State Of Washington v. Michael E. Rowland & Mazzar G. Robinson ( 2018 )

Filed
Washington State
Court of Appeals
Division Two
September 25, 2018
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
DIVISION II
STATE OF WASHINGTON, No. 49444-2-II
Consolidated with No. 49530-9-II
Respondent,
v.
MICHAEL EUGENE ROWLAND, UNPUBLISHED OPINION
Appellant.
STATE OF WASHINGTON,
Respondent,
v.
MAZZAR GERALD ROBINSON,
Appellant.
PENOYAR, J.* — A jury convicted Mazzar Robinson and Michael Rowland of one count
each of first degree felony murder, first degree burglary, and first degree attempted robbery.
*
Judge Joel M. Penoyar is serving as a judge pro tempore of the Court of Appeals pursuant to
CAR 21(c).
Consol. Nos. 49444-2-II / 49530-9-II
Robinson was also convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit first degree murder and
unlawful possession of a firearm.
Robinson and Rowland argue that (1) the trial court violated their right to a public trial
when it failed to memorialize numerous off-record sidebars and (2) sufficient evidence does not
support their convictions for first degree attempted robbery. In addition, Robinson argues that (3)
his attempted robbery conviction violates double jeopardy and should be merged into his first
degree felony murder conviction and (4) the trial court erred when it sentenced him as a persistent
offender because the trial court improperly considered a facially invalid plea to a prior most serious
offense. And Rowland argues that (5) he received ineffective assistance of counsel when his
attorney withdrew a request for an “unarmed accomplice”1 affirmative defense instruction to first
degree murder. Rowland and Robinson also (6) submit extensive statements of additional grounds
(SAGs).2
We hold that (1) the trial court did not violate Robinson’s and Rowland’s public trial right,
(2) sufficient evidence supports their attempted robbery convictions, (3) Robinson’s attempted
robbery conviction violates double jeopardy, (4) the trial court did not err when it sentenced
Robinson as a persistent offender, and (5) Rowland’s counsel provided effective assistance. In
1
Under RCW 9A.32.030(1)(c), it is a defense to first degree felony murder if a participant “(i)
[d]id not commit the homicidal act or in any way solicit, request, command, importune, cause, or
aid the commission thereof; and (ii) [w]as not armed with a deadly weapon, or any instrument,
article, or substance readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury; and (iii) [h]ad no
reasonable grounds to believe that any other participant was armed with such a weapon,
instrument, article, or substance; and (iv) [h]ad no reasonable grounds to believe that any other
participant intended to engage in conduct likely to result in death or serious physical injury.”
2
RAP 10.10.
2
Consol. Nos. 49444-2-II / 49530-9-II
addition, we (6) reject Robinson’s and Rowland’s SAG claims as lacking merit, relying on matters
outside the record, or too vague to address. We remand for the trial court to vacate Robinson’s
attempted robbery conviction but affirm all other convictions.
FACTS
I. BACKGROUND FACTS
On November 12, 2012, a home intruder entered an apartment occupied by Juan Hidalgo
Mendoza and Jaime Diaz-Solis. The intruder shot Diaz-Solis, who died at the scene.
After an investigation, law enforcement believed that William Alvarez Calo had planned
to kill and steal from two men who acted as drug wholesalers for a Mexican cartel: Hidalgo
Mendoza and Alberto Mendoza “Yeto” Ortega.3 Law enforcement believed that Calo directed co-
defendants Robinson and Rowland, along with Robert Smith, Jiffary Mendez, Ray Turner, and
Fidel “Vinnie” Gaytan-Gutierrez, to break into Hidalgo Mendoza’s apartment and steal drugs and
money. Law enforcement believed that Robinson had shot Diaz-Solis, Hidalgo Mendoza’s
roommate, while breaking into the apartment.
The State charged Robinson and Rowland with one count each of first degree felony
murder of Diaz-Solis (RCW 9A.32.030), conspiracy to commit first degree murder (RCW
9A.28.040), first degree burglary (RCW 9A.52.020), and attempted first degree robbery from
Diaz-Solis (RCW 9A.28.020; RCW 9A.56.190, .200). In addition, the State charged Robinson
with unlawful possession of a firearm (former RCW 9.41.010(7) (2009); former RCW 9.41.040
(2011).
3
Alberto Mendoza Ortega was referred to throughout trial as “Yeto.” For clarity, we also refer to
him as Yeto.
3
Consol. Nos. 49444-2-II / 49530-9-II
II. ROWLAND’S ARREST AND TRANSPORT
Rowland was arrested in Oregon in October 2014 by local Oregon police and United States
Marshals. Rowland signed a form stating that he “freely and voluntarily agree[s] to accompany
any officer . . . to the State of Washington” and waived Oregon’s statutory extradition procedure.
Clerk’s Papers (CP) at 206.
On October 21, 2014, two police officers, Lakewood Police Department Detectives Jason
Catlett and Les Bunton took custody of Rowland and brought him across state lines to Washington.
During the drive, the detectives interviewed Rowland about his involvement in the events on
November 12, and Rowland criticized Calo’s plan, saying, “[W]e should have gone up in there
and yelled some shit like, police. Get down. And then the shit would have been so much easier.”
17 Verbatim Report of Proceedings (VRP) at 2246.
III. PRETRIAL MOTIONS
Rowland filed a motion to suppress and motion to dismiss. Rowland’s motion to suppress
argued that he did not waive his Miranda4 rights before the detectives interviewed him during the
drive from Oregon to Washington. After a hearing, the trial court denied this motion.
In his motion to dismiss, Rowland argued that the State violated his due process rights
when law enforcement allegedly failed to comply with Oregon’s extradition statutes providing
procedures for removal of arrestees to other states. The trial court denied the dismissal motion on
the basis that even if Rowland’s removal from Oregon did not follow statutory procedures,
4
Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 86 S. Ct. 1602, 16 L. Ed. 2d 694 (1966).
4
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violation of Oregon’s extradition procedures is not a due process violation. Consequently, the trial
court concluded that dismissal was not an appropriate remedy.
IV. TRIAL
Robinson’s and Rowland’s cases proceeded to a joint trial. The first trial resulted in a
mistrial as to all counts because the jury could not unanimously agree on verdicts. Before the
second trial, the parties agreed to adopt the pretrial rulings from the first trial. The second trial
began in June 2016.
A. STATE’S TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE
The State presented testimony from 22 witnesses. Numerous witnesses testified regarding
personal knowledge about the individuals involved in Calo’s plan and their actions on November
12, 2012.5 In addition, numerous first responders and law enforcement officials testified about the
emergency and investigative response immediately after the shooting. 6 And several expert
witnesses testified.7
The State’s witnesses testified consistent with the following.
5
These witnesses included Jiffary Mendez and Robert Smith, who participated in Calo’s plan;
Hidalgo Mendoza, Diaz-Solis’s roommate; Yeto; Calo’s associate Jacinto Uscanga Fernandez;
Calo’s roommate Jimmy Reyes; and Diaz-Solis’s neighbors, Malieafenoa Faamuli and Angela
Fiveash.
6
Law enforcement and emergency responder witnesses included City of Lakewood Police Officers
Michael Johnson, Ryan Moody, Jonathan Waller, Keith Czuleger, Bryan Johnson, and Noah Dier;
Detective Bunton; Detective Catlett; and West Pierce Fire and Rescue Emergency Medical
Services Captain David R. McGrady, who provided emergency response.
7
Expert witnesses included Pierce County Associate Medical Examiner John Matthew Lacy, who
performed Diaz-Solis’s autopsy; Verizon Wireless Senior Analyst Joseph Ninete, who testified
about cell phone records and cell-site location; and Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory
Forensic Scientist Brenda Walsh, who testified about firearms.
5
Consol. Nos. 49444-2-II / 49530-9-II
1. PARTICIPANTS’ ACTIVITIES BEFORE, DURING, AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE SHOOTING
Hidalgo Mendoza was a major wholesaler for a Mexican drug cartel and provided illegal
drugs to several drug dealers in Tacoma, including his roommate Diaz-Solis and his cousin Yeto.
In turn, Yeto had numerous people helping him to deal drugs, including Calo. And Calo had
several men working for him.
