643, ¶ 11, quoting State v. Hancock, 1st Dist. Hamilton No.

C-030459, 2004-Ohio-1492, ¶ 40, citing Evid.R. 801, 802, 803, and 804, and

Dayton v. Combs, 94 Ohio App.3d 291 (2d Dist.1993) (“If the statement is used to

establish the truth of the matter asserted, i.e., as substantive evidence, with or

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without an additional purpose to impeach, the hearsay rule and its exceptions are

implicated.”). See also McKelton at ¶ 128 (stating that “unless another hearsay

exception applies, a party may not interrogate his own witness about a prior

inconsistent statement ‘“for the purpose of offering substantive evidence against the

accused”’”), quoting State v. Dick, 27 Ohio St.2d 162, 165 (1971), quoting State v.

Duffy, 134 Ohio St. 16 (1938), paragraph two of the syllabus. Here, Baskin argues

that T.H.’s pre-trial statements could not be used as substantive evidence because

those statements constituted impermissible hearsay evidence.

{¶58} Hearsay is defined as “a statement, other than one made by the

declarant while testifying at the trial or hearing, offered in evidence to prove the

truth of the matter asserted.” Evid.R. 801(C). Hearsay is generally not admissible

unless an exception applies. Evid.R. 802. “Evid.R. 803 is one such rule which

permits the admission of certain hearsay statements even though the declarant is

available as a witness.” Combs at 300.

{¶59} Before addressing whether T.H.’s pre-trial statements could be

considered as substantive evidence, we must first address whether Baskin

appropriately objected to the admission of her pre-trial statements. In this case, in

addition to failing to object to the admission of any of the evidence of T.H.’s prior

inconsistent statements on the basis that it was impermissible impeachment

evidence, Baskin did not object to the admission of that evidence on the basis that

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it was inadmissible hearsay evidence. However, as we previously addressed, even

if we assume without deciding that an abuse-of-discretion standard applies to the

admission of T.H.’s call to the Lima Police Department because he lodged an

objection to the admission of that evidence on a different basis, the result is still the

same.

{¶60} In addition to being admissible as impeachment evidence, T.H.’s call

to the Lima Police Department was admissible as substantive evidence under

Evid.R. 803. See State v. Mosley, 4th Dist. Scioto No. 00CA2739, 2001 WL

888376, *6 (July 18, 2001) (concluding that hearsay statements admissible as

excited utterances were admissible as substantive evidence). In particular, “Evid.R.

803(2) excludes an excited utterance from the hearsay rule. An excited utterance is

‘[a] statement relating to a startling event or condition made while the declarant was

under the stress of excitement caused by the event or condition.’” State v.

Thompson-Shabazz, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 27155, 2017-Ohio-7434, ¶ 105,

quoting Evid.R. 803(2).

{¶61} The Supreme Court of Ohio has set forth the following test for

determining whether a statement qualifies as an excited utterance under Evid.R.

803(2):

(a) that there was some occurrence startling enough to produce a nervous excitement in the declarant, which was sufficient to still his reflective faculties and thereby make his statements and declarations the unreflective and sincere expression of his actual impressions and

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beliefs, and thus render his statement of declaration spontaneous and unreflective,

(b) that the statement or declaration, even if not strictly contemporaneous with its exciting cause, was made before there had been time for such nervous excitement to lose a domination over his reflective faculties so that such domination continued to remain sufficient to make his statements and declarations the unreflective and sincere expression of his actual impressions and beliefs,

(c) that the statement or declaration related to such startling occurrence or the circumstances of such starling occurrence, and

(d) that the declarant had an opportunity to observe personally the matters asserted in his statement or declaration.

State v. Jones, 135 Ohio St.3d 10, 2012-Ohio-5677, ¶ 166. “When evaluating

statements under this test, ‘[t]here is no per se amount of time after which a

statement can no longer be considered to be an excited utterance.’” State v. Little,

3d Dist. Allen No. 1-16-29, 2016-Ohio-8398, ¶ 11, quoting State v. Taylor, 66 Ohio

St.3d 295, 303 (1993). “Rather, ‘each case must be decided on its own

circumstances.’” Id., quoting State v. Duncan, 53 Ohio St.2d 215, 219 (1978).

“‘The central requirements are that the statement must be made while the declarant

is still under the stress of the event and the statement may not be a result of reflective

thought.’” Id., quoting Taylor at 303.

{¶62} T.H.’s call to the Lima Police Department satisfies the four elements

of an excited utterance. See Thompson-Shabazz at ¶ 112 (concluding that the

victim’s call to 333-COPS constituted an excited utterance). Indeed, T.H. endured

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a startling occurrence during which she sustained injuries to her head and leg and

was required to lure Baskin away from her home in order to escape from him. See

State v. McDaniel, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 24423, 2011-Ohio-6326, ¶ 26 (noting

that the victim’s “statements related to the domestic violence event, and as the

victim of the domestic violence, she had personally observed the violent attack”).

Further, after escaping from Baskin, T.H. returned to her residence to contact law

enforcement for assistance. See Jones, 135 Ohio St.3d 10, 2012-Ohio-5677, at ¶

168-169 (addressing the timing of excited utterances). Moreover, after reviewing

the audio recording of the phone call, it is evident that T.H.’s statements were the

product of reactive, not reflective, thinking. Compare State v. Holloway, 10th Dist.

