State v. Wade , 2019 Ohio 4565 ( 2019 )

[Cite as State v. Wade, 2019-Ohio-4565.]
COURT OF APPEALS
MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
JUDGES:
STATE OF OHIO : Hon. W. Scott Gwin, P.J.
: Hon. William B. Hoffman, J.
Plaintiff-Appellee : Hon. Patricia A. Delaney, J.
:
-vs- :
: Case No. CT2019-0007
DEJON WADE : CT2019-0008
:
Defendant-Appellant : OPINION
CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING: Criminal appeal from the Muskingum
County Court, Case Nos. TRC1803809 &
TRC1803867
JUDGMENT: Affirmed
DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY: November 5, 2019
APPEARANCES:
For Plaintiff-Appellee For Defendant-Appellant
D. MICHAEL HADDOX APRIL CAMPBELL
Prosecuting Attorney 545 Metro Place South, Suite 100
BY: TAYLOR P. BENNINGTON Dublin, OH 43017
Assistant Prosecutor
27 North Fifth St., Box 189
Zanesville, OH 43701
Gwin, P.J.
{¶1} Defendant-appellant Devon Wade [“Wade”] appeals his convictions and
sentences after a bench trial in the Muskingum County Court.
Facts and Procedural History
{¶2} On Friday, June 26, 2018, at approximately 7:00 a.m., Trooper Corey
Campbell of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was dispatched to a crash of a commercial
vehicle into a guardrail, on Interstate 70 in Muskingum County, Ohio. The interaction was
captured by Trooper Campbell’s cruiser dash cam and microphone. [State’s Exhibit 44].
{¶3} Upon arrival, the trooper observed where the truck had traveled off the
roadway into the berm coming to rest upon the guardrail. On the video, the hazard lights
on the truck can be seen flashing. Trooper Campbell and his female trainee walked to
the cab of the truck, knocked on the door, and received no response. He then walked
around the truck, assessing its damage. The trooper observed that a large set of tire
marks in the mud and dirt had been tracked up through the truck's path, where it had
actually left the pavement all along the side to where the guardrail was on the berm. The
trooper further saw scraping around the side of the guardrail and determined the truck
had hit the guardrail.
{¶4} The trooper knocked on the cab door again and received no response. He
saw that the truck was unlocked. He then opened the door, yelled for anyone inside.
When Trooper Campbell looked in the back seat, he saw Wade passed out in the sleeping
berth. The trooper testified that his first reaction was that it was a medical situation. He
called for a squad approximately four minutes after his arrival on the scene. (State’s
Exhibit 44 at 7:23).
{¶5} Upon entering the truck, the trooper observed a bottle of Grey Goose vodka
on the floorboard between the driver seat and the passenger seat, approximately four
feet from Wade. There was approximately one inch of vodka remaining in the bottle. The
trooper also noticed a needle kit in the cab of the truck. Later, after an inventory of the
truck was concluded, the needle kit was determined to be a tattoo kit; however, the
observation of needles in the cab raised additional concerns for the trooper that this was
a possible medical emergency. The trooper checked for a pulse, made sure Wade was
breathing, and made sure Narcan was not necessary for the situation. The trooper was
able to wake Wade, who was dazed and confused. Wade did not believe he had been in
a crash, believed he was in Virginia, and could not recognize the officer as a state trooper.
{¶6} Wade was asked out of the truck and EMS arrived on scene. The trooper
testified that he observed Wade to have constricted pupils, glassy eyes, and could smell
alcoholic beverage odor about his breath. Trooper Campbell attempted to perform the
HGN test. During the HGN test, Wade stared at the trooper in a daze and did not follow
the pen back and forth, even though he was told several times to do so. The trooper
testified the walk-and-turn test could not be performed due to safety concerns, as they
were along the side of the interstate and because Wade did not have coordination or
balance to perform anything alongside the busy roadway.
{¶7} After several minutes of confusion and argument, Wade eventually agreed
to be treated by medical personnel. After he left in the ambulance, the trooper conducted
the crash investigation on the scene and had the truck towed. As part of the crash
investigation, the trooper described where Wade went off the roadway and where he
struck the guardrail, until coming to a stop. He measured that the contact with the
guardrail was 564 feet. Photographs were also taken showing damage to the guardrail,
tracks where the truck had traveled off the pavement into dirt, striking the guardrail and
the lines that traveled all the way down the berm from impact. A photograph was taken
of the right front side of the cab, where the truck had met the guardrail, and another
photograph was taken showing the metal scraping that was consistent with the damage
to the guardrail going down the side of the cab.
