Com. v. Fulton, O. ( 2019 )

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NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
PENNSYLVANIA
v.
OMAR FULTON,
Appellant No. 3000 EDA 2017
Appeal from the PCRA Order August 17, 2017
in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County
Criminal Division at No(s): CP-51-CR-0005711-2011
BEFORE: PANELLA, Pa, KUNSELMAN, J., and MUSMANNO, J.
MEMORANDUM BY MUSMANNO, J.: FILED JULY 22, 2019
Omar Fulton ("Fulton") appeals from the Order dismissing his Petition
for relief filed pursuant to the Post Conviction Relief Act ("PCRA"). See 42
Pa.C.S.A. §§ 9541-9546. We affirm.
On April 4, 2011, Fulton, along with another individual, knocked on the
door of Leroy Buchanan ("Buchanan"). Against his friend's advice, Buchanan
invited them inside. Fulton and the second man entered the home, and Fulton
then called to a third man, who was outside of the house. The third man
rushed into the home and shoved Buchanan onto a couch. Fulton pulled out
a black handgun, placed it to Buchanan's head, and asked where Buchanan
kept his money. Buchanan did not answer. Fulton then forced Buchanan
through the kitchen and down into the basement, shutting the basement door,
while the other two men stole $350.00 from Buchanan's drawer upstairs.
Thereafter, all three men fled the scene.
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Buchanan identified Fulton to the police, and Fulton was subsequently
arrested. A jury found Fulton guilty of burglary, robbery, and conspiracy to
commit robbery. See 18 Pa.C.S.A §§ 3502(a), 3701(a)(1)(ii), 903. On May
2, 2012, the trial court sentenced Fulton to an aggregate term of 7 to 30 years
in prison. This Court affirmed Fulton's judgment of sentence on May 8, 2013,
and, on October 10, 2013, our Supreme Court denied his Petition for allowance
of appeal. Commonwealth v. Fulton, 81 A.3d 992 (Pa. Super. 2013)
(unpublished memorandum), appeal denied, 77 A.3d 636 (Pa. 2013).
On October 21, 2013, Fulton, pro se, filed the instant PCRA Petition.
The PCRA court appointed Fulton counsel, who filed an Amended Petition on
his behalf. The PCRA court conducted an evidentiary hearing on August 17,
2017, after which the court dismissed Fulton's Petition. Fulton filed a timely
Notice of Appeal and a court -ordered Pa.R.A.P. 1925(b) Concise Statement of
errors complained of on appeal.
On appeal, Fulton raises the following claim for our review: "Whether
the court erred in not granting relief on the PCRA [Petition] alleging counsel
was ineffective[?]" Brief for Appellant at 8.1
1 In its Opinion, the PCRA court stated that the issues Fulton raised in his
Concise Statement were not adequately defined, "forcing the [c]ourt [] to
guess at the specific issues that [Fulton] wishes to raise." See PCRA Court
Opinion, 9/13/18, at 3-4. However, because the PCRA court was able to
discern Fulton's arguments, and addressed them in its Opinion, we decline to
deem Fulton's claims waived on this basis.
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Fulton challenges the effectiveness of his counsel ("Counsel"), who
represented Fulton during trial and on direct appeal, and raises six separate
arguments for our review. The applicable standards of review regarding the
denial of a PCRA petition and ineffectiveness claims are as follows:
Our standard of review of a PCRA court's denial of a petition
for post[ -]conviction relief is well -settled: We must examine
whether the record supports the PCRA court's determination, and
whether the PCRA court's determination is free of legal error. The
PCRA court's findings will not be disturbed unless there is no
support for the findings in the certified record.
***
It is well established that counsel is presumed to have
provided effective representation unless the PCRA petition pleads
and proves all of the following: (1) the underlying legal claim is of
arguable merit; (2) counsel's action or inaction lacked any
objectively reasonable basis designed to effectuate his client's
interest; and (3) prejudice, to the effect that there was a
reasonable probability of a different outcome if not for counsel's
error. The PCRA court may deny an ineffectiveness claim if the
petitioner's evidence fails to meet a single one of these prongs.
Moreover, a PCRA petitioner bears the burden of demonstrating
counsel's ineffectiveness.
