State v. Lichtenwalter , 2021 Ohio 1394 ( 2021 )

[Cite as State v. Lichtenwalter, 2021-Ohio-1394.]
COURT OF APPEALS
GUERNSEY COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
STATE OF OHIO : JUDGES:
:
: Hon. W. Scott Gwin, P.J.
Plaintiff-Appellee : Hon. William B. Hoffman, J.
: Hon. Patricia A. Delaney, J.
-vs- :
: Case Nos. 20CA000013
: 20CA000023
DEREK LICHTENWALTER :
:
:
Defendant-Appellant : OPINION
CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING: Appeal from the Guernsey County Court
of Common Pleas, Case No.
19CR000094
JUDGMENT: AFFIRMED
DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY: April 20, 2021
APPEARANCES:
For Plaintiff-Appellee: For Defendant-Appellant:
LINDSEY ANGLER DEREK LICHTENWALTER, PRO SE
GUERNSEY COUNTY PROSECUTOR BECC
627 Wheeling Ave. P.O. Box 540
Cambridge, OH 43725 St. Clairsville, OH 43950
[Cite as State v. Lichtenwalter, 2021-Ohio-1394.]
Delaney, J.
{¶1} Defendant-Appellant Derek Lichtenwalter appeals the June 17, 2020 and
November 23, 2020 judgment entries of the Guernsey County Court of Common Pleas.
Plaintiff-Appellee is the State of Ohio.
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
Arrest and Pretrial Proceedings
{¶2} On March 5, 2019, Defendant-Appellant Derek Lichtenwalter led the Ohio
State Highway Patrol, Guernsey County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cambridge Police
Department on a high-speed chase. The chase started on U.S. 40 near Byesville Road
in Guernsey County, Ohio, continued onto Interstate 77 South, and then Interstate 70
West. Lichtenwalter exited onto State Route 209 traveling south. In the pursuit,
Lichtenwalter struck Trooper Tysinger’s OSHP cruiser and spun out on all five lanes of
State Route 209. After his vehicle came to a rest, Lichtenwalter fled on foot. Lichtenwalter
was taken into custody on March 5, 2019.
{¶3} The Ohio State Highway Patrol filed a complaint against Lichtenwalter,
alleging he was in violation of R.C. 2921.331, failure to comply with an order or signal of
an officer, and R.C. 2903.08(A)(2)(b), vehicular assault. Lichtenwalter was arrested on
the charges on March 7, 2019. A bond hearing was held on March 7, 2019 and
Lichtenwalter requested a preliminary hearing, which was set for March 13, 2019.
{¶4} The Cambridge Municipal Court appointed counsel for Lichtenwalter on
March 11, 2019. Trial counsel requested a continuance of the preliminary hearing, which
was rescheduled for March 19, 2019. At the preliminary hearing, the court found there
[Cite as State v. Lichtenwalter, 2021-Ohio-1394.]
was probable cause and bound the case over to the Guernsey County Court of Common
Pleas.
{¶5} The State moved the trial court to modify Lichtenwalter’s bond to a personal
recognizance bond, so that Lichtenwalter could be released from jail due to his health
and safety. The trial court held a hearing on April 30, 2019, where it released
Lichtenwalter on his own personal recognizance. He was found indigent and appointed
counsel.
{¶6} On May 10, 2019, the Guernsey County Grand Jury indicted Lichtenwalter
on one count of failure to comply with an order or signal of a police officer, a third-degree
felony in violation of R.C. 2921.331(B); one count of vehicular assault, a third-degree
felony in violation of R.C. 2903.08(C)(2); and one count of breaking and entering, a fifth-
degree felony in violation of R.C. 2911.13(A).
{¶7} Lichtenwalter was to be arraigned on May 23, 2019, but it was determined
that he was incarcerated in the Tuscarawas County Jail. The trial court ordered a warrant
issued for his removal so an arraignment could be held on June 6, 2019.
