State v. Hampton , 2015 Ohio 4171 ( 2015 )

[Cite as State v. Hampton, 2015-Ohio-4171.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
LAWRENCE COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO : Case No. 15CA1
Plaintiff-Appellee, :
v. : DECISION AND
JUDGMENT ENTRY
EDWARD HAMPTON, :
Defendant-Appellant. : RELEASED 10/02/2015
APPEARANCES:
Philip J. Heald, Ironton, Ohio, for appellant.
Brigham M. Anderson, Lawrence County Prosecuting Attorney and Robert C. Anderson,
Lawrence County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Ironton, Ohio, for appellee.
Hoover, P.J.
{¶ 1} Edward R. Hampton, Jr. (“Hampton”) appeals the judgment of the Lawrence
County Court of Common Pleas in which Hampton was convicted of aggravated robbery.
Although no fine was imposed upon Hampton, he was sentenced to six years in the appropriate
state penal institution. On appeal, Hampton argues that the trial court abused its discretion by
denying his presentence motion to withdraw his guilty plea. The State argues that Hampton did
not meet his burden to establish that there was a reasonable and legitimate basis for the
withdrawal of his plea. Having reviewed the record and pertinent law, we find that the trial court
did not abuse its discretion in denying Hampton’s motion to withdraw. Therefore, we overrule
Hampton’s first assignment of error.
{¶ 2} Next, Hampton argues that his trial counsel was ineffective for not bringing threats
made against his paramour and her family to the court’s attention. Hampton claims that as a
Lawrence App. No. 15CA1 2
result of the threats, he entered his guilty plea under duress and involuntarily. The State argues
that the affidavits upon which Hampton relies for his ineffective assistance of counsel claim are
not a part of the record, and therefore, Hampton’s claim is improperly brought under Crim.R.
32.1. In addition, the State contends that even if we are permitted to consider the ineffective
assistance claim, any action taken by Hampton’s trial counsel was within the realm of arguable
trial strategy. For the reasons discussed more fully below, we find that Hampton has failed to
establish ineffective assistance of counsel. Therefore, Hampton’s second assignment of error is
overruled; and we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
I. Facts and Procedural Posture
{¶ 3} In March 2014, Hampton was indicted by the Lawrence County Grand Jury on
aggravated robbery, in violation of R.C. 2911.01(A)(3), a felony of the first degree. Hampton
originally pleaded not guilty at arraignment; however, Hampton later decided to change his plea
to guilty. On July 2, 2014, the trial court conducted a change of plea hearing. At the plea hearing,
the trial court recited the rights that Hampton would be waiving if he entered a guilty plea.
Hampton acknowledged each of the rights and waived all of them. Hampton then entered a plea
of guilty to the single count of aggravated robbery. The trial court inquired of Hampton whether
the plea was of his own free will and accord to which Hampton answered in the affirmative. No
plea agreement was recited into the record. The trial court accepted Hampton’s guilty plea. The
parties agreed to have the sentencing date on September 17, 2014. Hampton was released on his
own recognizance along with conditions of electronic monitoring.
{¶ 4} The record reflects that on September 17, 2014, the sentencing hearing did not
occur. Instead, an entry was filed that indicated a pretrial hearing was scheduled for October 1,
2014. The sentencing hearing was again postponed on October 1, 2014, and rescheduled to
Lawrence App. No. 15CA1 3
October 22, 2014. Hampton’s trial counsel then filed a motion to continue the hearing date of
October 22, 2014, which the trial court granted. The sentencing hearing was rescheduled for
November 12, 2014.
{¶ 5} On November 5, 2014, prior to the sentencing hearing, Hampton filed a Motion to
Set Aside Guilty Plea. Rather than proceeding with the sentencing hearing on November 12,
2014, the trial court held a hearing on Hampton’s Motion to Set Aside Guilty Plea. The record
reveals that at the hearing only arguments by the prosecutor and the defense attorney were
presented. Neither Hampton nor the State presented testimony or introduced any other kind of
evidence at the motion hearing. The trial court denied Hampton’s motion to withdraw the guilty
plea.