{¶8} Trooper Campbell went to the hospital to speak with Wade. While the
trooper was attempting to ask Wade questions, Trooper Campbell testified that Wade
"rolls over from eating his crackers and drinking his water and curls up in a fetal position
and goes to sleep on me." At that point, in time, Wade was not alert or able to walk on
his own accord. Hospital staff then assisted the trooper with getting Wade to his patrol
car by putting Wade in a wheelchair.
{¶9} Wade testified at trial that he was driving from New Jersey towards Illinois.
T. at 47. Wade further testified that he pulled over because he was tired. Wade testified
that he remembers putting out three red hazard markers after he pulled the truck off the
roadway. T. at 49. Wade had no explanation as to why the markers are not evident in
the trooper’s video. T. at 49.
{¶10} Before sleeping, Wade testified, “I had some drink.” T. at 50. He was
sitting on the side of the bed area at the time. T. at 50-52. He claimed the bottle of
vodka had fallen off the ledge and spilled most of the contents on the floor. T. at 53.
Wade further testified that he had struck a deer one to two days before this incident and
that is what caused the damage to his truck. T. at 53. Wade presented photographs
that he testified had been taken before the incident in question showing the damage to
the passenger side of the truck cab. T. at 54; 59-61.
{¶11} The trial court found Wade guilty of operating a commercial vehicle while
having a measurable or detectable amount of alcohol or of a controlled substance in
his blood, breath, or urine under R.C. 4506.15(A)(1); and a first-degree misdemeanor
impaired while operating a commercial vehicle, R.C. 4506.15(A)(6). Case No.
CRB1803809. He was also convicted of another alcohol-related first-degree
misdemeanor impaired while operating a vehicle, R. C. 4511.19(A)(1)(A); a minor
misdemeanor open-container offense, for the Grey Goose bottle the trooper found in
Wade's cab; and a minor misdemeanor failure to control, due to his truck scraping a
guardrail. R.C. 4301.62; R.C. 4511.202. Case No. CRB1803867.
{¶12} For purposes of sentencing, the trial court found the OVI counts in Case
No, CRB1803809 and Case No. CRB1803867 merged, and imposed a 60-day jail
sentence on the OVI offense.
Assignments of Error
{¶13} Wade raises three Assignments of Error.
{¶14} “I. APPELLANT’S CONVICTIONS SHOULD BE REVERSED BECAUSE
APPELLANT'S TRIAL COUNSEL WAS DEFICIENT AT TRIAL, WITH RESULTING
PREJUDICE.
{¶15} “II. BECAUSE THE STATE'S EVIDENCE WAS LEGALLY
INSUFFICIENT, HIS CONVICTIONS REQUIRE REVERSAL.
{¶16} “III. THE EVIDENCE WEIGHED MANIFESTLY AGAINST CONVICTING
WADE OF HIS FIRST-DEGREE MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES.”
I.
{¶17} In his First Assignment of Error, Wade argues that his trial counsel was
ineffective.
{¶18} The United States Supreme Court discussed the prejudice prong of the
Strickland test,
With respect to prejudice, a challenger must demonstrate “a
reasonable probability that, but for counsel’s unprofessional errors, the
result of the proceeding would have been different. A reasonable probability
is a probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome.” Id., at
694, 104 S. Ct. 2052. It is not enough “to show that the errors had some
conceivable effect on the outcome of the proceeding.” Id., at 693, 104 S. Ct.
2052. Counsel’s errors must be “so serious as to deprive the defendant of
a fair trial, a trial whose result is reliable.” Id., at 687, 104 S. Ct. 2052.
“Surmounting Strickland’s high bar is never an easy task.” Padilla v.
Kentucky, 559 U.S. ––––, ––––, 130 S. Ct. 1473, 1485, 176 L. Ed. 2d 284
(2010). An ineffective-assistance claim can function as a way to escape
rules of waiver and forfeiture and raise issues not presented at trial, and so
the Strickland standard must be applied with scrupulous care, lest “intrusive
post-trial inquiry” threaten the integrity of the very adversary process the
right to counsel is meant to serve. Strickland, 466 U.S., at 689–690, 104
S. Ct. 2052. Even under de novo review, the standard for judging counsel’s
representation is a most deferential one. Unlike a later reviewing court, the
attorney observed the relevant proceedings, knew of materials outside the
record, and interacted with the client, with opposing counsel, and with the
judge. It is “all too tempting” to “second-guess counsel’s assistance after
conviction or adverse sentence.” Id., at 689, 104 S. Ct. 2052; see also Bell
v. Cone, 535 U.S. 685, 702, 122 S. Ct. 1843, 152 L. Ed. 2d 914 (2002);
Lockhart v. Fretwell, 506 U.S. 364, 372, 113 S. Ct. 838, 122 L. Ed. 2d 180
(1993). The question is whether an attorney’s representation amounted to
incompetence under “prevailing professional norms,” not whether it
deviated from best practices or most common custom. Strickland, 466 U.S.,
at 690, 104 S. Ct. 2052.
