[Cite as State v. Derifield, 2021-Ohio-1351.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
TWELFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT OF OHIO
MADISON COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO, :
Appellee, : CASE NO. CA2020-01-002
: OPINION - vs - 4/19/2021 :
STEVEN B. DERIFIELD, :
Appellant. :
CRIMINAL APPEAL FROM MADISON COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS Case No. CRI20190065
Nicholas A. Adkins, Madison County Prosecuting Attorney, Rachel M. Price, Michael S. Klamo, 59 North Main Street, London, Ohio 43140, for appellee
Harris Law Firm, LLC, Felice Harris, 6031 East Main Street, #187, Columbus, Ohio 43213, for appellant
HENDRICKSON, J.
{¶ 1} Appellant, Steven Derifield, appeals from his conviction in the Madison
County Court of Common Pleas for one count of having weapons while under disability and
three counts of possession of drugs. For the reasons detailed below, we affirm in part,
reverse in part, and remand this matter to the trial court for further proceedings.
{¶ 2} On July 11, 2019, Derifield was indicted by a Madison County Grand Jury for: Madison CA2020-01-002
(1) having weapons under disability in violation of R.C. 2923.13(A)(3), a third-degree felony,
(2) possession of heroin in violation of R.C. 2925.11(A), a third-degree felony, (3)
possession of cocaine in violation of R.C. 2925.11(A), a first-degree felony, and (4)
aggravated possession of methamphetamine in violation of R.C. 2925.11(A), a second-
degree felony.
{¶ 3} The charges stemmed from an investigation into a stolen firearm, specifically,
an AR-15 rifle. On May 21, 2019, Kurtis Smouse reported to the London Police Department
the firearm had been stolen. According to Smouse, the last time he remembered seeing
the rifle was when it was propped against the wall of his bedroom by a window that had
been left open. Smouse also reported that he believed Chance Archer, Ben Hillman, or
Dallas Webb had stolen the rifle because they knew where he kept it in his home.
{¶ 4} A few days later, Smouse returned to the London Police Department with new
information. Smouse reported that he had allowed Dallas Webb to use his phone, who then
used it to access his Facebook account. When Webb returned the phone, Smouse
discovered that he had not signed out of the account, leaving it open to inspection. Upon
viewing the account, Smouse learned that Webb, as well as another man, Eric Miller, were
attempting to sell the rifle to an individual they referred to as "Dagg." Smouse also provided
Dagg's phone number and informed the police that "[Dagg] lives on Clinton St. on the right
side."
{¶ 5} Based on prior interactions between the two, Detective Greg Perkins knew
that "Dagg," or "Dagwood," was actually Derifield. Detective Perkins, therefore, suspected
that Derifield was the individual involved in the purchase of the rifle. The record indicates
that Detective Perkins was ultimately able to corroborate the information provided by
Smouse with other information provided by a confidential informant.
{¶ 6} Upon receiving this information, Detective Perkins then sought a search
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warrant for Derifield's residence. The search warrant included a summary of the information
that Detective Perkins had received from Smouse, including reference to the Facebook
conversation between Webb and Miller. Detective Perkins did not attach the Facebook
messages to the application, nor did Detective Perkins specify how he knew Derifield was,
in fact, "Dagwood." The authorizing judge nevertheless signed the search warrant.
{¶ 7} On May 30, 2019, the search warrant was executed by officers from the
Madison County Sheriff's Office and the London Police Department. When executing the
warrant, detectives on the scene first spoke with the homeowner, Larry Davis, who
confirmed that Derifield was inside in the back bedroom with his girlfriend, Marissa Blevins.
{¶ 8} Detective Cooper then entered the residence and announced his presence
outside the back bedroom. Shortly thereafter, Detective Cooper encountered Marissa, who
was quickly removed from the room and taken outside. Once Marissa was outside,
Derifield, who was lying on the bed, was asked to show his hands, placed in handcuffs, and
escorted from the room. Detective Cooper then entered the back bedroom where he
observed drug paraphernalia in plain sight. This discovery prompted the law enforcement
officers to obtain a second search warrant.
