[Cite as State v. Napier, 2017-Ohio-246.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
TWELFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT OF OHIO
CLERMONT COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO, : CASE NO. CA2016-04-022 Plaintiff-Appellee, : OPINION : 1/23/2017 - vs - :
JOSHUA NAPIER, :
Defendant-Appellant. :
APPEAL FROM CLERMONT COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS Case No. 2015 CR 374
D. Vincent Faris, Clermont County Prosecuting Attorney, Nicholas Horton, 76 South Riverside Drive, 2nd Floor, Batavia, Ohio 45103, for plaintiff-appellee
Gary A. Rosenhoffer, 313 East Main Street, Batavia, Ohio 45103, for defendant-appellant
S. POWELL, P.J.
{¶ 1} Defendant-appellant, Joshua Napier, appeals his conviction and sentence in
the Clermont County Court of Common Pleas. For the reasons that follow, we affirm the
judgment of the trial court.
{¶ 2} On June 30, 2015, the Clermont County Grand Jury returned a one-count
indictment charging Napier with assault against a peace officer in violation of R.C.
2903.13(A), a fourth-degree felony. The charge stemmed from an altercation that occurred Clermont CA2016-04-022
at Midtown Tavern in Felicity, Ohio. Napier entered pleas of not guilty and not guilty by
reason of insanity based upon his affliction with post-traumatic stress disorder ("PTSD"). The
trial court referred Napier to the Court Clinic, which verified Napier's diagnosis. However, the
Court Clinic found that Napier did not meet the criteria to raise the defense of not guilty by
reason of insanity.
{¶ 3} Prior to trial, appellee filed a motion in limine seeking to preclude Napier from
introducing evidence of his PTSD or prior military service. Following a hearing on the matter,
the trial court granted appellee's motion. Shortly thereafter, the case was tried before a jury,
which rendered a verdict of guilty to the charge. During trial, the court sustained an objection
by the state when Napier attempted to elicit testimony regarding his PTSD. Further, the trial
court declined Napier's request to give jury instructions regarding certain affirmative defenses
and lesser included or inferior offenses. The record revealed the following facts.
{¶ 4} The altercation between Napier and Officer Seng occurred in the morning hours
of June 21, 2015; however, the two crossed paths earlier in the afternoon on June 20, 2015.
The first interaction occurred when Officer Seng conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in
which Napier was a passenger. Napier's significant other, Falisha McCann, was the driver of
the vehicle. After conducting routine traffic stop procedures, such as requesting identification
from the occupants, Officer Seng released the occupants with a verbal warning.
{¶ 5} Later that night, McCann and Napier accompanied some friends to Midtown
Tavern, a local bar in Felicity, Ohio. Napier had been consuming alcohol throughout the
evening and McCann was the designated driver. During the course of the evening at
Midtown Tavern, Napier expressed his discontent and frustration with the traffic stop from
earlier in the day, and more specifically, with Officer Seng. Napier communicated these
feelings to two tavern patrons, Sydney Grant and Alexandria Mefford. Grant testified that
Napier threatened to punch Officer Seng in the face. Following this discussion, Grant, an -2- Clermont CA2016-04-022
acquaintance of Officer Seng, sent him a text message informing him of the interaction with
Napier. Officer Seng took this information under advisement.
{¶ 6} Approximately 30 minutes later, Napier was involved in an incident that caused
physical damage to the trim of the bar top. In response, the bartender, Brandon Byus,
informed Napier that he ought to finish his drink and head home. After finishing his drink,
Napier, McCann, and Napier's friend, Michael Wehrum, exited the tavern and began to walk
home. Shortly after the three exited, Officer Seng arrived at the Midtown Tavern to conduct a
"bar check," a procedure typically executed to help handle any issues that may arise near
closing time. At this time, Officer Seng was on duty, arrived in uniform, and parked his
marked police cruiser outside of the tavern. Upon entering the tavern, Officer Seng was
informed that Napier was asked to leave following the damage to the bar top trim.