Harrington v. Richter, 562 U.S. 86, 104-105, 131 S. Ct. 770, 178 L. Ed. 2d 624 (2011).
Failure to File a Motion to Suppress.
{¶19} Wade first argues that his trial counsel was ineffective because he did not
file a motion to suppress the warrantless entry of the truck by Trooper Campbell and
because he contends that there was no evidence that Wade was driving the truck.
{¶20} Trial counsel’s failure to file a suppression motion does not per se constitute
ineffective assistance of counsel. State v. Madrigal, 87 Ohio St. 3d 378, 389, 2000–Ohio–
0448; Accord, State v. Ortiz, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2015CA00098, 2016-Ohio-354, ¶56.
Counsel can only be found ineffective for failing to file a motion to suppress if, based on
the record, the motion would have been granted. State v. Lavelle, 5th Dist. No. 07 CA
130, 2008–Ohio–3119, at ¶ 47; State v. Cheatam, 5th Dist. No. 06–CA–88, 2007–Ohio–
3009, at ¶ 86. The defendant must further show that there is a reasonable probability that
the outcome would have been different if the motion had been granted or the defense
pursued. See Kimmelman v. Morrison, 477 U.S. 365, 375, 106 S. Ct. 2574, 2583, 91
L. Ed. 2d 305 (1986); see, also, State v. Santana, 90 Ohio St. 3d 513, 739 N.E.2d 798
(2001), citing State v. Lott, 51 Ohio St. 3d 160, 555 N.E.2d 293 (1990).
ISSUE FOR APPEAL
A. Whether there is a reasonable probability a motion to suppress the
warrantless entry and search of the truck would have been granted.
{¶21} “The need to protect or preserve life or avoid serious injury is justification
for what would be otherwise illegal absent an exigency or emergency.” Brigham
City v. Stuart, 547 U.S. at 403, 405-406, 126 S. Ct. 1943, 164 L. Ed. 2d 650 (2006), quoting
Mincey v. Arizona, 437 U.S. 385, 392, 98 S. Ct. 2408, 57 L. Ed. 2d 209 (1978). Accord,
State v. Dunn, 131 Ohio St. 3d 325, 2012–Ohio–1008, 964 N.E.2d 1037, syllabus.
{¶22} In Ohio, the Supreme Court has held,
The community-caretaking/emergency-aid exception to the Fourth
Amendment warrant requirement allows a law-enforcement officer with
objectively reasonable grounds to believe that there is an immediate need
for his or her assistance to protect life or prevent serious injury to effect a
community-caretaking/emergency-aid stop.
State v. Dunn, 131 Ohio St. 3d 325, 2012-Ohio-1008, 964 N.E.2d 1037, syllabus. In Dunn,
the Ohio Supreme Court cited ABA Standards for Criminal Justice § 1–2.2 for the
proposition that “police officers are duty-bound to provide emergency services to those
who are in danger of physical harm.” Dunn, ¶20. Accordingly, in the case at bar, the
officers’ actions must be examined in light of what actions were objectively reasonable
for a law enforcement officer in the role of a community caretaker to take under the
circumstances. Brigham City v. Stuart, 547 U.S. at 403, 405-406, 126 S. Ct. 1943, 164
L. Ed. 2d 650 (2006).
{¶23} In the case at bar, Trooper Campbell received a dispatch to a commercial
crash into a guardrail at milepost roughly 167 on I-70. T. at 7. Upon arrival, he observed
a long track where the truck had travelled off the roadway into the berm. The hazard
lights to the truck were flashing. Trooper Campbell shouted several times and received
no response.
{¶24} In Cady v. Dombrowski, 413 U.S. 433, 93 S. Ct. 2523, 37 L. Ed. 2d 706
(1973), the Supreme Court noted,
Because of the extensive regulation of motor vehicles and traffic,
and also because of the frequency with which a vehicle can become
disabled or involved in an accident on public highways, the extent of
police-citizen contact involving automobiles will be substantially greater
than police-citizen contact in a home or office. Some such contacts will
occur because the officer may believe the operator has violated a criminal
statute, but many more will not be of that nature. Local police officers,
unlike federal officers, frequently investigate vehicle accidents in which
there is no claim of criminal liability and engage in what, for want of a better
term, may be described as community caretaking functions, totally
divorced from the detection, investigation, or acquisition of evidence
relating to the violation of a criminal statute.
(Emphasis added.) Id. at 441, 93 S. Ct. 2523. The Supreme Court in Michigan v.
