State v. Earnest

2022 Ohio 2374

• Court: Ohio Court of Appeals
• Decided: July 8, 2022
• Docket: 29270
• Status: Published

Opinion

[Cite as State v. Earnest, 2022-Ohio-2374.]

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO SECOND APPELLATE DISTRICT MONTGOMERY COUNTY

STATE OF OHIO : : Plaintiff-Appellee : Appellate Case No. 29270 : v. : Trial Court Case No. 2020-CR-3032 : WILLIAM EARNEST : (Criminal Appeal from : Common Pleas Court) Defendant-Appellant : :

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OPINION

Rendered on the 8th day of July, 2022.

MATHIAS H. HECK, JR. by ANDREW T. FRENCH, Atty. Reg. No. 0069384, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office, Appellate Division, Montgomery County Courts Building, 301 West Third Street, 5th Floor, Dayton, Ohio 45422 Attorney for Plaintiff-Appellee

KIRSTEN KNIGHT, Atty. Reg. No. 0080433, P.O. Box 137, Germantown, Ohio 45327 Attorney for Defendant-Appellant

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EPLEY, J. -2-

{¶ 1} William Earnest pled guilty in the Montgomery County Court of Common

Pleas to operating a vehicle while under the influence (OVI), a felony of the third degree.

The trial court sentenced him to a mandatory prison term of 120 days plus five years of

community control, ordered him to pay a $1,350 mandatory fine and a $250 supervision

fee, suspended his driver’s license for five years, and ordered the mandatory forfeiture of

the vehicle involved in the offense if it were registered in Earnest’s name. Earnest

appeals from his conviction.

{¶ 2} Earnest’s appointed counsel has filed a brief pursuant to Anders v. California,

386 U.S. 738, 87 S.Ct. 1396, 18 L.Ed.2d 493 (1967), stating that she cannot find any

meritorious issues for appeal and requesting permission to withdraw. As a potential

assignment of error, counsel states that Earnest’s sentence was contrary to law. Upon

our independent review of the record, we agree with counsel’s assessment that the

appeal is frivolous. For the following reasons, the trial court’s judgment will be affirmed.

I. Facts and Procedural History

{¶ 3} According to the presentence investigation report, at approximately 7:54 p.m.

on July 26, 2019, an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper observed a vehicle traveling 58

mph in a 40 mph zone. After following the vehicle and observing additional traffic

violations, the trooper initiated a traffic stop. The trooper made contact with the driver,

Earnest, and based on his observations, had Earnest perform field sobriety tests, which

he failed. Earnest was transported to the Dayton patrol post. There, he refused to

submit to a chemical test, but a blood sample was taken after the trooper secured a

search warrant. Laboratory testing revealed that Earnest’s blood had 0.195 grams by -3-

weight of alcohol per one hundred milliliters (grams percent) of whole blood.

{¶ 4} On January 6, 2021, Earnest was indicted on four counts of OVI related to

the incident: (1) a violation of R.C. 4511.19(A)(1)(f) (0.17 or more grams percent with prior

felony OVI conviction); (2) a violation of R.C. 4511.19(A)(1)(a) (test refusal with prior

felony OVI conviction); (3) a violation of R.C. 4511.19(A)(1)(a) (prior felony OVI

conviction); and a violation of R.C. 4511.19(A)(1)(f) (0.17 or more grams percent with

three or more prior OVI convictions within 10 years). Counts 1 through 3 were felonies

of the third degree; Count 4 was a fourth-degree felony.

{¶ 5} Earnest pled not guilty to the charges, and his defense counsel filed a

demand for discovery. On February 8, 2021, defense counsel filed a motion for

continuance, stating that Earnest was incarcerated in the Miami County Jail on “non-

specific federal offenses” and that she was working with the prosecutor, federal

prosecutor, and federal defense counsel on a global resolution of the federal and state

cases. The trial court granted this continuance and an additional continuance that

defense counsel requested.

