State v. Valdobinos

858 P.2d 199, 122 Wash. 2d 270, 1993 Wash. LEXIS 224
CourtWashington Supreme Court
DecidedSeptember 9, 1993
Docket59711-1, 59712-0
StatusPublished
Cited by117 cases

This text of 858 P.2d 199 (State v. Valdobinos) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering Washington Supreme Court primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook
State v. Valdobinos, 858 P.2d 199, 122 Wash. 2d 270, 1993 Wash. LEXIS 224 (Wash. 1993).

Opinion

Utter, J.

Ventura Valdobinos and Rafael Mendoza Garibay appeal their sentences and convictions for delivery, conspiracy to deliver and possession of cocaine. We affirm their convictions but strike the portion of their sentences based on the use of a weapon under RCW 9.94A.125.

On December 10, 1990, an Okanogan County drug task force undercover agent, Vilchez, went to the Lincoln Tavern to make a drug buy. Vilchez testified that he had a conversation with Valdobinos at that time, and that Valdobinos offered to sell him cocaine. At trial, Vilchez also testified that Valdobinos introduced him to Garibay, and told him that Garibay had brought the cocaine from California.

On December 12, 1990, Superior Court Judge Edwards signed a search warrant directing peace officers to search the mobile home of Valdobinos and Garibay. Clerk's Papers, at 12. The next day, a 9-person search party arrived at the home. The search party included approximately five law enforcement officers and four National Guardsmen who volunteered to serve under the Federal Drug Interdiction Program.

The local police authorities arrested, questioned and searched the defendants and took them to the Okanogan County Jail. Garibay was found to have $2,140 in one pocket, Report of Proceedings vol. II, at 150, of which $350 had serial numbers matching the buy money used in the December 10, 1990, drug transaction. The home was then cleared. The four Guardsmen were directed by the law enforcement officers to reenter and were assigned to search the bedroom. It is un *274 contested that at all relevant times the Guardsmen were supervised by local law enforcement authorities.

One of the National Guardsmen found a black bag containing $1,875, 846 grams of cocaine, and a bus ticket bearing Garibay's name under a bed.

On December 18, 1990, Valdobinos and Garibay were charged, and a jury trial was set for February 25, 1991. Although the cases were initially consolidated, Garibay and Valdobinos were ultimately tried separately.

After a jury trial, Valdobinos was convicted of delivery of a controlled substance, cocaine, RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(i); conspiracy to dehver a controlled substance, cocaine, RCW 69-.50.401(a)(1)(i); and possession of a controhed substance with intent to deliver while armed with a deadly weapon. RCW 69.50.401(a)(1); RCW 9.94A.125. After a bench trial on stipulated facts, Garibay was charged and convicted of the same counts: possession, delivery and conspiracy to dehver cocaine. Both cases were consobdated for the purpose of this appeal. We affirm the convictions, but strike the portions of their sentences imposed for being armed with a deadly weapon. The assignments of error common to both Valdobinos and Garibay are treated together; those made singly by one or the other defendant are discussed separately.

Common Assignments of Error

I

Speedy Trial

Valdobinos and Garibay argue the trial court violated their right to a speedy trial. That contention is without merit. The right to a speedy trial may be waived. State v. Williams, 87 Wn.2d 916, 557 P.2d 1311 (1976). Waivers may be imphed from a defendant's request for a continuance. See State v. Freeman, 54 Wn. App. 734, 737, 775 P.2d 993 (1989) (citing State v. Colbert, 17 Wn. App. 658, 564 P.2d 1182, review denied, 89 Wn.2d 1010 (1977)).

On February 21, 1991, when the two cases were consobdated, Garibay, Valdobinos, and a third defendant made a motion to continue their trial dates until April 15, 1991, and *275 promised written waivers of their right to a speedy trial. At that time, Valdobinos's attorney explained that he wished a continuance to permit his client to retain new counsel. He specifically promised to waive Valdobinos's speedy trial right until the end of April: "I have a motion for a continuance .... And I am asking for a continuance to April 15th. My client is willing to waive until April 30th." (Italics ours.) Report of Proceedings (Feb. 21, 1991), Hearing on Motion To Consolidate, at 6. He emphasized, "And I think my client clearly is willing to waive his speedy trial right. He has the right to hire counsel of his own choosing." Report of Proceedings (Feb. 21, 1991), Hearing on Motion To Consolidate, at 8. Garibay's attorney joined in the motion to continue, stating, "I would also join in Mr. Stuart's motion for a continuance until April 15, and my client would also waive." Report of Proceedings (Feb. 21, 1991), Hearing on Motion To Consolidate, at 7. The continuance was granted.

Thereafter, Garibay also decided to retain new counsel. On March 7, the parties asked the trial court for a second continuance until April 15 so that Garibay's new attorney could familiarize himself with the case. At that time, Garibay's attorney again waived Garibay's speedy trial rights: "Both Mr. Garibay and his codefendant are in custody, and he's willing to waive any speedy trial considerations. So, we'd ask that there be a continuance to allow him to employ private counsel." Report of Proceedings (Valdobinos) (Mar. 7, 1991), at 3. The continuance was granted. Valdobinos's new attorney, Mr. Reinbold, claimed that Valdobinos's previous attorney had moved for a continuance without Mr. Rein-bold's knowledge, and stated he objected to waiver of his client's right to a speedy trial. 1 The court continued the trial that had been set for the following week. Report of Proceedings (Valdobinos) (Mar. 7, 1991), at 9. Garibay's attorney reminded the court: "One of the things that was discussed at the time when Mr. Stuart asked for an extension for Mr. *276 Valdobinos to hire Mr. Reinbold was that we agreed to waive to the end of April." (Italics ours.) Report of Proceedings (Valdobinos) (Mar. 7, 1991), at 12-13.

Although the promised written waivers were never received, the record reveals that the first continuance was granted at Valdobinos's request, the second at Garibay's, and both on the assurance the court would receive written waivers extending until the end of April. Under these circumstances, it cannot reasonably be said that the defendants did not waive their right to a speedy trial.

II

Failure To Exclude Evidence Found in a Search by National Guardsmen The Posse Comitatus Act

Valdobinos and Garibay assert next that the trial court erred in refusing to suppress the evidence found in the search by police officers assisted by the National Guard. They maintain the search violated 18 U.S.C.

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Bluebook (online)
858 P.2d 199, 122 Wash. 2d 270, 1993 Wash. LEXIS 224, Counsel Stack Legal Research, https://law.counselstack.com/opinion/state-v-valdobinos-wash-1993.