When Calo started stealing money from Yeto, Yeto fired him. Calo knew that Yeto had
two properties: a home in Tacoma and a “stash house” in Lakewood where he kept drugs and
money and where Yeto’s cousin Hidalgo Mendoza lived. Calo was angry about being fired, and
he started telling the people who worked for him that he wanted to kill Yeto and steal his drugs
and money.
On November 12, 2012, Calo met at a garage attached to his home with Robinson as well
as Mendez, Turner, Gaytan-Gutierrez, and Smith, to discuss a plan to steal Yeto’s drugs and money
from his two properties and kill Yeto. The plan was for the group to go to Yeto’s Tacoma home,
rob him, tie him up, and leave him at the house so that Calo and another man could enter and kill
Yeto. After leaving Yeto’s home, the group was supposed to go to Yeto’s Lakewood stash house
and rob the property and tie up anybody who was inside. After discussing the plan with the group,
Calo passed out firearms and gave one to Robinson.
As the group was leaving to execute the plan, Rowland arrived in his car. Rowland knew
from previous discussions that the group planned to commit a robbery, and Calo offered Rowland
money to participate. Rowland, Robinson, Mendez, Turner, Gaytan-Gutierrez, and Smith8 divided
8
These six men will be referred to collectively as the “participants.”
6
Consol. Nos. 49444-2-II / 49530-9-II
into two cars. Rowland agreed to drive Mendez and Gaytan-Gutierrez while Robinson drove
Turner and Smith.
As the participants headed towards Yeto’s Tacoma home, Calo called to change the plan
and sent the participants to the stash house to steal from that location first. Calo told them that
“there should be no one home, but if someone is there then somebody would tie them up.” 15
VRP at 2020.
The participants drove to Yeto’s stash house. On the way, Mendez and Gaytan-Gutierrez
explained the plan to Rowland, telling him that they were going to the stash house to take the drugs
and tie up anyone in the house for Calo to kill.
When the participants arrived at the apartment where the stash house was located, they got
out of their cars and put on gloves and masks. They also grabbed duct tape and zip ties from
Robinson’s car trunk. They crept along the shadows of the fence line to stay out of sight until they
arrived at the bushes outside the stash house, where they waited for approximately 10 minutes.
At the back of the stash house, Rowland was standing apart from the group serving as a
lookout. Gaytan-Gutierrez and Robinson were openly holding their guns, and Mendez was holding
his gun but then placed it in his waistband.
Gaytan-Gutierrez walked to the back porch, discovered that the sliding glass door was
unlocked, pushed the door open two inches, and then returned to the group and told them they
could just walk in. Then Robinson approached the sliding glass door, followed by the other
participants, with Rowland at the back of the line. Robinson, Gaytan-Gutierrez, and Mendez
entered the apartment, but Rowland did not.
7
Consol. Nos. 49444-2-II / 49530-9-II
As Robinson entered, he drew his gun. He saw Diaz-Solis inside and shot him. The group
fled. Rowland ran from the building back to his car, and Mendez and Gaytan-Gutierrez got into
Rowland’s vehicle. Robinson also ran back to his car but realized he lost his keys. He asked to
ride in Rowland’s car, but there was no room, and Rowland drove away.
Mendez called Robinson several times after fleeing the scene to offer Robinson a ride away
from the area near the shooting. Mendez identified in phone records the times that he called
Robinson after the shooting to offer a ride. When Mendez eventually spoke with Robinson,
Robinson said he had a ride from one of Calo’s employees, Uscanga Fernandez. Cell phone
records confirmed that Uscanga Fernandez and Robinson exchanged numerous phone calls in the
area of the shooting on the night of the shooting. Uscanga Fernandez also testified that upon Calo’s
request, he picked up two black men near the scene of the shooting on the night of the shooting,
including a man he believed was named “Trig,” which others testified was a nickname for
Robinson. 10 VRP at 1259.
The day after the shooting, Robinson arranged for his car to be towed away from where it
was parked near the stash house.
2. LAW ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATION
911 received a call reporting the shooting at 9:46 PM on November 12. When officers
arrived to the scene within minutes of the 911 call, they provided emergency care for Diaz-Solis
but pronounced him dead at the scene. Law enforcement secured the scene and investigated by
searching the area, taking photographs, and attempting to track the scent of potential intruders
using a K-9 officer.
8
Consol. Nos. 49444-2-II / 49530-9-II
Police found $38,000 cash that had been in the stash house and that Hidalgo Mendoza
moved to his car before law enforcement arrived at the scene. Months later, the police found drugs
in the apartment’s walls, including 14 kilograms of heroin and 2 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Lacy at the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office performed
Diaz-Solis’s autopsy and determined that Diaz-Solis’s death was a homicide by gunshot wound.
3. OTHER EVIDENCE
Photographs taken the night of the shooting depicted the exterior and interior of the
apartment complex where Diaz-Solis was shot, including pictures of the sliding glass door at the
back of the apartment. Law enforcement obtained Robinson’s cell phone records, which supported
that Robinson’s cell phone was in Lakewood at the time of the murder and reflected multiple calls
to other participants before and after the shooting.
B. ROBINSON’S TESTIMONY
Robinson testified on his own behalf, and his wife Lea Hayes also testified. Robinson
testified that he was not involved and did not participate in Calo’s plan to steal Yeto’s property
and then kill him. Calo asked Robinson to participate, but he refused. Robinson had loaned his
car to Smith on the day of the shooting, and Smith lost the car keys.
Robinson acknowledged that he was in the area near the shooting on the night it occurred,
but he was only there to look for his car. His phone calls to participants were to determine where
his car was. Robinson asked Hayes to come pick him up from the area and to help him search for
his car keys. Hayes testified and confirmed Robinson’s alibi.
9
Consol. Nos. 49444-2-II / 49530-9-II
C. ROWLAND’S DIRECT TESTIMONY
Rowland testified on his own behalf. On the night that Diaz-Solis was shot, Rowland was
at Calo’s garage for a few minutes but was not involved in “any type of planning.” 16 VRP at
2153. While at the garage, Rowland saw Mendez, Smith, Gaytan-Gutierrez, and Uscanga
Fernandez.
Mendez asked Rowland to give him and Gaytan-Gutierrez a ride, and Rowland agreed.
After the three got in the car, Mendez told Rowland to drive to Lakewood. Rowland did not know
where they were going specifically or why they were driving to Lakewood, and Mendez gave
Rowland directions on where to drive and park. Then another car, with people Rowland did not
recognize, parked next to him. Mendez and Gaytan-Gutierrez got out of the car and started walking
with the men from the other car. Rowland decided to follow them, not knowing what they were
doing or where they were going.
The group walked toward an apartment building, approaching it from the back. Rowland
thought they were going to a friend’s house, but then he noticed some of the men ducking down,
so he stopped and backed away from the group because he became suspicious. As the group
formed together behind the house, with Rowland standing separately, he believed he saw a gun in
a participant’s hand.
The men lined up to enter the apartment and began to go up the back porch steps, but
Rowland did not line up with them. Then Rowland heard a gunshot. Rowland fled from the scene
and met Mendez and Gaytan-Gutierrez at his car. Rowland drove them away from the scene.
Rowland told Mendez and Gaytan-Gutierrez that he was angry because he had no idea what was
10
Consol. Nos. 49444-2-II / 49530-9-II
going on, and both men said they thought Rowland knew the plan. Mendez wanted Rowland to
drive him back to the scene, but Rowland refused.
D. ROWLAND’S IMPEACHMENT AND STATE’S REBUTTAL
Before cross-examination, the State made a motion to question Rowland about his
statement to detectives during the drive from Oregon to Washington that “[w]e should have gone
up in there and yelled some shit like quote, Police. Get down, and then the shit would have been
so much easier.” 16 VRP at 2188. After argument by the parties, the trial court ruled that the
statements were admissible because they were relevant to whether Rowland had knowledge of the
plan to rob the stash house.
During cross-examination, Rowland admitted that he made the statement to Detectives
Catlett and Bunton, but he insisted he was joking. During rebuttal, Catlett testified that Rowland
was not joking when he made the statement.
E. SIDEBARS
Throughout trial, the court held numerous sidebars off the record. Six sidebars were
memorialized on the record the day after they occurred. Three sidebars were not memorialized in
the record.9
F. STATE’S CLOSING ARGUMENT
The State argued in closing that Robinson and Rowland participated in the plan to steal
from the stash house that was occupied by Diaz-Solis, and in the process, Robinson shot and killed
9
For the sake of brevity, relevant facts regarding each of the sidebars are contained as needed in
the analysis.
