Toledo v. Manning , 2019 Ohio 3405 ( 2019 )

[Cite as Toledo v. Manning, 2019-Ohio-3405.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
SIXTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
LUCAS COUNTY
State of Ohio/City of Toledo Court of Appeals No. L-18-1210
Appellee Trial Court No. CRB-18-04567
v.
Richard Manning DECISION AND JUDGMENT
Appellant Decided: August 23, 2019
*****
David Toska, Chief Prosecutor, and Jimmie Jones, Assistant
Prosecutor, for appellee.
Autumn D. Adams, for appellant.
*****
OSOWIK, J.
{¶ 1} This is an appeal from a judgment of the Toledo Municipal Court which,
following a bench trial, found appellant guilty of assault. For the reasons set forth below,
this court affirms the judgment of the trial court.
{¶ 2} On April 14, 2018, Toledo police were dispatched to where appellant,
Richard William Manning II, lived with his girlfriend in Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio.
Later that day Officer Melvin Russell filed complaints charging appellant with two
counts: (1) domestic violence, a violation of R.C. 2919.25(A), a first-degree
misdemeanor pursuant to R.C. 2919.25(D)(2), and (2) assault, a violation of R.C.
2903.13(A), a first-degree misdemeanor pursuant to R.C. 2903.13(C)(1). The transcript
of the August 16, 2018 bench trial is in the record.
{¶ 3} Officer Russell testified at the trial “it was a Code 3 weapons call involving
a knife.” Upon arrival at the location, Officer Russell’s partner went to the front of the
duplex, and Officer Russell when to the back. He saw the back door was open, entered
the duplex, and began to walk up the stairwell when he found appellant’s mother
comforting the victim.
Q: And as you approached them, can you describe their demeanor?
A: As I was * * * climbing the steps, they were about a half a flight
above. They were both sitting on the steps. [The victim] was crying,
noticeably upset, appeared to have some minor swelling, bruising to the
face and other parts of her body. Mr. Manning’s mother was comforting
her. She was making statements, before she even noticed that I was there,
that he can’t beat me like a man anymore.
{¶ 4} Officer Russell was the only witness to testify for appellee. On cross-
examination, appellant, though his attorney, asked, “Officer Russell, did you see the
2.
altercation between [appellant] and [the victim]?” The witness responded, “No, I did
not.” Appellant did not further cross-examine the witness, and appellee’s re-direct
examination of the witness was brief:
Q: As to not seeing the altercation, did you see any evidence that
there was an altercation?
A: Yes.
Q: And specifically, would that be the injuries?
A: Her injuries. The state of the house. The kitchen was pretty
broken apart. Cabinet doors. Stuff like that.
Q: And then also the statements that she made to –
A: Yes.
Q: -- the other woman present? Thank you.
{¶ 5} Appellee then rested its case. Appellant immediately moved for a judgment
of acquittal of both charges pursuant to Crim.R. 29(A). Specifically, appellant argued
regarding Count 2, “no one saw the assault. The only thing was the view of the injuries.
No causation of those injuries was ever determined that could be caused by [appellant].”
Appellee responded that assault can be established by circumstantial evidence. The trial
court granted appellant’s motion for Count 1, R.C. 2912.25(A) domestic violence, but
denied the motion for Count 2, R.C. 2903.13(A) assault.
3.
{¶ 6} Following the trial court’s ruling, appellant then rested without introducing
any evidence. After closing arguments by the parties, the trial court found appellant
guilty of Count 2, assault.
{¶ 7} Sentencing occurred on September 6, 2018, and the hearing transcript is in
the record. The trial court sentenced appellant, “Having been found guilty, the Court will
sentence 180 days. They’ll be suspended. You will be on one-year probation; no further
offenses. No contact with victim, and during this time, you will take Batterer’s
Intervention Classes.” The sentencing judgment entry was journalized on October 1,
2018.
{¶ 8} It is the trial court’s October 1, 2018 journalized sentencing judgment entry
from which appellant timely filed his appeal setting forth three assignments of error:
I. The trial court committed prejudicial error by not granting the
appellant’s Criminal Rule 29 Motion made at the close of the City of
Toledo’s case.
II. The trial court’s finding of guilt was against the manifest weight
of the evidence as the City of Toledo failed to prove appellant’s guilt
beyond a reasonable doubt.