{¶ 9} After a second search warrant was authorized, the officers resumed their
search and began inventorying the items found in the bedroom. Officers discovered an
armoire at the foot of the bed that contained a handgun, hypodermic needles, a stack of
money, a wallet with Derifield's driver's license, as well as a box containing a white
substance believed to be narcotics. Additional narcotics were found underneath the
mattress and inside two safes. The smaller safe contained a bag of suspected narcotics,
while the larger safe contained a gun box, ammunition, and four watches. The watches
were subsequently swabbed for DNA, one of which positively identified the presence of
Derifield's DNA.
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{¶ 10} After the search, Derifield was arrested for one count of having weapons
under disability and the suspected narcotics were sent for testing. Following his arrest,
Derifield moved to suppress all the evidence obtained as a result of the two search warrants.
Derifield alleged the first warrant issued was facially and legally deficient and constituted
an illegal search and seizure. To support this claim, and as relevant to this appeal, Derifield
argued that Detective Perkins made six impermissible inferences not communicated to the
issuing judge.
{¶ 11} After a hearing, the trial court denied Derifield's motion to suppress.
Thereafter, the matter proceeded to a bench trial for the weapons under disability charge
and a jury trial on the remaining three drug-related offenses. Derifield was found guilty on
all four counts.
{¶ 12} As a result of the guilty verdicts, the trial court sentenced Derifield to an
aggregate sentence of 16 years to a maximum of 21 years and ordered a cumulative fine
of $23,000. Derifield now appeals, raising four assignments of error for review. For ease
of discussion, we will be addressing Derifield's assignments of error out of order.
{¶ 13} Assignment of Error No. 1:
{¶ 14} THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN DENYING DEFENDANT-APPELLANT'S
MOTION TO SUPPRESS.
{¶ 15} In his first assignment of error, Derifield argues the trial court erred by denying
his motion to suppress. To support this claim, Derifield raises two separate issues, which,
for ease of discussion, we will address separately.
{¶ 16} Appellate review of a ruling on a motion to suppress presents a mixed
question of law and fact. State v. Gray, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2011-09-176, 2012-Ohio-
4769, ¶ 15, citing State v. Burnside, 100 Ohio St.3d 152, 2003-Ohio-5372, ¶ 8. When
considering a motion to suppress, the trial court, as the trier of fact, is in the best position
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to weigh the evidence in order to resolve factual questions and evaluate witness credibility.
State v. Vaughn, 12th Dist. Fayette No. CA2014-05-012, 2015-Ohio-828, ¶ 8. In turn, this
court is bound to accept the trial court's findings of fact if they are supported by competent,
credible evidence. State v. Dugan, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2012-04-081, 2013-Ohio-447,
¶ 10. "Accepting these facts as true, the appellate court must then independently
determine, without deference to the conclusion of the trial court, whether the facts satisfy
the applicable legal standard." State v. Runyon, 12th Dist. Clermont No. CA2010-05-032,
2011-Ohio-263, ¶ 12.
{¶ 17} The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits
unreasonable searches and seizures and provides that "no Warrants shall issue, but upon
probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to
be searched, and the persons or things to be seized." To that end, "a judge may issue a
search warrant only upon a finding of probable cause in an affidavit or affidavits presented
to the judge." State v. Risner, 12th Dist. Preble No. CA2017-06-007, 2018-Ohio-1569, ¶
16, citing Crim.R. 41(C). The affidavit must "name or describe the person to be searched
or particularly describe the place to be searched, name or describe the property to be
searched for and seized, state substantially the offense in relation thereto, and state the
factual basis for the affiant's belief that such property is there located." Crim.R. 41(C)(1).
"The finding of probable cause may be based upon hearsay in whole or in part, provided
there is a substantial basis for believing the source of the hearsay to be credible and for
believing that there is a factual basis for the information furnished." Crim.R. 41(C)(2); Risner
at ¶ 16.
{¶ 18} In determining whether probable cause exists to support the issuance of a
warrant, courts employ a "totality-of-the-circumstances test." State v. Thompson, 12th Dist.