{¶ 7} Officer Seng observed the damage and began to further investigate. In the
course of his investigation, Officer Seng noticed Napier and Wehrum walking down the
sidewalk approximately three blocks from the tavern. Next, Officer Seng entered his police
cruiser, activated its lights, and pulled behind McCann's vehicle, which was following along
with Napier and Wehrum. Officer Seng began to discuss the bar incident with Napier. In
response, Napier expressed his discontent with Officer Seng and threatened to harm him, as
well as denied any wrongdoing with regard to the damage to the bar top. Following this
interaction, Napier began to walk back towards the tavern, disregarding Officer Seng's
warnings that Napier may be charged with various citations if he did not stop. Napier entered
the tavern and began to discuss the events with Byus.
{¶ 8} Next, Officer Seng entered the tavern and approached Napier, informing him
that he was being removed from the tavern and placed him in the escort position. A struggle
ensued, followed by a single punch thrown by Napier striking Officer Seng, resulting in a gash
on Officer Seng's nose and loss of blood. The struggle continued after the punch until Officer -3- Clermont CA2016-04-022
Seng was able to secure Napier with the assistance of a tavern patron.
{¶ 9} In rendering its guilty verdict, the jury made two individual findings regarding the
victim, Officer Seng. The jury found that at the time of the assault Officer Seng was both: (1)
a peace officer, and (2) that he was carrying out his official duties. The trial court sentenced
Napier to twelve months in prison. Napier now appeals.
{¶ 10} Assignment of Error No. 1:
{¶ 11} THE TRIAL COURT ERRED TO THE SUBSTANTIAL PREJUDICE OF
NAPIER WHEN IT GRANTED THE STATE'S MOTION IN LIMINE AND PREVENTED
NAPIER FROM PRESENTING RELEVANT AND ADMISSIBLE EVIDENCE AS A DEFENSE.
{¶ 12} Assignment of Error No. 2:
{¶ 13} THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED PREJUDICAL ERROR WHEN IT REFUSED
TO CHARGE THE JURY ON INFERIOR AND/OR LESSER INCLUDED OFFENSES.
{¶ 14} Assignment of Error No. 3:
{¶ 15} THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED PREJUDICAL ERROR WHEN IT FAILED
TO CHARGE THE JURY AS TO SUBSTANTIVE LAW RELEVANT TO THIS CASE.
{¶ 16} Assignment of Error No. 4:
{¶ 17} THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED PREJUDICAL ERROR WHEN IT
EXCLUDED RELEVANT AND MATERIAL EVIDENCE.
{¶ 18} The purpose and effect of a motion in limine is distinct from that of a motion to
suppress. "A 'motion to suppress' is defined as a '[d]evice used to eliminate from the trial of
a criminal case evidence which has been secured illegally[;]'" thus, it "is the proper vehicle for
raising constitutional challenges based on the exclusionary rule * * *." (Citations omitted.)
State v. French, 72 Ohio St.3d 446, 449 (1995), quoting Black's Law Dictionary (6th Ed.1990)
1014. "A 'motion in limine' is defined as '[a] pretrial motion requesting [the] court to prohibit
opposing counsel from referring to or offering evidence on matters so highly prejudicial to -4- Clermont CA2016-04-022
[the] moving party that curative instructions cannot prevent [a] predispositional effect on [the]
jury.'" French at 449, citing Black's Law Dictionary, supra, at 1013. The purpose of a motion
in limine "is to avoid injection into [the] trial of matters which are irrelevant, inadmissible and
prejudicial * * *." Black's Law Dictionary, supra, at 1013-14.
{¶ 19} "A motion in limine * * * is 'a tentative, interlocutory, precautionary ruling by the
trial court reflecting its anticipatory treatment of [an] evidentiary issue.'" State v. Harris, 12th
Dist. Butler No. CA2007-11-280, 2008-Ohio-4504, ¶ 27, quoting State v. Grubb, 28 Ohio
St.3d 199, 201-02 (1986). "A motion in limine is directed to the inherent discretion of the trial
judge, about an evidentiary issue that is anticipated, but has not yet been presented in full
context." (Citation omitted.) State v. Harris, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2007-11-280, 2008-
Ohio-4504, ¶ 27. It is important to note that not all motions in limine are alike. See State v.
Shalash, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2014-12-146, 2015-Ohio-3836, ¶ 30-31.
{¶ 20} A definitive or exclusionary motion in limine is the functional equivalent of a
motion to suppress, which determines the admissibility of evidence with finality. State v.
Johnston, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 26016, 2015-Ohio-450, at ¶ 16, citing French at 450.