III. Ineffective assistance of counsel due to trial counsel’s failure to
object to the admission of hearsay evidence
4.
I. Sufficiency of Evidence
{¶ 9} In support of his first assignment of error, appellant argued the trial court
erred by denying his Crim.R. 29(A) motion for acquittal. Appellant argued there was
insufficient evidence at trial with which to convict appellant of assault. First, appellant
argued appellee “failed to put forth any evidence [the victim] suffered any injuries at the
hands of Appellant.” Second, he argued there was no evidence whether the “‘disarray’
[in the apartment] was the typical state of the apartment.” Third, he argued the victim’s
statement was inadmissible hearsay evidence by the witness at trial. As a result, he
argued, reasonable minds can differ as to appellant’s guilt for assault.
{¶ 10} In response, appellee argued there was sufficient evidence for convicting
appellant of assault. Appellee argued evidence for each element of assault was presented
at trial.
{¶ 11} Appellant’s acquittal motion was made pursuant to Crim.R. 29(A), which
states, in part, “The court on motion of a defendant * * *, after the evidence on either side
is closed, shall order the entry of a judgment of acquittal of one or more offenses charged
in the * * * complaint, if the evidence is insufficient to sustain a conviction of such
offense or offenses.” Appellant’s motion under Crim.R. 29(A) is governed by the same
standard as a challenge to the sufficiency of evidence supporting a conviction at trial.
State v. Tenace, 109 Ohio St.3d 255, 2006-Ohio-2417, 847 N.E.2d 386, ¶ 37.
{¶ 12} The Ohio Supreme Court guides appellate courts reviewing a challenge to
the sufficiency of evidence as follows:
5.
An appellate court’s function when reviewing the sufficiency of the
evidence to support a criminal conviction is to examine the evidence
admitted at trial to determine whether such evidence, if believed, would
convince the average mind of the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable
doubt. The relevant inquiry is whether, after viewing the evidence in a
light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have
found the essential elements of the crime proven beyond a reasonable
doubt.
State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 574 N.E.2d 492 (1991), paragraph two of the syllabus.
“The verdict will not be disturbed unless the appellate court finds that reasonable minds
could not reach the conclusion reached by the trier of facts.” Id. at 273. Appellate courts
do not evaluate the credibility of the evidence when determining its sufficiency because
our role is to decide whether the evidence, if believed, can sustain the verdict as a matter
of law. State v. Myers, 154 Ohio St.3d 405, 2018-Ohio-1903, 114 N.E.3d 1138, ¶ 132.
All admissible evidence may be considered by the reviewing court on a claim of
insufficient evidence. State v. Yarbrough, 95 Ohio St.3d 227, 2002-Ohio-2126, 767
N.E.2d 216, ¶ 80.
{¶ 13} Sufficiency of evidence is a term of art for applying the legal standard to
determine whether the evidence is legally sufficient to support the verdict as a matter of
law. State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 386, 678 N.E.2d 541 (1997). “In essence,
sufficiency is a test of adequacy. Whether the evidence is legally sufficient to sustain a
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verdict is a question of law.” Id. “But the fact that a question of law involves a
consideration of the facts or the evidence does not turn it into a question of fact. Nor
does that consideration involve the court in weighing the evidence or passing upon its
credibility.” State v. Williams, 134 Ohio St.3d 482, 2012-Ohio-5699, 983 N.E.2d 1245,
¶ 25, quoting O’Day v. Webb, 29 Ohio St.2d 215, 219, 280 N.E.2d 896 (1972). We
review a question of law de novo. State v. Baker, 6th Dist. Wood No. WD-09-088, 2010-
Ohio-4719, ¶ 21, citing Thompkins at 386.
1. Assault
{¶ 14} In order for appellant to be found guilty of assault pursuant to R.C.
2903.13(A) appellee must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that, “No person shall
knowingly cause * * * physical harm to another * * *.” R.C. 2901.05(A).
{¶ 15} Appellee’s reasonable doubt burden is defined by statute.
“Reasonable doubt” is present when the [triers of fact], after they
have carefully considered and compared all the evidence, cannot say they
are firmly convinced of the truth of the charge. It is a doubt based on
reason and common sense. Reasonable doubt is not mere possible doubt,
because everything relating to human affairs or depending on moral
evidence is open to some possible or imaginary doubt. “Proof beyond a
reasonable doubt” is proof of such character that an ordinary person would
7.
be willing to rely and act upon it in the most important of the person’s own
affairs.