Fisher, 588 U.S. 45, 130 S. Ct. 546, 175 L. Ed. 2d 410, held, “Officers do not need
ironclad proof of ‘a likely serious, life-threatening’ injury to invoke the emergency aid
exception. * * * [T]he test * * * [is] whether there was ‘an objectively reasonable basis
for believing’ that medical attention was needed * * *.” Fisher, 558 U.S. 45, 49, 130
S. Ct. 546, 175 L. Ed. 2d 410. Thus, in order for police to invoke the exception, they need
have only a reasonable basis to believe the occupant is in need of medical attention.
{¶25} Considering the totality of the circumstances, we find Trooper Campbell was
justified in opening the door to the truck to determine what had happened to the driver.
Upon seeing him passed out, Trooper Campbell’s concern shifted toward determining
whether Wade had a medical situation or was a possible overdose. T. at 10. The facts
do provide reasonable, articulable facts upon which a reasonable person could conclude
that Trooper Campbell was exercising his caretaking function. This falls within an
exception to the Fourth Amendment.
B. Whether there is a reasonable probability a motion to suppress the
evidence obtained by Trooper Campbell would have been granted because he
lacked probable cause to believe Wade was operating the truck.
{¶26} In the case at bar, the evidence does not clearly establish the point at which
Wade was placed under arrest. Trooper Campbell did not transport Wade to the hospital.
It does not appear that Wade was placed in handcuffs and taken to the hospital by the
emergency personnel.
{¶27} In any event, Trooper Campbell encountered an accident scene with only
one person present. That person was unresponsive, thinking he was in Virginia. Wade
can be heard in the video telling Trooper Wade that he pulled the truck over because he
was tired and wanted to sleep. State’s Exhibit 44 at 7:41. Thus, Trooper Campbell had
probable cause to believe that Wade had driven the truck to its present location.
C. Whether failure to move for acquittal prejudiced Wade.
{¶28} Wade next contends that his trial attorney’s failure to make a Crim.R. 29
motion to acquit at the close of the state’s case prejudiced him because there was no
evidence that Wade had operated the truck and further there was no evidence that Wade
had a “prohibited amount of alcohol in his blood, breath or urine.” [Appellant’s brief at
10].
{¶29} The purpose of a motion for judgment of acquittal is to test the sufficiency
of the evidence and, where the evidence is insufficient, to take the case from the jury.”
Dayton v. Rogers, 60 Ohio St. 2d 162, 163, 398 N.E.2d 781(1979), overruled on other
grounds, State v. Lazzaro, 76 Ohio St. 3d 261, 667 N.E.2d 384(1996). In a bench or
nonjury trial, however, a defendant's not guilty plea serves as a Crim.R. 29 motion. Id.
{¶30} In the case at bar, as previously noted, Wade can be heard in the video
telling Trooper Wade that he pulled the truck over because he was tired and wanted to
sleep. State’s Exhibit 44 at 7:41. Accordingly, Trooper Campbell had probable cause to
believe Wade had operated the truck.
{¶31} R.C. 4506.15 provides in relevant part,
(A) No person who holds a commercial driver’s license or commercial
driver’s license temporary instruction permit or who operates a motor
vehicle for which a commercial driver’s license or permit is required shall do
any of the following:
***
(6) Drive a motor vehicle in violation of section 4511.19 of the
Revised Code or a municipal OVI ordinance as defined in section 4511.181
of the Revised Code;
***
{¶32} Wade was also convicted of a violation of R.C. 4511.19(A)(1)(a). R.C.
4511.19 (A)(1)(a) prohibits operating a motor vehicle while “under the influence of alcohol,
a drug of abuse, or a combination of them.”
{¶33} The phrase “under the influence of intoxicating liquor” has been defined as
“[t]he condition in which a person finds himself after having consumed some intoxicating
beverage in such quantity that its effect on him adversely affects his actions, reactions,
conduct, movement or mental processes or impairs his reactions to an appreciable
degree, thereby lessening his ability to operate a motor vehicle.” Toledo v. Starks, 25
Ohio App .2d 162, 166, 267 N.E.2d 824 (6th Dist. 1971). See, also, State v. Steele (1952),
95 Ohio App. 107, 111, 117 N.E.2d 617(3rd Dist. 1952) (“[B]eing ‘under the influence of
alcohol or intoxicating liquor’ means that the accused must have consumed some
intoxicating beverage, whether mild or potent, and in such quantity, whether small or
great, that the effect thereof on him was to adversely affect his actions, reactions, conduct,
movements or mental processes, or to impair his reactions, under the circumstances then
existing so as to deprive him of that clearness of the intellect and control of himself which
he would otherwise possess”). See, State v. Henderson, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2004-CA-
00215, 2005-Ohio-1644 at ¶ 32; State v. Ahmed, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2007-CA-00049,
2008-Ohio-389, ¶26.
