State of Tennessee v. Joel Keener ( 2006 )

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OF TENNESSEE
AT NASHVILLE
Assigned on Briefs May 16, 2006
STATE OF TENNESSEE v. JOEL KEENER
Direct Appeal from the Circuit Court for Warren County
No. F-9282 Larry B. Stanley, Jr., Judge
No. M2005-01923-CCA-R3-CD - Filed July 13, 2006
The Defendant, Joel Keener, was convicted of facilitation of the manufacture of methamphetamine,
and the trial court sentenced him, as a Range II offender, to eight years in prison. On appeal, the
Defendant contends: (1) that the evidence is insufficient to sustain his conviction; and (2) that the
trial court erred when it sentenced him. Finding that there exists no reversible error, we affirm the
judgment of the trial court.
Tenn. R. App. P. 3 Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Circuit Court Affirmed
ROBERT W. WEDEMEYER , J., delivered the opinion of the court, in which DAVID H. WELLES and
NORMA MCGEE OGLE, JJ., joined.
Phillip T. Clemons, McMinnville, Tennessee, for the appellant, Joel Keener.
Paul G. Summers, Attorney General and Reporter; Jennifer L. Bledsoe, Assistant Attorney General;
Dale Potter, District Attorney General; Larry Bryant, Assistant District Attorney General, for the
appellee, State of Tennessee.
OPINION
I. Facts
This case arises from evidence discovered as a result of the execution of a search warrant for
the search of a home located in Warren County. As a result of the execution of this search warrant,
the Defendant was indicted on charges that he manufactured methamphetamine, possessed drug
paraphernalia, and was a felon in the unlawful possession of a weapon. At the Defendant’s trial on
these charges, the following evidence was presented: Tony Jenkins, a detective with the
McMinnville Police Department, testified that, on October 25, 2002, he and another detective, Mike
Vann, went to 115 Morningside Drive to get the contents of the trash can. He said that he and
Detective Vann took the contents to another location to search for mail and discarded items used in
the manufacture of methamphetamine. Detective Jenkins agreed that, based on what they found and
other observations made at this address, he obtained a search warrant for the address on October 28,
2002.
Detective Jenkins testified that he participated in the execution of the search warrant on
October 29, 2002. When they got to the house a woman named Deana Tate, who lived in the home,
answered the door. The detective entered the home and saw the Defendant moving around under
the bedcovers. Detective Jenkins ordered the Defendant to show his hands, but the Defendant would
not show his hands. The detective pulled the bedcovers off of the Defendant and took him into
custody.
On cross-examination, the detective agreed that he did not recall finding any tubing or coffee
filters at the house. He also did not find any Ephedrine or Pseudoephedrine pills. The detective was
unsure whether several other items that he was asked about were found in the home, and he agreed
that some of these items were common items to be found around a methamphetamine laboratory.
The detective said that he did not find any bills or receipts from chemical companies or any unused
baggies. The detective conceded that he did not find any methamphetamine residue, large quantities
of cash, or any cutting agents. Detective Jenkins also conceded that he did not know whether the
Defendant was at the house on the night that the detective searched the trash. The detective had,
however, seen the Defendant at this residence once or twice prior to the date that the search warrant
was executed. Detective Jenkins did not find anything in the trash can listing the Defendant’s name.
Detective Jenkins said that he found a handgun in the same room as the Defendant, but it was
not on the Defendant’s person. He said that he did not fingerprint the handgun to see if the
Defendant had ever handled the gun. Therefore, he agreed that he could not say for sure whether the
Defendant touched the gun. The detective agreed that Deana Marie Tate claimed that the handgun
belonged to her deceased ex-husband, and he said that the gun was located between the wall and the
bed, which was within the Defendant’s reach.