R.C. 2901.05(E).
{¶ 16} Appellee could meet its burden at trial using circumstantial evidence.
Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d at 283, 574 N.E.2d 492.
Circumstantial evidence and direct evidence inherently possess the
same probative value and therefore should be subjected to the same
standard of proof. When the state relies on circumstantial evidence to
prove an essential element of the offense charged, there is no need for such
evidence to be irreconcilable with any reasonable theory of innocence in
order to support a conviction.
Id. at paragraph one of the syllabus. “While inferences cannot be built on inferences,
several conclusions can be drawn from the same set of facts; and a series of facts and
circumstances can be used as a basis for ultimate findings.” State v. Lott, 51 Ohio St.3d
160, 168, 555 N.E.2d 293 (1990).
{¶ 17} The record shows that at the point of appellant’s motion for acquittal,
appellee had submitted one witnesses to direct and cross-examination. Through the
witness’s testimony in the record, the essential elements of assault were presented to the
trier of fact.
{¶ 18} Officer Russell testified he responds “to the more serious offenses or
allegations,” and on April 14, 2018, he was dispatched to the duplex location because of
8.
“a Code 3 weapons call involving a knife.” Present at the scene with Officer Russell
were his partner, appellant, the victim, and appellant’s mother. Officer Russell
confidently identified appellant at trial as the person who assaulted the victim “from the
incident that we’re * * * referring to.” Based on his investigation, Officer Russell
described the relationship between appellant and the victim as “[a]t least roommates.”
{¶ 19} Officer Russell further testified he personally saw the fresh injuries to the
victim. He further testified there was still some concern at the scene for both officer and
victim safety, and appellant was taken into custody.
Q: So at that point, there was still some concern for both officer and
victim safety?
A: Yes.
Q: And you said you observed some injuries. Could you describe
those injuries for us?
A: Injuries was (sic) – I think it was just small bruising on her face,
scratches on her neck. I don’t know if there was (sic) pictures of this or
not, but – let’s see. Swollen eyes, scratches, arms, necks; stuff like that.
Q: Okay. And after you observed this, what decision did you make,
if any?
A: We talked to her, at that point, and his mother she gave a
statement.
***
9.
Q: Did you arrest the defendant, at that time, or were you involved
with the arrest of the defendant at that time?
A: At the time the cuffs were placed on him? I believe, no. I think
it was relayed on the radio, from me to my partner, he would be taken into
custody.
Q: Were you involved with the transport of that defendant?
A: Yes.
a. Identification
{¶ 20} For the first element of assault, appellee had the burden to prove beyond a
reasonable doubt appellant was the person who violated R.C. 2903.13(A). Appellant
argues the prosecution failed to sufficiently identify him as the person who caused the
victim’s injuries because the sole witness at trial did not personally see appellant injure
the victim. However, under the totality of the circumstances, the direct and
circumstantial evidence in the record identifying appellant as the person who assaulted
the victim and caused her injuries could have been believed by the average mind of a trier
of fact.
{¶ 21} “‘[T]he focus under the “totality of the circumstances” approach is upon
the reliability of the identification, not the identification procedures. (Emphasis sic.)’”
State v. Davie, 80 Ohio St.3d 311, 321, 686 N.E.2d 245 (1997), quoting State v. Jells, 53
Ohio St.3d 22, 27, 559 N.E.2d 464 (1990). Under the totality of the circumstances,
10.
nothing in the record indicates that Officer Russell’s identification of appellant was
unreliable. See id. at 322.
{¶ 22} The evidence in the record included the unrebutted testimony the victim
was appellant’s girlfriend and roommate on April 14, 2018, and the victim had recent
swelling on her face and scratches on her neck and arms. Also, the unrebutted testimony
included appellant was the only other man at the scene when law enforcement arrived.
The record also included the trial court’s sentence, which appellant did not specifically
appeal. The trial court ordered appellant to have no contact with the victim and to take
Batterer’s Intervention Classes. The trial court was the trier of fact. The trial court’s
sentencing decision indicates the trier of fact believed appellant was the person who
caused the victim’s injuries.