11
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Diaz-Solis. The State argued that the defendants could be convicted as accomplices for any of the
crimes except Robinson’s unlawful possession of a firearm charge.
The State asserted that cell phone records supported that Robinson was present at the crime
scene at the time the shooting took place. In addition, the State asserted that Rowland knew
another participant was armed with a gun during the break-in, that he saw multiple guns in the
garage before they left for the stash house, and that he acted as a lookout to aid the commission of
the robbery and burglary. The prosecutor also summarized Rowland’s testimony that he was
present during the crimes but did not have knowledge that the participants intended to commit
crimes. The State asserted that contrary to Rowland’s claims, Rowland knew that the participants
intended to commit an armed burglary and robbery.
G. JURY INSTRUCTIONS AND WITHDRAWAL OF ROWLAND’S AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE INSTRUCTION
Rowland’s counsel requested an instruction on an “unarmed accomplice” affirmative
defense to first degree murder, but at the conclusion of trial, Rowland’s defense counsel withdrew
his request for this instruction. Counsel stated that he “spent a lot of time looking at this and
deciding whether or not [he] could use it or if it was appropriate in this case, and [he] made the
decision to withdraw it.” 18 VRP at 2453. The instruction would have provided that it is a defense
to first degree felony murder if the jury finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant
(1) [d]id not commit the homicidal act or in any way solicit, request, command,
importune, cause, or aid the commission thereof; and
(2) Was not armed with a deadly weapon, or any instrument, article, or substance
readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury; and
(3) Had no reasonable grounds to believe that any other participant was armed with
such a weapon, instrument, article, or substance; and
(4) Had no reasonable grounds to believe that any other participant intended to
engage in conduct likely to result in death or serious physical injury.
CP at 231. The trial court did not give the instruction.
12
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The trial court instructed the jury regarding each of the charges and accomplice liability.
V. CONVICTIONS AND SENTENCING
The jury convicted Robinson on all counts. The jury convicted Rowland of all counts
except conspiracy to commit first degree murder.
A. ROWLAND’S SENTENCING
The sentencing court ordered Rowland to a low-end standard range sentence of 240 months
for the murder, plus a 60-month firearm enhancement for a total of 300 months. Rowland was
sentenced for only the first degree murder because the sentencing court concluded that the burglary
and robbery convictions should merge into the murder conviction and vacated the attempted
robbery and burglary convictions.
In rendering its decision to merge the attempted robbery and burglary convictions with the
murder, the sentencing court stated that the jury was not asked which crime was the predicate
offense for felony murder and “either or both could be the predicates and both merge.” 20 VRP
at 2620. The sentencing court declined to apply the burglary antimerger statute to prevent merger
of the murder and burglary convictions.
B. ROBINSON’S SENTENCING
Robinson had two prior most serious offense convictions, so his convictions for murder,
attempted robbery, burglary, and conspiracy each independently provided a third serious offense
and qualified him as a persistent offender.10 As a persistent offender, Robinson was sentenced to
10
Subject to some conditions, a persistent offender is an offender who is convicted of a most
serious offense and who previously was convicted as an offender of most serious offenses on at
least two separate occasions. Former RCW 9.94A.030(37) (2011).
13
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life without the possibility of parole on counts I (felony murder), II (conspiracy), III (burglary),
and IV (attempted robbery). He was sentenced to 116 months on count V (unlawful possession of
a firearm).
At sentencing, Robinson argued that a prior guilty plea to a most serious offense from 1998
was invalid and should not be considered by the sentencing court when sentencing Robinson. He
argued that it was not facially valid because the paragraph which notified him that he was pleading
to a strike offense was stricken by his counsel at the time he pleaded guilty, and his counsel was
ineffective for failing to inform him that he was pleading guilty to a most serious offense. The
State argued that because the judgment and sentence was facially valid, the sentencing court could
not overlook the prior guilty plea. And the State argued that if Robinson wanted to challenge the
prior plea, he needed to do so through other appropriate appellate processes, including a personal
restraint petition for the 1998 conviction. The sentencing court agreed with the State and held that
if Robinson received ineffective assistance regarding his 1998 guilty plea, the proper remedy was
to appeal the prior conviction.
Before ordering Robinson’s sentence, the sentencing court briefly addressed whether the
burglary and robbery should be merged into the murder conviction. The State argued that because
Robinson was to be sentenced as a persistent offender, “there is no reason to merge” because his
sentence was going to be life without the possibility of parole regardless of whether the burglary
and robbery counts merged. 20 VRP at 2600. Defense counsel agreed with the State that “[i]f Mr.
Robinson is a third strike offender then there’s no reason to argue any of the other issues that I’ve
raised” regarding merger. 20 VRP at 2601. The sentencing court found, consistent with the State’s
argument and defense counsel’s concession, that because Robinson was being sentenced as a
14
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persistent offender to life without the possibility of parole, there was no need to consider merging
the burglary and attempted robbery convictions with the murder conviction.
Both defendants filed timely appeals.
ANALYSIS
I. RIGHT TO A PUBLIC TRIAL
Robinson and Rowland11 argue that the trial court violated their right to a public trial when
the trial court failed to hold the three sidebar conferences on the record. The State argues that the
trial court conducted proper sidebar conferences and did not violate Rowland’s and Robinson’s
right to a public trial. We agree with the State.
A. PRINCIPLES OF LAW
Whether a trial court has violated the defendant’s public trial right is a question of law
reviewed de novo. State v. Smith, 181 Wn.2d 508, 513, 334 P.3d 1049 (2014). The right to a
public trial is guaranteed by article I, sections 10 and 22 of the Washington State Constitution and
Amendment VI of the United States Constitution. State v. Love, 183 Wn.2d 598, 605, 354 P.3d
841 (2015), cert. denied, 136 S. Ct. 1524 (2016). The public trial right facilitates fair and impartial
trials by reminding those involved about the importance of their roles and by holding them
accountable for misconduct. Love, 183 Wn.2d at 604-05.
However, “[t]he right to public trial is not absolute.” State v. Wise, 176 Wn.2d 1, 9, 288
P.3d 1113 (2012). “[W]hile openness is a hallmark of our judicial process, there are other rights
and considerations that must sometimes be served by limiting public access to a trial.” Wise, 176
11
Although Rowland does not explicitly raise this argument in his brief, Rowland adopts
Robinson’s arguments “[t]o the extent applicable.” Br. of Appellant (Rowland) at 15.
15
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Wn.2d at 9. To balance the public trial right and other competing rights and interests, the court
applies a three-step analysis: (1) whether the public trial right attaches to the proceeding at issue,
(2) whether the courtroom was closed, and (3) whether the closure was justified. Love, 183 Wn.2d
at 605. “The appellant carries the burden on the first two steps; the proponent of the closure carries
the third.” Love, 183 Wn.2d at 605.
Under the first step, the public trial right does not attach to sidebars that are limited in
content to traditional subject areas, held only to avoid disrupting the flow of trial, and conducted
on the record or promptly memorialized in the record. Smith, 181 Wn.2d at 516 n.10.
Second, if the defendant can prove that the sidebars implicated his public trial right, the
court must determine whether they amounted to a courtroom closure under the second prong.
Smith, 181 Wn.2d at 520. Closure occurs when “‘the courtroom is completely and purposefully
closed to spectators so that no one may enter and no one may leave’” or when “a portion of a trial
is held someplace ‘inaccessible’ to spectators, usually in chambers.” Love, 183 Wn.2d at 606(quoting State v. Lormor, 172 Wn.2d 85, 93, 257 P.3d 624 (2011)). Courts apply the “experience
and logic test to determine whether a closure occurred in the absence of an express closure on the
record.” Smith, 181 Wn.2d at 520.
Third, the trial court must apply the weighing test described in State v. Bone-Club, 128
Wn.2d 254, 258, 906 P.2d 325 (1995), before the proceeding may be closed to the public. Smith,
181 Wn.2d at 520. The record must show that the trial court effectively weighed the defendant’s
public trial right against other compelling interests. Smith, 181 Wn.2d at 520.