{¶34} The case law is in agreement that probable cause to arrest may exist, even
without field sobriety tests results, if supported by such factors as: evidence that the
defendant caused an automobile accident; a strong odor of alcohol emanating from the
defendant; an admission by the defendant that he or she was recently drinking alcohol;
and other indicia of intoxication, such as red eyes, slurred speech, and difficulty walking.
Oregon v. Szakovits, 32 Ohio St. 2d 271, 291 N.E.2d 742(1972); Fairfield v. Regner, 23
Ohio App. 3d 79, 84, 491 N.E.2d 333(12th Dist. 1985); State v. Bernard, 20 Ohio App. 3d
375, 376, 485 N.E.2d 783(9th Dist. 1985); Westlake v. Vilfroy, 11 Ohio App. 3d 26, 27,
462 N.E.2d 1241(8th Dist. 1983); State v. Judy, 5th Dist. No. 2007-CAC-120069, 2008-
Ohio-4520, ¶27. State v. Schmitt, 101 Ohio St. 3d 79, 2004-Ohio-37, 801 N.E.2d 446,
(2004), ¶15.
{¶35} “It is generally accepted that virtually any lay witness, including a police
officer, may testify as to whether an individual appears intoxicated. Columbus v. Mullins
(1954), 162 Ohio St. 419, 421, 55 Ohio Op. 240, 123 N.E.2d 422. See, also, State v. McKee
(2001), 91 Ohio St. 3d 292, 296, 744 N.E.2d 737.” State v. Schmitt, 101 Ohio St. 3d 79,
83, 2004-Ohio-37 at ¶ 12, 801 N.E.2d 446, 450(2004); Accord, State v. Hackerdorn, 5th
Dist. Ashland No. 2004-CA-053, 2005-Ohio-1475, ¶ 67.
{¶36} In the case at bar, Trooper Campbell encountered a one-vehicle accident
along a busy interstate highway. The driver admitted driving the truck to that location.
The driver was unresponsive, had glassy eyes, could not follow basic requests, smelled
of alcohol, could not stand or walk on his own. Wade did not know what State he was in
and that Trooper Wade was an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper. Trooper Campbell
also found an opened, nearly consumed bottle of vodka within Wade’s reach.
{¶37} We find that under the totality of the circumstances Trooper Campbell had
probable cause to arrest Wade for operating the truck while “under the influence” in
violation of R.C. 4511.19(A)(1)(a) and R.C. 4506.15(A)(6).
D. Trooper’s testimony concerning intoxication.
{¶38} Wade next argues that trial counsel was ineffective because she did not
object to the testimony of Trooper Campbell concerning the “amount of per se level of
alcohol in defendant’s blood because the Trooper was not qualified as an expert.”
[Appellant’s brief at 13].
{¶39} As we have previously mentioned, “It is generally accepted that virtually any
lay witness, including a police officer, may testify as to whether an individual appears
intoxicated. Columbus v. Mullins (1954), 162 Ohio St. 419, 421, 55 Ohio Op. 240, 123 N.E.2d
422. See, also, State v. McKee (2001), 91 Ohio St. 3d 292, 296, 744 N.E.2d 737.” State
v. Schmitt, 101 Ohio St. 3d 79, 83, 2004-Ohio-37,801 N.E.2d 446(2004) at ¶12 450(2004);
Accord, State v. Hackerdorn, 5th Dist. Ashland No. 2004-CA-053, 2005-Ohio-1475, ¶ 67.
{¶40} We note that any error will be deemed harmless if it did not affect the
accused's “substantial rights.” “Before constitutional error can be considered harmless,
we must be able to “declare a belief that it was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt.”
United States v. Chapman, 386 U.S.18, 24, 87 S. Ct. 824, 828, 17 L.Ed.2d 705(1967).
Where there is no reasonable possibility that unlawful testimony contributed to a
conviction, the error is harmless and therefore will not be grounds for reversal.” State v.
Lytle, 48 Ohio St. 2d 391, 2 O.O.3d 495, 358 N.E.2d 623(1976), paragraph three of the
syllabus, vacated on other grounds in (1978), 438 U.S. 910, 98 S. Ct. 3135, 57 L. Ed. 2d
1154; Accord, State v. Conway, 108 Ohio St. 3d 214, 2006-Ohio-791, 842 N.E.2d 996,
¶78; State v. Jones, 135 Ohio St. 3d 10, 2012-Ohio-5677, 984 N.E.2d 948, ¶177.
{¶41} We find the testimony of Trooper Campbell to be harmless beyond a
reasonable doubt because there is no reasonable possibility that the testimony
contributed to a conviction. Wade was convicted of driving the truck “while under the
influence.” The trial court merged the OVI counts, so Wade is unable to demonstrate that
the trial court would have found him not guilty had the testimony not been admitted at
trial.