{¶ 6} By judgment entry dated November 18, 2014, the trial court denied Hampton’s
motion to withdraw his plea of guilty. The matter proceeded to a sentencing hearing on
December 17, 2014, during which Hampton was sentenced to six years in the appropriate penal
institution. The trial court filed its Judgment Entry1 memorializing the sentence on December 17,
2014. It is from this judgment that Hampton timely filed his notice of appeal on January 6, 2015.
II. Assignments of Error
{¶ 7} Hampton sets forth two assignments of error:
I. The trial court abused its discretion, and reversible error, for not granting
Appellant’s motion to withdraw the plea of guilty, where there was
disagreement about what was required of Appellant under the agreement.
1
The trial court later filed an Amended Judgment Entry Final Appealable Entry on January 9, 2015. The
amendments include (1) changing the code section of the violation from R.C. 2911.02(A)(3) to R.C. 2911.01(A)(3)
and (2) changing the credit for time served from 288 days to 98 days. These issues are not set forth as bases for this
appeal and will not be addressed by this court.
Lawrence App. No. 15CA1 4
II. Appellant’s trial counsel was ineffective for not bringing threats made
against appellant’s paramour and her family to the court’s attention, and as
a result Appellant’s plea of guilty was made under duress, and was
therefore not voluntarily made.
III. Law and Analysis
A. First Assignment of Error
{¶ 8} In his first assignment of error, Hampton contends that the trial court improperly
denied his presentence motion to withdraw his guilty pleas. Crim.R. 32.1 states: “A motion to
withdraw a plea of guilty or no contest may be made only before sentence is imposed; but to
correct manifest injustice the court after sentence may set aside the judgment of conviction and
permit the defendant to withdraw his or her plea.” “ ‘[A] presentence motion to withdraw a
guilty plea should be freely and liberally granted.’ ” State v. Ketterer, 126 Ohio St.3d 448, 2010-
Ohio-3831, 935 N.E.2d 9, ¶ 57, quoting State v. Xie, 62 Ohio St.3d 521, 527, 584 N.E.2d 715(1992). However, “[a] defendant does not have an absolute right to withdraw a guilty plea prior
to sentencing. A trial court must conduct a hearing to determine whether there is a reasonable
and legitimate basis for the withdrawal of the plea.” Xie at paragraph one of the syllabus.
{¶ 9} A trial court possesses discretion to grant or deny a presentence motion to
withdraw a plea, and we will not reverse the trial court’s decision absent an abuse of that
discretion. See id. at paragraph two of the syllabus, 526. The phrase “abuse of discretion” implies
the court’s attitude is unreasonable, unconscionable, or arbitrary. State v. Adams, 62 Ohio St.2d
151, 157, 404 N.E.2d 144 (1980). Furthermore, “[w]hen applying the abuse of discretion
standard, a reviewing court is not free to merely substitute its judgment for that of the trial
court.” In re Jane Doe 1, 57 Ohio St.3d 135, 137-138, 566 N.E.2d 1181 (1991).
Lawrence App. No. 15CA1 5
{¶ 10} We have set forth a list of factors that we consider when determining whether a
trial court abused its discretion by denying a presentence motion to withdraw a plea: “ ‘(1)
whether the accused was represented by highly competent counsel, (2) whether the accused was
given a full Crim.R. 11 hearing before entering the plea, (3) whether a full hearing was held on
the withdrawal motion, and (4) whether the trial court gave full and fair consideration to the
motion.’ ” State v. Campbell, 4th Dist. Athens No. 08CA31, 2009-Ohio-4992, ¶ 7, quoting State
v. McNeil, 146 Ohio App.3d 173, 176, 765 N.E.2d 884 (1st Dist.2001). Other considerations
include: “ ‘(1) whether the motion was made within a reasonable time; (2) whether the motion
set out specific reasons for the withdrawal; (3) whether the accused understood the nature of the
charges and the possible penalties; and (4) whether the accused was perhaps not guilty or had a
complete defense to the charges.’ ” Id., quoting McNeil at 176. However, a change of heart or
mistaken belief about the plea is not a reasonable basis requiring a trial court to permit the
defendant to withdraw the plea. Id., citing State v. Lambros, 44 Ohio App.3d 102, 103, 541
N.E.2d 632 (8th Dist.1988).