The detective said that he found no consumable or marketable methamphetamine at the
residence. He testified that no methamphetamine could have been produced from what he found at
the residence when he executed the search warrant. Detective Jenkins did find red phosphorus in
the Defendant’s pant’s pocket. The detective said that he arrested the Defendant, and he agreed that
he was “up close” with the Defendant. He testified that he did not see any sores on the Defendant’s
hands, but he did see iodine stains on them. The detective agreed that he did not recall finding any
drug paraphernalia, pipes, rolling papers, or needles on the Defendant. Detective Jenkins testified
that there was no proof that the red phosphorus in the Defendant’s possession was processed at the
house where the search warrant was executed. Further, the detective agreed that there was not an
odor of “fresh cooked methamphetamine” at the house, but his eyes and throat did burn while he was
at the home as if methamphetamine had been cooked there in the last few days.
On redirect examination, Detective Jenkins testified that of the sixty to seventy
methamphetamine labs that he has discovered while in law enforcement he found large sums of
money at only two of them. Further, he said that, based on his training and experience, the substance
found in the Defendant’s pocket was red phosphorus and that red phosphorus is one of the
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ingredients used to manufacture methamphetamine. Detective Jenkins testified that he thought that
methamphetamine had been manufactured in the residence somewhere between October 25th and
29th, before the search warrant was executed.
Mike Vann, a detective with the McMinnville Police Department, testified as an expert in
the area of investigation of clandestine methamphetamine laboratories that he was involved in the
investigation of this case. He said that he assisted Detective Jenkins in a “trash pull” on October 25,
2002, to look for evidence of illegal drug activity. In the trash, the detective found empty chemical
containers, old filters, and other items that led him to believe that something illegal was occurring
in the house. Detective Vann said that, based on the evidence found in the trash, Detective Jenkins
obtained, and they both executed, a search warrant of the home. The detective said that when he
investigates methamphetamine laboratories he looks for ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, iodine or
iodine crystals, and red phosphorus. The detective said that obtaining the red phosphorus from
matchbooks is labor intensive, but it is a key ingredient in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Detective Vann listed multiple other ingredients used in the manufacture of methamphetamine and
said that he does not always find all of these at every methamphetamine laboratory that he discovers.
He said that, sometimes, they arrive after the methamphetamine has been produced so you only find
some, and not all, of the necessary ingredients.
The detective identified multiple pictures of the home, including one that depicted a handgun
that was found underneath the bed lying against the wall. He agreed that this gun was found
underneath the bed in the bedroom where the Defendant was when they executed the search warrant.
Detective Vann indicated that the Defendant could have leaned over the side of the bed and been
able to reach the gun. Also in that room, the detective found a jar wrapped in tape that contained
iodine crystals, a “true laboratory flask,” a set of scales, a propane torch, two baggies, a small plastic
white translucent looking container, a blister pack that is commonly used to package cold medicines,
and a propane camp stove. The detective said that all of these items were significant in that they
could be used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Detective Vann testified about the items that he found in the trash on October 29, 2002, the
day the search warrant was executed. He said that he found what he would consider “meth trash,”
which included empty blister packs of over-the-counter cold medicine, charcoal lighter fluid, empty
containers, Heet gas treatment, which contains methyl alcohol that is used to separate the pills, and
several filters. Additionally, he found an HCL generator, which is commonly used in the
manufacture of methamphetamine. In a city trash can, the detective found coffee filters that
contained red phosphorus, coke bottles that had been cut off as if to be used as funnels, an empty box
of Sudafed, and tubing. Detective Vann also found a glass tube similar to those used commonly to
ingest methamphetamine. The detective also identified a photograph depicting the iodine stains on
the Defendant’s hands. He said that, commonly, he looks for iodine stains on a person’s hands that
he suspects of manufacturing methamphetamine.