{¶8} Lichtenwalter was arraigned on June 6, 2019. He entered a plea of not guilty
to the charges. The trial court found Lichtenwalter indigent and appointed him trial
counsel. His appearance at the initial status conference was waived because at that time,
Lichtenwalter would be incarcerated in the Stark County Jail.
{¶9} On June 6, 2019, counsel for Lichtenwalter filed a demand for discovery, a
request to preserve the evidence, and a motion for bill of particulars.
{¶10} A final status pretrial was to be held on September 3, 2019. Lichtenwalter
did not appear at the pretrial. The trial court granted Lichtenwalter 48 hours from the date
[Cite as State v. Lichtenwalter, 2021-Ohio-1394.]
of the hearing within which to appear and show cause for his failure to appear. By
judgment entry on September 5, 2019, the trial court stated Lichtenwalter failed to appear
within the 48-hour timeframe, therefore his personal recognizance bond was revoked and
a capias was issued for his arrest. The jury trial scheduled for September 24, 2019 was
continued.
{¶11} On November 5, 2019, Lichtenwalter filed a Pro Se Notice of Availability
and Request for Transport Order and Court Date. Lichtenwalter was incarcerated in the
Tuscarawas County Jail. The trial court ordered that he be transported to Guernsey
County on December 2, 2019 for a bond and pretrial hearing.
Guilty Plea
{¶12} On December 3, 2019, Lichtenwalter withdrew his not guilty plea and
entered a plea of guilty to one count of failure to comply with the order or signal of a police
officer, a third-degree felony in violation of R.C. 2921.331(B). In the plea agreement, the
parties stipulated to a negotiated, recommended sentence of 30 months. The trial court
signed the guilty plea stating it had reviewed the negotiated plea agreement and pursuant
to Crim.R. 11, had inquired of the defendant on the record to conclude the plea should be
accepted as a free and voluntary change of plea.
{¶13} The sentencing entry was filed on December 3, 2019, where the trial court
accepted Lichtenwalter’s guilty plea and sentenced him to 30 months in prison. He was
incarcerated with the Belmont Correctional Institution on December 20, 2019.
COVID-19 Pandemic
{¶14} On April 8, 2020, Lichtenwalter, through counsel, filed an Emergency
Motion to Withdraw Guilty Plea. Lichtenwalter stated in his motion that he was diagnosed
[Cite as State v. Lichtenwalter, 2021-Ohio-1394.]
with HIV, which could heighten his risk of death if he contracted COVID-19. He argued
the risk of contracting COVID-19 was high while in prison. Although he was eligible for
judicial release in June 2020, he could not wait until that time to file the motion due to the
imminent risk from COVID-19. Pursuant to Crim.R. 32.1, he moved to withdraw his guilty
plea upon the condition that if the motion was granted, he would plead guilty again to
Failure to Comply with the understanding that the trial court would either (1) sentence him
to time served; or (2) impose the same 30-month sentence but release him from prison
during the pendency of the COVID crisis and require him to complete the remainder of
the sentence once the danger abates. (April 7, 2020, Motion).
{¶15} The State filed a response on April 16, 2020. It argued that Lichtenwalter
made the motion in bad faith to avoid prison because his healthcare needs due to his
diagnosis were better managed while in prison. The State of Ohio examined the rolls of
inmates in Ohio prisons that were eligible for release, considering the COVID-19
pandemic, and Lichtenwalter was not considered for release.
{¶16} On April 21, 2020, the trial court issued its judgment entry denying
Lichtenwalter’s motion to withdraw his guilty plea. The trial court reviewed Lichtenwalter’s
increased risk for COVID-19 based on his pre-existing health condition, in addition to
Lichtenwalter’s extensive criminal history and the facts of the case. Based on its review,
the trial court found that Lichtenwalter failed to establish a manifest injustice as required
by Crim.R. 32.1.
{¶17} On May 8, 2019, Lichtenwalter filed a pro se Motion to Dismiss. He stated
the trial court did not have proper jurisdiction pursuant to R.C. 2945.71 and 2945.73(B).
He argued the Cambridge Municipal Court failed to hold his preliminary hearing within 10
[Cite as State v. Lichtenwalter, 2021-Ohio-1394.]
days after his arrest and his right to a speedy trial was violated. The State responded to
the motion.