{¶ 11} In this case, the transcript of the plea hearing referred to the document titled
“Proceeding on Plea of Guilty” [OP 24]. The trial court stated at the plea hearing, “Second is a
four page document proceeding on a plea of guilty twenty six questions you go over with your
defense attorney and at the bottom of the last page is that your signature?” Hampton answered,
“Yes sir.” The document indicated the following pertinent questions asked of Hampton and the
answers provided by Hampton.
***
5. Q. Did your attorney explain to you your constitutional rights and what might
happen if you plead guilty?
Lawrence App. No. 15CA1 6
A. Yes [handwritten]
***
7. Q. Do you have confidence in your attorney?
A. Yes [handwritten]
8. Q. Were any promises, threats or inducements made to you to persuade you to
plead guilty?
A. No [handwritten]
9. Q. Do you understand what is taking place here?
A. Yes [handwritten]
***
11. Q. Are you making this plea of your own free will, that this is a voluntary act,
and do you understand the nature of the charge and the maximum penalty
involved * * *?
A. Yes [handwritten]
***
21. Q. Are you making this plea of your own free will?
A. Yes [handwritten]
Hampton signed his name at the bottom of the document as “Edward R. Hampton, Jr.”
{¶ 12} The first factor that we examine is whether Hampton had highly competent
counsel representing him. In the document “Proceeding on Plea of Guilty,” Hampton
acknowledges that his attorney had explained to him his constitutional rights and what might
happen to him if he entered a guilty plea. Hampton also acknowledged that he had confidence in
his attorney. Therefore, it is arguable that Hampton’s counsel was competent.
Lawrence App. No. 15CA1 7
{¶ 13} Next, we consider whether Hampton was given a full Crim.R. 11 hearing before
entering the plea. After reviewing the transcript of the change of plea hearing on July 2, 2014, it
is apparent that Hampton was provided a full Crim.R. 11 hearing prior to changing his not guilty
plea to a guilty plea. The trial court also held a hearing on his motion to set aside or withdraw the
plea of guilty although Hampton did not present any evidence at the hearing. Instead, only oral
arguments by Hampton’s counsel and the prosecutor were made. Neither party called any
witnesses to testify. The trial court did not preclude either party from calling any witnesses. After
Hampton’s trial counsel and the prosecutor made their arguments, the trial court stated:
This isn’t one of those matters that I can make a ruling from the bench on this
involves, as both counsel indicated, um, an appropriate analysis of the law. I’ll get
a written decision out so that you’ve got something to explain whatever the ruling
is just as quickly as I can. And advise counsel just as soon as that comes out.
On November 18, 2014, the trial court then issued a written decision that cited various cases. It is
evident that the trial court gave full and fair consideration to Hampton’s motion.
{¶ 14} With respect to whether the motion was made within a reasonable time, we note
that Hampton’s motion to set aside the guilty plea was timely made as it was made prior to the
imposition of sentence.
{¶ 15} As to whether Hampton’s motion sets forth specific reasons for the withdrawal,
Hampton’s reasoning for setting aside his guilty plea in his written motion is somewhat vague. In
the written motion, Hampton does not explicitly claim that a plea agreement had been breached;
however, this seems to be the essence of his claim. At the hearing on the motion to set aside the
guilty plea, Hampton’s trial counsel argued that there was an agreement between Hampton and
Lawrence App. No. 15CA1 8
the State. It is clear from reviewing the transcript of the change of plea hearing that no plea
agreement was recited into the record. Nonetheless, Hampton’s trial counsel argued:
The agreement was that he would cooperate with the State. My client um, submits
that he has done that. Counsel for the State does not believe his cooperation to be
either beneficial and/or less than truthful and withdrew the offer of five years with
the understanding would not oppose judicial release after four years if he basically
kept his nose clean in prison. Um, the State’s position then was because they
don’t feel he cooperated to the full extend that they expected that he could take a
sentence of six years flat with no recommendation as to JR or to judicial release.