On cross-examination, the detective agreed that he did not see the Defendant on October 25,
2002, the day that they did the “trash pull,” and he did not find any evidence that day that would link
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the Defendant to a methamphetamine laboratory. Detective Vann testified that on the day that he
executed the search warrant he did not find any matches, lye, or brake cleaner, and he did not find
any ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, acid, tubing, or aluminum foil inside the home. He also did not
find evidence that the Defendant processed the red phosphorus that was in his possession. The
detective conceded that methamphetamine could not be made from iodine crystals, red phosphorous,
and Coleman fuel alone. Detective Vann testified that he did not take fingerprints from the glass
flasks or the handgun found in the room with the Defendant. The detective testified that he did not
find any methamphetamine at the house, and he agreed that there was nothing wrong with owning
some of the items that he found in the house. The detective agreed that the trash can did not have
a lock on it and that it was possible that someone else put the trash in the trash can. He agreed that
a person would have to have lye in order to produce methamphetamine. Detective Vann testified
that he noticed the odor of methamphetamine when he entered the house, but the odor was not
strong. He agreed that he also did not find any cutting agents, large amounts of cash, or any records
or ledger books relating to the illegal distribution of methamphetamine.
Jason Rowland, an investigator employed with the District Attorney’s Office and the Drug
Task Force, testified that he participated in the execution of this search warrant. Shortly after the
warrant was executed, he and another detective went back to Rowland’s office to interview the
Defendant. Rowland said that he read the Defendant his rights, and the Defendant waived those
rights. Rowland then identified a videotaped interview with the Defendant, and it was played for
the jury.
In the interview, much of which was unintelligible, the Defendant said that he had stayed at
the home that was searched “off and on” for two or three months and that he and Tate sometimes
dated. The Defendant said that he tried to keep the home clean and so he had cleaned out mason jars
and picked up coffee filters, but he did not know how they had been used. He said that he knew the
ingredients for cooking methamphetamine, but he did not know that anyone was cooking it in the
house. The Defendant said that he did not know that there was anything in his pockets and that
someone must have planted this evidence on him. He said that he had bought iodine for a person
three or four weeks ago, but he refused to say whom he bought the iodine for because that person
had traded the iodine for drugs. The Defendant denied knowing that there was a gun in the room in
which he was found, saying that he had just pulled back the covers and gone to sleep in the room but
had never looked around. He denied that the stains on his hands were from iodine and explained that
he thought they were grease stains from working on Tate’s car. The Defendant then admitted that,
one time, a man named “Charles” came to the house and cooked methamphetamine, and he thought
that maybe it was two or three days ago. He admitted that he went to Target and other stores near
Murfreesboro to purchase chemicals that were needed for the cooking process. He said that he did
not stay in the room when “they” cooked methamphetamine and that “they” brought him some
methamphetamine after “they” finished cooking.
On cross-examination, Rowland said that it was not illegal to purchase iodine, matches, or
cold pills. He said that the Defendant told him that he took a “quarter,” presumably of a gram, of
methamphetamine per week, and Rowland agreed that a quarter is a small amount.
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The parties stipulated that the Defendant had a prior felony drug conviction.
Deana Marie Tate testified that she lived at the house that was searched by police, and she
had picked up the Defendant at his mother’s house during the evening prior to the search. Tate said
that, at the time, the Defendant lived with his mother and not with her. She said that he stayed at her
house approximately four or five nights per week at the most, and she had known him for about one
month. Tate said that the Defendant was a “real druggy” at this time and that he smoked a lot of pot.
She said that when she went to get the Defendant he was “groggy,” and as soon as they got to her
house he went to sleep. Tate said that she left the house and did not return until somewhere between
11:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. She checked on the Defendant, and he was still asleep. Tate testified that
she did not tell the Defendant that there was a methamphetamine laboratory in her home, and there
was not an agreement between the Defendant and her to manufacture methamphetamine. Tate said
that the Defendant never bought pills or iodine, but Tate did, and the Defendant had no idea what
was happening. Tate testified that she “guess[ed]” that the two guns that were at the house belonged
to her. Tate identified the photograph previously entered of some iodine stains on hands. She said
that the hands depicted in that photograph were hers and that she had iodine stains and burns on her
hands.