Specifically, granting a definitive or exclusionary motion in limine not only prevents evidence
from being introduced, but also prevents any mentioning of the excluded evidence during
trial. Johnston at ¶ 16, citing State v. Echard, 9th Dist. Summit No. 24643, 2009-Ohio-6616,
¶ 20. A motion in limine may be used in this regard "to suppress evidence that is either not
competent or improper due to some unusual circumstance not rising to the level of a
constitutional violation." Johnston at ¶ 16, citing French at 450. "'The essential difference
between a [motion to suppress] and a motion in limine is that the former is capable of
resolution without a full trial, while the latter requires consideration of the issue in the context
of the other evidence.'" (Emphasis deleted.) Johnston at ¶ 17, quoting State v. Hall, 57 Ohio
App.3d 144, 146 (8th Dist.1989). -5- Clermont CA2016-04-022
{¶ 21} We review a trial court's decision to admit or exclude evidence for an abuse of
discretion. State v. Boles, 12th Dist. Brown No. CA2012-06-012, 2013-Ohio-5202, ¶ 14. "A
reviewing court should not disturb evidentiary decisions in the absence of an abuse of
discretion that has created material prejudice." Id., citing State v. Smith, 12th Dist. Fayette
No. CA2007-10-035, 2008-Ohio-5931, ¶ 33. An abuse of discretion connotes more than an
error of law or judgment; it implies that the trial court's decision was unreasonable, arbitrary,
or unconscionable. Boles at ¶ 14.
{¶ 22} In this case, the ruling was not the functional equivalent of a motion to
suppress. It is clear from the trial court's decision and entry on the state's motion in limine
that the trial court did not determine with finality the admission of evidence of Napier's PTSD
or prior military service. Specifically, the trial court stated:
[i]t is premature to rule that the PTSD evidence is to be precluded altogether. If it is used for some other recognized purpose, other than a diminished-capacity defense, it may be relevant. Presently, the Court has nothing before it at this point to rule on its admissibility for some other purpose.
If the evidence regarding [Napier's] PTSD is determined to be relevant during the actual context of the trial in this matter, the Court will not exclude it * * *.
Here, the trial court determined that evidence of Napier's PTSD diagnosis was inadmissible
in regards to presenting a diminished-capacity defense. However, the trial court reserved
ruling on the admissibility of the evidence for a different purpose until it could give
consideration of the issue in the context of the other evidence presented at trial. With
respect to Napier's prior military service, the trial court questioned the relevancy of the
evidence. Nonetheless, the trial court specifically stated "permanent preclusion of this
evidence is not warranted at this point" and that any ruling, "is anticipatory in nature and may
be changed when the issue of admissibility of any evidence is presented in the actual context
of the trial." Therefore, the trial court intended to prevent the injection of irrelevant and -6- Clermont CA2016-04-022
inadmissible evidence into the trial, which is the precise purpose of a motion in limine, but did
not prevent any mention of it at trial with finality.
{¶ 23} The trial court found that Napier intended to present evidence of his PTSD
diagnosis and prior military service as a defense to the intent element of his charge;
therefore, Napier intended to present a diminished-capacity defense. The trial court did not
abuse its discretion in preventing the admission of such evidence for this purpose because
Ohio "jurisprudence definitively states that the partial defense of diminished capacity is not
recognized in Ohio." State v. Fulmer, 117 Ohio St.3d 319, 2008-Ohio-936, ¶ 66. "Thus,
when a defendant does not assert an insanity defense, it is well settled that he may not offer
expert testimony in an effort to show that he lacked the mental capacity to form the specific
mental state required for a particular crime." Id. at ¶ 67.
{¶ 24} Napier argues that the intent element of his assault charge could have been
negated because his conduct was a "simple reaction" due to his PTSD. However, the trial
court correctly found this argument unconvincing because it demonstrates the exact limitation
in offering such evidence as explained in Fulmer. Napier did not qualify for a not guilty by
reason of insanity defense; therefore, he may not offer expert testimony to negate his
capacity to form the specific mental state required for assault.