Or could file a motion to set aside his guilty plea. * * * He believes he cooperated
and done what he was suppose to under that plea agreement. However, that’s been
withdrawn by the State, therefore he has no choice in this matter he does not want
to take six years flat. * * *
{¶ 16} At the hearing, the State responded that on July 2, 2014, Hampton had given a
statement to investigators indicating his involvement in the robbery; and Hampton did agree to
testify on behalf of the State in a co-defendant’s trial. Apparently, Hampton later changed his
mind. Hampton no longer wished to testify on behalf of the State. Hampton also indicated that he
was not even present at the time of the actual robbery. The State acknowledged that it gave
Hampton three options:
Either [Hampton will] testify against co-defendant and we’ll recommend five out
in four or we’ll recommend six years to the court. If he doesn’t want any one of
those the only other option he has is to withdraw his plea. Not that, that was an
offer from me to withdraw his plea and I think that is how it was conveyed.
Lawrence App. No. 15CA1 9
***
Whether the court allows the defendant to withdraw his plea I believe is
controlled by Ohio Statutes and case law. So I would defer the facts that the court
has to the court on making that decision.
{¶ 17} Although the trial court held a hearing on the motion to set aside Hampton’s
guilty plea, Hampton did not testify at the hearing. He provided no testimony explaining to the
trial court why he wanted to withdraw his plea of guilty. Hampton presented no testimony
regarding the alleged plea agreement and what he believed may have been a breach of the plea
agreement. Hampton did not set forth specific reasons for the withdrawal as no evidence was
presented at the hearing.
{¶ 18} Hampton’s appellate brief clearly sets forth his theory that a plea agreement was
offered to him, which included his cooperation in the prosecution of a co-defendant. Hampton
claims that the State withdrew its offer when he was deemed to have not cooperated. Hampton
attached an affidavit to his appellate brief setting forth this information; however, the affidavit
was not a part of the trial proceedings. We cannot consider the affidavit in our review. “[A]
reviewing court cannot add matter to the record before it that was not a part of the trial court's
proceedings, and then decide the appeal on the basis of the new matter.” State v. Hooks, 92 Ohio
St.3d 83, 748 N.E.2d 528 (2001).
{¶ 19} With respect to whether Hampton understood the nature of the charge and the
possible penalties, during the hearing on the change of plea, the trial court clearly informed
Hampton of the charge of aggravated robbery. The trial court also informed Hampton of the
maximum sentence of eleven years in state prison, the maximum fine of twenty thousand dollars,
and five years mandatory post-release control. The trial court inquired of Hampton whether he
Lawrence App. No. 15CA1 10
understood that if he pleaded guilty that he was admitting to the court that he committed the
allegations of the indictment. Hampton answered, “Yes sir.” Moreover, in the signed document
“Proceeding on Plea of Guilty,” Hampton answered affirmatively the question, “[t]he indictment
charges you with a violation of Ohio law. Do you understand this and has your counsel explained
the elements thereof?” Hampton also answered “yes” to the question, “Do you understand that
the date of your release depends on many factors, thus, no promises can be made with respect to
the actual time you will spend in a penal institution in the event of sentence, except the
limitations contained in the statute?”
{¶ 20} Finally, we consider the factor whether the accused was perhaps not guilty or had
a complete defense to the charge. Not once did Hampton offer any evidence nor did his trial
counsel argue or even aver that Hampton was not guilty or had a complete defense to the charge.
Hampton’s answers to questions in the document “Proceeding on Plea of Guilty” also reflect that
Hampton did not have a complete defense to the charge.
22. Q. Do you and your defense counsel believe that there is a factual basis for the
plea of guilty?
A. Yes [handwritten]
***
24. Q. Do you or your attorney have any competent evidence to offer to show that
you are not guilty of the offense charged?