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B. OFF-RECORD SIDEBARS WERE PROPER
Robinson and Rowland appear to argue that their public trial right was violated by three
instances during which the trial court conducted sidebars off the record that were not later
memorialized on the record.12 The parties agree that under the first prong of the public trial right
analysis, the public trial right attaches to the three sidebars that were not memorialized. See Smith,
181 Wn.2d at 513, 516 n.10. In addition, it is undisputed that the trial court did not engage in a
Bone-Club analysis under the third prong. See Smith, 181 Wn.2d at 520.
Thus, whether Robinson’s and Rowland’s public trial right was violated hinges on the
second prong—whether the sidebars amounted to a “courtroom closure.” Love, 183 Wn.2d at 606;
Smith, 181 Wn.2d at 520. The State is correct that because the three off-record and
unmemorialized sidebars did not amount to courtroom closures, they did not violate Robinson’s
and Rowland’s public trial right.
1. VOIR DIRE SIDEBARS
The first two sidebars that Robinson and Rowland challenge occurred close together near
the end of voir dire. The record supports that the sidebars dealt with the logistics of allowing
counsel to make final jury selection decisions and exercise peremptory challenges. Because no
courtroom closure occurred, the sidebars were proper.
On the record, the trial court, defense counsel, and the State discussed the peremptory
challenge process and also discussed which jurors should be excused for cause based on
12
Robinson identified a fourth instance that he alleges was a sidebar that was not memorialized.
However, as the State asserts, this citation refers to a sidebar held in open court on the record after
the jury was excused. As such, the hearing did not implicate the defendants’ public trial right. See
Smith, 181 Wn.2d at 519, 516 n.10.
17
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questionnaire answers. After each attorney asked questions, the court informed the venire on the
record that it was “going to talk to the lawyers and then we’ll see where we’re at.” 3 VRP at 384.
The court stated that the jury could take a break and asked to see the counsel at sidebar.
The record reflects a pause in the proceedings during which the first sidebar at issue
occurred, and then the trial court stated,
Okay. Folks, what I’m going to ask you to do is, you can talk to each other but I’m
going to ask you to be seated so the lawyers can look at your numbers and see
who’s who. We’re going to go through the final phase of jury selection, which
involves really passing paper. We don’t call you up and,—we’ll tell you later
who’s seated where.
The military term is “at ease,” so you can talk to each other, but don’t talk
about the case. And it will be probably just a few more minutes as we go through
this.
3 VRP at 384-85 (emphasis added).
Next, the trial court addressed the jury regarding some historical information about
Washington courts and stated, “I think I need to talk to the lawyers, and so you all can talk . . . and
I think we will tell you who the jury is in just a few minutes.” 3 VRP at 395. After a pause in the
proceeding during which the second sidebar at issue occurred, the trial court called the numbers of
specific jurors who would be on the panel and excused the remaining venire members. The
peremptory challenge sheet was filed with the trial court.
This case is quite similar to Love, another case where part of the peremptory challenge
process was arranged in a sidebar. 183 Wn.2d at 602-07. Just as the sidebar for peremptory
challenges at the end of voir dire was proper in Love, the voir dire sidebars in Robinson’s and
Rowland’s cases were proper. As in Love, the record supports that the two sidebars provided an
opportunity for counsel to review the list of potential jurors and exercise peremptory challenges in
18
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a manner that was open to the public. As in Love, the public and the venire were both allowed to
be in the courtroom and freely enter and leave. And as in Love, the peremptory challenge sheet
completed during the sidebars at issue was filed in the trial court record. Because the public had
the opportunity to scrutinize jury selection from start to finish, Robinson and Rowland were
afforded the safeguards of the public trial right. Love, 183 Wn.2d at 607. Under Love, the voir
dire sidebars did not amount to a courtroom closure, and thus their public trial right was not
violated when the sidebars were not memorialized. 183 Wn.2d at 606-07.
2. EVIDENTIARY SIDEBAR
The third challenged sidebar occurred during the State’s direct examination of Detective
Catlett when the State sought to admit a document containing the detective’s prepared summary
of certain cell phone records. Defense counsel requested a sidebar, and the sidebar occurred off
the record. Immediately following the sidebar, the trial court asked, “And is there any objection
to [Exhibit] 341 or do you want to voir dire the witness?” 8 VRP at 981. Defense counsel stated
her objection on the record, and the trial court admitted the exhibit over her objection.
Robinson and Rowland appear to rely on State v. Whitlock, 195 Wn. App. 745, 754-55,
381 P.3d 1250 (2016), aff’d, 188 Wn.2d 511, 396 P.3d 310 (2017), to support that the evidentiary
sidebar violated their public trial right. In Whitlock, Division Three of this court held that an in-
chambers evidentiary conference held during a bench trial and not memorialized on the record
violated the defendant’s public trial rights. 195 Wn. App. at 755. Relevant here, the Whitlock
court held that the evidentiary conference amounted to a court closure under the second prong
because the proceeding occurred in chambers and the public was excluded. 195 Wn. App. at 754-
55.
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As the State asserts, Whitlock is distinguishable. Whitlock’s in-chambers evidentiary
conference that was closed to the public did not happen here. Because Robinson and Rowland
have not carried their burden to show that the sidebar amounted to a closure and because the brief
sidebar was conducted in front of the jury and public, their public trial claim fails. Love, 183
Wn.2d at 605-07.
C. SIX MEMORIALIZED SIDEBARS
Robinson and Rowland also appear to challenge numerous sidebars that were memorialized
the day after they occurred. Because Robinson and Rowland have failed to support that these
sidebars were inadequately memorialized, their claim fails. Under Smith, sidebars that are
“promptly memorialized in the record” do not implicate the public trial right. 181 Wn.2d at 516
n.10. Robinson and Rowland provide no record or legal citations to support that sidebars
memorialized the day after they occur violate the public trial right, and they also do not provide
argument to support that the trial court was closed during the cited sidebars. As such, they have
failed to carry their burden. Love, 183 Wn.2d at 605-07.
In sum, Robinson and Rowland have failed to carry their burden of proof to demonstrate
that their public trial rights were violated and their claim fails.
II. SUFFICIENCY OF THE EVIDENCE
Robinson and Rowland argue that the State did not provide sufficient evidence to support
their attempted first degree robbery convictions. Specifically, they argue that Robinson and
Rowland did not believe the apartment they entered was occupied, so the State failed to prove that
they intended to take property from or in the presence of another person. The State argues that
sufficient evidence supports Robinson’s and Rowland’s convictions for attempted robbery. We
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agree with the State that sufficient evidence supports both Robinson’s and Rowland’s attempted
robbery convictions.
A. PRINCIPLES OF LAW
We review sufficiency of the evidence de novo. State v. Berg, 181 Wn.2d 857, 867, 337
P.3d 310 (2014). When reviewing sufficiency of the evidence, we ask whether, after viewing the
evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found
that the State proved the crime’s essential elements beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Sweany,
174 Wn.2d 909, 914, 281 P.3d 305 (2012). We assume all of the State’s evidence and any
reasonable inferences from it are true, and all reasonable inferences from the evidence must be
drawn in the State’s favor and interpreted most strongly against the defendant. State v. Homan,
181 Wn.2d 102, 106, 330 P.3d 182 (2014). Circumstantial evidence and direct evidence are
equally reliable. State v. Delmarter, 94 Wn.2d 634, 638, 618 P.2d 99 (1980). We defer to the jury
to resolve issues of conflicting testimony, credibility of witnesses, and persuasiveness of the
evidence. State v. Rodriquez, 187 Wn. App. 922, 930, 352 P.3d 200 (2015).
To convict a defendant of attempted first degree robbery, the jury needed to find that the
defendant intended to commit robbery and took a substantial step toward carrying out that intent.
RCW 9A.28.020(1); State v. Kier, 164 Wn.2d 798, 807, 194 P.3d 212 (2008). A substantial step
for purposes of the criminal attempt statute is defined as conduct that is “strongly corroborative of
the actor’s criminal purpose.” In re Pers. Restraint of Borrero, 161 Wn.2d 532, 539, 167 P.3d
1106 (2007).
A person commits robbery when he “unlawfully takes personal property from the person
of another or in his or her presence against his or her will by the use or threatened use of immediate
21
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force, violence, or fear of injury.” RCW 9A.56.190. In addition, the victim “must have an
ownership, representative, or possessory interest in the property” taken. State v. Tvedt, 153 Wn.2d
705, 714, 107 P.3d 728 (2005).
