[Cite as State v. Stepp, 2024-Ohio-914.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT SCIOTO COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO, : : Plaintiff-Appellee, : Case No. 22CA4005 : v. : : DECISION AND JAMES G. STEPP, : JUDGMENT ENTRY : Defendant-Appellant. : RELEASED 3/07/2024 _____________________________________________________________ APPEARANCES:
Robert Shawn Stratton, Portsmouth, Ohio, for Appellant.
Shane A. Tieman, Scioto County Prosecuting Attorney, and Jay Willis, Assistant Scioto County Prosecuting Attorney, Portsmouth, Ohio, for Appellee. _____________________________________________________________
Smith, P.J.
{¶1} James G. Stepp, Appellant, appeals from the judgment of the Scioto
County Court of Common Pleas convicting him of one count of aggravated
trafficking in drugs, a second-degree felony in violation of R.C. 2925.03(A)(2) and
(C)(1)(d); one count of aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony in
violation of R.C. 2925.11(A) and (C)(1)(a); and one count of possessing criminal
tools, a fifth-degree felony in violation of R.C. 2923.24(A) and (C). On appeal,
Stepp essentially contends that his guilty pleas were not made knowingly,
intelligently, and voluntarily. However, after considering the totality of the Scioto App. No. 22CA4005 2
circumstances, we cannot conclude that Stepp’s guilty pleas were not knowing,
intelligent, or voluntary or that the trial court erred in its acceptance of the pleas.
Thus, we find no merit to his arguments. Accordingly, Stepp’s sole assignment of
error is overruled and the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.
FACTS
{¶2} On March 29, 2022, Stepp was indicted on six felony counts as
follows:
Count One: Aggravated trafficking in drugs (methamphetamine) in violation of R.C. 2925.03(A)(2) and (C)(1)(d), a second- degree felony;
Count Two: Aggravated possession of drugs (methamphetamine) in violation of R.C. 2925.11(A) and (C)(1)(c), a second-degree felony;
Count Three: Aggravated possession of drugs (methamphetamine) in violation of R.C. 2925.11(A) and (C)(1)(a), a fifth-degree felony;
Count Four: Tampering with evidence in violation of R.C. 2921.12(A)(1) and (B), a third-degree felony;
Count Five: Possessing drug abuse instruments in violation of R.C. 2925.12(A) and (C), a second-degree misdemeanor; and
Count Six: Possessing criminal tools in violation of R.C. 2023.23(A) and (C), a fifth-degree felony. Scioto App. No. 22CA4005 3
In addition to naming Stepp, the indictment also named Neil T. Melvin and Angel
M. Thompson as co-defendants.1 The charges stemmed from a traffic stop that
occurred on February 23, 2022.
{¶3} On August 5, 2022, Stepp filed a motion requesting that the court
allow him to join the motion to suppress filed by his co-defendant, Melvin. The
trial court allowed the motion to join but ultimately denied the motion to suppress
after holding a suppression hearing on August 17, 2022. Prior to start of the
suppression hearing, plea negotiations took place but did not result in a plea
agreement. The plea offer that was made was withdrawn by the State at that time.
The matter then proceeded to a final pretrial hearing on September 1, 2022. The
transcript from that hearing reveals that the trial court confirmed that any prior
offers that had been made by the State had been withdrawn and that no counter-
offers remained on the table. The matter then proceeded to trial.
{¶4} On the morning of the scheduled trial, the trial court was informed that
a plea agreement had been reached. The transcript from the combined plea and
sentencing hearing that was held on October 3, 2022 reveals that Stepp agreed to
plead guilty to counts one, three, and six of the indictment in exchange for the
dismissal of counts two, four, and five. The deal also included the State’s
agreement to recommend a sentence of either community control or probation for
1 It appears from the record that Thompson was Stepp’s girlfriend. Scioto App. No. 22CA4005 4
Stepp’s girlfriend, once she was apprehended. The transcript indicates that the
parties agreed they would “argue sentencing” that morning.
{¶5} As a result, the trial court conducted the plea portion of the
proceedings immediately thereafter and accepted Stepp’s guilty pleas. Once the
plea portion of the hearing was concluded, defense counsel and the State made
their arguments to the court on the issue of sentencing. When the State concluded
its argument, defense counsel informed the court that Stepp appeared to be
confused in that he believed he was agreeing to the prior plea terms that had been
previously withdrawn by the State. The trial court stated that if Stepp wished to
withdraw his plea, a hearing on the matter would be held. At that time, Stepp
conferred with his counsel and then defense counsel informed the court that Stepp
wished to proceed. The sentencing hearing was concluded without any further
mention of Stepp desiring to withdraw his guilty pleas.