Butler No. CA2013-08-158, 2014-Ohio-3380, ¶ 12. Under this test, the judge issuing the
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warrant must "make a practical, common-sense decision whether, given all the
circumstances set forth in the affidavit before him, including the 'veracity' and 'basis of
knowledge' of persons supplying hearsay information, there is a fair probability that
contraband or evidence of a crime will be found in a particular place." State v. J.A.C., 12th
Dist. Warren Nos. CA2017-04-044 and CA2017-04-045, 2018-Ohio-361, ¶ 18, quoting
State v. George, 45 Ohio St.3d 325 (1989), paragraph one of the syllabus.
1. State v. Castagnola
{¶ 19} Derifield initially argues the trial court erred by denying his motion to suppress
since the affidavit in support of the first search warrant lacked sufficient indicia of probable
cause. This is because, according to Derifield, the affiant, Detective Perkins, used
impermissible inferences not communicated to the issuing judge.
{¶ 20} The Ohio Supreme Court has held that affiants may make reasonable
inferences within search-warrant affidavits. State v. Castagnola, 145 Ohio St.3d 1, 2015-
Ohio-1565, ¶ 39. However, to permit an independent review, the facts upon which those
inferences are based must be disclosed and the issuing judge must be afforded the
opportunity to test any significant inferences drawn by the affiant. Id. at ¶ 40. The issuing
judge cannot be viewed as neutral and detached if she issues a search warrant that is
unknowingly based on the police officer's conclusions. Id. at ¶ 41. While search-warrant
affidavits will inevitably include undisclosed inferences, there is a line between permissible
police interpretation and usurpation of the judge's function. Id. at ¶ 49.
{¶ 21} In Castagnola, the Ohio Supreme Court adopted the test for reviewing courts
confronted with allegations that an inference made by an affiant was presented as an
empirical fact in an affidavit, thus usurping the issuing judge's inference-drawing authority.
Id. When a court reviews the inferences that were given to the judge or magistrate, it must
determine if it was an allowable interpretation or if the affiant assumed the judge or
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magistrate's job of determining whether there was probable cause to grant the search
warrant. Id. at ¶ 49.
{¶ 22} The first inquiry is to determine whether the hidden inference was "so
significant as to cross the line between permissible interpretation and usurpation." Id. A
hidden inference "should be deemed significant if it can be fairly concluded that it had a
substantial bearing on the magistrate's determination of probable cause" in each of two
respects:
(1) Relevance: The more directly relevant the inference is to the magistrate's inquiry, the more substantial its bearing and the more significant it will be. * * *
(2) Complexity: The more complex and attenuated the logical process by which a relevant conclusion is reached, the more important it is that the magistrate receive an opportunity to test the inference for validity as part of his neutral and detached function. Conversely, an inference so straightforward, and so patently within the affiant's area of expertise, as to be a matter of "routine interpretation" for the affiant is probably not so significant as to require the magistrate's review even though the conclusion thus reached is highly relevant.
Id.
{¶ 23} If the inference is found to be significant, then the reviewing court must look
at the second step and examine the affiant's animus. Id. at ¶ 50. That is, if the person
seeking the search warrant acted "intentionally" or with "conscious indifference," then the
warrant should be found invalid, and the evidence should be suppressed. Id. On the other
hand, if the affiant acted "negligently," then the improper influence should be removed and
replaced with the omitted underlying facts. Id. The reviewing court shall then reevaluate
the warrant to see if it still supports the finding of probable cause. Id.
{¶ 24} In the present case, Derifield only contests the validity of the first search
warrant, which authorized a search for "[g]uns and or weapons intact or possibly
disassembled into various pieces. Any other weapons parts associated with the case(s)
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being investigated." The affidavit alleging probable cause for the search warrant stated:
On May 21, 2019 at approximately at 22:32 hours. The London Division of Police took a report of a stolen weapon from 186 South Union St in the City of London, Oh. The victim, Kurtis Smouse, listed suspects, based on the fact that they knew where the weapon was located inside the residence.
On May 28, 2019 Kurtis Smouse made contact with the London Police Division to advise that he noticed, after allowing one of the listed suspect(s) to borrow his phone, namely Dallas Webb, Webb logged into his facebook account on Smouse's phone and had a conversation with Eric Miller about selling Smouse's stolen weapon to Steven Derifield, "aka….Dagwood."