B. ROBINSON’S ATTEMPTED ROBBERY
Here, sufficient evidence supported that Robinson (1) intended to commit robbery and (2)
took a substantial step toward carrying out that intent.
Contrary to Robinson’s claim that he did not believe the stash house would contain any
occupants, the State’s evidence supports that Robinson knew that Yeto’s stash house could be
occupied and that he intended to rob any occupants inside. When Calo called the group and told
them to drive to the stash house first, he said that “there should be no one home, but if someone is
there then somebody would tie them up.” 15 VRP at 2020. Given this, it is a reasonable inference
that Robinson was aware that someone might be at the stash house and that he intended to steal
from them. Moreover, the State presented testimony that when Robinson entered the stash house,
he pulled out a gun, cocked it, and then shot the gun at the occupant inside, Diaz-Solis. From this
action, it is a reasonable inference that Robinson carried a weapon to the stash house because he
intended to use or threaten to use the weapon against individuals inside the apartment to take their
property. Sufficient evidence established that Robinson intended to commit a robbery.
In addition, Robinson took numerous substantial steps toward carrying out his intent to
commit robbery. After meeting to plan the robbery, Robinson armed himself with a gun and drove
himself and two other people to the stash house where the robbery was supposed to occur.
Robinson got out of his car and put on gloves and a mask from his trunk. He crept along the
shadows of the fence line to stay out of sight until he arrived at the bushes outside the stash house.
22
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He then approached the back door, brandished his weapon, entered the apartment, and then shot
Diaz-Solis. These actions strongly corroborate Robinson’s criminal purpose.
Accepting as true the State’s facts and taking all reasonable inferences in favor of the State,
a reasonable jury could easily conclude that Robinson committed attempted robbery. See Sweany,
174 Wn.2d at 914.
C. ROWLAND’S ACCOMPLICE LIABILITY FOR ATTEMPTED ROBBERY
Sufficient evidence also supports Rowland’s accomplice liability for attempted robbery.13
To convict a defendant of first degree attempted robbery as an accomplice, the State must
prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly promoted or facilitated another’s
attempted first degree robbery. State v. Clark, 190 Wn. App. 736, 762, 361 P.3d 168 (2015),
review denied, 186 Wn.2d 1009 (2016). A person has actual knowledge when “he or she has
information which would lead a reasonable person in the same situation to believe” he was
promoting or facilitating the crime. RCW 9A.08.010(1)(b)(ii). “While the State must prove actual
knowledge, it may do so through circumstantial evidence.” State v. Allen, 182 Wn.2d 364, 374,
341 P.3d 268 (2015).14
The State’s testimony supports that Rowland knowingly promoted or facilitated another’s
attempted first degree robbery. Rowland arrived at Calo’s garage so that he could drive several
other people to Yeto’s properties. Rowland knew from previous discussions that the group planned
13
It appears that the State argued at trial that Rowland was as an accomplice to attempted robbery.
14
As discussed in Rowland’s SAG issues below, a defendant may be properly convicted as an
accomplice even when the “to convict” instruction does not define accomplice liability as long as
the jury is properly instructed elsewhere on accomplice liability. State v. Teal, 152 Wn.2d 333,
339, 96 P.3d 974 (2004).
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to commit a robbery, and Calo offered Rowland money to participate. Rowland agreed to drive
Mendez and Gaytan-Gutierrez to Yeto’s property and on the way, Mendez and Gaytan-Gutierrez
explained the plan to Rowland, telling him that they were going to the stash house to take the drugs
and tie up anyone in the house for Calo to kill. Rowland walked with the rest of the group to the
back of the stash house, and he served as a lookout. Rowland knew that at least one man in the
group had a gun because he saw light reflecting off the gun outside the stash house. After Robinson
shot Diaz-Solis, Rowland fled with the group and drove the car, thus helping Mendez and Smith
to flee the scene. Taken together in the light most favorable to the State, this evidence supports
that Rowland had information that would lead a similarly situated, reasonable person to believe he
was promoting or facilitating other participants’ first degree robbery, and thus the evidence is
sufficient to support Rowland’s attempted robbery as an accomplice.
III. DOUBLE JEOPARDY
Robinson argues that his convictions for attempted robbery and felony murder, with
attempted robbery as the predicate offense, violate double jeopardy. 15 The State argues that it
“conceded that the first degree attempted robbery merges into the felony murder,” and the State
appears to maintain this concession on appeal. Corrected Br. of Resp’t at 26. But the State argues
that the burglary antimerger statute may apply to prevent merger of the attempted robbery
conviction with the burglary conviction, such that the attempted robbery may be considered to
15
This double jeopardy argument is also mentioned in Robinson’s and Rowland’s SAGs.
Because the trial court properly merged Rowland’s attempted robbery and burglary
convictions with his murder conviction, double jeopardy is not at issue in Rowland’s case.
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calculate the burglary’s offender score even if the attempted robbery merges with the murder
conviction.
We accept the State’s concession that the attempted robbery merges into the first degree
murder, and we agree with the State that the robbery conviction may remain on Robinson’s
judgment and sentence to the extent that it affects Robinson’s burglary offender score. We remand
for the trial court to vacate Robinson’s attempted robbery conviction and resentence him
appropriately.
A. PRINCIPLES OF LAW
We review double jeopardy claims de novo. State v. Jackman, 156 Wn.2d 736, 746, 132
P.3d 136 (2006). The double jeopardy clauses of the United States Constitution and Washington
Constitution prohibit multiple punishments for the same offense. State v. Adel, 136 Wn.2d 629,
632, 965 P.2d 1072 (1998); In re Pers. Restraint of Orange, 152 Wn.2d 795, 815, 100 P.3d 291(2004). When a conviction violates double jeopardy, it must be vacated. State v. Womac, 160
Wn.2d 643, 658, 160 P.3d 40 (2007); State v. Weber, 159 Wn.2d 252, 265-66, 149 P.3d 646 (2006).
The merger doctrine is a rule of statutory construction courts use to determine whether the
legislature intended to authorize multiple punishments for a single act. State v. Vladovic, 99 Wn.2d
413, 420-21, 662 P.2d 853 (1983). Under the doctrine, when a particular degree of crime requires
proof of another crime, “we presume the legislature intended to punish both offenses through a
greater sentence for the greater crime.” State v. Freeman, 153 Wn.2d 765, 773, 108 P.3d 753(2005); see State v. Johnson, 92 Wn.2d 671, 680, 600 P.2d 1249 (1979).
Multiple punishments for crimes that might otherwise appear to merge will not violate the
prohibition on double jeopardy if the legislature expresses its intent to punish each crime
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separately. State v. Elmore, 154 Wn. App. 885, 899-900, 228 P.3d 760 (2010). RCW 9A.52.050,
known as the “burglary antimerger statute,” provides that a sentencing court may punish a
defendant separately for all crimes he or she commits “in the commission of a burglary.” Elmore,
154 Wn. App. at 900. Thus, double jeopardy is not violated when a defendant is convicted of both
burglary and felony murder with burglary as the predicate offense. Elmore, 154 Wn. App. at 899-
901. In addition, if the burglary antimerger statute applies, the offender score may be increased
by calculating separately the burglary and crimes carried out in the commission of the burglary.
See State v. Lessley, 118 Wn.2d 773, 779-82, 827 P.2d 996 (1992).
B. STATE CONCESSION
The trial court entered convictions and life sentences for both attempted robbery and felony
murder with attempted robbery as a predicate offense. The State apparently concedes that the
attempted robbery conviction should have merged into the felony murder conviction. Corrected
Br. of Resp’t at 26-27 (“Here, while the State conceded that the first degree attempted robbery
merges into the felony murder, RP 2618, . . . the court properly included all counts in the scoring
[of the burglary offender score].”).
The record shows that the attempted robbery was an underlying felony for Robinson’s
felony murder conviction, which means that the felony murder required proof of each element of
the crime of attempted robbery. See Orange, 152 Wn.2d at 818. Because the felony murder
required proof of attempted robbery, the first degree robbery merges into felony murder. See
Freeman, 153 Wn.2d at 772-73. Accordingly, we accept the State’s concession that the robbery
merges into felony murder and vacate Robinson’s attempted robbery conviction and its associated
firearm enhancement.