{¶6} The trial court ultimately sentenced Stepp to a mandatory minimum
prison term of 4 years, to an indefinite maximum prison term of up to 6 years, on
count one. It also sentenced Stepp to 12-month prison terms on counts three and
six, to be served consecutively to each other and consecutive to the sentence
imposed on count one, for an aggregate minimum prison term of 6 years to an
indefinite maximum prison term of up to 8 years, with 4 years being mandatory. Scioto App. No. 22CA4005 5
Stepp now appeals from the judgment of the trial court, setting forth a single
assignment of error for our review.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR
I. THE TRIAL COURT’S FAILURE TO INQUIRY [SIC] OF MR. STEPP ABOUT WHETHER HE UNDERSTAND [SIC] THE CONSEQUENCES OF HIS PLEA SPECIFICALLY WHETHER HE UNDERSTOOD THAT HE WOULD BE ARGUING SENTENCING. THE PLEA DOES NOT RISE TO THE LEVEL OF BEING MADE KNOWINGLY, INTELLIGENTLY AND VOLUNTARILY.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR I
{¶7} In his sole assignment of error, Stepp contends that his plea was not
made knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily. More specifically, Stepp argues
that the trial court erred in proceeding with sentencing after defense counsel
informed the court that Stepp had misunderstood the fact that the initial plea
agreement had been withdrawn and that he would simply be “arguing sentencing.”
The State responds by arguing that Stepp has failed to show that the trial court’s
colloquy with him failed to comply with Crim.R. 11 or that his plea “was anything
other than knowing, intelligent, and voluntary.” The State draws this Court’s
attention to the fact that Stepp’s guilty pleas were entered in exchange for the
dismissal of three additional charges and further notes that Stepp has, at no time,
filed a motion to withdraw his guilty pleas. Scioto App. No. 22CA4005 6
Standard of Review
{¶8} Crim.R. 11(C)(2) governs the acceptance of guilty pleas by the trial
court in felony cases and provides that a trial court should not accept a guilty plea
without first addressing the defendant personally 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 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.
{¶9} “Thus, prior to accepting a guilty plea, a ‘court must inform the
defendant that he is waiving his privilege against compulsory self-incrimination,
his right to jury trial, his right to confront his accusers, and his right of compulsory
process of witnesses.’ ” State v. Tolle, 2022-Ohio-2839, 194 N.E.3d 410, ¶ 9 (4th
Dist.), quoting State v. Ballard, 66 Ohio St.2d 473, 423 N.E.2d 115, paragraph one
of the syllabus (1981). See also Crim.R. 11(C)(2)(c). “ ‘In addition to these
constitutional rights, the trial court must determine that the defendant understands Scioto App. No. 22CA4005 7
the nature of the charge, the maximum penalty involved, and the effect of the plea.’
” Tolle at ¶ 9, quoting State v. Montgomery, 148 Ohio St.3d 347, 2016-Ohio-5487,
71 N.E.3d 180, ¶ 41.
{¶10} When reviewing a defendant's constitutional rights (right to a jury
trial, right to call witnesses, etc.), a trial court must strictly comply with Crim.R.
11(C)(2)(c). Tolle, supra, at ¶ 10; State v. Veney, 120 Ohio St.3d 176, 2008-Ohio-
5200, 897 N.E.2d 621, ¶ 18. In contrast, when reviewing a defendant's non-
constitutional rights (maximum penalty involved, understanding effect of plea,
etc.), a trial court must substantially comply with Crim.R. 11(C)(2)(a) and (b).
Tolle at ¶ 11; State v. Veney, supra, ¶ 18. “ ‘[S]ubstantial compliance’ means that
‘under the totality of the circumstances the defendant subjectively understands the
implications of his plea and the rights he is waiving.’ ” State v. Morrison, 4th Dist.
Adams No. 07CA854, 2008-Ohio-4913, ¶ 9, quoting State v. Puckett, 4th Dist.
Scioto No. 03CA2920, 2005-Ohio-1640, ¶ 10, citing State v. Stewart, 51 Ohio
St.2d 86, 364 N.E.2d 1163 (1977); State v. Carter, 60 Ohio St.2d 34, 396 N.E.2d
757 (1979).