On cross-examination, Tate testified that, at the time of this incident, she was using
methamphetamine fairly heavily. She indicated that, therefore, her memory of this particular time
was incomplete. Tate said that she put the gun underneath the bed in the room where the Defendant
was sleeping after her husband was killed. She testified that the last time that she manufactured
methamphetamine in her home was approximately two weeks prior to the search. She agreed that
she would make some of the methamphetamine at her house and then take it somewhere else to
finish the cooking process.
On redirect examination, Tate agreed that she pled guilty to owning all of the items found
by police. She said that everything in the house was hers and not the Defendant’s. Further, the
Defendant never helped her make methamphetamine.
Based upon this evidence, the Defendant was convicted for the facilitation of the manufacture
of methamphetamine, a Class D felony. At a subsequently held sentencing hearing the following
evidence was presented: The State told the trial court that it filed a notice that the Defendant was a
Range II offender based upon two previous convictions. It then asserted that the Defendant had two
other convictions and that he was on probation when this incident occurred. Donna Dunlap, with
the Department of Correction Probation and Parole, testified that she was assigned to prepare a pre-
sentence investigation in this case. She said that the Defendant’s prior record showed that he pled
guilty in March of 2002 for the manufacture of methamphetamine and was sentenced to five years
probation after serving 180 days. Dunlap testified that the Defendant did not successfully complete
probation, and she said that he may still be serving the violation of probation time at the time of the
sentencing hearing.
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Additionally, Dunlap testified that in December of 2001 the Defendant was convicted for
marijuana possession and was sentenced to probation. Dunlap thought that the Defendant had
violated the terms of that probation. In May of 2001, the Defendant was convicted of burglary, and
he was sentenced as a Range II Offender. In February of 2000, the Defendant was convicted of
attempt to manufacture methamphetamine, received a sentence of two years probation, and violated
that probation. Further, Dunlap testified that the Defendant was convicted of possession of a weapon
with the intent to go armed in February of 1998. She also discussed some other convictions and
sentences that the Defendant had received between 1986 and 1997. Upon questioning by the trial
court, Dunlap said that the Defendant was on probation at the time that he committed the crime for
which he was being sentenced in this case.
The Defendant testified that, while in jail, he has participated in a drug rehabilitation
program, and he completed a fourteen-week program that is highly recommended by the probation
and parole officers. He seemed to indicate that he has been recommended by correctional officials
to go to a lower security annex of the prison facility. The Defendant admitted that he had a drug
problem in the past but said that he had learned his lesson. On cross-examination, the Defendant
was unsure of whether he was on probation at the time of this offense. The Defendant agreed that
he had been convicted of five felonies, including the felony conviction in this case, and he had
various other misdemeanor convictions. The Defendant agreed that he violated the terms of one of
his probated sentences because he failed a drug screen.
Based upon this evidence, the trial court sentenced the Defendant to eight years in the
Department of Correction.
II. Analysis
On appeal, the Defendant contends that: (1) the evidence is insufficient to sustain his
conviction; and (2) the trial court erred when it sentenced him.
A. Sufficiency of the Evidence
The Defendant contends that the evidence is insufficient to support his conviction for the
facilitation of the manufacture of methamphetamine because the evidence did not prove that he knew
that the owner of the residence was engaged in the manufacture of methamphetamine and because
the evidence did not prove that he knowingly furnished substantial assistance in the commission of
a felony. The State counters that the evidence presented clearly supports the conviction. When an
accused challenges the sufficiency of the evidence, this Court’s standard of review is whether, after
considering the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, any rational trier of fact could have
found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Tenn. R. App. P. 13(e); State
v. Goodwin, 143 S.W.3d 771, 775 (Tenn. 2004) (citing State v. Reid, 91 S.W.3d 247, 276 (Tenn.
2002)). This rule applies to findings of guilt based upon direct evidence, circumstantial evidence,
or a combination of both direct and circumstantial evidence. State v. Pendergrass,13 S.W.3d 389,
392-93 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1999).