Smouse furnished the information from the phone along with Derifield's known address/hang-out at the above listed 501 Clinton St. London, Oh. Derifield's phone number was then verified with other sourced to co-oberate [sic] Smouse's statement.
It is believed that the stolen weapon is inside this address, therefore this warrant is being requested to investigate the case further.
{¶ 25} At the suppression hearing, Derifield alleged Detective Perkins' affidavit
contains six impermissible inferences under Castagnola with regard to his identity and the
location of the weapon contained in the text messages between Webb and Miller. Those
six allegedly impermissible inferences are as follows.
1. The two [Webb and Miller] were having a conversation about selling a stolen weapon.
2. The weapon was planned for sale to a person named "Dagg."
3. The defendant is "Dagg."
4. "Dagg," even if he was supposed to be buying this weapon, knew it to be stolen.
5. "Dagg" actually bought the weapon.
6. "Dagg" retained the weapon at his home.
{¶ 26} The trial court considered each of the six allegedly improper inferences. The
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court first determined that Inference 4 was not actually inferred because Detective Perkins
did not assert that Dagg knew the weapon was stolen and nothing in his affidavit suggested
that Dagg knew the weapon was stolen. That finding is supported by the record.
{¶ 27} With respect the Inferences 1, 2, and 5, the court found that each of those
inferences were permissible interpretations by Detective Perkins. As noted by the trial
court, Detective Perkins was investigating a theft of an AR-15. Initially, Smouse provided
the relevant information concerning the AR-15 and a list of suspects who knew where he
kept the rifle in his home. Thereafter, Smouse informed Detective Perkins of the Facebook
messages where Webb and Miller were discussing "the a.r." and that they "got everything
sold for sure." In conjunction, Miller asked Webb whether he made it to Dagg's residence,
which Webb replied, "not yet." The two then discussed the need to use a car for
transportation because "[y]ou can't walk with this." In short, we agree with the trial court
that Inferences 1, 2, and 5 were permissible. Based on the information Detective Perkins
had, and with his prior knowledge and training, could reasonably infer that Webb and Miller
were speaking about selling the stolen weapon (Inference 1) to a person named "Dagg"
(Inference 2) and that Dagg had actually purchased the weapon (Inference 5).
{¶ 28} The court then addressed the two remaining inferences, which are the only
two inferences that Derifield contests in his brief. As noted above, Inference 3 is that
Derifield is "Dagg." The trial court determined that Detective Perkins was personally familiar
with Derifield based on his testimony and that he knew Derifield went by the nickname of
"Dagg" or "Dagwood." The trial court found it was a matter of routine interpretation for
Detective Perkins.
{¶ 29} Derifield disputes the trial court's finding that his nickname was a matter of
routine interpretation. In so doing, Derifield cross-references the victim's statement calling
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him "Gagwood" and characterizes Detective Perkin's testimony as faulty.1 Therefore,
according to Derifield, the trial court's decision was improper in that it "was based on the
court's erroneous recollection that [Detective Perkins] testified he was personally familiar
with Mr. Derifield, that he knew Mr. Derifield had a nickname, and that his nickname was
Dagwood."
{¶ 30} Following review, we find that Inference 3 was permissible. Though we
concur with the trial court that whether "Dagg" is Derifield is directly relevant, we also agree
that it is straightforward and "patently within" Detective Perkins' area of expertise and is
permissible under Castagnola. In this case, Detective Perkins testified that he knew
Derifield from having previously investigated him and that those investigations occurred
prior to the instant case. To that end, Detective Perkins testified that Derifield was
nicknamed "Dagwood" and, again, confirmed that Derifield went by both "Dagg" and
"Dagwood." This point was explicitly made by Detective Perkins when he testified "[w]hen
I talk to people, they reference him as Dag[g] or Dagwood." Therefore, contrary to
Derifield's claim, we agree with the trial court's finding that Detective Perkin's knowledge of
Derifield's nickname as "Dagg" or "Dagwood" was a matter of routine interpretation and was
not an improper inference. Derifield's claim otherwise lacks merit.