{¶ 6} On April 8, 2021, Earnest pled guilty to Count 1 (R.C. 4511.19(A)(1)(f) with

prior felony OVI conviction). In exchange for the plea, the State dismissed the remaining

three OVI charges. The prosecutor asked that sentencing be delayed to coordinate with

the sentencing in Earnest’s federal case. The trial court ordered a presentence

investigation and tentatively scheduled sentencing for April 22, 2021.

{¶ 7} Defense counsel filed several motions to continue the sentencing date, all of

which the trial court granted, and Earnest ultimately appeared for sentencing on -4-

September 8, 2021. At that hearing, defense counsel requested the mandatory

minimum sentence, whereas the State asked for “the maximum, certainly six months in

regards to the prison sentence on the other case.” Earnest declined to speak on his own

behalf. The trial court noted that Earnest had “OVI after OVI,” possession cases, and a

felonious assault in 2003, and he faced significant prison time on his pending federal case

(a charge of possession with intent to distribute).

{¶ 8} The trial court imposed a mandatory 120 consecutive days in prison followed

by five years of community control sanctions, a $1,350 fine, a mandatory driver’s license

suspension of five years, mandatory forfeiture of his vehicle, and mandatory drug and

alcohol treatment. The court articulated several conditions of community control and

imposed a $250 supervision fee. Court costs and payment to the assigned counsel

budget were waived. The trial court notified Earnest that the failure to comply with

community control could result in a 36-month prison term. The trial court filed its written

judgment entry on September 19, 2021.

{¶ 9} Earnest appeals from his conviction. We note that, at this juncture, Earnest

has served his 120-day sentence (see Notice of Calculation of Sentence, May 25, 2022),

and his community control has been terminated (see Entry, May 26, 2022).

II. Anders Review

{¶ 10} Upon the filing of an Anders brief, an appellate court must determine, “after

a full examination of all the proceedings,” whether the appeal is “wholly frivolous.”

Anders, 386 U.S. at 744, 87 S.Ct. 1396, 18 L.Ed.2d 493; Penson v. Ohio, 488 U.S. 75,

109 S.Ct. 346, 102 L.Ed.2d 300 (1988). “An issue is not frivolous merely because the -5-

prosecution can be expected to present a strong argument in reply.” State v. White, 2d

Dist. Montgomery No. 28338, 2020-Ohio-5544, ¶ 14, citing State v. Pullen, 2d Dist.

Montgomery No. 19232, 2002-Ohio-6788, ¶ 4. Rather, a frivolous appeal is one that

presents issues lacking arguable merit, which means that, “on the facts and law involved,

no responsible contention can be made that it offers a basis for reversal.” State v.

Marbury, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 19226, 2003-Ohio-3242, ¶ 8, citing Pullen at ¶ 4. If

we find that any issue – whether presented by appellate counsel, presented by the

defendant, or found through an independent analysis – is not wholly frivolous, we must

reject the Anders brief and appoint new appellate counsel to represent the defendant.

White at ¶ 14, citing Marbury at ¶ 7; State v. Almeyda, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 28727,

2021-Ohio-862, ¶ 3.

A. Plea Hearing

{¶ 11} “Due process requires that a defendant’s plea be knowing, intelligent, and

voluntary,” and compliance with Crim.R. 11(C) ensures the constitutional mandate is

followed. State v. Brown, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 28966, 2021-Ohio-2327, ¶ 8.

{¶ 12} Crim.R. 11(C)(2) mandates that a trial court may not accept a guilty plea

without first addressing the defendant and:

(a) Determining that the defendant is making the plea voluntarily, with

understanding of the nature of the charges and of the maximum penalty

involved, and if applicable, that the defendant is not eligible for probation or

for the imposition of community control sanctions at the sentencing hearing.

(b) Informing the defendant of and determining that the defendant -6-

understands the effect of the plea of guilty or no contest, and that the court,

upon acceptance of the plea, may proceed with judgment and sentence.

(c) Informing the defendant and determining that the defendant understands

that by the plea the defendant is waiving the rights to jury trial, to confront

witnesses against him or her, to have compulsory process for obtaining

witnesses in the defendant's favor, and to require the state to prove the

defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at a trial at which the defendant

cannot be compelled to testify against himself or herself.