Franklin No. 02AP-984, 2003-Ohio-3298, ¶ 51 (concluding that the evidence in the

record reflected “that the altercation in the home was a startling occurrence that

produced nervous excitement sufficient to render the victim’s statements

spontaneous and unreflective”). Therefore, T.H.’s phone call to the Lima Police

Department was admissible as an excited utterance and the trial court did not abuse

its discretion by admitting it into evidence for the jury’s consideration as substantive

{¶63} Turning to the other evidence that Baskin contends was inadmissible

hearsay, because Baskin failed to object to the admission of any of that evidence on

any basis, he waived all but plain error on appeal. (See Mar. 5-6, 2018 Tr., Vol. I,

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at 73-75, 132-140); (Mar. 5-6, 2018 Tr., Vol. II, at 263). We agree (with Baskin)

that the trial court erred by admitting: (1) Officer Van Vorce’s recitation of the

version of events that T.H. relayed to him; (2) Detective Stechschulte’s recitation of

the version of events that T.H. relayed to him; (3) State’s Exhibit 25—a video

recording of T.H.’s interview with Detective Stechschulte; and (4) State’s Exhibit

26—an audio recording of T.H.’s pre-trial interview with Detective Stechschulte

and the State. That is, such evidence constitutes hearsay and does not fall within

any of the exceptions set forth under Evid.R. 803.

{¶64} However, having found error in the admission of Officer Van Vorce’s

testimony, Detective Stechschulte’s testimony, and State’s Exhibits 25 and 26, we

must determine whether the admission of that evidence constituted harmless error.

See Jones, 135 Ohio St.3d 10, 2012-Ohio-5677, at ¶ 176. See also Johnson, 2015-

Ohio-5491, ¶ 86. Ohio’s criminal-harmless-error rule, Crim.R. 52(A), provides:

“[a]ny error, defect, irregularity, or variance which does not affect substantial rights

shall be disregarded.” “In most cases, in order to be viewed as ‘affecting substantial

rights,’ ‘“the error must have been prejudicial.”’” (Emphasis sic.) State v. Harris,

142 Ohio St.3d 211, 2015-Ohio-166, ¶ 36, quoting State v. Fisher, 99 Ohio St.3d

127, 2003-Ohio-2761, ¶ 7. “Accordingly, Crim.R. 52(A) asks whether the rights

affected are ‘substantial’ and, if so, whether a defendant has suffered any prejudice

as a result.” Id. “‘Any error in the admission of hearsay is generally harmless when

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the declarant is cross-examined on the same matters and the seemingly erroneous

evidence is cumulative in nature.’” Wendel, 2016-Ohio-7915, at ¶ 12, quoting State

v. Geboy, 145 Ohio App.3d 706, 721 (3d Dist.2001), and citing State v. Heft, 3d

Dist. Logan No. 8-09-08, 2009-Ohio-5908, ¶ 72.

{¶65} We conclude that the admission of Officer Van Vorce’s testimony,

Detective Stechschulte’s testimony, and State’s Exhibits 25 and 26 constitute

harmless error. There is no dispute that the declarant, T.H., was cross-examined at

length about her pre-trial statements. See Wendel at ¶ 13. Likewise, that evidence

is cumulative of other evidence presented at trial. Specifically, Officer Van Vorce’s

testimony, Detective Stechschulte’s testimony, and State’s Exhibits 25 and 26 are

merely cumulative to the content of T.H.’s phone call to the Lima Police

Department, which we determined was admissible as substantive evidence. In other

words, Baskin was not prejudiced by the admission of that evidence. Accordingly,

because the admission of Officer Van Vorce’s testimony, Detective Stechschulte’s

testimony, and State’s Exhibits 25 and 26 constitute harmless error, the admission

of that evidence did not amount to plain error. See id. (concluding that the erroneous

admission of hearsay evidence was not plain error because the admission of that

evidence was harmless since the declarant was cross-examined on the statements

and the statements were cumulative in nature).

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{¶66} Finally, for similar reasons, the trial court’s failure to instruct the jury

that it could only consider T.H.’s pre-trial statements as impeachment evidence does

not constitute plain error. First, because we determined that T.H.’s phone call to the

Lima Police Department was admissible as substantive evidence, it was unnecessary

for the trial court to limit the jury’s consideration of that evidence. Further, even if

the jury improperly considered Officer Van Vorce’s testimony, Detective

Stechschulte’s testimony, and State’s Exhibits 25 and 26 as substantive evidence,

that error was not outcome determinative since the evidence contained in T.H.’s

phone call to the Lima Police Department contains enough evidence to support the

jury’s determination of guilt in this case. See McKelton, 148 Ohio St.3d 261, 2016-

Ohio-5735, at ¶ 130; Dyer, 2017-Ohio-426, at ¶ 58. That is, Baskin was not

prejudiced by the trial court’s failure to give a limiting instruction with respect to

Officer Van Vorce’s testimony, Detective Stechschulte’s testimony, and State’s

Exhibits 25 and 26 because any such limiting instruction would have been

inconsequential. See Dyer at ¶ 58.

{¶67} For these reasons, Baskin’s fourth assignment of error is overruled.

{¶68} Having found no error prejudicial to the appellant herein in the

particulars assigned and argued, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

PRESTON and WILLAMOWSKI, J.J., concur.

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