E. Failure to provide discovery.
{¶42} Wade next contends that his trial counsel was ineffective because she did
not provide the prosecution with notice that his mother would testify concerning his hitting
a deer with his truck prior to the day in question and to provide the state with photographs
that bore a time-stamp of the damage. [Appellant’s brief at 14].
{¶43} As the trial court noted, Wade himself could testify to the accident involving
the deer, so excluding his mother was not prejudicial. T. at 5. Further, Wade was allowed
to use photographs showing the damage to his truck; the photographs excluded were the
same pictures but containing a time-stamp. T. at 55-59.
{¶44} We note that any error will be deemed harmless if it did not affect the
accused's “substantial rights.” “Before constitutional error can be considered harmless,
we must be able to “declare a belief that it was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt.”
United States v. Chapman, (1967), 386 U.S.18, 24, 87 S. Ct. 824, 828. Where there is no
reasonable possibility that unlawful testimony contributed to a conviction, the error is
harmless and therefore will not be grounds for reversal.” State v. Lytle, 48 Ohio St. 2d
391, 2 O.O.3d 495, 358 N.E.2d 623(1976), paragraph three of the syllabus, vacated on
other grounds in (1978), 438 U.S. 910, 98 S. Ct. 3135, 57 L. Ed. 2d 1154; Accord, State v.
Conway, 108 Ohio St. 3d 214, 2006-Ohio-791, 842 N.E.2d 996, ¶78; State v. Jones, 135
Ohio St. 3d 10, 2012-Ohio-5677, 984 N.E.2d 948, ¶177.
{¶45} In the case at bar, the trial judge was the trier of fact. The evidence
excluded was merely cumulative to the admissible evidence. Wade is unable to
demonstrate that had his mother testified and the photographs bearing the time-stamp
been admitted into evidence at trial, the trial court would have found him not guilty
CONCLUSION – ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR I.
{¶46} As there is not a reasonable probability that a motion to suppress either the
search or the arrest, trial counsel was not ineffective in failing to file a motion to suppress.
{¶47} Wade can be heard telling Trooper Campbell that Wade operated the truck.
The trooper was competent to testify to his observations of Wade and his opinion that
Wade was under the influence.
{¶48} Sufficient evidence was presented to submit the case to the trier of fact.
Therefore, Wade was not prejudiced by his attorney’s failure to move for acquittal at the
close of the state’s case.
{¶49} The evidence concerning photographs bearing a time-stamp and the
testimony of his mother are cumulative to evidence that was admitted. Accordingly, Wade
cannot demonstrate that his substantial rights were violated by the exclusion.
{¶50} For the above reasons, Wade’s First Assignment of Error is overruled in its
entirety.
II. & III.
{¶51} In his Second Assignment of Error, Wade argues that there was insufficient
evidence to convict him. In his Third Assignment of Error, Wade contends that the trial
court’s findings are against the manifest weight of the evidence.
STANDARD OF APPELLATE REVIEW.
A. Sufficiency of the Evidence.
{¶52} The Sixth Amendment provides, “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused
shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury....” This right, in
conjunction with the Due Process Clause, requires that each of the material elements of
a crime be proved to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt. Alleyne v. United States, 570
U.S. 99, 104, 133 S. Ct. 2151, 2156, 186 L. Ed. 2d 314 (2013); Hurst v. Florida, 136 S. Ct.
616, 621, 193 L. Ed. 2d 504 (2016). The test for the sufficiency of the evidence involves
a question of law for resolution by the appellate court. State v. Walker, 150 Ohio St. 3d
409, 2016-Ohio-8295, 82 N.E.3d 1124, ¶ 30. “This naturally entails a review of the
elements of the charged offense and a review of the state’s evidence.” State v.
Richardson, 150 Ohio St. 3d 554, 2016-Ohio-8448, 84 N.E.3d 993, ¶ 13.
{¶53} When reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence, an appellate court does
not ask whether the evidence should be believed. State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St. 3d 259,
574 N.E.2d 492 (1991), paragraph two of the syllabus; Walker, at ¶ 30. “The relevant
inquiry is whether, after viewing the evidence in the 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.” Jenks at paragraph two of the syllabus. State v.
Poutney, 153 Ohio St. 3d 474, 2018-Ohio-22, 97 N.E.3d 478, ¶ 19. Thus, “on review for
evidentiary sufficiency we do not second-guess the jury’s credibility determinations;
rather, we ask whether, ‘if believed, [the evidence] would convince the average mind of
the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.’” State v. Murphy, 91 Ohio St. 3d 516,
543, 747 N.E.2d 765 (2001), quoting Jenks at paragraph two of the syllabus (emphasis
added); Walker at ¶ 31. We will not “disturb a verdict on appeal on sufficiency grounds
unless ‘reasonable minds could not reach the conclusion reached by the trier-of-fact.’”