{¶11} As this Court observed in Tolle, supra, the Veney Court held as
follows regarding the acceptance of guilty pleas:
“ ‘When a defendant enters a plea in a criminal case, the plea must be made knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily. Failure on any of those points renders enforcement of the plea unconstitutional under both the United States Constitution and Scioto App. No. 22CA4005 8
the Ohio Constitution.’ ” Veney, supra, at ¶ 7, quoting State v. Engle, 74 Ohio St.3d 525, 527, 660 N.E.2d 450 (1996); State v. Montgomery, supra, at ¶ 40; State v. Barker, 129 Ohio St.3d 472, 2011-Ohio-4130, 953 N.E.2d 826, ¶ 9.
See Tolle, at ¶ 12.
“ ‘It is the trial court's duty, therefore, to ensure that a defendant “has a full
understanding of what the plea connotes and of its consequence.” ’ ” Tolle, at ¶
13; quoting Montgomery at ¶ 40, in turn quoting Boykin v. Alabama, 395 U.S. 238,
244, 89 S.Ct. 1709 (1969); State v. Conley, 4th Dist. Adams No. 19CA1091, 2019-
Ohio-4172, ¶ 34.
{¶12} When an appellate court evaluates whether a defendant knowingly,
intelligently, and voluntarily entered a guilty plea, the court must independently
review the record to ensure that the trial court complied with the Crim.R. 11
constitutional and procedural safeguards. See Tolle, at ¶ 14; State v. Leonhart, 4th
Dist. Washington No. 13CA38, 2014-Ohio-5601, ¶ 36; State v. Eckler, 4th Dist.
Adams No. 09CA878, 2009-Ohio-7064, ¶ 48; Veney, supra, at ¶ 13 (“Before
accepting a guilty or no-contest plea, the court must make the determinations and
give the warnings required by Crim.R. 11(C)(2)(a) and (b) and notify the defendant
of the constitutional rights listed in Crim.R. 11(C)(2)(c)”); State v. Kelley, 57 Ohio
St.3d 127, 128, 566 N.E.2d 658 (1991) (“When a trial court or appellate court is
reviewing a plea submitted by a defendant, its focus should be on whether the
dictates of Crim.R. 11 have been followed”); See also State v. Shifflet, 2015-Ohio- Scioto App. No. 22CA4005 9
4250, 44 N.E.3d 966 (4th Dist.), ¶ 13, citing State v. Smith, 4th Dist. Washington
No. 12CA11, 2013-Ohio-232, ¶ 10.
{¶13} “The purpose of Crim.R. 11(C) is ‘to convey to the defendant certain
information so that he can make a voluntary and intelligent decision whether to
plead guilty.’ ” Tolle at ¶ 15, quoting Ballard, supra, at 479-480. As set forth
above, although literal compliance with Crim.R. 11(C) is preferred, it is not
required. See State v. Clark, 119 Ohio St.3d 239, 2008-Ohio-3748, 893 N.E.2d
462, ¶ 29, citing State v. Griggs, 103 Ohio St.3d 85, 2004-Ohio-4415, 814 N.E.2d
51, ¶ 19. Therefore, an appellate court will ordinarily affirm a trial court's
acceptance of a guilty plea if the record reveals that the trial court engaged in a
meaningful dialogue with the defendant and explained “in a manner reasonably
intelligible to that defendant” the consequences of pleading guilty. Ballard at
paragraph two of the syllabus; Barker at ¶ 14; Veney at ¶ 27; Conley at ¶ 37.
{¶14} Additionally, it has been held that a defendant who seeks to
invalidate a plea on the basis that the trial court partially, but not fully, informed
the defendant of his or her non-constitutional rights must demonstrate a prejudicial
effect. See Tolle at ¶ 16; Veney at ¶ 17; Clark at ¶ 31. To demonstrate that a
defendant suffered prejudice due to the failure to fully inform the defendant of his
or her non-constitutional rights, the defendant must establish that, but for the trial
court's failure, a guilty plea would not have been entered. See Clark at ¶ 32, citing Scioto App. No. 22CA4005 10
State v. Nero, 56 Ohio St.3d 106, 108, 564 N.E.2d 474 (1990) (stating that “[t]he
test is ‘whether the plea would have otherwise been made’ ”). However, when a
trial court completely fails to inform a defendant of his or her non-constitutional
rights, the plea must be vacated, and no analysis of prejudice is required. See
Clark at ¶ 32, citing State v. Sarkozy, 117 Ohio St.3d 86, 2008-Ohio-509, 881
N.E.2d 1224, ¶ 22.