{¶ 25} Napier further argues that Ohio recognizes PTSD as a standalone defense. In
support of this argument, Napier relates PTSD to battered woman syndrome and asserts that
the syndrome has been found to be a standalone defense. However, the Ohio Supreme
Court case Napier cites to support this argument does not support this proposition. Rather,
the case states that evidence of battered woman syndrome is relevant in the context of
establishing the second element of self-defense, as discussed below. See State v. Koss, 49
Ohio St.3d 213, 217-18 (1990). Moreover, the court in Koss definitively stated the
"admission of expert testimony regarding the battered woman syndrome does not establish a -7- Clermont CA2016-04-022
new defense or justification." Koss at 217.
{¶ 26} Additionally, Napier asserts two instances where PTSD has been recognized as
a standalone defense. See State v. Haines, 112 Ohio St.3d 393, 2006-Ohio-6711, ¶ 29;
State v. Rivera-Carrillo, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2001-03-054, 2002 WL 371950, *14 (Mar.11,
2002). However, neither case supports such proposition with respect to PTSD. Rather,
Haines permitted presenting such evidence to prove a victim's state of mind upon a credibility
challenge and Rivera-Carrillo found that it may be relevant as evidence demonstrating a
defendant was "under the influence of sudden passion or sudden fit of rage," as it relates to
voluntary manslaughter. Haines at ¶ 29; Rivera-Carrillo at *14.
{¶ 27} Next, Napier requested the trial court give jury instructions on PTSD, self-
defense, a defendant's right to resist an unlawful arrest, and excessive force. However, "[a]
trial court is not required to instruct the jury on [an affirmative defense] in every case where it
is attempted to be presented. The defendant must first present sufficient evidence at trial to
warrant such an instruction." State v. Evegan, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA97-08-091, 1999 WL
559694, *2 (Aug. 2, 1999), citing City of Bucyrus v. Fawley, 50 Ohio App.3d 25, 26-27 (3d
Dist.1988). "In reviewing the record to ascertain the presence of sufficient evidence to
support the giving of a proposed jury instruction, an appellate court should determine whether
the record contains evidence from which reasonable minds might reach the conclusion
sought by the instruction." State v. Davis, 12th Dist. Madison No. CA2015-05-015, 2016-
Ohio-1166, ¶ 35, citing State v. Risner, 120 Ohio App.3d 571, 574 (3d Dist.1997). If the trial
court finds that the evidence is legally insufficient to raise the issue, it will remove the issue
from jury consideration. Evegan at *2. We review this decision for an abuse of discretion.
Id.
{¶ 28} As discussed above, Ohio does not recognize PTSD as a standalone defense;
therefore, the trial court did not abuse its discretion by not providing the jury with instructions -8- Clermont CA2016-04-022
on it as a standalone defense. Next, to establish the affirmative defense of self-defense, a
defendant must prove by a preponderance the following three elements: (1) that the
defendant was not at fault in creating the situation giving rise to the affray, (2) that the
defendant had a bona fide belief that he was in imminent danger of death or great bodily
harm and that his only means of escape from such danger was in the use of such force, and
(3) that the defendant did not violate any duty to retreat or avoid danger. State v. Ray, 12th
Dist. Butler No. CA2012-10-213, 2013-Ohio-3671, ¶ 26, citing State v. Barnes, 94 Ohio St.3d
21, 24 (2002).
{¶ 29} Here, the trial court did not err by not instructing the jury on self-defense. Even
assuming Napier had sufficiently proven the second element of self-defense by presenting
evidence regarding his PTSD and prior military service, the trial court found that Napier would
have failed to establish the first element of self-defense because Napier was clearly at fault in
creating the situation giving rise to the affray in that he broke the bar top and was told to stay
out of the tavern and not return. The record supports the trial court's finding as testimony
revealed that Napier disregarded Officer Seng's instruction and returned to the tavern;
thereby, creating the situation requiring Officer Seng to reenter the tavern.
{¶ 30} In addition to jury instructions regarding his PTSD and self-defense, Napier
argues the trial court erred by failing to give his requested instructions regarding excessive
force by a police officer and a defendant's right to resist an unlawful arrest. Jury instructions
in a criminal case "must be given when they are correct, pertinent, and timely presented."