Commonwealth v. Franklin, 990 A.2d 795, 797 (Pa. Super. 2010) (citations
omitted).
In his first argument, Fulton asserts that Counsel was ineffective for
failing to properly and timely advise him of a plea offer. Brief for Appellant at
17. Fulton asserts that he had no knowledge of an offer until the day of trial.
Id. Fulton claims that he did not have time to consider the decision, because
the information was not relayed in a timely manner. Id.-3
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In order to be entitled to relief on a claim that trial counsel failed to
communicate a plea offer, a petitioner must plead and prove that "(1) an offer
for a plea was made; (2) trial counsel failed to inform him of such offer; (3)
trial counsel had no reasonable basis for failing to inform him of the plea offer;
and (4) he was prejudiced thereby." Commonwealth v. Chazin, 873 A.2d
732, 735 (Pa. Super. 2005) (citation omitted).
During the PCRA hearing, Counsel testified that he was the second
attorney to represent Fulton, and Fulton had previously rejected a plea offer
of four to ten years in prison through prior counsel. See N.T., 8/17/17, at 17-
18. Counsel testified that he and Fulton, months before trial, discussed the
original plea offer, and that Fulton adamantly refused the deal. See id.Counsel testified that on the day of jury selection, the offer of four to ten years
was reinstated during a colloquy, and Fulton again refused. See id. at 18.
Fulton's adoptive parent, Shaun Drummond ("Drummond"), testified
that Fulton's prior counsel had sought his help to speak to Fulton about the
original plea offer. See id. at 52-53. According to Drummond, he and Fulton
spoke about the plea offer while at home. See id. He also testified that Fulton
knowingly rejected the original plea offer, because he wanted a one to two-
year sentence in prison with probation. See id. at 53.
Fulton testified that Counsel did not relay the existence of a plea offer
to him. See id. at 55. He stated that he knew only of the original offer from
his prior counsel, which he declined in favor of a lesser sentence. See id.;
see also id. at 62-63, 64-65 (wherein Fulton testified that he believed he
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would be offered a deal for two to five years). Fulton testified that although
he and Counsel met prior to the trial, no discussion about a plea offer occurred.
See id. According to Fulton, the first time he was advised of a plea offer was
the day of trial. See id. Fulton further testified that his mental health issues
inhibited his ability to address his confusion regarding the plea offer with the
trial court, either during the colloquy or at sentencing. See id. at 68-70.
The PCRA court considered Fulton's claim, and determined that Fulton
was properly informed of the plea offer with ample time to consider the offer,
both by himself and with his family. See PCRA Court Opinion, 9/13/18, at 7.
The PCRA court also stated that Fulton's own witness, Drummond,
contradicted Fulton's testimony. See id. By rejecting the plea deal in the
hope of receiving a lesser sentence, it is apparent that Fulton recognized the
existence of a plea offer and the act of denying it. See id. Further, the PCRA
court specifically found Counsel's testimony credible and found Fulton's
testimony not credible. See id. The PCRA court's findings are supported by
the record. See Franklin, supra. Accordingly, Fulton has failed to establish
that his underlying claim is of arguable merit, and he is not entitled to relief
on this claim.
In his second argument, Fulton challenges Counsel's effectiveness for
failing to file a motion to suppress a statement he made during his arrest.
Brief for Appellant at 18. While in custody, but before he had been read his
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Miranda2 rights, Fulton asked why he was being arrested and spontaneously
exclaimed, "[i]t doesn't matter, you're never going to find my gun anyways."
Brief for Appellant at 18. Fulton claims his statement was not knowingly,
voluntarily and intelligently given. Id. at 19. Fulton also argues that he was
prejudiced by Counsel's failure to file a motion to suppress this statement. Id.
In order to be entitled to relief on a claim that trial counsel
failed to suppress a statement, a petitioner must be informed of
his or her Miranda rights prior to custodial interrogation by police.