{¶ 31} The final inference, Inference 6, was whether "Dagg" retained the weapon at
his residence. The trial court found that this inference was relevant and complex and,
therefore, went to the second inquiry by evaluating Detective Perkins' animus. In so doing,
the trial court found that Detective Perkins did not act intentionally or with conscious
indifference. The trial court then removed the inference, and the omitted facts were
1. The apparent reference the victim made about the identity of an individual named "Gagwood" was not raised in the suppression hearing, any motion, or at trial. The parties proceeded, and Detective Perkins testimony reflects, as if "Gagwood," "Dagwood," and "Dagg" were one in the same.
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submitted, and the warrant reevaluated.
{¶ 32} In conducting that evaluation, the trial court placed emphasis on the Facebook
messages between Webb and Miller discussing the sale of the AR-15 firearm to Dagwood.
This includes, for instance, a message where Webb asked Miller "Are you to dagg," to which
Miller responded by saying "I will be here in 30 mins or so y." Webb then asked if Miller
"got it sold for sure." To this, Miller responded that he "got everything sold for sure." Based
on that additional information, the trial court found that there was probable cause to believe
that Derifield retained the firearm at his home.
{¶ 33} Following review, we agree that Inference 6 is relevant and complex and
therefore we must evaluate the second inquiry determining Detective Perkins' animus. We
also agree that there is no evidence that Detective Perkins acted intentionally or with
conscious indifference. Therefore, as correctly determined by the trial court, it is appropriate
to remove that inference and submit the omitted facts. As correctly noted by the trial court,
the Facebook messages between Webb and Miller indicate Miller was going to "Dagg," that
he was going to be there in about 30 minutes, and that he got "everything sold for sure."
The messages also indicated that the parties were aware that "[y]ou can't walk with this."
Therefore, based on the totality of the circumstances, there was probable cause to believe
that the AR-15 firearm had been sold and that it was at Derifield's residence. Accordingly,
we find the trial court did not err in determining that sufficient probable cause existed to
issue the warrant. Derifield's claim otherwise again lacks merit.
2. Particularity
{¶ 34} Derifield also argues the trial court erred by denying his motion to suppress
because the warrant lacked sufficient particularity. Specifically, since Detective Perkins
possessed a photograph of the missing AR-15 firearm, and because Detective Perkins
knew the brand and serial number of the weapon, the search warrant should have identified
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the weapon more specifically than "Guns and or weapons in tact [sic] or possibly
disassembles into various pieces. Any other weapons parts associated with the case(s)
being investigated." We again disagree.
{¶ 35} "Courts addressing the particularity requirement of the Fourth Amendment are
concerned with two issues. The first issue is whether the warrant provides sufficient
information to 'guide and control' the judgment of the executing officers in what to seize.
The second issue is whether the category as specified is too broad in that it includes items
that should not be seized." Castagnola, 2015-Ohio-1565 at ¶ 79. However, a review of the
record reveals that Derifield did not raise this issue in his motion to suppress or during the
suppression hearing. The only time this issue was addressed was when the trial court
conducted a good faith analysis of whether the items to be seized were described with
enough particularity to support probable cause. Therefore, because Derifield did not
challenge this issue below, he has waived that issue on appeal. J.A.C., 2018-Ohio-361 at
¶ 23. Accordingly, having now addressed both of the issues raised in Derifield's first
assignment of error, Derifield's first assignment of error lacks merit and is overruled.
{¶ 36} Assignment of Error No. 2:
{¶ 37} THE TRIAL COURT ABUSED ITS DISCRETION IN OVERULING MR.
DERIFIELD'S MOTION FOR MISTRIAL.
{¶ 38} In his second assignment of error, Derifield argues the trial court erred by
denying his request for a mistrial after trial counsel became aware that statements Derifield
made during the execution of the search warrant may have been made during a "custodial
interrogation" and, therefore, could potentially have been subject to suppression. We
disagree.
{¶ 39} "A mistrial should not be ordered merely because of some error or irregularity
at trial." State v. Pichardo-Reyes, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2016-09-184, 2017-Ohio-8534,
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¶ 45. Rather, "mistrials need be declared only when the ends of justice so require and a
fair trial is no longer possible." State v. Thacker, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2019-06-058,
2020-Ohio-1318, ¶ 50. The decision to grant or deny a mistrial lies within the sound
discretion of the trial court, and "[a]n appellate court will not disturb the exercise of this
discretion absent a showing that the accused has suffered material prejudice." Pichardo-
Reyes at ¶ 45.