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In determining the sufficiency of the evidence, this Court should not re-weigh or re-evaluate
the evidence. State v. Matthews, 805 S.W.2d 776, 779 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1990). Nor may this
Court substitute its inferences for those drawn by the trier of fact from the evidence. State v. Buggs,
995 S.W.2d 102, 105 (Tenn. 1999); Liakas v. State, 286 S.W.2d 856, 859 (Tenn. 1956). Questions
concerning the credibility of the witnesses, the weight and value of the evidence, and all factual
issues raised by the evidence are resolved by the trier of fact. Liakas, 286 S.W.2d at 859. “A guilty
verdict by the jury, approved by the trial judge, accredits the testimony of the witnesses for the State
and resolves all conflicts in favor of the theory of the State.” State v. Grace, 493 S.W.2d 474, 476
(Tenn. 1973). Our Supreme Court stated the rationale for this rule:
This well-settled rule rests on a sound foundation. The trial judge and the jury see
the witnesses face to face, hear their testimony and observe their demeanor on the
stand. Thus the trial judge and jury are the primary instrumentality of justice to
determine the weight and credibility to be given to the testimony of witnesses. In the
trial forum alone is there human atmosphere and the totality of the evidence cannot
be reproduced with a written record in this Court.
Bolin v. State, 405 S.W.2d 768, 771 (1966) (citing Caroll v. State, 370 S.W.2d 523 (1963)). This
Court must afford the State of Tennessee the strongest legitimate view of the evidence contained in
the record, as well as all reasonable inferences which may be drawn from the evidence. Goodwin,
143 S.W.3d at 775 (citing State v. Smith, 24 S.W.3d 274, 279 (Tenn. 2000)). Because a verdict of
guilt against a defendant removes the presumption of innocence and raises a presumption of guilt,
the convicted criminal defendant bears the burden of showing that the evidence was legally
insufficient to sustain a guilty verdict. Id.; see State v. Carruthers, 35 S.W.3d 516, 557-58 (Tenn.
2000). However, before an accused can be convicted of a criminal offense based on circumstantial
evidence alone, the facts and circumstances “‘must be so strong and cogent as to exclude every other
reasonable hypothesis save the guilt of the defendant . . . .’” Id. (quoting State v. Crawford, 470
S.W.2d 610, 612 (Tenn. 1971)). “In other words, a web of guilt must be woven around the defendant
from which he cannot escape and from which facts and circumstances the jury could draw no other
reasonable inference save the guilt of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt.” Id. (citing
Crawford, 470 S.W.2d at 613).
The Defendant was convicted of the facilitation of the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Facilitation occurs when a person, “knowing that another intends to commit a specific felony, but
without the intent required for criminal responsibility under § 39-11-402(2), . . . knowingly furnishes
substantial assistance in the commission of the felony.” Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-11-403(a) (2003).
Here, the felony involved is the manufacture of a controlled Schedule II substance,
methamphetamine. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-417(a)(1) (2003) (making it an offense for a
defendant to manufacture a controlled substance); Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-408(d)(2) (2003)
(defining methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, and salts of its isomers as a Schedule II substance).
“‘Manufacture’ means the production, preparation, propagation, compounding, conversion or
processing of a controlled substance, either directly or indirectly by extractions from substances of
natural origin, or independently by means of chemical synthesis . . . .” Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-
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402(15) (2003 & Supp. 2005).
The evidence in this case, viewed in the light most favorable to the State, proves that the
Defendant had been staying with Tate, who he sometimes dated, off and on for approximately two
or three months. The Defendant was at the home prior to the execution of the search warrant. When
detectives executed a search warrant, the smell of methamphetamine was present. The Defendant
was found in one of the bedrooms in the home, and he had baggies of red phosphorous, a cooking
agent, in his pant’s pocket, and iodine stains on his hands. In the room with the Defendant were
multiple items that are used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. In other areas of the house
the detectives found multiple other items frequently used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
The Defendant admitted that, one time, a man named “Charles” came to the house and cooked
methamphetamine, and he thought that maybe it was two or three days prior to the execution of the
search warrant. The Defendant went to Target and other stores near Murfreesboro to purchase
chemicals that were needed for the cooking process, but he said that he did not stay in the room when
they cooked methamphetamine. From this evidence, we conclude that any rational trier of fact could
have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Defendant specifically asserts that the evidence did not prove that he knew that the
owner of the residence was engaged in the manufacture of methamphetamine or that he knowingly
furnished substantial assistance in the commission of a felony. However, by the Defendant’s own
admission “Charles” cooked methamphetamine in the home a few days prior to the execution of the
search warrant, and the Defendant purchased chemicals to assist in the cooking process. The
Defendant is not entitled to relief on this issue.