{¶ 23} We find there was sufficient evidence in the record, if believed by the trier
of fact, to sustain appellee’s burden for the first element of assault.
b. Intent
{¶ 24} For the second element of assault, appellee had the burden to prove
appellant acted knowingly. Appellant argues the prosecution failed to prove he
knowingly caused the victim’s injuries because no causal link was established. However,
the direct and circumstantial evidence in the record that appellant knowingly caused
physical harm to the victim could have been believed by the average mind of a trier of
fact.
11.
A person acts knowingly, regardless of purpose, when the person is
aware that the person’s conduct will probably cause a certain result or will
probably be of a certain nature. A person has knowledge of circumstances
when the person is aware that such circumstances probably exist. When
knowledge of the existence of a particular fact is an element of an offense,
such knowledge is established if a person subjectively believes that there is
a high probability of its existence and fails to make inquiry or acts with a
conscious purpose to avoid learning the fact.
R.C. 2901.22(B).
{¶ 25} Relevant circumstantial evidence may be used to infer criminal intent.
Baker, 6th Dist. Wood No. WD-09-088, 2010-Ohio-4719, at ¶ 24. Circumstantial
evidence may also be used to infer a defendant acted knowingly, even if the result was
not intended. Id. at ¶ 23. “Whether a person acts knowingly can only be determined,
absent a defendant’s admission, from all the surrounding facts and circumstances,
including the doing of the act itself.” Id.
{¶ 26} The victim did not testify at the trial. Officer Russell testified he and his
partner were the first responders to the scene where the appellant and victim lived
together. As he entered the rear of the duplex, and before his presence was known to the
victim, he heard the victim making the statement to appellant’s mother that “he can’t beat
me like a man anymore.” Officer Russell testified the victim was sitting on the steps,
crying, and noticeably upset with visible physical marks on her: swelling and bruising to
12.
the face and scratches to her neck and arms. Appellant’s rebuttal to Officer Russell’s
testimony was the cross-examination question and answer that Officer Russell did not see
the altercation between appellant and the victim at the time it occurred.
{¶ 27} Contrary to appellant’s assertion, we do not find the trial court improperly
relied on any hearsay statements in reaching its guilty decision. The trial court, as the
trier of fact, is presumed to have considered “only the relevant, material, and competent
evidence” in arriving at its judgment unless it affirmatively appears to the contrary. State
v. Arnold, 147 Ohio St.3d 138, 2016-Ohio-1595, 62 N.E.3d 153, ¶ 39. Here there is no
showing in the record the presumption should not apply.
{¶ 28} We review a trial court’s decision to admit or exclude evidence for an
abuse of discretion. State v. Hancock, 108 Ohio St.3d 57, 2006-Ohio-160, 840 N.E.2d
1032, ¶ 122. Abuse of discretion “‘connotes more than an error of law or judgment; it
implies that the court’s attitude is unreasonable, arbitrary or unconscionable.’”
Blakemore v. Blakemore, 5 Ohio St.3d 217, 219, 450 N.E.2d 1140 (1983), quoting State
v. Adams, 62 Ohio St.2d 151, 157, 404 N.E.2d 144 (1980).
{¶ 29} “‘Hearsay’ is a statement, other than one made by the declarant while
testifying at the trial or hearing, offered in evidence to prove the truth of the matter
asserted.” Evid.R. 801(C). “But if a statement is offered for another purpose, then it is
not hearsay and is admissible.” State v. Beasley, 153 Ohio St.3d 497, 2018-Ohio-493,
108 N.E.3d 1028, ¶ 169.
13.
{¶ 30} We find Officer Russell’s testimony about the victim’s statement to
appellant’s mother that appellant, once again, beat her “like a man” was hearsay.
Nevertheless, the victim’s statement was admissible hearsay under the excited utterance
exception.
{¶ 31} An excited utterance is a “statement relating to a startling event or
condition made while the declarant was under the stress of excitement caused by the
event or condition.” Evid.R. 803(2). The admissibility of an excited utterance statement
is subject to a four-part test:
(a) that there was some occurrence startling enough to produce a
nervous excitement in the declarant, which was sufficient to still his
reflective faculties and thereby make his statements and declarations the
unreflective and sincere expression of his actual impressions and beliefs,
and thus render his statement of declaration spontaneous and unreflective,
(b) that the statement or declaration, even if not strictly
contemporaneous with its exciting cause, was made before there had been
time for such nervous excitement to lose a domination over his reflective
faculties so that such domination continued to remain sufficient to make his
statements and declarations the unreflective and sincere expression of his
actual impressions and beliefs,
(c) that the statement or declaration related to such startling
occurrence or the circumstances of such startling occurrence, and
14.