{¶18} On June 17, 2019, the trial court denied the Motion to Dismiss. The trial
court found that Lichtenwalter did not waive the preliminary hearing, but the municipal
court record established the time for the preliminary hearing was extended for good cause
because of counsel’s motion for continuance.
Appeal in Case No. 20CA000013
{¶19} Lichtenwalter filed a pro se Motion for Delayed Appeal with this Court on
July 8, 2020. After a series of motions and judgment entries, it was determined that in
Case No. 20CA000013, Lichtenwalter was filing an appeal of the June 17, 2019 judgment
entry from the Guernsey County Court of Common Pleas.
Further Trial Court Proceedings
{¶20} On October 26, 2020, Lichtenwalter filed a “Writ of Coram Nobis/Vobis &/or
Motion to Vacate Judgment, 2953.21 &/or Motion for Relief from Judgment Ohio R. Civ.
P. 60(B) &/or, Motion for Judicial Release §2929.20” with the trial court. The State filed a
response on October 29, 2020.
{¶21} The trial court denied the motion on November 23, 2020. It found that in his
motion, Lichtenwalter argued there was a violation of his speedy time for trial. The trial
court found no basis for Lichtenwalter’s argument after considering each method
Lichtenwalter used to challenge his conviction and sentence.
Appeal in Case No. 20CA000023
{¶22} Lichtenwalter filed a notice of appeal of the November 23, 2020 judgment
entry with this Court in Case No. 20CA000023.
[Cite as State v. Lichtenwalter, 2021-Ohio-1394.]
{¶23} We now consider Lichtenwalter’s appeal of the June 17, 2019 and
November 23, 2020 judgment entries of the Guernsey County Court of Common Pleas.
ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR
{¶24} Lichtenwalter raises one Assignment of Error in Case No. 20CA000013:
{¶25} “WAS THE COURT IN ERROR FOR NOT ENSURING MY SPEEDY TRIAL
RIGHTS WERE NOT VIOLATED, DID THE COURT ERROR [SIC] IN VIOLATING MY
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS, WAS MY COUNSEL INEFFECTIVE, AND DID THE
COURT ERROR [SIC] IN NOT GRANTING 2945.73(B).”
{¶26} Lichtenwalter raises four Assignments of Error in Case No. 20CA000023:
{¶27} “I. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY NOT FOLLOWING THE MANDATES
OF 2953.21-.23, BY SUMMARILY DISMISSING THE PETITION WITHOUT AN
EVIDENTIARY HEARING AND NOT REVIEWING, THE CLAIM OF INEFFECTIVE
ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL, AS THE ALLEGED FACTS IF TRUE WOULD MAKE THE
SENTENCE, VOID AND VOIDABLE UNDER THE CLAIMED VIOLATIONS OF THE
U.S.C. 6TH, 8TH, AND 14TH, AMENDMENTS, AND OHIO CONST. ART. I. §5, §6, §9,
§10, § 16, AND O.R.C. 2945.71-.73, BY NOT REFERENCING WHERE IN THE RECORD
THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN LITIGATED, AND BY NOT ISSUING FINDINGS OF FACTS
AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW WHEREIN THOSE FACTS AND CONCLUSIONS ARE
SUPPORTED BY THE RECORD, THE SUMMARILY DISMISSAL IS CONTRARY TO
LAW.
{¶28} “II. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY NOT TAKING JUDICIAL NOTICE AS
REQUESTED BY THE APPELLANT, REQUEST TO TAKE JUDICIAL NOTICE, AS
REQUESTS TO TAKE JUDICIAL NOTICE ARE GOVERNED BY EVID. R. 201, (D)
[Cite as State v. Lichtenwalter, 2021-Ohio-1394.]
WHEN MANDATORY. A COURT SHALL TAKE JUDICIAL NOTICE IF REQUESTED BY
A PARTY AND SUPPLIED WITH THE NECESSARY INFORMATION.