B. Sentencing
The Defendant contends that the trial court erred when it sentenced him to the upper limits
of the applicable sentencing range. In essence, he asserts that confinement is not necessary to protect
society and is not the least severe measure that could have been imposed. He asks this Court to
reduce his sentence to the minimum for a Range II offender. The State counters that the record
supports the trial court’s decision. When it sentenced the Defendant, the trial court found:
[The Defendant] was convicted of Class D felony, facilitation, manufacturing
methamphetamine. He is a Range II Offender. That sentence range is four to eight
years.
In considering the enhancement factors, there’s really only one at this time
that we can consider,1 which is prior criminal activity, prior criminal convictions.
1
W e note that, at the time, the case of State v. Gomez, 163 S.W .3d 632 (Tenn. 2005), had not yet been
issued, and trial courts were applying enhancement factors in accordance with Blakely v. W ashington, 542 U.S. 296(2004), a case that seemed to indicate that the only properly applied enhancement factors other than a history of prior
convictions were those admitted by the Defendant or found by a jury to be applicable.
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....
But [the Defendant’s] criminal record is extensive. It’s just atrocious. It goes
on for pages, and I think he’s got, as [the Prosecutor] said, five felony convictions
now, much more than is necessary to establish the range.
....
So the court is increasing the sentence from the minimum, the range, to eight
years. I really don’t know that any have been filed, and I don’t find any mitigating
factors in this particular case. . . .
This . . . offense was committed while [the Defendant] was on probation for
another felony, for the . . . conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. And
therefore this sentence should run consecutive to that . . . particular case.
When a defendant challenges the length and manner of service of a sentence, it is the duty
of this court to conduct a de novo review on the record with a presumption that “the determinations
made by the court from which the appeal is taken are correct.” Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-401(d)
(2003). This presumption 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. Ross,
49 S.W.3d 833, 847 (Tenn. 2001) (quoting State v. Pettus, 986 S.W.2d 540, 543 (Tenn. 1999)); see
also State v. Ashby, 823 S.W.2d 166, 169 (Tenn. 1991). The presumption does not apply to the legal
conclusions reached by the trial court in sentencing a defendant or to the determinations made by the
trial court that are predicated upon uncontroverted facts. State v. Dean, 76 S.W.3d 352, 377 (Tenn.
Crim. App. 2001); State v. Butler, 900 S.W.2d 305, 311 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1994); State v. Smith,
891 S.W.2d 922, 929 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1994).
In conducting a de novo review of a sentence, we must consider: (a) any evidence received
at the trial and/or sentencing hearing; (b) the pre-sentence report; (c) the principles of sentencing;
(d) the arguments of counsel relative to sentencing alternatives; (e) the nature and characteristics of
the offense; (f) any mitigating or enhancement factors; (g) any statements made by the defendant on
his or her own behalf; and (h) the defendant’s potential or lack of potential for rehabilitation or
treatment. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-210 (2003); State v. Taylor, 63 S.W.3d 400, 411 (Tenn. Crim.
