State v. Houston ( 1998 )

FILED
IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OF TENNESSEE
AT KNOXVILLE
June 18, 1998
MARCH 1998 SESSION
Cecil Crowson, Jr.
Appellate C ourt Clerk
STATE OF TENNESSEE, )
) C.C.A. NO. 03C01-9706-CR-00221
Appellee, )
) GREENE COUNTY
VS. )
) HON. JAMES E. BECKNER,
RAYMOND W. HOUSTON, ) JUDGE
)
Appellant. ) (Driving While Under the Influence
) and Failure to Yield)
FOR THE APPELLANT: FOR THE APPELLEE:
WILLIAM H. BELL JOHN KNOX WALKUP
114 South Main St. Attorney General & Reporter
Greeneville, TN 37743
JANIS L. TURNER
Counsel for the State
425 Fifth Ave., North
Cordell Hull Bldg., Second Fl.
Nashville, TN 37243-0493
C. BERKELEY BELL
District Attorney General
CECIL C. MILLS, JR.
Asst. District Attorney General
P.O. Box 1876
Greeneville, TN 37744
OPINION FILED:____________________
AFFIRMED
JOHN H. PEAY,
Judge
OPINION
The defendant was convicted of driving while under the influence, second
offense, and of failure to yield. The trial court sentenced him to eleven months, twenty-
nine days with a seventy-five percent release eligibility for the driving while under the
influence and thirty days for the failure to yield. In this appeal as of right, the defendant
argues that the evidence was insufficient to support his convictions and that his sentence
is excessive. He also challenges rulings made by the trial court with regard to witness
testimony. After a review of the record and applicable law, we find no merit to the
defendant’s arguments and, therefore, affirm the judgment of the court below.
On December 5, 1995, the defendant was involved in a two car accident in
Greene County. Kevin Fincher, the driver of the second car, testified that he had been
driving toward Johnson City on Highway 11 East between the hours of six and seven in
the evening. The road is a four-laned highway with the two sides being separated by a
grassy median with paved cut-throughs. Fincher was traveling in the inner lane when he
saw the defendant’s truck cross the median and pull onto the highway without stopping
to check for oncoming traffic. Fincher testified that he heard a crash and then his car
started to spin. When the car stopped, Fincher checked on the well-being of his mother
and grandmother who were riding in the car with him. He testified that both women’s
injuries had not appeared life threatening so he left the car to check on the defendant.
Ultimately, the women spent about three days in the hospital.
Fincher testified that as he had reached the defendant’s truck, the
defendant had shouted in a slurred speech, “Get me out.” Fincher further stated that he
had smelled beer and that the defendant and the car had “reeked of it.”
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Jakie Christy, a patrol officer with Greene County Sheriff’s Department,
testified that he had been the first officer to arrive at the accident. He said he had seen
six or seven beer cans in the floorboard of the defendant’s car. He also observed an
open beer can between the defendant’s legs. Ivan Williamson, a trooper with the
Tennessee Highway Patrol, testified that he too had seen beer cans in the defendant’s
car. He said he had not asked the defendant to perform any field sobriety tests because
the defendant appeared to have been injured in the accident and was being transported
to a nearby hospital. Williamson testified that he had gone to the hospital and had asked
the defendant to consent to a blood alcohol test but that the defendant refused. In fact,
the defendant refused to have any blood withdrawn for any reason. The defendant was
released from the hospital and was arrested eight days later.
Jeff Craft, a patrolman with the Greeneville Police, was at the hospital when
the defendant arrived. Craft testified that the defendant had bloodshot eyes and had an
odor of alcohol. He also testified that the defendant had said he had one beer and had
just opened the second when the accident occurred. The defendant also told Craft that
he had been at the dentist’s office earlier that day and was afraid the blood alcohol test
might be affected by the nitrous oxide he had received at the dentist. On cross-
examination, Craft stated that the defendant’s eyes appeared to be bloodshot on that day
in court as well.
The defendant called John Tyree, a member of the emergency medical
personnel team, to testify about the accident. Tyree testified that the defendant had not
exhibited the classic signs of intoxication when he examined him at the scene of the
accident. He further testified that the defendant was “semi-oriented” and appeared to be
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suffering from “impact syndrome.” Tyree stated that he had not seen or smelled any beer
but that his only priority had been getting the defendant out of the truck. He also testified
that he had had no training to determine whether a person is intoxicated.
Allyson Carpenter, a private investigator hired by the defendant, testified
that she had taken pictures of the highway where the accident occurred. These photos
were taken approximately ten months after the accident. In the photos is a caution sign
warning motorists to slow down to 35 mph because of an upcoming intersection. The
defendant called no other witnesses but did introduce his dentist bill and his hospital
report as exhibits.
The defendant now argues that the verdict is not supported by sufficient
evidence. A defendant challenging the sufficiency of the proof has the burden of
illustrating to this Court why the evidence is insufficient to support the verdict returned by
the trier of fact in his or her case. This Court will not disturb a verdict of guilt for lack of
sufficient evidence unless the facts contained in the record and any inferences which
may be drawn from the facts are insufficient, as a matter of law, for a rational trier of fact
to find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Tuggle, 639 S.W.2d
913, 914 (Tenn. 1982).