(d) that the declarant had an opportunity to observe personally the
matters asserted in his statement or declaration. (Emphasis sic.)
State v. Doogs, 6th Dist. Wood Nos. WD-15-073, WD-16-027, 2017-Ohio-6914, ¶ 56,
quoting State v. Jones, 135 Ohio St.3d 10, 2012-Ohio-5677, 984 N.E.2d 948, ¶ 166.
{¶ 32} According to the record, the victim was still under the stress of the assault
when Officer Russell personally observed her injuries and the disarray within the
apartment she shared with appellant and when he heard her statement. Officer Russell’s
unrebutted testimony was he personally observed, “Her injuries. The state of the house.
The kitchen was pretty broken apart. Cabinet doors. Stuff like that.” The direct and
circumstantial evidence in the record point to the victim suffered from a recent event
startling enough to produce her excited utterance. Officer Russell’s unrebutted further
testimony was he personally observed the victim was crying and noticeably upset. The
overheard victim’s statement that “he” would not beat her like a man anymore was an
unreflective and sincere expression of her actual impressions and beliefs at the time,
indicating her statement to be spontaneous and unreflective. We find Officer Russell’s
testimony of personally hearing the victim’s statement under the stress of the assault was
admissible as an excited utterance pursuant to Evid.R. 803(2). State v. Adams, 144 Ohio
St.3d 429, 2015-Ohio-3954, 45 N.E.3d 127, ¶ 216.
{¶ 33} We further find there was sufficient evidence in the record, if believed by
the trier of fact, to sustain appellee’s burden for the second element of assault.
15.
c. Injury
{¶ 34} For the third element of assault, appellee had the burden to prove appellant
caused the victim physical harm. “Physical harm to persons” means “any injury, illness,
or other physiological impairment, regardless of its gravity or duration.” R.C.
2901.01(A)(3).
{¶ 35} The unrebutted testimony in the record included the victim had suffered
physical harm: “minor swelling, bruising to the face and other parts of her body,” “small
bruising on her face, scratches on her neck,” and “[s]wollen eyes, scratches, arms, necks;
stuff like that.” Appellant argues the prosecution failed to prove either the victim’s
injuries were recent or that the disarray of the apartment was not the normal condition of
it. However, R.C. 2901.01(A)(3) explicitly states any injury shown is “regardless of
gravity or duration.” The direct and circumstantial evidence in the record the victim
suffered physical harm by appellant could have been believed by the average mind of a
trier of fact.
{¶ 36} We find there was sufficient evidence in the record, if believed by the trier
of fact, to sustain appellee’s burden for the third element of assault.
{¶ 37} We reviewed the record in this case. We find that after reviewing all the
admissible evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of
fact could have found beyond a reasonable doubt the essential elements appellant was
guilty of the crime of assault. We find that reasonable minds could reach the same
16.
conclusion as reached by the trier of fact. We further find the evidence in the record is
legally sufficient to support the verdict as a matter of law.
{¶ 38} Appellant’s first assignment of error is not well-taken.
II. Manifest Weight of the Evidence
{¶ 39} In support of his second assignment of error, appellant argued his
conviction was against the manifest weight of the evidence because “the evidence did not
support two elements of the crime.” Appellant argued the victim’s injuries were not
established to be the result of an assault by appellant or that they were recent. Appellant
further argued he was not “sufficiently identified as the individual who caused [the
victim’s] injuries.” Appellant further argued appellee’s sole witness admitted he did not
observe the alleged altercation between appellant and the victim.
{¶ 40} In response, appellee argued the trial court did not lose its way. Appellee
argued it presented evidence of appellant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Appellee
further argued it presented evidence of the victim’s injuries, the disarray of their shared
home, the upset nature of the victim, “[a]nd Appellee presented evidence of the victim’s
statement that the Appellant assaulted her.” Appellee argued the trial court “found the
witness’s testimony credible.”