{¶ 40} At trial, Detective Perkins testified that Derifield admitted to ownership of one
bag of drugs located in the room, but denied knowing about the other quantities of drugs
found in the room. Specifically, Detective Perkins testified, in pertinent part, the following:
State: Okay. Detective Perkins, as part of your investigation, did you engage in an interview with Mr. Derifield?
Detective Perkins: Yes.
State: And did you attempt to ask him about the drugs that were located in his bedroom?
Detective Perkins: I did.
State: Can you tell us what he said?
Detective Perkins: He said that he didn’t know anything about the drugs except that he claimed that one of the bags of crack was his.
State: Okay did he say which bag?
Detective Perkins: He did not indicate which bag.
State: Did he say where he was in the room or how much he had?
Detective Perkins: He did not. He just said one.
State: He said one of the bags of crack was his?
Detective Perkins: Correct.
State: Did he specifically say crack cocaine or just crack?
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Detective Perkins: Crack.
State: Did he talk about the other substances? Did you ask about the other substances? Did he deny them?
Detective Perkins: I attempted to ask him about the other narcotics and other various contraband in the room. He said he didn’t know anything about the rest of it.
{¶ 41} Following Detective Perkins' testimony, the state called Detective Cooper who
testified about the execution of the search warrant at Derifield’s residence. According to
Detective Cooper, Derifield and his girlfriend, Marissa, were inside the residence in the back
bedroom. Immediately upon entering the bedroom, he requested that Derifield show his
hands for officer safety and had him place his hands on the mattress and was then
handcuffed and arrested and taken from the bedroom. Derifield was then placed in a cruiser
so the officers could complete the search.
{¶ 42} At the close of the state's case, Derifield's counsel moved for a mistrial on the
grounds that she was "unaware that [Derifield] was in custody at the time that admission of
ownership was made." Derifield now argues that the trial court should have declared a
mistrial because he was denied the opportunity to suppress his admission. Derifield
maintains that the discovery provided by the state only includes a statement from Detective
Perkins that he "interviewed all parties at the scene along with Derifield." Derifield takes
issue with that statement and alleges that Detective Perkins' written statement amounts to
a violation of Crim.R. 16 because it intentionally leads the reader to believe that he had a
voluntary interview with the parties.
{¶ 43} However, after review, we find the trial court did not abuse its discretion in
denying Derifield's motion for a mistrial. As an initial matter, we note that the state complied
with its obligations under Crim.R.16(B)(1) in providing "[a]ny written or recorded statement
by the defendant * * *, including police summaries of such statements" made by the
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defendant. Though Derifield characterizes Detective Perkins' statement as misleading,
there is no requirement, and Derifield cites no authority, that the state is required to detail
the circumstances in which the statement was made. Rather, the record reflects that
Derifield and his counsel should have been aware of the statement and the surrounding
situation could have been discussed between attorney and client. In this regard, the
defense was aware that Derifield had made incriminating statements and thus could have
further inquired of the circumstances surrounding the interview in question.
{¶ 44} Furthermore, there is nothing in the record that would indicate that a motion
to suppress would have been successful. That is to say, there is no evidence that Derifield
was not informed of his Miranda rights. The only discussion of that issue came upon
Derifield's request for a mistrial when the state briefly mentioned that Detective Perkins had
provided Derifield with his Miranda rights. To that end, the record does not reflect that the
state "willfully failed" to turn over any discovery item in violation of Crim.R. 16 or that the
supposedly undisclosed item would have benefitted Derifield in his preparation. Finally, we
note that Derifield's proximity to the drugs, including the fact that his wallet was kept in the
same location as a portion of the drugs, minimizes any prejudicial effect of Derifield's
statement admitting ownership of "one of the bags of crack." Therefore, for the reasons
outlined above, Derifield's second assignment of error lacks merit and is overruled.