{¶29} “III. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY NOT HOLDING AN EVIDENTIARY
HEARING ON THE SUBSTANTIALLY SUPPORTED CONSTITUTIONAL VIOLATIONS,
AND VIOLATIONS OF THE ADA/RA ACTS, AND CRUEL AND UNUSUAL
PUNISHMENT, AND EQUAL PROTECTION AND DUE PROCESS VIOLATIONS, OF
U.S.C. 8 AND 14, AND OHIO CONST. ART. I. §5, §6, §9, §10, § 16 THAT IS BEING
IMPOSED UNDER THE ORDER OF THE COURT.
{¶30} “IV. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY NOT HOLDING A JUDICIAL
RELEASE HEARING, AND CONSIDERING THE EXTRAORDINARY AND
COMPELLING REASONS TO CONSIDER JUDICIAL RELEASE, THE OHIO SUPREME
COURT DETERMINED SPECIFICALLY IN RELATION TO THE APPELLANT THE
FOLLOWING IN LICHTENWALTER V. DEWINE 2020-OHIO-1465 [**P3] ‘I HOPE THAT
PETITIONER AND OTHERS IN OHIO DO NOT SEE TODAY’S DECISION AS THE
JUDICIARY’S THROWING UP ITS HANDS AND CLAIMING THAT THERE IS NOTHING
THAT IT CAN DO …OHIO’S TRIAL COURTS HAVE THE POWER TO LIBERALLY AND
EXPEDITIOUSLY GRANT APPROPRIATE REQUESTS FOR JUDICIAL RELEASE.”
ANALYSIS
I. Speedy Trial
{¶31} In both appeals, Lichtenwalter contends the delays in his preliminary
hearing and bringing him to trial violated his statutory and constitutional rights to a speedy
trial. We disagree.
[Cite as State v. Lichtenwalter, 2021-Ohio-1394.]
{¶32} We first find that Lichtenwalter’s speedy trial claim as to the delay in his
preliminary hearing is without merit. In State v. Davis, 5th Dist. Richland No. 2019 CA
0112, 2020-Ohio-3617, this Court addressed the issue where an appellant claimed his
speedy trial rights were violated because the preliminary hearing was continued beyond
the statutory limit. We held that even though the appellant was not provided a timely
preliminary hearing, he was subsequently indicted by a grand jury following a bind over
and convicted. The indictment by the grand jury rendered any defects in the preliminary
hearing moot. State v. Davis, 5th Dist. Richland No. 2019 CA 0112, 2020-Ohio-3617,
2020 WL 3639556, ¶ 16 citing State v. Washington, 30 Ohio App.3d 98, 99, 506 N.E.2d
1203 (8th Dist.1986) and Styer v. Bricta, 69 Ohio App.3d 738, 591 N.E.2d 1255 (6th
Dist.1990).
{¶33} Applying State v. Davis to the facts of this case, we hold that Lichtenwalter
was properly indicted and convicted; therefore, an alleged lack of a timely preliminary
hearing was not prejudicial. Also, he waived any potential error by entering a plea to the
indictment. State v. Davis, 5th Dist. Richland No. 2019 CA 0112, 2020-Ohio-3617, 2020
WL 3639556, ¶ 22.
{¶34} We next find that Lichtenwalter’s claim of a speedy trial violation was waived
when he withdrew his not guilty plea and entered a plea of guilty to one count of failure to
comply with the order or signal of a police officer, a third-degree felony in violation of R.C.
2921.331(B).
{¶35} The right to a speedy trial is encompassed within the Sixth Amendment to
the United States Constitution. The availability of a speedy trial to a person accused of a
crime is a fundamental right made obligatory on the states through the Fourteenth
[Cite as State v. Lichtenwalter, 2021-Ohio-1394.]