State v. Joy, 74 Ohio St.3d 178, 181 (1995). "A trial court must fully and completely give jury
instructions which are relevant and necessary for the jury to weigh the evidence and
discharge its duty as the fact-finder." Davis at ¶ 27, citing State v. Comen, 50 Ohio St.3d
206, paragraph two of the syllabus (1990). A reviewing court may not reverse a criminal
conviction based upon jury instructions unless "it is clear that the jury instructions constituted -9- Clermont CA2016-04-022
prejudicial error." Davis at ¶ 28. "An appellate court's duty is to review the instructions as a
whole, and, if taken in their entirety, the instructions fairly and correctly state the law
applicable to the evidence presented at trial, reversible error will not be found merely on the
possibility that the jury may have been misled." Id.
{¶ 31} Napier argues that since his arrest was unlawful, the jury should have been
instructed that it may find Napier lawfully resisted arrest. However, as Napier was never
charged with resisting arrest, the instruction was not relevant or necessary for the jury to
discharge its duty as the fact-finder. (Emphasis sic.) State v. Corbin, 12th Dist. Fayette No.
CA2010-01-001, 2010-Ohio-3819, ¶ 13, n.1 ("a lawful arrest is not an element of assault on a
peace officer"), citing State v. Peer, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 19104, 2002-Ohio-4198, ¶ 10.
Even assuming arguendo Napier's arrest was unlawful, it would not justify assaulting Officer
Seng. Thus, the trial court did not abuse its discretion by not giving an instruction on lawfully
resisting arrest.
{¶ 32} Next, Napier argues the trial court erred by not giving an instruction on
excessive force because the jury should have been given an opportunity to find that Officer
Seng's use of force was wholly unnecessary. Excessive force is an affirmative defense to a
resisting arrest charge, and as discussed above, Napier was not charged with resisting
arrest; therefore, the trial court did not abuse its discretion by not instructing the jury on the
defense. See Village of Blanchester v. Newland, 12th Dist. Clinton No. CA83-07-008, 1984
WL 3426, *3 (Sept. 17, 1984) (stating that excessive or unnecessary force is a judicially
created defense to the crime of resisting arrest), citing City of Columbus v. Fraley, 41 Ohio
St.2d 173, paragraph three of the syllabus (1975), certiorari denied, 423 U.S. 872, 96 S.Ct.
138. Moreover, even viewing this argument as providing factual support for the second
element of self-defense, it does not negate that Napier was still at fault in creating the
situation giving rise to the affray. Therefore, the trial court did not abuse its discretion with - 10 - Clermont CA2016-04-022
respect to not instructing the jury on PTSD, self-defense, a defendant's right to resist an
unlawful arrest, and excessive force.
{¶ 33} Finally, Napier argues that the trial court erred by not instructing the jury on the
lesser included or inferior degree offenses of assault and disorderly conduct. "A jury
instruction on a lesser included offense is required only where the evidence presented at trial
would reasonably support both an acquittal of the crime charged and a conviction on the
lesser included offense." State v. Tolle, 12th Dist. Clermont No. CA2014-06-042, 2015-Ohio-
1414, ¶ 11, citing State v. Trimble, 122 Ohio St.3d 297, 2009-Ohio-2961, ¶ 192. There must
be "sufficient evidence" to "allow a jury to reasonably reject the greater offense and find the
defendant guilty on a lesser included (or inferior degree) offense." (Emphasis deleted.)
Trimble at 192. In making its decision, the trial court must view the evidence in a light most
favorable to the defendant. Id. We review this decision for an abuse of discretion. State v.
Doby, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2013-05-084, 2014-Ohio-2471, ¶ 17.
{¶ 34} Napier requested a jury instruction on assault pursuant to R.C. 2903.13(A) and
2903.13(B). R.C. 2903.13(A) provides that: "[n]o person shall knowingly cause or attempt to
cause physical harm to another * * *." R.C. 2903.13(B) provides that: "[n]o person shall
recklessly cause serious physical harm to another * * *." If convicted under either section, a
defendant is guilty of assault; therefore, neither section is a lesser included or inferior degree
offense of the other. See State v. Deem, 40 Ohio St.3d 205, 209 (1988) (defining lesser
included offense as an offense having a penalty of lesser degree than the indicted offense
and which, as statutorily defined, also being committed, and some element of the greater
offense is not required to prove the commission of the lesser offense); see id. (defining an
inferior degree offense as one with identical elements, except for one or more additional
mitigating elements).