{¶ 45} Assignment of Error No. 4:
{¶ 46} STEVEN DERIFIELD WAS DENIED THE EFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF
COUNSEL GUARANTEED BY THE UNITED STATES AND OHIO CONSTITUTIONS.
{¶ 47} In his fourth assignment of error, Derifield claims he received ineffective
assistance of counsel because his trial counsel failed to file a motion to suppress the
statements made to Detective Perkins admitting ownership of one of the bags of drugs.
Derifield also claims he received ineffective assistance of counsel because his trial counsel
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failed to file an affidavit of indigency to waive mandatory fines under R.C. 2929.18(B)(1).
{¶ 48} To prevail on an ineffective assistance of counsel claim, an appellant must
establish: (1) that his trial counsel's performance was deficient; and (2) that such deficiency
prejudiced the defense to the point of depriving the appellant of a fair trial. Strickland v.
Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687-688, 104 S.Ct. 2052 (1984); State v. Vore, 12th Dist.
Warren Nos. CA2012-06-049 and CA2012-10-106, 2013-Ohio-1490, ¶ 14. Trial counsel's
performance will not be deemed deficient unless it "fell below an objective standard of
reasonableness." Strickland at 688. To show prejudice, the appellant must prove there
exists "a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's unprofessional errors, the result of
the proceeding would have been different." Id. at 694. An appellant's failure to satisfy one
prong of the Strickland test negates a court's need to consider the other. State v. Vunda,
12th Dist. Butler Nos. CA2012-07-130 and CA2013-07-113, 2014-Ohio-3449, ¶ 54, citing
State v. Madrigal, 87 Ohio St.3d 378, 389 (2000).
{¶ 49} Derifield argues that his trial counsel should have moved to suppress his
statements made to Detective Perkins wherein he admitted ownership to one of the bags
of drugs found in the room. As noted above, after the state rested, Derifield's trial counsel
moved for a mistrial on the basis that she was not aware that Derifield was potentially in a
custodial setting during the time he made those statements. However, we note that there
is no evidence that trial counsel's performance was deficient on the matter. First, the record
does not reflect that a hypothetical motion to suppress would have been successful as there
was no evidence to suggest that Derifield was not properly advised of his Miranda rights.
The record, in fact, indicates that Derifield had been provided with the appropriate warnings.
Secondly, given Derifield's proximity to the drugs, and the fact that his personal effects were
scattered all across the room, Derifield was not subject to any resulting prejudice. Derifield's
claim otherwise lacks merit.
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{¶ 50} Derifield also argues that his trial counsel was ineffective because counsel
failed to file an affidavit of indigency and for not requesting that a mandatory fine be waived.
In this regard, we agree with Derifield.
{¶ 51} Pursuant to R.C. 2929.18(B)(1), the trial court is obligated to impose
mandatory fines when the offender commits certain drug-related felonies. State v. Johnson,
12th Dist. Butler No. CA2011-11-212, 2014-Ohio-3776, ¶ 10. R.C. 2929.19(B)(5) provides
that before imposing a financial sanction, including a mandatory fine under R.C.
2929.18(B)(1), "the court shall consider the offender's present and future ability to pay the
amount of the sanction or fine." There are no express factors that must be considered or
specific findings that must be made regarding the offender's ability to pay. State v. Saracco-
Rios, 12th Dist. Madison Nos. CA2016-02-011 and CA2016-03-014, 2016-Ohio-7192, ¶ 10.
Compliance with R.C. 2929.19(B)(5) can be shown through the trial court's use of a PSI
report, which often provides financial and personal information of the offender, in order to
aid the trial court in making its determination. Johnson at ¶ 12; State v. Poff, 5th Dist.
Morgan No. 20AP0005, 2021-Ohio-384, ¶ 43.
{¶ 52} R.C. 2929.18(B)(1) establishes a procedure for avoiding the imposition of
mandatory fines applicable to certain felony drug offenses. That section provides:
If an offender alleges in an affidavit filed with the court prior to sentencing that the offender is indigent and unable to pay the mandatory fine and if the court determines the offender is an indigent person and is unable to pay the mandatory fine described in this division, the court shall not impose the mandatory fine upon the offender.