{¶ 41} A challenge to a conviction based on the manifest weight of the evidence
questions whether the trial court could find a greater amount of credible evidence was
admitted at trial to sustain that decision than not. State v. Montgomery, 148 Ohio St.3d
347, 2016-Ohio-5487, 71 N.E.3d 180, ¶ 75, citing Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d at 387, 678
17.
N.E.2d 541 (the weight of credible evidence is not a question of mathematics; rather its
effect in inducing belief). “A verdict can be against the manifest weight of the evidence
even though legally sufficient evidence supports it.” Myers, 154 Ohio St.3d 405, 2018-
Ohio-1903, 114 N.E.3d 1138, at ¶ 140.
{¶ 42} We must “extend special deference to the [trier of fact’s] credibility
determinations given that it is the [trier of fact] who has the benefit of seeing the
witnesses testify, observing their facial expressions and body language, hearing their
voice inflections, and discerning qualities such as hesitancy, equivocation, and candor.”
State v. Beavogui, 6th Dist. Wood No. WD-17-009, 2018-Ohio-2432, ¶ 55. The
testimony of the sole witness in this matter, if believed by the trial court, is sufficient to
support a conviction because witness credibility was for the trial court to determine.
State v. Bartulica, 6th Dist. Erie No. E-17-065, 2018-Ohio-3978, ¶ 43. Where the state’s
evidence is unrebutted, there are few, if any, conflicts for the trier of fact to resolve.
Myers at ¶ 141.
{¶ 43} In this case the trial court judge was the trier of fact. It is well established
that the trier of fact, whether in a civil or criminal matter, has the primary duty to decide
what weight should be given to the testimony of any witness. State v. DeHass, 10 Ohio
St.2d 230, 227 N.E.2d 212 (1967), paragraph one of the syllabus. “A reviewing court
may not reverse a judgment of conviction in a criminal case in a trial court, where the
record shows that a verdict of guilty was returned by [the trier of fact] on sufficient
18.
evidence and where no prejudicial error occurred in the actual trial of the case * * *.” Id.at paragraph two of the syllabus.
{¶ 44} This court has repeatedly stated that in determining whether a verdict is
against the manifest weight of the evidence, we review the entire record, weigh the
evidence and all reasonable inferences, consider the credibility of the witnesses, and
determine whether the trier of fact clearly lost its way to create such a manifest
miscarriage of justice as to require a new trial. State v. Reynolds, 6th Dist. Lucas No.
L-16-1021, 2017-Ohio-1478, ¶ 47. A conviction will be overturned only in exceptional
cases. Id. We do not find appellant provided evidentiary support for this assignment of
error to indicate this was an exceptional case.
{¶ 45} We reviewed the entire record and find a greater amount of credible direct
and circumstantial evidence was admitted at trial for the trial court to reach its decision of
appellant’s guilt for assault. Despite appellant’s assertions to the contrary, we do not find
the trial court clearly lost its way to create such a manifest miscarriage of justice as to
require a new trial.
{¶ 46} Appellant’s second assignment of error is not well-taken.
III. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
{¶ 47} In support of his third assignment of error, appellant argued his trial
counsel was ineffective because he did not object to Officer Russell’s testimony of the
victim’s “statement that ‘he can’t beat me like a man anymore.’” Appellant argued his
trial counsel should have objected to the admission of that statement into evidence
19.
because no exceptions to hearsay exist. Appellant concluded the record “clearly
indicates” the trial court relied on the police officer’s statements in finding appellant
guilty of assault, and the police officer’s statements were appellee’s only evidence on the
essential elements of the alleged assault.
{¶ 48} In response, appellee argued appellant did not receive ineffective assistance
of counsel at trial. Appellee conceded the police officer’s statement of the victim’s
statement was hearsay. However, appellee further argued the hearsay was admissible as
an excited utterance. Appellee concluded that even if appellant’s trial counsel had
objected to the admission of the hearsay statement, the trial court would have overruled
the objection as an excited utterance hearsay exception.
{¶ 49} An ineffective assistance of counsel claim must overcome the strong
presumption that a properly licensed Ohio lawyer is competent. State v. Roberson, 6th
Dist. Lucas No. L-16-1131, 2017-Ohio-4339, ¶ 95. The record does not show appellant
questioned the licensure of his trial counsel, so his competence was presumed.