In reviewing the plea colloquy, the focus should be on whether “the dialogue between the

court and the defendant demonstrates that the defendant understood the consequences

of his plea.” State v. Dangler, 162 Ohio St.3d 1, 2020-Ohio-2765, 164 N.E.3d 286, ¶ 12.

{¶ 13} In general, a defendant is not entitled to have his or her plea vacated unless

the defendant demonstrates he or she was prejudiced by a failure of the trial court to

comply with the provisions of Crim.R. 11(C). Id. at ¶ 16, citing State v. Nero, 56 Ohio

St.3d 106, 108, 564 N.E.2d 474 (1990). The test for prejudice is “whether the plea would

have otherwise been made.” Id.

{¶ 14} This general rule is subject to two exceptions. Id. at ¶ 16. First, the trial

court must strictly comply with Crim.R. 11(C)(2)(c), as it pertains to the waiver of federal

constitutional rights. Id. at ¶ 14; Clark at ¶ 31. “When a trial court fails to explain the

constitutional rights that a defendant waives by pleading guilty or no contest, we presume

that the plea was entered involuntarily and unknowingly, and no showing of prejudice is

required.” Dangler at ¶ 14. -7-

{¶ 15} Second, “a trial court’s complete failure to comply with a portion of Crim.R.

11(C) eliminates the defendant's burden to show prejudice.” Id. at ¶ 15, citing State v.

Sarkozy, 117 Ohio St.3d 86, 2008-Ohio-509, 881 N.E.2d 1224, ¶ 22. See also State v.

Bishop, 156 Ohio St.3d 156, 2018-Ohio-5132, 124 N.E.3d 766, ¶ 11 (a defendant must

show prejudice if the trial court partially complied with Crim.R. 11(C) in regard to a

nonconstitutional right, but no showing of prejudice is required if the trial court completely

failed to comply).

{¶ 16} We have reviewed the transcript of the plea hearing and find that the trial

court fully complied with the requirements of Crim.R. 11. Earnest was 42 years old when

he entered his plea. The trial court ascertained that he had a ninth grade education and

was able to understand the plea form. Earnest stated that his plea was not due to threats

or promises outside of the plea agreement.

{¶ 17} The trial court reviewed the possible sanctions that Earnest faced for a third-

degree felony OVI offense, which included 120-day prison term, plus an optional prison

term up to 36 months and/or community control sanctions for up to five years, a

mandatory fine between $1,350 and $10,500, a class two driver’s license suspension

(between three years and life), a mandatory forfeiture of the vehicle involved if it were

registered in his name and an additional fine if the title were assigned or transferred, and

attendance at an alcohol and drug addiction treatment program. The court told Earnest

that he could be required to serve three years of post-release control upon his release

from prison and the consequences of violating post-release control. It further indicated

that Earnest could be sentenced to 36 months in prison if he violated the conditions of -8-

community control. The trial court asked the prosecutor to state the facts of the offense,

which the prosecutor did using the language of the indictment, and Earnest stated that he

understood the allegation.

{¶ 18} The trial court advised Earnest that a guilty plea is a complete admission

of guilt and that he would be unable to challenge the court’s pretrial rulings, and it

informed him of the constitutional rights that he was waiving by pleading guilty.

Earnest expressed his understanding.

{¶ 19} We conclude that the trial court fully complied with Crim.R. 11(C)’s

constitutional and non-constitutional advisements. A claim that Earnest’s plea was not

knowing, intelligent, and voluntary would be frivolous. In addition, we find nothing in the

record to suggest that anything that occurred prior to the plea hearing precluded him from

entering a knowing, intelligent, and voluntary plea.

B. Sentencing

{¶ 20} Appellate counsel raises that Earnest’s sentence potentially was contrary

to law. She claims that the trial court did not consider the statutory factors under R.C.

2929.11 and R.C. 2929.12.