Amendment. State v. Ladd, 56 Ohio St.2d 197, 383 N.E.2d 579 (1978); State v. Pachay,
64 Ohio St.2d 218, 416 N.E.2d 589 (1980). Ohio's speedy trial statutes codifies the
constitutional guarantee of a speedy trial. State v. Hertel, 5th Dist. Delaware No. 14 CAA
04 0019, 2015-Ohio-1168, 2015 WL 1403147, ¶ 15; See State v. Adams, 43 Ohio St.3d
67, 68, 538 N.E.2d 1025 (1989); State v. Brewster, 1st Dist. Hamilton Nos. C-030024 and
C-030025, 2004-Ohio-2993, 2004 WL 1284008, ¶ 3. The Ohio Supreme Court has also
specifically stated that the statutory speedy trial provisions set forth in R.C. 2945.71 et
seq. are “coextensive with the constitutional speedy trial provisions.” State v. King, 70
Ohio St.3d 158, 160, 637 N.E.2d 903 (1994), citing State v. O'Brien, 34 Ohio St.3d 7, 516
N.E.2d 218 (1987). “The general view is that where an accused enters a plea of guilty he
waives his right to raise the denial of his right to a speedy trial on appeal.” Id. quoting
Village of Montpelier v. Greeno, 25 Ohio St.3d 170, 495 N.E.2d 581 (1986), citing
Annotation (1958), 57 A.L.R.2d 302, 343; State v. Watson, 1st Dist. No. C-170598, 2018-
Ohio-4971, 126 N.E.3d 289, 2018 WL 6528663, ¶ 7.
{¶36} Because Lichtenwalter was indicted, entered a guilty plea to the charge in
the indictment, and convicted, the issues raised in his Assignments of Errors regarding
speedy trial were rendered moot or have been waived.
II. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
{¶37} Lichtenwalter next argues he had ineffective assistance of counsel
regarding the speedy trial issues. A properly licensed attorney is presumed competent.
State v. Hamblin, 37 Ohio St.3d 153, 524 N.E.2d 476 (1988). Therefore, to prevail on a
claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, Lichtenwalter must show counsel's
performance fell below an objective standard of reasonable representation and but for
[Cite as State v. Lichtenwalter, 2021-Ohio-1394.]
counsel's error, the result of the proceedings would have been different. Strickland v.
Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d 674(1984); State v. Bradley, 42
Ohio St.3d 136, 538 N.E.2d 373 (1989). In other words, Lichtenwalter must show
counsel's conduct so undermined the proper functioning of the adversarial process that
the trial cannot be relied upon as having produced a just result. Id.{¶38} Lichtenwalter argues that he did not agree to a continuance of the
preliminary hearing. He also states he wrote to his counsel to file a motion to dismiss
because he never waived his right to a speedy trial. In this case, we find Lichtenwalter
failed to establish the performance of his trial counsel fell below an objective standard of
reasonable representation and was prejudiced by said alleged failures.
{¶39} The trial court appointed Lichtenwalter trial counsel on March 11, 2019 and
the preliminary hearing had been scheduled for March 13, 2019. Due to a conflict, trial
counsel requested a continuance, which the trial court granted. The preliminary hearing
was held on March 19, 2019. Upon review of the circumstances, the trial court found the
preliminary hearing was continued for good cause shown. Based on our analysis above,
even if the preliminary hearing was not timely held, the issue was not prejudicial to
Lichtenwalter when he was then indicted by a grand jury, entered a plea of guilty, and
was convicted.
III. Petition for Post-Conviction Relief
{¶40} In his October 26, 2020 motion to the trial court, Lichtenwalter requested
relief pursuant to a “Writ of Coram Nobis/Vobis &/or Motion to Vacate Judgment, 2953.21
&/or Motion for Relief from Judgment Ohio R. Civ. P. 60(B) &/or, Motion for Judicial
[Cite as State v. Lichtenwalter, 2021-Ohio-1394.]
Release §2929.20.” The trial court considered Lichtenwalter’s motion to be a petition for
post-conviction relief, in part.