{¶ 35} In this case, the jury verdict form required the jury to make separate findings as - 11 - Clermont CA2016-04-022
to the charge of assault pursuant to R.C. 2903.13(A) and the enhancing factor that the victim
was a peace officer pursuant to R.C. 2903.13(C)(5). The trial court also instructed the jury
that "[i]f your verdict is guilty as to the charge of assault in this case you will also separately
decide beyond a reasonable doubt the additional element of whether the victim in this matter
was a peace officer at the time of the offense." The trial court further explained that the jury
may find Napier guilty of assault pursuant to R.C. 2903.13(A), while finding that Officer Seng
was not a peace officer in the performance of his official duties at the time of the offense.
Therefore, contrary to Napier's claim otherwise, the trial court did instruct the jury on the
inferior degree offense of assault pursuant to R.C. 2903.13(A) and did not abuse its
discretion by not instructing the jury on assault pursuant to R.C. 2903.13(B).
{¶ 36} Napier further argues that the trial court erred by not instructing the jury on the
lesser included offense of disorderly conduct. In order to warrant an instruction on the lesser
included offense of disorderly conduct, the trial court would have had to find that "(1) the jury
could have reasonably concluded that [Napier] did not knowingly cause or attempt to cause
physical harm to Officer [Seng] but instead (2) recklessly caused inconvenience, annoyance
or alarm by engaging in violent or turbulent behavior." State v. Beard, 12th Dist. Butler No.
CA98-02-019, 1998 WL 857856, *2 (Dec. 14, 1998).
{¶ 37} Here, the evidence indicated that Napier punched Officer Seng in the nose
followed by a struggle between the two until Napier was subdued with the assistance of a
tavern patron. As a result of this punch, Officer Seng's nose sustained a large gash and loss
of blood. Given these facts, the jury could not reasonably have found Napier not guilty of
assault, but guilty of the lesser offense of disorderly conduct. See State v. Keith, 10th Dist.
Franklin Nos. 08AP-28 and 08AP-29, 2008-Ohio-6122, ¶ 38 (finding lesser included jury
instruction on disorderly conduct not warranted where defendant injured police officers by
engaging and throwing them to the floor); State v. Thacker, 4th Dist. Lawrence No. 04CA18, - 12 - Clermont CA2016-04-022
2005-Ohio-1227, ¶ 8-13 (finding lesser included jury instruction on disorderly conduct not
warranted where defendant caused physical injuries to the victim). Therefore, the trial court
did not abuse its discretion by not giving jury instructions on the aforementioned lesser
included or inferior degree offenses.
{¶ 38} Accordingly, Napier's first, second, third, and fourth assignments of error are
overruled.
{¶ 39} Assignment of Error No. 5:
{¶ 40} THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED PREJUDICAL ERROR WHEN IT
SENTENCED NAPIER TO THE OHIO PENAL SYSTEM.
{¶ 41} In his final assignment of error, Napier argues that his sentence is clearly and
convincingly contrary to law because the trial court should have imposed community control
and it did not consider Napier's prior military service and PTSD in determining his sentence.
{¶ 42} R.C. 2953.08(G)(2) sets forth the standard of review for all felony sentences.
State v. Marcum, 146 Ohio St.3d 516, 2016-Ohio-1002, ¶ 1; accord State v. Crawford, 12th
Dist. Clermont No. CA2012-12-088, 2013-Ohio-3315, ¶ 6. Pursuant to R.C. 2953.08(G)(2),
when hearing an appeal of a trial court's felony sentencing decision, "[t]he appellate court
may increase, reduce, or otherwise modify a sentence that is appealed under this section or
may vacate the sentence and remand the matter to the sentencing court for resentencing."
{¶ 43} As explained in Marcum, "[t]he appellate court's standard for review is not
whether the sentencing court abused its discretion." Marcum at ¶ 9. Rather, pursuant to
R.C. 2953.08(G)(2), an appellate court may only "increase, reduce, or otherwise modify a
sentence * * * or may vacate the sentence and remand the matter to the sentencing court for
resentencing" if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence "(a) [t]hat the record does
not support the sentencing court's findings[,]" or "(b) [t]hat the sentence is otherwise contrary
to law." R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)(a)-(b). A sentence is not "clearly and convincingly contrary to - 13 - Clermont CA2016-04-022
law where the trial court considers the principles and purposes of R.C. 2929.11, as well as
the factors listed in R.C. 2929.12, properly imposes postrelease control, and sentences the
defendant within the permissible statutory range." State v. Ahlers, 12th Dist. Butler No.