26
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C. CALCULATION OF BURGLARY OFFENDER SCORE
The State argues that although the attempted robbery and felony murder convictions merge,
the attempted robbery conviction should remain listed on the judgment and sentence. The State
argues that under the burglary antimerger statute, other crimes committed in the course of the
burglary, including the attempted robbery, do not merge for the purpose of calculating the burglary
offender score and sentence. Robinson did not file a reply brief and thus did not respond to this
argument. We hold that on remand, the sentencing judge has discretion to determine whether
Robinson’s attempted robbery conviction should remain on his judgment and sentence for the sole
purpose of calculating his burglary offender score.
In State v. Tili, the defendant was convicted of second degree assault, first degree rape, and
burglary. The State conceded that the defendant’s second degree assault conviction merged into
his first degree rape conviction but argued that the antimerger statute still applied to the extent that
it increased the defendant’s burglary offender score. 139 Wn.2d 107, 112, 125-26, 985 P.2d 365(1999). Our Supreme Court agreed, holding that the assault conviction, which was a current
offense conviction, may still be used to calculate the offender score for the burglary conviction
under the burglary antimerger statute. Tili, 139 Wn.2d at 125-26.
Under Tili, the sentencing court in Robinson’s case has authority to consider the attempted
robbery conviction in calculating Robinson’s burglary offender score. On remand, the sentencing
judge may exercise its discretion to determine whether to apply the burglary antimerger statute
and consider Robinson’s attempted robbery conviction when calculating his burglary offender
score. RCW 9A.52.050.
27
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D. NO HARMLESS ERROR
Despite its concession, the State also appears to argue that the error of not merging
Robinson’s attempted robbery and murder convictions was harmless because Robinson was
convicted as a persistent offender, so his sentence of life without possibility of parole would not
change even if his robbery conviction is vacated. This argument fails. When a conviction violates
double jeopardy, it must be vacated and is not subject to harmless error analysis, even if the
resulting sentence has no practical effect on the offender. Because Robinson’s attempted robbery
conviction violates double jeopardy, the appropriate remedy is to remand for the trial court to
vacate the attempted robbery conviction.
IV. PRIOR MOST SERIOUS OFFENSE
Robinson argues that he should not have been sentenced as a persistent offender because
his conviction for a prior most serious offense is facially invalid. Specifically, he asserts that his
guilty plea was facially invalid because he was affirmatively misinformed regarding a collateral
consequence before entering the plea, and thus his conviction based on the erroneous guilty plea
was also facially invalid. The State asserts that Robinson’s judgment and sentence is facially valid
and thus Robinson was properly sentenced as a persistent offender. We agree with the State and
hold that Robinson’s prior conviction is facially valid, so Robinson’s challenge fails.
A. PRINCIPLES OF LAW
A persistent offender is a defendant who has been convicted of a most serious offense and
has two prior felonies that are also most serious offenses. Former RCW 9.94A.030(37). A
persistent offender shall be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of release. RCW
9.94A.570.
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“The State has the burden of proving prior convictions used to calculate an offender score,
but it is not responsible for proving the underlying constitutional validity of those convictions.”
State v. Thompson, 143 Wn. App. 861, 866, 181 P.3d 858 (2008); State v. Ammons, 105 Wn.2d
175, 187, 713 P.2d 719, 718 P.2d 796 (1986). Accordingly, “the constitutional validity of the prior
convictions is generally not subject to challenge in sentencing proceedings.” State v. Jones, 110
Wn.2d 74, 77, 750 P.2d 620 (1988). If such challenges were permitted, sentencing proceedings
for the current conviction “would become an appellate forum for prior convictions.” Thompson,
143 Wn. App. at 866.
However, convictions shall not be considered when calculating a defendant’s sentence
where the conviction is invalid on its face. Ammons, 105 Wn.2d at 187-88. “Constitutionally
invalid on its face means a conviction [that] without further elaboration evidences infirmities of a
constitutional magnitude.” Ammons, 105 Wn.2d at 188. “The defendant, and not the State, ‘bears
the burden of establishing the unconstitutionality of his or her prior convictions at such a
proceeding.’” Thompson, 143 Wn. App. at 866 (quoting In re Pers. Restraint of Williams, 111
Wn.2d 353, 368, 759 P.2d 436 (1988)).
A legal error in a guilty plea does not necessarily render a conviction facially invalid. In
re Pers. Restraint of Coats, 173 Wn.2d 123, 135, 267 P.3d 324 (2011). Rather, a conviction is
facially invalid only when the judgment and sentence, in the context of the charging documents,
verdicts, and plea statements, shows that the sentencing court exceeded its statutory authority in
entering the judgment and sentence. Coats, 173 Wn.2d at 136, 140; see Thompson, 143 Wn. App.
at 866. If the “trial court would have to go behind the verdict and sentence and judgment to make”
29
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a determination on constitutional invalidity, the conviction is not facially invalid. Ammons, 105
Wn.2d at 189.
A guilty plea is constitutionally invalid when the defendant was not informed of the direct
consequences of his plea. State v. Ross, 129 Wn.2d 279, 284, 916 P.2d 405 (1996). The fact that
a defendant is pleading guilty to a “‘most serious crime’” is not a direct consequence of a guilty
plea about which a defendant must be informed before pleading guilty. State v. Lewis, 141 Wn.
App. 367, 395, 166 P.3d 786 (2007). Moreover, affirmative misinformation about a collateral
consequence of a guilty plea does not make a guilty plea involuntary, and thus unconstitutional,
per se. In re Pers. Restraint of Reise, 146 Wn. App. 772, 787, 192 P.3d 949 (2008) (citing In re
Pers. Restraint of Isadore, 151 Wn.2d 294, 298, 88 P.3d 390 (2004)). “[A]ffirmative
misinformation about a collateral consequence may nevertheless create a manifest injustice if the
defendant materially relied on that misinformation when deciding to plead guilty.” Reise, 146 Wn.
App. at 787.
B. FACIAL VALIDITY
To support that his conviction was facially invalid, Robinson argues that the plea was
facially invalid because it contained a crossed-out paragraph stating that his crime was a most
serious offense and that if he had two prior most serious offense convictions, he would receive a
sentence of life without the possibility of parole.16 Former RCW 9.94A.030(32)(o) (2011).
16
The crossed-out paragraph stated, “This offense is a most serious offense as defined by RCW
9.94A.030; and if I have at least two prior convictions for most serious offenses, whether in this
State, in federal court, or elsewhere, the crime for which I am charged carries a mandatory sentence
of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. (If not applicable, this sentence should be
stricken and initialed by the defendant and the Judge.)” CP at 873 (alteration in original).
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Robinson acknowledges that under Lewis, a plea is not facially invalid when the defendant is not
informed of the collateral consequence that he is pleading guilty to a most serious offense. 141
Wn. App. at 395-96. But Robinson argues that his counsel in the prior proceeding was deficient
because he “affirmatively misrepresented” to Robinson regarding the “most serious” nature of the
crime and this renders the plea with the crossed-out paragraph facially invalid. Br. of Appellant
(Robinson) at 21. We hold that Robinson’s authority is unpersuasive, and his conviction was
facially valid under Coats and Reise. Consequently, Robinson’s challenge to his prior conviction
and the resulting persistent offender sentence fails.
1. ROBINSON’S AUTHORITY FAILS TO SUPPORT FACIAL INVALIDITY
Robinson cites no authority to support that being misinformed regarding a collateral
consequence of a guilty plea renders the corresponding conviction facially invalid. And Robinson
does not claim that he was misinformed regarding a direct consequence of his plea, which would
support that the plea was facially invalid. Ross, 129 Wn.2d at 284.
Instead, Robinson cites only authority that an ineffective assistance of counsel claim may
be based on evidence that counsel affirmatively misinformed the defendant regarding the collateral
consequences of a guilty plea. State v. Stowe, 71 Wn. App. 182, 186, 858 P.2d 267 (1993); State
v. Ward, 123 Wn.2d 488, 512, 869 P.2d 1062 (1994) (cited by Br. of Appellant (Robinson) at 20).
The argument is that where the record reveals ineffective assistance of counsel in the plea process,
the ensuing plea is facially invalid.