{¶41} “Coram vobis” or “coram nobis” is a “writ of error directed to a court for
review of its own judgment and predicated upon alleged errors of fact.” See Black's Law
Dictionary (8th Ed.2004). In Ohio, the remedy of coram nobis had been superseded by
alternative remedies, such as Civ.R. 60(B) (motion for relief from judgment), Crim.R. 33
(motion for a new trial), or R.C. 2953.21 (post-conviction relief). See Rowland v. Finkel,
33 Ohio App.3d 77 (9th Dist.1987); Bocook v. Court of Common Pleas, 5th Dist.
Coshocton No. CA 85-6, 1985 WL 7311, 1 (Oct. 30, 1985). Thus, common-law writs of
coram nobis are not part of the law of Ohio. State v. Perry, 10 Ohio St.2d 175, 180, 226
N.E.2d 104 (1967) (writs of coram nobis or coram vobis are “no part of the law of Ohio”);
see, also, State v. Lee, 7th Dist. Belmont No. 95-B.A.-58, 1997 WL 344829, *3-4, (June
19, 1997); Bocook, supra.
{¶42} In his appeal, Lichtenwalter argues the trial court erred when it denied his
petition for post-conviction relief without a hearing. The Ohio Supreme Court has
recognized “[i]n post-conviction cases, a trial court has a gatekeeping role as to whether
a defendant will even receive a hearing.” State v. Gondor, 112 Ohio St.3d 377, 2006-
Ohio-6679, 860 N.E.2d 77. Under R.C. 2953.21, a petitioner seeking post-conviction relief
is not automatically entitled to an evidentiary hearing. State v. Calhoun, 86 Ohio St.3d
279, 714 N.E.2d 905 (1999). R.C. 2953.21 governs petitions for post-conviction relief.
Subsection (D) states the following in pertinent part:
Before granting a hearing on a petition filed under division (A) of this section,
the court shall determine whether there are substantive grounds for relief.
[Cite as State v. Lichtenwalter, 2021-Ohio-1394.]
In making such a determination, the court shall consider, in addition to the
petition, the supporting affidavits, and the documentary evidence, all the
files and records pertaining to the proceedings against the petitioner,
including, but not limited to, the indictment, the court's journal entries, the
journalized records of the clerk of the court, and the court reporter's
transcript.
In State v. Jackson, 64 Ohio St.2d 107, 111, 413 N.E.2d 819 (1980), the Supreme Court
of Ohio held the following:
Before a hearing is granted, the petitioner bears the initial burden in a post-
conviction proceeding to submit evidentiary documents containing sufficient
operative facts to demonstrate the lack of competent counsel and also that
the defense was prejudiced by counsel's ineffectiveness.
Broad assertions without a further demonstration of prejudice do not warrant
a hearing for all post-conviction petitions. General conclusory allegations to
the effect that a defendant has been denied effective assistance of counsel
are inadequate as a matter of law to impose an evidentiary hearing. See
Rivera v. United States (C.A. 9, 1963), 318 F.2d 606.
{¶43} It is up to the trial court to judge the credibility of any affidavits presented.
State v. Calhoun, 86 Ohio St.3d 279, 284, 714 N.E.2d 905 (1999). In assessing the
credibility of an affidavit, a trial court should consider relevant factors including “whether
the judge reviewing the postconviction relief petition also presided at the trial.” Id. at 285,
citing State v. Moore, 99 Ohio App.3d 748, 651 N.E.2d 1319 (1st Dist.1994).
[Cite as State v. Lichtenwalter, 2021-Ohio-1394.]
{¶44} The Ohio Supreme Court has held that the proper basis for dismissing a
petition for post-conviction relief without holding an evidentiary hearing include: (1) the
failure of the petitioner to set forth specific operative facts to establish substantive grounds
for relief, and (2) the operation of res judicata to bar the constitutional claims raised in the
petition. Gondor, supra.; State v. Lentz, 70 Ohio St.3d 527, 639 N.E.2d 784 (1994).
{¶45} A trial court's decision to deny a petition for post-conviction relief without
holding an evidentiary hearing is left to the sound discretion of the trial court. State v.
McKelton, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2015-02-028, 2015-Ohio-4228. To find an abuse of
discretion, we must determine the trial court's decision was unreasonable, arbitrary, or
unconscionable and not merely an error of law or judgment. Blakemore v. Blakemore, 5
Ohio St.3d 217, 450 N.E.2d 1140 (1983).