Legal Analysis
{¶15} Stepp makes several arguments and interesting statements in support
of his assignment of error. First, Stepp’s appellate brief sets forth a section of the
combined plea and sentencing hearing transcript and represents to this Court that
he expressed confusion regarding his understanding of the maximum sentence he
was facing “during the plea hearing[.]” Thus, Stepp seems to suggest that the trial
court erred in not clearing up the confusion before accepting the pleas and
proceeding with sentencing. However, as will be discussed more fully below,
Stepp’s counsel did not mention any confusion on the part of Stepp during the plea
portion of the hearing. In fact, the record indicates that defense counsel did not
allege confusion on Stepp’s part until after his guilty pleas had been accepted, and
until midway through the sentencing hearing after the State made its arguments
regarding sentencing to the court.
{¶16} Next, Stepp argues/states as follows: Scioto App. No. 22CA4005 11
This court like so many other courts make the statement that the court can proceed with sentencing and impose any sentence that the court deems necessary up to the maximum. It is common for the court to follow the plea recommendation even after making such a statement. The fact that the court spoke about the maximum definite and indefinite sentences above should not be taken as a [sic] indication of acquiescence to the possibility of a maximum sentence.
Initially, we must note that it is abundantly clear from this record that all prior plea
offers had been rejected by Stepp and had been withdrawn by the State. It is also
abundantly clear from the record that Stepp finally entered the plea agreement at
issue in exchange for the dismissal of three other pending charges and leniency in
sentencing to be shown to his girlfriend, with an express agreement that his own
sentencing would be argued to the court. Thus, any suggestion by Stepp that he
expected the trial court to impose a jointly recommended or agreed sentence as part
of the plea agreement is simply not supported by the record. Further, and contrary
to Stepp’s argument, when a court informs a defendant of the maximum sentence
he or she is facing in the absence of a plea agreement that includes an agreed
sentence, the defendant should heed the warnings of the court when proceeding
with entering a guilty plea.
{¶17} Stepp further argues/states as follows:
The Court did substantially comply with Crim.R. 11. However, the Court failed to inquiry [sic] of the Defendant whether he understood the possibility of receiving the maximum sentence or a sentence other than the prior plea agreement. Without an explanation of the effect of his guilty plea, specifically that the Scioto App. No. 22CA4005 12
Defendant was not entering a plea agreement but was merely arguing sentencing, the Defendant’s plea was not knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily made. (Emphasis added).
Stepp essentially asserts that the trial court failed to fully explain “the effect of his
guilty plea,” while simultaneously asserting that “[t]he Court did substantially
comply with Crim.R. 11.” These two assertions are incongruent. Moreover, the
record only supports one of these assertions, which is that the trial court
substantially complied with Crim.R. 11 in informing Stepp of the maximum
penalty related to his guilty pleas, which as set forth above, constitutes a non-
constitutional right for which only substantial compliance is required.
{¶18} After a review of the entire record, it appears that prior to the
beginning of the suppression hearing, there was some discussion on the record
related to Stepp pleading guilty to one count of second-degree-felony trafficking in
drugs in exchange for the dismissal of the remaining counts of the indictment,
along with a recommendation by the State for a four-year mandatory prison term,
but with the possibility of the trial court ordering that only two of the four years be
mandatory. However, that plea offer was rejected on the record by Stepp prior to
the start of the suppression hearing and was at that time withdrawn by the State.
Thereafter, Stepp’s motion to suppress was denied and the matter proceeded to a
final pretrial hearing where Stepp agreed through counsel that all prior offers had
been withdrawn and that there were no counter-offers on the table. The trial court Scioto App. No. 22CA4005 13
explained on the record the maximum penalty Stepp would be facing absent a plea
agreement and Stepp voiced understanding of the information and stated he had no
questions about the maximum possible sentence.
{¶19} Thereafter, on the morning of the scheduled jury trial, an agreement
was reached whereby Stepp would plead guilty to counts one, three, and six, in
exchange for the dismissal of counts two, four, and five, and the parties would
argue sentencing to the court. A review of the plea and sentencing hearing
transcript reveals that the plea deal also included the State’s agreement to offer
Stepp’s girlfriend, who was a co-defendant, either community control or probation
in light of her “lesser involvement” in the matter. All of this was discussed in open
court and both Stepp and his counsel stated they understood the terms.