But to determine whether Robinson’s counsel was ineffective in a prior proceeding, we
would “have to go behind the verdict and sentence and judgment” to examine counsel’s conduct
in the context of the proceeding in which it occurred. Ammons, 105 Wn.2d at 189. An inquiry
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into counsel’s conduct in a prior proceeding is not appropriate when considering the facial validity
of the judgment and sentence. See Ammons, 105 Wn.2d at 189.
2. COATS
With the ineffective assistance claim off the table, the State correctly asserted at oral
argument that Robinson’s judgment and sentence was facially valid under Coats. Robinson claims
that his judgment and sentence was facially invalid because his guilty plea contained language
which, as stricken, may have erroneously indicated that he was not pleading guilty to a most serious
offense. But this alleged error in his prior plea document does not itself render the judgment and
sentence invalid because it does not show that the sentencing court exceeded its statutory authority
in entering the judgment and sentence. Coats, 173 Wn.2d at 136, 140.
A judgment and sentence is facially invalid when in the context of the charging documents,
verdicts, and plea statements, it shows that the sentencing court exceeded its statutory authority in
entering the judgment and sentence. Coats, 173 Wn.2d at 136, 140. For example, convictions are
facially invalid when the court enters a sentence that exceeds the statutory maximum authorized
by law; when the judgment and sentence contains sentences for nonexistent crimes; when the court,
without authority, grants or denies earned early release time; when the sentencing court improperly
calculates the offender score; and when the sentencing court enters a conviction for a crime that
was charged after the statute of limitations has expired. Coats, 173 Wn.2d at 135-36 (citing In re
Pers. Restraint of Tobin, 165 Wn.2d 172, 176, 196 P.3d 670 (2008); In re Pers. Restraint of Hinton,
152 Wn.2d 853, 857, 100 P.3d 801 (2004); In re Pers. Restraint of West, 154 Wn.2d 204, 206-07,
110 P.3d 1122 (2005); In re Pers. Restraint of LaChapelle, 153 Wn.2d 1, 6, 100 P.3d 805 (2004);
In re Pers. Restraint of Stoudmire, 141 Wn.2d 342, 353, 5 P.3d 1240 (2000)).
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However, a plea agreement’s facial invalidity does not itself render the judgment and
sentence facially invalid because “‘plea documents are relevant only where they may disclose
invalidity in the judgment and sentence.’” Coats, 173 Wn.2d at 141 (quoting In re Pers. Restraint
of Hemenway, 147 Wn.2d 529, 533, 55 P.3d 615 (2002)). Thus, if the plea document contains
errors but the judgment and sentence does not exceed the court’s authority, the judgment and
sentence is facially valid and courts will not allow a collateral attack on a prior conviction. Coats,
173 Wn.2d at 136, 140-42.
Robinson has failed to assert or explain—and our record fails to demonstrate—that the
sentencing court, in entering the judgment and sentence for his prior plea, exceeded its statutory
authority and thus entered a facially invalid judgment and sentence. See Coats, 173 Wn.2d at 136,
140. Moreover, Robinson has failed to explain why alleged errors in the plea document
demonstrate invalidity in the judgment and sentence. See Coats, 173 Wn.2d at 141. Because
Robinson has failed to demonstrate that his prior judgment and sentence is facially invalid, his
claim fails.
3. REISE
Robinson’s challenge to his conviction’s facial validity also fails because he erroneously
assumes that his guilty plea was invalid based on the language in the guilty plea alone. This
argument fails under Reise.
Under Reise, affirmative misinformation regarding a collateral consequence is not alone
sufficient to render a guilty plea invalid. 146 Wn. App. at 787. To determine whether
misinformation regarding a collateral consequence undermines a prior plea, one would need more
evidence beyond the plea and judgment and sentence to determine whether the defendant
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“materially relied” on affirmative misinformation about a collateral consequence. Reise, 146 Wn.
App. at 787.
Under this analysis, the court “would have to go behind the verdict and sentence and
judgment to make” a determination on constitutional invalidity, which means that it goes beyond
the scope of the court’s inquiry into facial validity of a conviction. Ammons, 105 Wn.2d at 189.
As such, even if Robinson is correct that he was affirmatively misinformed regarding the
consequences of his prior most serious offense when he pleaded guilty to the prior offense, his
claim is not sufficient to demonstrate facial invalidity of his conviction, and thus his claim fails.
See Ammons, 105 Wn.2d at 189.
Contrary to Robinson’s claim, a sentencing proceeding is not the proper arena for
postconviction relief based on ineffective assistance of counsel for a prior guilty plea. See
Ammons, 105 Wn.2d at 188. Robinson’s recourse, if any, is to challenge the constitutionality of
his guilty plea and conviction collaterally with a personal restraint petition under RAP 16.3.
Robinson’s present challenge to his prior guilty plea fails.17
V. INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL
Rowland next argues that defense counsel provided ineffective assistance when he
withdrew the requested affirmative defense instruction to which Rowland was entitled under RCW
9A.32.030(1). The State does not dispute that Rowland was entitled to the affirmative defense
17
The State, in oral argument, also addressed Boykin v. Alabama as a potentially relevant case.
395 U.S. 238, 89 S. Ct. 1709, 23 L. Ed. 2d 274 (1969). But Boykin fails to resolve the issue
presented here. Although Boykin provides the rule that valid pleas must be made knowingly,
voluntarily, and intelligently, it does not help to establish when a conviction based on a plea is
facially invalid. 395 U.S. at 242.
34
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instruction, but the State argues that (1) counsel pursued a tactically reasonable general denial
rather than pursuing an affirmative defense and (2) Rowland was not prejudiced because if he had
argued the affirmative defense, that argument would have failed. We agree with both of the State’s
arguments.
A. STANDARD OF REVIEW
Ineffective assistance of counsel is a mixed question of law and fact that we review de
novo. State v. Sutherby, 165 Wn.2d 870, 883, 204 P.3d 916 (2009). Rowland bears the burden of
establishing ineffective assistance of counsel. State v. Grier, 171 Wn.2d 17, 33, 246 P.3d 1260(2011). To establish a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, Rowland must show that (1)
defense counsel’s performance was deficient and (2) the deficient performance prejudiced the
defense. Grier, 171 Wn.2d at 33-34. “A failure to satisfy either prong is fatal to an ineffective
assistance of counsel claim.” State v. McLean, 178 Wn. App. 236, 246, 313 P.3d 1181 (2013)
(citing Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687, 104 S. Ct. 2052, 80 L. Ed. 2d 674 (1984)).
We presume that defense counsel’s performance was reasonable. Grier, 171 Wn.2d at 33.
“[P]erformance is deficient if it falls ‘below an objective standard of reasonableness.’” Grier, 171
Wn.2d at 33 (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 688). Counsel’s conduct is not deficient when it can
be characterized as legitimate trial strategy or tactics. Grier, 171 Wn.2d at 33.
A defendant establishes prejudice by showing that there is a reasonable probability that the
result of the proceeding would have been different but for counsel’s unprofessional errors. Grier,
171 Wn.2d at 34. “‘A reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine confidence
in the outcome.’” Grier, 171 Wn.2d at 34 (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694).
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B. REASONABLE TACTICS
It is an affirmative defense to felony murder if the defendant was not the only participant
in the underlying crime and
(i) [d]id not commit the homicidal act or in any way solicit, request,
command, importune, cause, or aid the commission thereof; and
(ii) Was not armed with a deadly weapon, or any instrument, article, or
substance readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury; and
(iii) Had no reasonable grounds to believe that any other participant was
armed with such a weapon, instrument, article, or substance; and
(iv) Had no reasonable grounds to believe that any other participant
intended to engage in conduct likely to result in death or serious physical injury.
RCW 9A.32.030(1)(c).
Here, defense counsel’s decision not to request an instruction on the affirmative defense to
first degree murder can properly be characterized as a legitimate strategic or tactical decision. See,
e.g., State v. Perez, 166 Wn. App. 55, 62, 269 P.3d 372 (2012) (characterizing attorney’s decision
to not request an affirmative defense instruction as legitimate tactics); State v. Hassan, 151 Wn.
App. 209, 218, 211 P.3d 441 (2009) (characterizing a decision to not request a lesser-included
offense jury instruction as part of a legitimate all or nothing trial strategy).