Moreover, the protective provisions of Miranda prohibit the
continued interrogation of an interviewee in police custody once
he or she has invoked the rights to remain silent and/or to consult
with an attorney. Interrogation means police questioning or
conduct calculated to, expected to, or likely to evoke an
admission. Where an interviewee elects to give an inculpatory
statement without police interrogation, however, the statement is
volunteered and not subject to suppression, notwithstanding the
prior invocation of rights under Miranda. Interrogation occurs
when the police should know that their words or actions are
reasonably likely to elicit an incriminating response, and the
circumstances must reflect a measure of compulsion above and
beyond that inherent in custody itself.
In determining whether an individual was in custody, a court
must examine all of the circumstances surrounding the
interrogation, but the ultimate inquiry is simply whether there was
a formal arrest or restraint on freedom of movement of the degree
associated with a formal arrest. The initial determination of
custody depends on the objective circumstances of the
interrogation, not on the subjective views of the law enforcement
officer or the person being questioned. The fact that an
[a]ppellant was the focus of the investigation is a relevant factor
in determining whether he was in custody, but does not require,
per se, Miranda warnings.
2 Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966).
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Commonwealth v. Bess, 789 A.2d 757, 762-63 (Pa. Super. 2002) (citations,
brackets, ellipses, and quotation marks omitted).
During the PCRA hearing, Counsel testified that he did not file a motion
to suppress because "it was a spontaneous statement. It was not made in
response to any kind of custodial interrogation. I felt it had no merit
whatsoever." N.T., 8/17/17, at 19.
The PCRA court stated in its Opinion that Counsel's testimony was
supported by the trial testimony of the police officer, who heard Fulton make
the statement. See PCRA Court Opinion, 9/13/18, at 13. The PCRA court
concluded that Counsel had a reasonable basis for failing to file a motion to
suppress. See id. Because the record supports the PCRA court's
determination, Fulton is not entitled to relief on this claim. See Franklin,
supra.In his third argument, Fulton challenges Counsel's effectiveness for
failing to interview and present several witnesses at trial. Brief for Appellant
at 19. He contends that each witness was ready and able to provide testimony
in his defense. Id. Fulton asserts that Counsel never contacted the witnesses,
and that failing to interview or call them at trial resulted in prejudice to Fulton.
Id. at 19-21.
When raising a claim of ineffectiveness for the failure to call
a potential witness, a petitioner satisfies the performance and
prejudice requirements of the [ineffectiveness] test by
establishing that: (1) the witness existed; (2) the witness was
available to testify for the defense; (3) counsel knew of, or should
have known of, the existence of the witness; (4) the witness was
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willing to testify for the defense; and (5) the absence of the
testimony of the witness was so prejudicial as to have denied the
defendant a fair trial. To demonstrate [] prejudice, a petitioner
must show how the uncalled witnesses' testimony would have
been beneficial under the circumstances of the case. Thus,
counsel will not be found ineffective for failing to call a witness
unless the petitioner can show that the witness's testimony would
have been helpful to the defense. A failure to call a witness is not
per se ineffective assistance of counsel[,] for such decision usually
involves matters of trial strategy.
Commonwealth v. Sneed, 45 A.3d 1096, 1108-09 (Pa. 2012) (citations and
quotation marks omitted).
Fulton failed to adequately develop this argument in his appellate brief.
See Pa.R.A.P 2119(a) (providing that the argument shall include "such
discussion and citation of authorities as are deemed pertinent."); see also
Commonwealth v. McMullen, 745 A.2d 683, 689 (Pa. Super. 2000) (stating
that "[w]hen the appellant fails to adequately develop his argument,
meaningful appellate review is not possible." (citation omitted)). Fulton does
not identify any of the witnesses he believes Counsel should have contacted,
interviewed, or presented at trial, nor does he develop any argument
concerning any of the five elements required for success on such a claim. See
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Sneed, supra. Accordingly, this claim is waived.3
In his fourth argument, Fulton challenges Counsel's effectiveness for
failing to file a post -trial motion alleging that the verdict was against the
weight of the evidence. Brief for Appellant at 20. Fulton identifies many
contradictory and inconsistent statements made by Buchanan. Id. at 21-25.
Fulton further asserts that no physical evidence was discovered, and
Buchanan's testimony was unreliable. Id. at 23. Fulton claims that he was
prejudiced by trial counsel's failure because it resulted in a waiver of his right
to appeal this issue. Id.