{¶ 21} “The trial court has full discretion to impose any sentence within the

authorized statutory range, and the court is not required to make any findings or give its

reasons for imposing maximum or more than minimum sentences.” State v. King, 2013-

Ohio-2021, 992 N.E.2d 491, ¶ 45 (2d Dist.). However, in exercising its discretion, a trial

court must consider the statutory policies that apply to every felony offense, including

those set out in R.C. 2929.11 and R.C. 2929.12. State v. Leopard, 194 Ohio App.3d -9-

500, 2011-Ohio-3864, 957 N.E.2d 55, ¶ 11 (2d Dist.), citing State v. Mathis, 109 Ohio

St.3d 54, 2006-Ohio-855, 846 N.E.2d 1, ¶ 38.

{¶ 22} In reviewing felony sentences, appellate courts must apply the standard of

review set forth in R.C. 2953.08(G)(2). See State v. Marcum, 146 Ohio St.3d 516, 2016-

Ohio-1002, 59 N.E.3d 1231, ¶ 9. Under that statute, an appellate court may increase,

reduce, or modify a sentence, or it may vacate the sentence and remand for resentencing,

only if it “clearly and convincingly” finds either (1) that the record does not support certain

specified findings or (2) that the sentence imposed is contrary to law. State v. Huffman,

2d Dist. Miami No. 2016-CA-16, 2017-Ohio-4097, ¶ 6.

{¶ 23} The Ohio Supreme Court has stated that R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)(b) “does not

provide a basis for an appellate court to modify or vacate a sentence based on its view

that the sentence is not supported by the record under R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12.” State

v. Jones, 163 Ohio St.3d 242, 2020-Ohio-6729, 169 N.E.3d 649, ¶ 39. “When reviewing

felony sentences that are imposed solely after considering the factors in R.C. 2929.11

and R.C. 2929.12, we do not analyze whether those sentences are unsupported by the

record.” State v. McDaniel, 2d Dist. Darke No. 2020-CA-3, 2021-Ohio-1519, ¶ 11, citing

State v. Dorsey, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 28747, 2021-Ohio-76, ¶ 18; Jones at ¶ 26-29.

Instead, “[w]e simply must determine whether those sentences are contrary to law.”

Dorsey at ¶ 18.

{¶ 24} “A sentence is contrary to law when it does not fall within the statutory range

for the offense or if the trial court fails to consider the purposes and principles of felony

sentencing set forth in R.C. 2929.11 and the sentencing factors set forth in R.C. 2929.12.” -10-

(Citation omitted.) State v. Brown, 2017-Ohio-8416, 99 N.E.3d 1135, ¶ 74 (2d Dist.).

{¶ 25} The penalties for Earnest’s OVI offense are set forth in R.C.

4511.19(G)(1)(e). The trial court imposed the minimum mandatory prison term and the

minimum mandatory fine. The court did not impose an optional additional prison term,

but it ordered five years of intensive community control supervision, as permitted by R.C.

4511.19(G)(1)(e)(ii). As part of his community control sanctions, Earnest was required

to receive a substance abuse and mental health assessment and complete any

recommended treatment. He also was required to attend mandatory drug and alcohol

treatment. The court imposed a five-year driver’s license suspension, which was within

the statutory range. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the vehicle if it were

registered to Earnest. The court’s sentence was consistent with the OVI statute. Any

claim that the sentence is not supported by the record under R.C. 2929.11 and R.C.

2929.12 is precluded by State v. Jones, 163 Ohio St.3d 242, 2020-Ohio-6729, 169 N.E.3d

649. We find no arguably meritorious claim that Earnest’s sentence was contrary to law.

{¶ 26} Moreover, Earnest has completely served his 120-day prison sentence, and

he is not listed on the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) website,

which denotes that he is not on post-release control. His community control also has

been terminated. Accordingly, any errors in the court’s imposition of those portions of

his sentence are moot and would not present a non-frivolous issue for appeal.

III. Conclusion

{¶ 27} We have reviewed the potential assignment of error raised by Earnest’s

appellate counsel and have performed our duty under Anders to conduct an independent -11-

review of the record. After a thorough review, we have found no issues with arguable

merit for Earnest to advance on appeal. Accordingly, appellate counsel’s motion to

withdraw is granted. The trial court’s judgment will be affirmed.

TUCKER, P.J. and DONOVAN, J., concur.

Copies sent to:

Mathias H. Heck, Jr. Andrew T. French Kirsten Knight Hon. Mary E. Montgomery