{¶20} The trial court confirmed Stepp not only signed, but that he
understood, a written plea form, a written waiver of trial by jury form, as well as a
written indefinite sentencing advisory form. Thereafter, the trial court engaged
Stepp in a complete Crim.R. 11 colloquy before accepting his guilty pleas and
concluding the plea portion of the hearing. The plea colloquy included a detailed
recitation of the maximum penalties for counts one, three, and six, and Stepp
reaffirmed his signature on the written forms once the trial court’s oral explanation
of the maximum penalties was concluded. The matter then proceeded to
sentencing. Scioto App. No. 22CA4005 14
{¶21} In arguing sentencing to the court, defense counsel stated that Stepp
had a drug addiction problem and requested that the court “impose the same
sentence [they] had previously discussed.” In making its argument to the court, the
State referenced the large volume of methamphetamine recovered, which seemed
to indicate more than personal use, and also noted Stepp’s lengthy criminal history.
However, the State refrained from making a sentencing recommendation and
instead essentially left the sentencing decision to the court, stating that “whatever
the Court sees fit we will certainly accept * * *.” At that point, and when the trial
court asked defense counsel if he had anything to add in mitigation, defense
counsel asked to approach and stated that Stepp “thought he was pleading and still
getting the same thing we talked about.” Defense counsel further stated that Stepp
“may * * * want to withdraw his plea.” The trial court informed defense counsel
that if Stepp wished to withdraw his guilty pleas the court would hold a hearing.
At that point, defense counsel and Stepp conferred and then defense counsel stated:
“We’re prepared to go forward, Your Honor.” As a result of Stepp’s voiced
misunderstanding, the trial court offered Stepp an “additional opportunity of
allocution,” which Stepp declined. The trial court went on to impose sentence and
the sentencing portion of the hearing was concluded without any further mention
of Stepp wanting to withdraw his guilty pleas. Scioto App. No. 22CA4005 15
{¶22} Although not identical, the arguments contained herein are somewhat
analogous to the arguments which were raised and rejected in State v. Sheets, 4th
Dist. Jackson No 22CA1, 2023-Ohio-2592. In Sheets, the defendant argued that a
statement she made during the allocution portion of the combined plea and
sentencing hearing constituted a statement of actual innocence on her part, or in the
alternative, that “she was confused regarding the nature of the offenses to which
she was pleading guilty.” Id. at ¶ 18. Although the present case does not involve a
statement of actual innocence, it does essentially involve the claim that Stepp was
confused as to the terms of the plea agreement, specifically with respect to the
maximum penalties for the charges to which he was pleading guilty. In Sheets, we
reviewed the complete record and determined, based upon the totality of the
circumstances, that Sheets’ argument was not well taken. Id. at ¶ 30. In reaching
that decision, we reviewed and relied on the documents provided to Sheets, which
included the written plea form, as well as her statements during the plea colloquy
as evidenced by the plea hearing transcript, and her counsel’s representations as to
her understanding. Id. at ¶ 28, 30.
{¶23} Here, a review of the suppression hearing transcript, the final pre-trial
hearing transcript, the written plea form, as well as the combined plea and
sentencing hearing transcript indicates that the trial court substantially complied
with Crim.R. 11(C) in accepting Stepp’s guilty pleas. Therefore, after considering Scioto App. No. 22CA4005 16
the totality of the circumstances, we cannot conclude that Stepp’s guilty pleas were
not knowing, intelligent, or voluntary or that the trial court erred in its acceptance
of the pleas. Accordingly, we find no merit to Stepp’s sole assignment of error and
the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Scioto App. No. 22CA4005 17
JUDGMENT ENTRY
It is ordered that the JUDGMENT BE AFFIRMED and costs be assessed to Appellant. The Court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal. It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this Court directing the Scioto County Common Pleas Court to carry this judgment into execution. IF A STAY OF EXECUTION OF SENTENCE AND RELEASE UPON BAIL HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY GRANTED BY THE TRIAL COURT OR THIS COURT, it is temporarily continued for a period not to exceed 60 days upon the bail previously posted. The purpose of a continued stay is to allow Appellant to file with the Supreme Court of Ohio an application for a stay during the pendency of proceedings in that court. If a stay is continued by this entry, it will terminate at the earlier of the expiration of the 60-day period, or the failure of the Appellant to file a notice of appeal with the Supreme Court of Ohio in the 45-day appeal period pursuant to Rule II, Sec. 2 of the Rules of Practice of the Supreme Court of Ohio. Additionally, if the Supreme Court of Ohio dismisses the appeal prior to expiration of 60 days, the stay will terminate as of the date of such dismissal. A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure. Abele, J., & Hess, J.: Concur in Judgment and Opinion.
For the Court,
_____________________________ Jason P. Smith Presiding Judge Scioto App. No. 22CA4005 18
NOTICE TO COUNSEL Pursuant to Local Rule No. 14, this document constitutes a final judgment entry and the time period for further appeal commences from the date of filing with the clerk.