{¶46} In his petition for post-conviction relief, Lichtenwalter argued his statutory
and constitutional rights to a speedy trial were violated. He further argued he was denied
the effective assistance of counsel. We find that the trial court previously examined
Lichtenwalter’s arguments as to speedy trial in Lichtenwalter’s Motion to Dismiss. Based
on the trial court’s ruling and our affirmance above, we find the trial court had a proper
basis for dismissing the petition for post-conviction relief because Lichtenwalter failed to
set forth specific operative facts to establish substantive grounds for relief.
IV. Judicial Release
{¶47} In his October 26, 2020 motion, Lichtenwalter also requested judicial
release. The trial court denied the motion.
{¶48} Lichtenwalter has pursued his release from prison during the COVID-19
pandemic through many routes, including a habeas corpus and mandamus action before
[Cite as State v. Lichtenwalter, 2021-Ohio-1394.]
the Ohio Supreme Court. In State ex rel. Lichtenwalter v. DeWine, 158 Ohio St.3d 1476,
2020-Ohio-1465, 143 N.E.3d 507, Lichtenwalter filed an action against the governor and
DRC seeking a writ of habeas corpus or mandamus temporarily releasing him from
confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lichtenwalter claimed he was an
immunocompromised individual who was at great risk of serious harm or death if he
contracted COVID-19 while confined to prison. The Supreme Court granted respondents'
motion to dismiss Lichtenwalter’s petition, without opinion, for failure to state a claim. In
his concurring opinion, Justice Donnelly explained that “[b]ecause Lichtenwalter does not
seek immediate release from state custody but instead seeks a temporary reprieve from
the environment of prison, habeas corpus is not the appropriate remedy.” Id. at ¶ 2.
{¶49} Justice Donnelly also acknowledged that judicial authority of inmates in the
custody and control of DRC is extremely limited:
And although the executive branch does have power to grant clemency and
to liberally execute remedial statutes, such as R.C. 2967.18 (reduction of
prison populations in the face of overcrowding emergencies) and 2967.05
(conditional release of prisoners who are severely ill or at risk of imminent
death), this court does not have the authority to control the executive
branch's discretion to exercise these powers through mandamus. See State
ex rel. Sheppard v. Koblentz, 174 Ohio St. 120, 122-123, 187 N.E.2d 40(1962) (mandamus will not issue to control discretionary decisions).
I hope that petitioner and others in Ohio do not see today's decision as the
judiciary's throwing up its hands and claiming that there is nothing that it can
do. * * * Ohio's trial courts have the power to liberally and expeditiously grant
[Cite as State v. Lichtenwalter, 2021-Ohio-1394.]
appropriate requests for judicial release. And with the stroke of a pen, the
General Assembly could remove various arbitrary statutory restrictions on
judicial release that currently fetter the judiciary's discretion.
(Emphasis added.) Id. at ¶ 2-3.
{¶50} The concurring opinion in Lichtenwalter recognized the authority of the
judicial branch to release inmates who may be at greater risk for contracting COVID-19
is constrained by statutory restrictions on judicial release. Justice Donnelly acknowledged
the executive branch of state government has “broad authority to take an assortment of
steps to prevent such a catastrophe,” and the General Assembly, not the courts, has the
power to remove statutory restrictions on judicial release. Id. at ¶ 3.
{¶51} Understanding that the trial court is statutorily constrained in granting
judicial release, this Court is likewise restrained from reviewing the denial of the request
for judicial release. It is well-settled that a denial of a motion for judicial release is not a
final, appealable order. State v. Mayle, 5th Dist. Morgan Nos. 07-CA-0006, 07-CA-0007,
2008-Ohio-3761, ¶ 13. This Court is without jurisdiction to consider Lichtenwalter’s
argument that the trial court erred when it denied his motion for judicial release.
CONCLUSION
{¶52} We overrule Lichtenwalter’s Assignments of Error and affirm the judgments of
the Guernsey County Court of Common Pleas.
By: Delaney, J., Gwin,
P.J. and Hoffman, J.,
concur.