State v. Ketterer, 111 Ohio St. 3d 70, 2006-Ohio-5283, 855 N.E.2d 48, ¶ 94, quoting State
v. Dennis, 79 Ohio St. 3d 421, 430, 683 N.E.2d 1096 (1997); State v. Montgomery, 148
Ohio St. 3d 347, 2016-Ohio-5487, 71 N.E.3d 180, ¶ 74.
ISSUE FOR APPEAL
Whether, after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution,
the evidence, “if believed, would convince the average mind of the defendant’s guilt on
each element of the crimes beyond a reasonable doubt.”
{¶54} Wade first contends that there was no evidence that he had a “prohibited
amount of anything in his system.” [Appellant’s brief at 16].
{¶55} As previously noted, Wade was convicted of operating the truck “under the
influence.” In prosecutions for “under the influence” pursuant to R.C. 4511.19 (A)(1)(a),
“the behavior of the defendant * * * is the crucial issue. The defendant's ability to perceive,
make judgments, coordinate movements, and safely operate a vehicle is at issue in the
prosecution of a defendant under such section. It is the behavior of the defendant that is
the crucial issue. Newark v. Lucas, 40 Ohio St. 3d 100, 104, 532 N.E.2d 130 (1988).
{¶56} Sufficient evidence was produced at trial to support the inference that
Wade’s consumption of alcohol, a drug of abuse, or a combination of them on the night
in question adversely affected his actions, reactions, conduct, movement or mental
processes or impaired his reactions to an appreciable degree, thereby lessening his
ability to operate his vehicle on the night in question. No test results were necessary for
a conviction of operating “under the influence.
{¶57} Next, Wade argues that there is no evidence that Wade was operating the
truck. Wade admitted to Trooper Campbell at the scene that he had driven the truck.
Wade admitted at trial that he had driven the truck and consumed alcohol while in the
truck. A nearly empty bottle of vodka was recovered from inside the cab of the truck.
{¶58} Finally, Wade contends that there is no evidence that Wade drove the truck
while impaired.
{¶59} If the state relies on circumstantial evidence to prove an essential element of an
offense, it is not necessary for “‘such evidence to be irreconcilable with any reasonable theory of
innocence in order to support a conviction.’” State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St. 3d 259, 272, 574 N.E.
2d 492(1991) at paragraph one of the syllabus. “‘Circumstantial evidence and direct evidence
inherently possess the same probative value [.]’” Jenks, 61 Ohio St .3d at paragraph one of the
syllabus. Furthermore, “‘[s]ince circumstantial evidence and direct evidence are
indistinguishable so far as the jury's fact-finding function is concerned, all that is required of the
jury is that i[t] weigh all of the evidence, direct and circumstantial, against the standard of proof
beyond a reasonable doubt.’” Jenks, 61 Ohio St. 3d at 272, 574 N.E. 2d 492.
{¶60} Viewing the evidence in the case at bar in a light most favorable to the
prosecution, we conclude that a reasonable person could have found beyond a
reasonable doubt that Wade had committed the crime of OVI in violation of R.C.
4511.19(A)(1)(a) and R.C. 4506.15(A)(6). We hold, therefore, that the state met its
burden of production regarding each element of the crime of OVI and, accordingly, there
was sufficient evidence to submit the charges to the trier of fact and to support Wade’s
convictions.
Manifest weight of the evidence.
{¶61} As to the weight of the evidence, the issue is whether the jury created a
manifest miscarriage of justice in resolving conflicting evidence, even though the
evidence of guilt was legally sufficient. State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St. 3d 380, 386–387,
678 N.E.2d 541 (1997), superseded by constitutional amendment on other grounds as
stated by State v. Smith, 80 Ohio St. 3d 89, 684 N.E.2d 668, 1997–Ohio–355; State v.
Issa, 93 Ohio St. 3d 49, 67, 752 N.E.2d 904 (2001).
“[I]n determining whether the judgment below is manifestly against
the weight of the evidence, every reasonable intendment and every
reasonable presumption must be made in favor of the judgment and the
finding of facts.
***
“If the evidence is susceptible of more than one construction, the
reviewing court is bound to give it that interpretation which is consistent with
the verdict and judgment, most favorable to sustaining the verdict and
judgment.”
Seasons Coal Co., Inc. v. Cleveland, 10 Ohio St. 3d 77, 80, 461 N.E.2d 1273 (1984), fn.
3, quoting 5 Ohio Jurisprudence 3d, Appellate Review, Section 60, at 191–192 (1978).