When an accused challenges the sufficiency of the convicting evidence, we
must review the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution in determining
whether “any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime
beyond a reasonable doubt.” Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319, 99 S.Ct. 2781, 61
L.Ed.2d 560 (1979). We do not reweigh or re-evaluate the evidence and are required to
afford the State the strongest legitimate view of the proof contained in the record as well
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as all reasonable and legitimate inferences which may be drawn therefrom. State v.
Cabbage, 571 S.W.2d 832, 835 (Tenn. 1978).
Questions concerning the credibility of witnesses, the weight and value to
be given to the evidence, as well as factual issues raised by the evidence are resolved
by the trier of fact, not this Court. Cabbage, 571 S.W.2d 832, 835. A guilty verdict
rendered by the jury and approved by the trial judge accredits the testimony of the
witnesses for the State, and a presumption of guilt replaces the presumption of
innocence. State v. Grace, 493 S.W.2d 474, 476 (Tenn. 1973).
The defendant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence relating to both
his convictions. As to his conviction for driving while under the influence, he points to the
lack of a field sobriety test, the lack of a video of the accident scene, and the fact that he
was not arrested at the scene of the accident as support for his argument. He argues
that Trooper Williamson stated at an earlier hearing that the defendant “wasn’t what you
say intoxicated.” At trial, however, Trooper Williamson explained that because the
defendant had been somewhat injured by the accident, he could not determine how
intoxicated the defendant had been. He further testified that he had determined that the
defendant had been operating his car while under the influence of an intoxicant based
“on the accident and based on the investigation on the details and based on [the
defendant’s] acknowledgment he had consumed alcohol and based on evidence . . .
found at the scene.” Testimony was presented that the defendant had smelled of
alcohol, that empty and full beers were found in his car, and that the defendant had an
open can of beer between his legs.
We find this evidence to be entirely sufficient to support the defendant’s
5
conviction for driving while under the influence. We also note that the defendant’s refusal
to take the blood alcohol test is probative on the issue of guilt. State v. Morgan, 692
S.W.2d 428, 430 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1985). Therefore, we find no merit to the defendant’s
sufficiency challenge of this conviction.
Likewise, we find the evidence sufficient to convict the defendant of failure
to yield. The defendant clearly failed to yield the right-of-way to the traffic already flowing
on the highway. He pulled directly into the path of oncoming traffic causing his car to
strike another. This issue is also lacking in merit.
The defendant next argues that the trial court erred when it refused to allow
defense counsel to question Jamie Fincher, mother of Kevin Fincher, about the speed
limit at a particular place on the highway. The defendant was seeking to show that Kevin
Fincher had been speeding prior to the accident. First, evidence is considered relevant
if it has "any tendency to make the existence of any fact that is of consequence to the
determination of the action more probable or less probable than it would be without the
evidence." Tenn. R. Evid. 401. Second, the scope of cross-examination is largely within
the trial court's discretion and that discretion will not be disturbed absent a finding of
abuse. State v. Lewis, 803 S.W.2d 260, 262 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1990). Thus, we have
no trouble concluding that the trial court did not err when it refused to allow defense
counsel to engage in the questioning outlined above. The questioning had no tendency
to make any fact of consequence to the defendant’s case more or less probable. It was
completely irrelevant to the proceeding and, therefore, we find no abuse of discretion on
behalf of the trial court. Whether or not Kevin Fincher, the victim, had been speeding is
irrelevant to determining whether the defendant was driving while under the influence.
This issue is without merit.
6
The defendant next argues that Kevin Fincher “apparently lied a number
of times under oath.” He complains that Fincher was not truthful when he said he did not
have a financial interest in the outcome of the defendant’s case. To support his
argument, the defendant points to two letters, attached as exhibits to his brief, that
concern Fincher’s insurance coverage. These letters in no way bring Fincher’s credibility
into question. The jury heard and saw Fincher and believed his testimony. Such a
determination is solely within the province of the jury. State v. Bigbee, 885 S.W.2d 797,
804 (Tenn. 1994). We further point out that the defendant failed to litigate this issue at
trial. He made no effort to introduce these letters at trial, rather, he just attached them
to his appellate brief. Because this issue was not considered at trial, it cannot be properly
considered on appeal. See State v. Lunati, 665 S.W.2d 739, 749 (Tenn. Crim. App.
1983).
As the defendant’s final issue, he contends that his sentence is excessive.
He argues that the trial court erred when it considered his criminal convictions dating
back twenty-five years. When a defendant complains of his or her sentence, we must
conduct a de novo review with a presumption of correctness. T.C.A. § 40-35-401(d).
The burden of showing that the sentence is improper is upon the appealing party. T.C.A.
§ 40-35-401(d) Sentencing Commission Comments. This presumption, however, “is
conditioned upon the affirmative showing in the record that the trial court considered the
sentencing principles and all relevant facts and circumstances.” State v. Ashby, 823
S.W.2d 166, 169 (Tenn. 1991).
Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-35-103 sets out sentencing
considerations which are guidelines for determining whether or not a defendant should
be incarcerated. These include the need “to protect society by restraining a defendant
7
who has a long history of criminal conduct,” the need “to avoid depreciating the
seriousness of the offense,” the determination that “confinement is particularly suited to
provide an effective deterrence to others likely to commit similar offenses,” or the
determination that “measures less restrictive than confinement have frequently or recently
been applied unsuccessfully to the defendant.” T.C.A. § 40-35-103(1).
In determining the specific sentence and the possible combination of
sentencing alternatives, the court shall consider the following: (1) any evidence from the
trial and sentencing hearing, (2) the presentence report, (3) the principles of sentencing
and the arguments concerning sentencing alternatives, (4) the nature and characteristics
of the offense, (5) information offered by the State or the defendant concerning
enhancing and mitigating factors as found in T.C.A. §§ 40-35-113 and -114, and (6) the
defendant’s statements in his or her own behalf concerning sentencing. T.C.A.
§ 40-35-210(b).
The defendant complains that the trial court erred when it sentenced him
to serve his sentence at seventy-five percent. Generally, sentencing for misdemeanors
ranges between zero and seventy-five percent. T.C.A. § 40-35-302(d). In order to
determine what percentage a DUI offender should receive, the court must consider
enhancement and mitigating factors as well as legislative purposes and principles related
to sentencing. State v. Dockery, 917 S.W.2d 258, 261 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1995). We also
note that in misdemeanor sentencing, unlike felony, the defendant is not entitled to the
presumptive minimum sentence. State v. Creasy, 885 S.W.2d 829, 832 (Tenn. Crim.
App. 1994).
In sentencing the defendant to seventy-five percent, the trial court relied on
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three enhancement factors from T.C.A. § 40-35-114.1 As the first factor, the court relied
on the defendant’s history of criminal behavior and convictions. T.C.A. § 40-35-114(1).
The defendant argues that the trial court relied on convictions more than twenty years old
as well as criminal cases in which there was no formal disposition. From our review of
the record, the defendant did have a lengthy criminal history. As the trial judge noted,
“[Q]uite frankly, if there had been some old convictions that hadn’t been linked up until
the present time by similar offenses I would pretty much agree with [the defendant] that
they wouldn’t be of a great deal weight, but when there’s pretty much a chain that links
all the way back from ‘71 to the present date of similar offenses it makes a big difference.
It does make it all highly relevant for consideration in sentencing.” The record certainly
supports the trial judge’s conclusions. We find no error in the application of
enhancement factor number one.
The trial court also applied enhancement factor eight, that the defendant
had a previous history of unwillingness to comply with the requirements of a sentence
involving release in the community. This factor was applied because the trial court found
that during times when the defendant was serving a suspended sentence, he was
convicted on other charges. Again, we find no error in the application of this factor.
The last factor applied by the trial court was factor sixteen, that the crime
was committed under circumstances in which the potential for bodily injury to a victim was
great. The defendant argues this factor should not have been applied because it was not
shown that he was driving in an “extremely reckless” manner. In general, factor sixteen
may be used as an enhancement factor in DUI cases. See Dockery, 917 S.W.2d at 263.
1
The trial court originally announced it would also apply enhancement factor six, that the
personal injuries inflicted upon or the amount of damage to property sustained by the victim was
particularly great. T.C.A. § 40-35-114(6). However, on reconsideration, the trial court determined that
that factor should not be applied. Therefore, we see no reason to discuss the defendant’s argument that
factor six was erroneously applied.
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In this case, the defendant drove his car across a highway median and into the path of
oncoming traffic. He was under the influence at the time and had been drinking in his car
immediately prior to the accident. These circumstances certainly created a situation
where the potential for bodily harm was great. See State v. Joseph L. Fletcher, No.
03C01-9606-CC-00229, Greene County (Tenn. Crim. App. filed July 9, 1997, at
Knoxville)(applying factor sixteen to intoxicated defendant who rear-ended a vehicle at
a stop light); State v. Kenneth L. Warren, No. 01CO1-9605-CC-00218, Williamson
County (Tenn. Crim. App. filed May 21, 1997, at Nashville)(applying factor sixteen to
intoxicated defendant driving on busy highway).
Based on the above enhancement factors, the trial court determined that
the defendant’s release eligibility should be set at seventy-five percent. He denied any
probation because “of the prior record, the prior violation, the history of alcohol abuse,
the history of drug abuse, the deterrence consideration, the particular circumstances of
this offense, involving reckless driving, open beer in the car, personal injuries and
property damage.”
Our review of the record entirely supports the sentence ordered by the trial
court. We find a seventy-five percent release eligibility date appropriate, and thus find
no merit to the defendant’s argument that the sentence is excessive.
For the foregoing reasons, we affirm the judgment of the court below.
JOHN H. PEAY, Judge
CONCUR:
1 0
______________________________
PAUL G. SUMMERS, Judge
______________________________
CORNELIA A. CLARK, Special Judge
1 1