A. No. [handwritten]
{¶ 21} “[A]n appellant bears the burden of showing error by reference to matters in the
record.” Knapp v. Edwards Laboratories, 61 Ohio St.2d 197, 199, 400 N.E.2d 384 (1980), citing
State v. Skaggs, 53 Ohio St.2d 162, 372 N.E.2d 1355 (1978). As no testimony or other evidence
Lawrence App. No. 15CA1 11
was presented at the hearing on the motion to set aside the guilty plea, given the record before us,
we cannot find that the trial court abused its discretion in denying Hampton’s motion to set aside
the guilty plea. In sum, a review of the record reflects that Hampton changed his mind regarding
his guilty plea, which is not a reasonable and legitimate basis for withdrawing a plea. Moreover,
a balance of the factors outlined above does not justify withdrawal of his guilty plea.
Accordingly, the trial court did not act arbitrarily, unreasonably or unconscionably in denying
Hampton’s motion to withdraw his guilty plea; and his first assignment of error is overruled.
B. Second Assignment of Error
{¶ 22} In the second assignment of error, Hampton contends that his trial counsel was
ineffective for not bringing threats made against his paramour and her family to the court’s
attention, and as a result Hampton’s plea of guilty was made under duress, and was therefore not
voluntarily made. Hampton attaches to his appellate brief his own affidavit, his paramour’s
affidavit, and copies of alleged handwritten threats in support of his argument. The State argues
that the attachments cannot be considered on appeal, as they are matters outside the record. The
State also claims that it is reasonable trial strategy for Hampton and his trial counsel to decide to
submit his motion to withdraw solely on the statement of the trial counsel in order to avoid
Hampton testifying under oath.
{¶ 23} Criminal defendants have a right to counsel, including a right to the effective
assistance from counsel. McMann v. Richardson, 397 U.S. 759, 771, 90 S.Ct. 1441, 25 L.Ed.2d
763 (1970), fn. 14; State v. Stout, 4th Dist. Gallia No. 07CA5, 2008–Ohio–1366, ¶ 21. To
establish constitutionally ineffective assistance of counsel, a criminal defendant must show (1)
that his counsel's performance was deficient and (2) that the deficient performance prejudiced the
defense and deprived him of a fair trial. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687, 104 S.Ct.
Lawrence App. No. 15CA1 12
2052, 80 L.Ed.2d 674 (1984); State v. Issa, 93 Ohio St.3d 49, 67, 752 N.E.2d 904 (2001); State
v. Goff, 82 Ohio St.3d 123, 139, 694 N.E.2d 916 (1998).
{¶ 24} In addition, in Xie, 62 Ohio St.3d at 524, 584 N.E.2d 715, the Ohio Supreme
Court states:
The Strickland test was applied to guilty pleas in Hill v. Lockhart (1985), 474
U.S. 52, 106 S.Ct. 366, 88 L.Ed.2d 203. “First, the defendant must show that
counsel's performance was deficient.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687, 104 S.Ct. at
2064, 80 L.Ed.2d at 693; Hill, 474 U.S. at 57, 106 S.Ct. at 369, 88 L.Ed.2d at 209.
Second, “the defendant must show that there is a reasonable probability that, but
for counsel's errors, he would not have pleaded guilty * * *.” Hill, 474 U.S. at 59,
106 S.Ct. at 370, 88 L.Ed.2d at 210; see Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687, 104 S.Ct. at
2064, 80 L.Ed.2d at 693.
{¶ 25} “When considering whether trial counsel's representation amounts to deficient
performance, ‘a court must indulge a strong presumption that counsel's conduct falls within the
wide range of reasonable professional assistance.’ ” State v. Walters, 4th Dist. Washington Nos.
13CA33, 13CA36, 2014–Ohio–4966, ¶ 23, quoting Strickland at 689. “Thus, ‘the defendant
must overcome the presumption that, under the circumstances, the challenged action might be
considered sound trial strategy.’ ” Id., quoting Strickland at 689. “ ‘A properly licensed attorney
is presumed to execute his duties in an ethical and competent manner.’ ” Id., quoting State v.