{¶62} The reviewing court must bear in mind, however, that credibility generally is
an issue for the trier of fact to resolve. State v. Issa, 93 Ohio St. 3d 49, 67, 752 N.E.2d
904 (2001); State v. Murphy, 4th Dist. Ross No. 07CA2953, 2008–Ohio–1744, ¶ 31.
Because the trier of fact sees and hears the witnesses and is particularly competent to
decide whether, and to what extent, to credit the testimony of particular witnesses, the
appellate court must afford substantial deference to its determinations of credibility.
Barberton v. Jenney, 126 Ohio St. 3d 5, 2010–Ohio–2420, 929 N.E.2d 1047, ¶ 20. In
other words, “[w]hen there exist two fairly reasonable views of the evidence or two
conflicting versions of events, neither of which is unbelievable, it is not our province to
choose which one we believe.” State v. Dyke, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 99 CA 149, 2002–
Ohio–1152, at ¶ 13, citing State v. Gore, 131 Ohio App. 3d 197, 201, 722 N.E.2d 125(7th
Dist. 1999). Thus, an appellate court will leave the issues of weight and credibility of the
evidence to the fact finder, as long as a rational basis exists in the record for its decision.
State v. Picklesimer, 4th Dist. Pickaway No. 11CA9, 2012–Ohio–1282, ¶ 24.
{¶63} Once the reviewing court finishes its examination, an appellate court may
not merely substitute its view for that of the jury, but must find that “ ‘the jury clearly lost
its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the conviction must be
reversed and a new trial ordered.’” State v. Thompkins, supra, 78 Ohio St.3d at 387,
quoting State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App. 3d 172, 175, 485 N.E.2d 717, 720–721(1st Dist.
1983). Accordingly, reversal on manifest weight grounds is reserved for “the exceptional
case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the conviction.” Id.
ISSUE FOR APPEAL.
B. Whether the judge clearly lost his way and created such a manifest miscarriage
of justice that the convictions must be reversed and a new trial ordered.
{¶64} Wade argues that the evidence does not suggest that Wade drank before
he drove the truck. [Appellant’s brief at 17].
{¶65} The judge as the trier of fact was free to accept or reject any and all of the
evidence offered by the parties and assess the witness’s credibility. “While the trier of
fact may take note of the inconsistencies and resolve or discount them accordingly * * *
such inconsistencies do not render defendant’s conviction against the manifest weight or
sufficiency of the evidence.” State v. Craig, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 99AP–739, 1999 WL
29752 (Mar 23, 2000) citing State v. Nivens, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 95APA09–1236, 1996
WL 284714 (May 28, 1996). Indeed, the trier of fact need not believe all of a witness’
testimony, but may accept only portions of it as true. State v. Raver, 10th Dist. Franklin
No. 02AP–604, 2003–Ohio–958, ¶ 21, citing State v. Antill, 176 Ohio St. 61, 67, 197
N.E.2d 548 (1964); State v. Burke, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 02AP–1238, 2003–Ohio–2889,
citing State v. Caldwell, 79 Ohio App. 3d 667, 607 N.E.2d 1096 (4th Dist. 1992). Although
the evidence may have been circumstantial, we note that circumstantial evidence has the
same probative value as direct evidence. State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St. 3d 259, 272, 574
N.E.2d 492 (1991), paragraph one of the syllabus, superseded by State constitutional
amendment on other grounds as stated in State v. Smith, 80 Ohio St. 3d 89, 102 at n.4,
684 N.E.2d 668 (1997).
{¶66} In the case at bar, the judge heard the witnesses and viewed the evidence.
The judge further heard Wade’s testimony and his attorney’s arguments and explanations
about his actions. The judge further reviewed the dash-cam video of the events as they
occurred in real-time. Thus, a rational basis exists in the record for the judge’s decision.
{¶67} We find that this is not an “‘exceptional case in which the evidence weighs
heavily against the conviction.’” State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St. 3d 380, 386–387, 678
N.E.2d 541 (1997), quoting Martin, 20 Ohio App. 3d at 175, 485 N.E.2d 717. Based upon
the foregoing and the entire record in this matter we find Wade’s convictions are not
against the sufficiency or the manifest weight of the evidence. To the contrary, the judge
appears to have fairly and impartially decided the matters before him. The judge heard
the witnesses, evaluated the evidence, and was convinced of Wade’s guilt. The judge
neither lost his way nor created a miscarriage of justice in convicting Wade of OVI.
{¶68} Finally, upon careful consideration of the record in its entirety, we find that
there is substantial evidence presented which if believed, proves all the elements of the
crimes for which Wade was convicted.
{¶69} Wade’s Second and Third Assignments of Error are overruled.
{¶70} The judgment of the Muskingum County Court is affirmed.
By Gwin, P.J.,
Hoffman, J., and
Delaney, J., concur