CA2015-06-100, 2016-Ohio-2890, ¶ 8, citing State v. Moore, 12th Dist. Clermont No.
CA2014-02-016, 2014-Ohio-5191, ¶ 6. Furthermore, if a sentence imposed does not require
any of the statutory findings identified in R.C. 2953.08(G)(2), an appellate court will
nonetheless conduct a review of the sentence "under a standard that is equally deferential to
the sentencing court." Marcum at ¶ 23.
{¶ 44} In the present case, a jury found Napier guilty of assault of a peace officer, a
fourth-degree felony. For a fourth-degree felony, a sentencing court may impose a prison
term from six to eighteen months. R.C. 2929.14(A)(4). "R.C. 2929.13(B)(1)(a) sets forth a
presumption for community control if an offender is convicted of or pleads guilty to a felony of
the fourth or fifth degree that is not an offense of violence." State v. Hughes, 12th Dist.
Butler No. CA2013-05-081, 2014-Ohio-1320, ¶ 11. R.C. 2929.13(B)(1)(A) provides:
Except as provided in division (B)(1)(b) of this section, if an offender is convicted of or pleads guilty to a felony of the fourth or fifth degree that is not an offense of violence or that is a qualifying assault offense, the court shall sentence the offender to a community control sanction of at least one year's duration if all of the following apply:
(i) The offender previously has not been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a felony offense.
(ii) The most serious charge against the offender at the time of sentencing is a felony of the fourth or fifth degree.
(iii) If the court made a request of the department of rehabilitation and correction pursuant to division (B)(1)(c) of this section, the department, within the forty-five-day period specified in that division, provided the court with the names of, contact information for, and program details of one or more community control sanctions of at least one year's duration that are available for persons sentenced by the court.
- 14 - Clermont CA2016-04-022
(iv) The offender previously has not been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor offense of violence that the offender committed within two years prior to the offense for which sentence is being imposed.
{¶ 45} Here, the presumption of community control is inapplicable because Napier was
convicted of an offense of violence as defined by the statute. R.C. 2901.01(A)(9)(a) (defining
"offense of violence" as a violation of R.C. 2903.13). Furthermore, pursuant to R.C.
2929.13(K)(4), a "qualifying assault offense" means a violation of R.C. 2903.13 for which the
penalty provision in division (C)(8)(b) or (C)(9)(b) of that section applies. Neither apply in this
case because Napier's assault offense was not against hospital personnel or a judge,
magistrate, prosecutor, or court official or employee. See R.C. 2903.13(C)(8)(b); R.C.
2903.13(C)(9)(b); R.C. 2903.13(D)(14). Therefore, contrary to Napier's assertion, R.C.
2929.13(B)(1)(a) does not apply. However, R.C. 2929.13(B)(2) provides that "[i]f division
(B)(1) of this section does not apply * * *, in determining whether to impose a prison term as a
sanction for a felony of the fourth or fifth degree, the sentencing court shall comply with * * *
[R.C. 2919.11] and [R.C. 2929.12]."
{¶ 46} After a thorough review of the record, we find no error in the trial court’s
decision to sentence Napier to a prison term. The record reflects that Napier's sentence is
not clearly and convincingly contrary to law because the trial court properly considered the
principles and purposes of R.C. 2929.11 and the factors listed in 2929.12, imposed the
required optional three-year postrelease control term, and sentenced Napier within the
permissible statutory range for a fourth-degree felony. Napier further argues that the trial
court failed to consider his prior military service and any mental, emotional, or physical
condition derived therefrom, as required by R.C. 2929.12(F). However, the record does not
support Napier's argument because the trial court stated at sentencing that not only had it
reviewed R.C. 2929.11 and R.C. 2919.12, but also that it considered Napier's PTSD
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condition, and concluded that community control was not warranted at that time. Moreover,
the record clearly demonstrates the trial court considered Napier's prior military service by
thanking him for his service, while also stating that such service did not excuse the offense of
violence that occurred.
{¶ 47} Therefore, because we find Napier's sentence is not clearly and convincingly
contrary to law, and because the record fully supports the trial court's sentencing decision,
Napier's fifth assignment of error is overruled.
{¶ 48} Judgment affirmed.
RINGLAND and HENDRICKSON, JJ., concur.
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