In order to successfully challenge the weight of evidence, a petitioner
would have to establish that the evidence supporting his conviction was "so
tenuous, vague, and uncertain that the verdict shocks the conscience of the
court." Commonwealth v. Smith, 146 A.3d 257, 265 (Pa. Super. 2016)
(citations omitted). "One of the least assailable reasons for granting or
denying a new trial is the lower court's conviction that the verdict was or was
not against the weight of evidence...." Commonwealth v. Clay, 64 A.3d
3 Even if we could consider the merits of Fulton's claim, we would still affirm
based on the reasoning set forth by the PCRA court in its Opinion. See PCRA
Court Opinion, 9/13/18, at 8-11. Specifically, the PCRA court concluded that
(1) Counsel acted on reasonable basis for failing to call two witnesses (i.e.,
Drummond and Fulton's parole officer), and (2) Fulton did not provide Counsel
with contact information for the other two witnesses (i.e., Nina Taylor, Fulton's
girlfriend, and "Donna," a tenant in Buchanan's home) each of whom were
apparently unwilling to testify, as evidenced by their failure to appear at the
hearing despite being subpoenaed. See id.-9
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1049, 1055 (Pa. 2013). Moreover, "[t]he weight of the evidence is exclusively
for the finder of fact[,] who is free to believe all, none, or some of the evidence
and to determine the credibility of the witnesses." Commonwealth v.
Talbert, 129 A.3d 536, 545 (Pa. Super. 2015) (citation omitted).
During the PCRA hearing, Counsel testified that he did not file a post -
trial motion because he had no evidence that would outweigh the evidence of
the Commonwealth. See N.T., 8/17/17, at 20-21 Counsel testified that he
had attempted to undermine Buchanan's credibility at trial, but the jury,
nevertheless, found in the Commonwealth's favor. See id. at 20.
From the jury's verdict, it is evident that the jury credited Buchanan's
trial testimony, and we may not disturb this finding on appeal. See Talbert,
supra. Furthermore, the PCRA court carefully reviewed Fulton's claims and
concluded that it would not have granted a post -trial motion challenging the
weight of the evidence. See PCRA Court Opinion, 9/13/18, at 14. Therefore,
we cannot conclude that Counsel was ineffective for failing to preserve a
challenge to the weight of the evidence. See Commonwealth v. Jones, 912
A.2d 268, 278 (Pa. 2006) (stating that [c]ounsel will not be deemed ineffective
for failing to raise a meritless claim.").
In his fifth argument, Fulton claims Counsel was ineffective for failing to
file a motion to reconsider his sentence. Brief for Appellant at 25. Fulton
contends that his sentence ignores his rehabilitative needs by overlooking the
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fact that he suffers from mental health issues, and has a daughter who
depends on him. Id.Fulton fails to adequately develop this claim for review, or to include
any citation to relevant legal authority in support of his assertion. See
Pa.R.A.P. 2119(a). Accordingly, this claim is waived. See Commonwealth
v. Samuel, 102 A.3d 1001, 1005 (Pa. Super. 2014) (concluding that appellant
waived his by failing to adequately develop his argument or provide citation
to and discussion of relevant authority).
In Fulton's sixth argument, he contends that his Counsel was ineffective
in representation by failing to present two issues on direct appeal. Brief for
Appellant at 25.
Fulton's nearly incomprehensible argument fails to adequately develop
an argument or discussion of these claims, and fails to cite any relevant case
law concerning these issues. See Pa.R.A.P. 2119(a). Accordingly, these
arguments are waived. See Samuel, supra; see also Commonwealth v.
Tchirkow, 160 A.3d 798, 804 (Pa. Super. 2017) (stating that "[t]his Court
will not act as counsel and will not develop arguments on behalf of an
appellant.") (citation and quotation marks omitted).4
4 We additionally note that even if we could consider the merits of Fulton's
claim, he would not be entitled to relief for the reasons set forth by the PCRA
court in its Opinion. See PCRA Court Opinion, 9/13/18, at 16-18.
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Based upon the foregoing, we conclude that the PCRA court did not err
in dismissing Fulton's Petition. We therefore affirm the PCRA court's Order.
Order affirmed.
Judgment Entered.
J seph D. Seletyn,
Prothonotary
Date: 7/22/19
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