App. 2001). The party challenging a sentence imposed by the trial court has the burden of
establishing that the sentence is erroneous. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-401, Sentencing Comm’n
Cmts. So long as the sentencing court followed the appropriate statutory procedure and imposed a
lawful sentence after giving due consideration and proper weight to the factors and principles under
law, and so long as the sentencing court’s findings of facts are adequately supported by the record,
then this Court may not modify the sentence, even if it actually prefers a different result. Goodwin,
143 S.W.3d at 783 (citing State v. Pike, 978 S.W.2d 904, 926-27 (Tenn. 1998))
Because our review of the record in this case reveals that the trial court considered the
sentencing principles and all relevant facts and circumstances, the aforementioned “presumption of
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correctness” is applicable. At the time of the Defendant’s sentencing hearing, March 9, 2005, the
law mandated that in the absence of enhancement and mitigating factors the presumptive length of
a sentence for a Class D felony such as the facilitation of the manufacture of methamphetamine was
the minimum sentence in the statutory range. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-210(c) (2003).2 Where one
or more enhancement factors applied but no mitigating factors existed the trial court could sentence
above the presumptive sentence but still within the range. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-210(d). Where
both enhancement and mitigating factors applied, the trial court was required to start at the minimum
sentence, enhance the sentence within the range as appropriate to the enhancement factors, and then
reduce the sentence within the range as appropriate to the mitigating factors. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-
35-210(e). The weight afforded an enhancement or mitigating factors is left to the discretion of the
trial court so long as the trial court complies with the purposes and principles of the Tennessee
Criminal Sentencing Reform Act of 1989 and its findings are supported by the record. State v.
Hayes, 899 S.W.2d 175, 185 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1995).
The trial court in the case under submission found that the Defendant was a Range II
offender, and the Defendant was convicted of a Class D felony. As such, the Defendant’s applicable
sentencing range was four to eight years. The trial court found applicable enhancement factor
number two, which allows the trial court to adjust a defendant’s sentence if, “The defendant has a
previous history of criminal convictions or criminal behavior in addition to those necessary to
establish the appropriate range . . . .” Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-114(2)3 (2003). The trial court gave
this enhancement factor great weight when it sentenced the Defendant. The evidence at the
sentencing hearing proved that the Defendant had been convicted of three previous felonies, other
than those necessary to establish his range, including manufacturing methamphetamine, burglary,
and attempt to manufacture methamphetamine. Additionally, the proof showed that the Defendant
had multiple misdemeanor convictions, involving other drug convictions and weapons offenses. We
conclude that the Defendant has not met his burden of showing that the evidence preponderates
against the trial court’s sentencing him to eight years based solely upon this enhancement factor.
As further support for our holding, we note that, when the trial court ordered that the
Defendant’s sentence run consecutively to his sentence from a previous conviction, the trial court
found, “ This . . . offense was committed while [the Defendant] was on probation for another felony
. . . .” This is another applicable enhancement factor pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated section
40-35-114(13) (2003 & Supp. 2005). The trial court implied that, pursuant to Blakely v.
Washington, 542 U.S. 296 (2004), it could not properly apply this enhancement factor. The
Tennessee Supreme Court has held that Blakely does not apply to Tennessee’s sentencing scheme
because “the Tennessee Criminal Sentencing Reform Act does not authorize a sentencing procedure
2
W e note that, effective June 7, 2005, this statute was amended, and the portion of the statute that mandated
that the presumptive sentence was the minimum in the range was changed. The newly enacted statute mandated that a
trial “court shall impose a sentence within the range of punishment determined . . . .” Tenn. Code Ann. 40-35-210 (2003
& Supp. 2005).
3
W e note that, effective June 7, 2005, this enhancement factor is now enumerated in a different section,
namely Tennessee Code Annotated section 40-35-114(1) (2003 & Supp. 2005).
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which violated the Sixth Amendment right to jury trial.” State v. Gomez, 163 S.W.3d 632, 651 n.16
(Tenn. 2005). As such, the trial court could have properly applied this enhancement factor.
Accordingly, the Defendant is not entitled to relief on this issue.
III. Conclusion
In accordance with the foregoing authorities and reasoning, the judgment of the trial court
is affirmed.
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ROBERT W. WEDEMEYER, JUDGE
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