{¶ 50} To overcome this presumption of competence, appellant had the burden in
an ineffective assistance of counsel claim to show both: (1) deficient performance by his
trial counsel below an objective standard of reasonable representation, and (2) a
reasonable probability of prejudice that but for his trial counsel’s errors, he would not
have been convicted of assault. Id.{¶ 51} Appellant argues his attorney’s failure to object to the admissibility of
evidence at trial deprived him of effective assistance of counsel. However, where, as in
20.
this matter, the evidence was admissible, appellant “was not deprived of effective
assistance of counsel when his attorneys failed to object.” Adams, 144 Ohio St.3d 429,
2015-Ohio-3954, 45 N.E.3d 127, at ¶ 226. As a result, appellant fails to meet his burden
that his trial counsel’s performance was below an objective standard of reasonable
representation and his burden of a reasonable probability of prejudice that but for his trial
counsel’s errors, he would not have been convicted of assault.
{¶ 52} As a separate matter, where appellant did not object on the record to the
admissibility of Officer Russell’s testimony regarding the victim’s statement, he waived
all but plain error. Hancock, 108 Ohio St.3d 57, 2006-Ohio-160, 840 N.E.2d 1032, at
¶ 74; see Risner v. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, 144 Ohio St.3d 278, 2015-
Ohio-3731, 42 N.E.3d 718, ¶ 26-27.
{¶ 53} “Plain errors or defects affecting substantial rights may be noticed although
they were not brought to the attention of the court.” Crim.R. 52(B). A finding of plain
error requires three determinations: (1) an actual error, i.e., a deviation from the legal
rule, (2) the error was plain within the meaning of Crim.R. 52(B), i.e., an obvious defect
in the trial proceedings, and (3) the error must have affected substantial rights, i.e.,
affected the outcome of the trial. State v. Payne, 114 Ohio St.3d 502, 2007-Ohio-4642,
873 N.E.2d 306, ¶ 16. The burden is on the party asserting plain error. Id. at ¶ 17.
“Plain error does not exist unless it can be said that but for the error, the outcome below
would clearly have been otherwise.” Jells, 53 Ohio St.3d at 24, 559 N.E.2d 464, citing
21.
State v. Long, 53 Ohio St.2d 91, 372 N.E.2d 804 (1978), paragraph two of the syllabus
and State v. Greer, 39 Ohio St.3d 236, 252, 530 N.E.2d 382 (1988).
{¶ 54} The Supreme Court of Ohio has instructed us to take notice of the Crim.R.
52(B) plain error doctrine “‘with the utmost caution, under exceptional circumstances and
only to prevent a manifest miscarriage of justice.’” State v. Obermiller, 147 Ohio St.3d
175, 2016-Ohio-1594, 63 N.E.3d 93, ¶ 62, quoting Long at 97. The extreme caution is
necessary for appellate courts, which normally should not consider questions on which
the lower court has not ruled, to consider on appeal any issues not first raised before the
trial court. Long at 95-96. Nevertheless, we reviewed the entire record and find
appellant did not meet his burden to show there was an actual and obvious plain error
from which he clearly would not have been convicted of assault.
{¶ 55} We find the trial court did not commit plain error when it admitted excited
utterance hearsay testimony without objection. Having previously found the excited
utterance exception to hearsay to apply in this matter and the trial court did not abuse its
discretion in admitting the hearsay testimony, we do not find appellant’s trial counsel was
ineffective at trial. Appellant was not prejudiced by his trial counsel’s performance
because appellant’s evidentiary support for this assignment of error was admissible at
trial.
{¶ 56} Appellant’s third assignment of error is not well-taken.
22.
IV. Conclusion
{¶ 57} On consideration whereof, we find that substantial justice has been done in
this matter. The judgment of the Toledo Municipal Court is affirmed. Appellant is
ordered to pay the costs of this appeal pursuant to App.R. 24.
Judgment affirmed.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to App.R. 27.
See also 6th Dist.Loc.App.R. 4.
Mark L. Pietrykowski, J. _______________________________
JUDGE
Thomas J. Osowik, J.
_______________________________
Christine E. Mayle, P.J. JUDGE
CONCUR.
_______________________________
JUDGE
This decision is subject to further editing by the Supreme Court of
Ohio’s Reporter of Decisions. Parties interested in viewing the final reported
version are advised to visit the Ohio Supreme Court’s web site at:
http://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/ROD/docs/.
23.