Taylor, 4th Dist. Washington No. 07CA1, 2008–Ohio–482, ¶ 10. “Therefore, a defendant bears
the burden to show ineffectiveness by demonstrating that counsel's errors were so serious that he
or she failed to function as the counsel guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment.” Id.Lawrence App. No. 15CA1 13
{¶ 26} Before we analyze the second assignment of error using the Strickland test, we
must address a different issue. Here, Hampton attaches his affidavit and an affidavit of his
paramour, Gayle Yates, to his appellate brief. These affidavits basically set forth that Gayle
Yates and her family were being threatened with letters during the prosecution of Hampton. The
letters state, “Tell Ed to plead guilty or it won’t be good”; “If Ed don’t plead guilty he will see
what happens”; and “Ed better plead guilty or will will burn your alls place down and his
family”. However, these matters were not part of the trial record.
{¶ 27} This court held in State v. Ables, 4th Dist. Pickaway No. 11CA22, 2012-Ohio-
3377, ¶ 11, that Crim.R. 32.1 is the improper vehicle for an ineffective-assistance-of-counsel
claim when it relies upon matters outside the record. This court stated:
“Matters outside the record that allegedly corrupted the defendant's choice to
enter a plea of guilty or no contest so as to render the plea less than knowing and
voluntary are proper grounds for an R.C. 2953.21 petition for post-conviction
relief. In 1996, the General Assembly limited the number of such petitions to but
one, which must be filed within 180 days after the time for appeal has expired,
absent certain narrow showings that R.C. 2953.23(A) requires. Since then,
grounds formerly presented in support of petitions for post-conviction relief are
now more frequently employed to support Crim.R. 32.1 motions, which are not
subject to similar limitations. Nevertheless, the availability of R.C. 2953.21 relief
on those same grounds removes them from the form of extraordinary
circumstance demonstrating a manifest injustice which is required for Crim.R.
32.1 relief.”
Id. at ¶ 11, quoting State v. Moore, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 24378, 2011–Ohio–4546, ¶ 14.
Lawrence App. No. 15CA1 14
{¶ 28} In the case sub judice, Hampton’s ineffective-assistance-of-counsel claim relies
upon the matters discussed in his affidavit, his paramour’s affidavit, and the letters. These
matters, however, are absent from the record on appeal. Therefore, Hampton’s ineffective
assistance of counsel claim relies upon evidence outside the record. According to precedent, a
petition for post-conviction relief would have been the proper vehicle for Hampton to raise this
argument. See State v. Whitaker, 4th Dist. Scioto No. 10CA3349, 2011–Ohio–6923, ¶ 11. With
respect to Hampton’s claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, a Crim.R. 32.1 motion is not the
proper vehicle for relief. Accordingly, the trial court did not abuse its discretion by denying
Hampton's motion. We overrule his second assignment of error.
IV. Conclusion
{¶ 29} Having overruled both of Hampton’s assignments of error for the reasons stated
above, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED.
Lawrence App. No. 15CA1 15
JUDGMENT ENTRY
It is ordered that the JUDGMENT IS AFFIRMED. Appellant shall pay the costs herein
taxed.
The Court finds that reasonable grounds for this appeal existed.
It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this Court directing the Lawrence County
Court of Common Pleas to carry this judgment into execution.
IF A STAY OF EXECUTION OF SENTENCE AND RELEASE UPON BAIL HAS
BEEN PREVIOUSLY GRANTED BY THE TRIAL COURT OR THIS COURT, it is
temporarily continued for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days upon the bail previously posted.
The purpose of a continued stay is to allow appellant to file with the Supreme Court of Ohio an
application for a stay during the pendency of proceedings in that court. If a stay is continued by
this entry, it will terminate at the earlier of the expiration of the sixty (60) day period, or the
failure of the Appellant to file a notice of appeal with the Supreme Court of Ohio in the forty-
five (45) day appeal period pursuant to Rule II, Sec. 2 of the Rules of Practice of the Supreme
Court of Ohio. Additionally, if the Supreme Court of Ohio dismisses the appeal prior to the
expiration of sixty (60) days, the stay will terminate as of the date of such dismissal.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of the
Rules of Appellate Procedure.
Harsha, J.: Concurs in Judgment and Opinion.
McFarland, A.J.: Concurs in Judgment Only.
For the Court
By:
Marie Hoover
Presiding Judge
NOTICE TO COUNSEL
Pursuant to Local Rule No. 14, this document constitutes a final judgment entry and the
time period for further appeal commences from the date of filing with the clerk.