{¶ 53} The failure to file an affidavit of indigency for purposes of waiving a mandatory
fine constitutes ineffective assistance of counsel where the record shows a "reasonable
probability" that the trial court would have found the defendant indigent and unable to pay
the fine had the affidavit been filed. Johnson at ¶ 11. However, even then, the filing of an
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affidavit of indigency by a defendant does not automatically entitle the defendant to a waiver
of the mandatory fine. State v. Bolden, 12th Dist. Preble No. CA2003-03-007, 2004-Ohio-
184, ¶ 35. The defendant has the burden to affirmatively demonstrate that he or she is
indigent and is unable to pay the mandatory fine. State v. Manning, 12th Dist. Butler No.
CA2017-08-113, 2018-Ohio-3334, ¶ 21.
{¶ 54} In this case, Derifield's counsel did not file an affidavit of indigency; however,
the state requested that the trial court make the necessary findings at the sentencing
hearing that Derifield had the ability to pay the mandatory fines. In so doing, the trial court
reviewed a presentence-investigative report (PSI) from two years earlier in 2018. The trial
court noted that the PSI revealed that Derifield had an extensive criminal history leading to
these most recent charges. The trial court also noted that Derifield was self-employed,
doing tinting and detailing with an average income of $400 per week. The trial court further
noted that Derifield had been previously fired from jobs due to his poor attendance and drug
use, and that Derifield reported his current financial condition as poor due to his current
incarceration. Nevertheless, the trial court found that Derifield does have future earning
capacity. Derifield did not object to the findings made at the time of his sentencing.
{¶ 55} On appeal, Derifield argues that his counsel was ineffective because, had the
affidavit of indigency been filed, the court would have possessed more recent information,
including his more recent employment history, whether his weekly income had decreased
in the preceding two years, a recent medical diagnosis that could impact Derifield's ability
to work, and his household size and expenses.
{¶ 56} Based on the record and counsel's failure to file an affidavit alleging indigency,
we find this is one of the limited circumstances where there is a reasonable probability that
the trial court could have found Derifield to be indigent and unable to pay the mandatory
drug fine of $23,000. As previously noted, Derifield was 41 years old at the time of
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sentencing and was sentenced to a significant cumulative prison term of between 16 and
21 years. Upon release, Derifield will be approximately 57 to 62 years old with an extensive
criminal record. Though Derifield had a history of employment that included his past
position as self-employed earning approximately $400 per week, Derifield also has a history
of being unable to maintain employment. Based upon these facts and circumstances, we
conclude that a reasonable probability exists that Derifield could have proven himself
indigent had his counsel submitted an affidavit of indigency.
{¶ 57} In light of the foregoing, to the limited extent that Derifield's counsel failed to
file an affidavit of indigency when he faced imposition of mandatory fines, we conclude that
Derifield was denied the effective assistance of counsel. Therefore, Derifield's fourth
assignment of error is sustained in part, and denied in part. This matter is remanded to the
trial court to allow Derifield to file an affidavit of indigency as to the mandatory fines. The
trial court is then to conduct a hearing to determine Derifield's indigency status and to
consider his ability to pay in accordance with R.C. 2929.18(B)(1).
{¶ 58} Assignment of Error No. 3:
{¶ 59} THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN IT IMPOSED MANDATORY FINES
WITHOUT HOLDING A HEARING TO CONSIDER STEVEN DERIFIELD'S PRESENT
AND FUTURE ABILITY TO PAY.
{¶ 60} In his third assignment of error, Derifield argues the trial court erred by
imposing $23,000 in mandatory fines. However, based on our decision above in regard to
Derifield's fourth assignment of error, we now find his third assignment of error is moot.
That is to say, based upon our resolution of Derifield's fourth assignment of error, we found
there is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's error in failing to file an affidavit of
indigency, the trial court could have found the defendant indigent and unable to pay the fine
had the affidavit been filed. Accordingly, Derifield's fourth assignment of error is moot.
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{¶ 61} Judgment affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded for purposes of
allowing Derifield to file an affidavit pursuant to R.C. 2929.18(B)(1) for the trial court's
consideration in determining whether to impose a mandatory fine pursuant to R.C. 2929.18.
M. POWELL, P.J., and S. POWELL, J., concur.
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