Rowland’s defense was that he did not know about the plan to steal and he did not intend
to steal or commit any crime when he went with friends to the stash house. And Rowland argued
that because he did not know about the plan, he did not have the necessary mens rea to commit the
underlying attempted robbery or burglary. 16 VRP 2158, 2162-63, 2171-72. Contrary to
Rowland’s defense, the “unarmed accomplice” affirmative defense would have required Rowland
to concede participation in the underlying felony and then defend against the felony murder by
establishing that he did not know other participants were armed or intended to cause bodily harm
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to others. RCW 9A.32.030(1) (requiring the defendant to prove that he is not the “only participant
in the underlying crime”).
Given that Rowland denied any participation in the underlying felonies, counsel employed
a legitimate tactic by attacking the State’s case in chief rather than advancing an affirmative
defense that was contradictory to Rowland’s general denial. See Hassan, 151 Wn. App. at 218.
The general denial was tactically reasonable and counsel was not deficient.
C. NO PREJUDICE
Rowland argues that he was prejudiced by counsel’s failure to request the affirmative
defense instruction because “the jury may have acquitted Mr. Rowland of first degree murder.”
Br. of Appellant (Rowland) at 14. But the mere possibility that the jury may have acquitted
Rowland does not establish prejudice—instead, Rowland must show that there is a reasonable
probability that the outcome of the trial would have been different. Grier, 171 Wn.2d at 34. He
has failed to do so.
As the State asserts, Rowland would have needed to prove, among other elements, that he
“[h]ad no reasonable grounds to believe that any other participant was armed” in order to prevail
on the affirmative defense. CP at 231(3). However, all of the evidence at trial, including
Rowland’s own testimony, shows that he believed at least one accomplice had a gun. Rowland
himself testified that he believed someone in the group of accomplices was armed. This was
corroborated by the State’s evidence that Robinson’s, Gaytan-Gutierrez’s, and Mendez’s guns
were visible in Rowland’s presence as they prepared to enter the apartment. Moreover, the State
presented testimony that when Rowland arrived at the apartment, the occupants of his car and the
occupants of Robinson’s car got out with the guns previously handed out to them at Calo’s garage.
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Considering the undisputed evidence that Rowland reasonably believed that another
participant was armed, Rowland had nothing to support a necessary element of the affirmative
defense. Because there is not a reasonable probability that Rowland would have successfully
argued the affirmative defense, he was not prejudiced when defense counsel withdrew its request
for the affirmative defense instruction. See Grier, 171 Wn.2d at 34.18
ISSUES RAISED IN BOTH ROBINSON’S AND ROWLAND’S STATEMENTS OF
ADDITIONAL GROUNDS
I. “TO-CONVICT” INSTRUCTION
Robinson and Rowland argue that the trial court’s to-convict instruction for first degree
attempted robbery omitted an essential element of first degree robbery, and the omission
unconstitutionally relieved the State of its burden to prove an element beyond a reasonable doubt.
We hold that the instruction was not erroneous because it did not omit an essential element of
attempted robbery.
A. PRINCIPLES OF LAW
“We review alleged errors of law in jury instructions de novo.” State v. Fehr, 185 Wn.
App. 505, 514, 341 P.3d 363 (2015). A jury instruction is erroneous if it relieves the State of its
burden to prove every element of a crime. State v. DeRyke, 149 Wn.2d 906, 912, 73 P.3d 1000(2003). “A ‘to-convict’ instruction must contain all the essential elements of the crime ‘because
18
Rowland also argues that under In re Personal Restraint of Hubert, 138 Wn. App. 924, 932, 158
P.3d 1282 (2007), Rowland was prejudiced when defense counsel failed to request the sole
available defense to felony murder where there was ample evidence to support it. But as discussed
above, there was not ample evidence to support one of the elements of the defense, so Rowland
was not prejudiced when defense counsel withdrew its request for the “unarmed accomplice”
instruction.
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it serves as a yardstick by which the jury measures the evidence to determine guilt or innocence.’”
State v. Nelson, 191 Wn.2d 61, 74, 419 P.3d 410 (2018) (internal quotation marks omitted)
(quoting State v. Smith, 131 Wn.2d 258, 263, 930 P.2d 917 (1997)). An attempt crime has only
two elements: (1) intent to commit a specific crime and (2) taking a substantial step to commit
that crime. Nelson, 191 Wn.2d at 74. While they should be provided elsewhere in the instructions,
the elements of the crime attempted do not need to be provided in the “to-convict” instruction
itself. Nelson, 191 Wn.2d at 74.
“An omission of an essential element from the jury instructions may be harmless when it
is clear that the omission did not contribute to the verdict.” State v. Schaler, 169 Wn.2d 274, 288,
236 P.3d 858 (2010). For example, omission of an essential element is harmless when the omitted
element is supported by uncontroverted evidence. Schaler, 169 Wn.2d at 288.
A person is guilty of an attempt to commit a crime if, with intent to commit a specific
crime, he or she does any act which is a substantial step toward the commission of that crime.
RCW 9A.28.020.
B. NOT ESSENTIAL ELEMENT
Washington’s common law of robbery is that a defendant cannot be convicted of robbery
unless the victim has an ownership, representative, or possessor interest in the property taken.
Nelson, 419 P.3d at 417. But the statutory definition of the crime of robbery does not require that
the victim have the ownership, representative, or possessory interest in the property. Nelson, 419
P.3d at 417; RCW 9A.56.190. And in an attempt prosecution the common law element of
representative interest does not come in to play. Nelson, 419 P.3d at 417.
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Here, Robinson’s charged crime, and the crime for which the court provided instructions,
was attempted robbery, not the completed crime of robbery. Our Supreme Court has held that
proof of an attempted robbery requires only proof of intent to commit robbery and a substantial
step toward carrying out that intent. Kier, 164 Wn.2d at 807. In order to prove that Robinson
intended to commit robbery, the State did not need to prove each independent element of robbery—
it needed to prove that he only intended to commit the robbery and took a substantial step toward
the commission of robbery. Kier, 164 Wn.2d at 807.
Instruction 33 properly instructed the jury regarding the elements of attempted robbery.
The instruction stated in relevant part,
To convict co-defendant Robinson of the crime of attempted robbery in the
first degree, each of the following elements of the crime must be proved beyond a
reasonable doubt:
(1) That on or about November 12, 2012, the defendant did an act that was
a substantial step toward the commission of robbery in the first degree;
(2) That the act was done with the intent to commit robbery in the first
degree; and
(3) That the act occurred in the State of Washington.
CP at 805.
This instruction properly stated the essential elements of attempted robbery. RCW
9A.56.190. In addition, uncontroverted evidence supports that the victim had a sufficient
ownership and representative capacity over the property, rendering harmless the absence of this
element in the to-convict instruction. See Schaler, 169 Wn.2d at 288. Hidalgo Mendoza testified
that Diaz-Solis owned the drugs and prepared them for sale. Hidalgo Mendoza also testified that
the cash and drugs stored in the house belonged to Diaz-Solis. Thus, uncontroverted evidence
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established that Diaz-Solis was a person who owned the property and exercised control, custody,
or management over the property.
Because the elements of attempted robbery were properly articulated in the “to-convict”
instruction, Robinson’s and Rowland’s claims fail.
II. SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
Robinson and Rowland both argue that sufficient evidence does not support some of their
convictions. Their sufficiency claims fail.
A. PRINCIPLES OF LAW
We review sufficiency of the evidence de novo. Berg, 181 Wn.2d at 867. When reviewing
sufficiency of the evidence, we ask whether, after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable
to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found that the State proved the crime’s
essential elements beyond a reasonable doubt. Berg, 181 Wn.2d at 867. We assume all of the
State’s evidence and any reasonable inferences from it are true, and all reasonable inferences from
the evidence must be drawn in the State’s favor and interpreted most strongly against the
defendant. Homan, 181 Wn.2d at 106. Circumstantial evidence and direct evidence are equally
reliable. Delmarter, 94 Wn.2d at 638. Credibility determinations are for the trier of fact and are
not subject to appellate review. State v. Camarillo, 115 Wn.2d 60, 71, 794 P.2d 850 (1990). We
defer to the jury to resolve issues of conflicting testimony, credibility of witnesses, and
persuasiveness of the evidence. Rodriquez, 187 Wn. App. at 930.
A. ROBINSON SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
Robinson asserts that sufficient evidence does not support that he committed any crimes.
Specifically, he argues that because the State’s witnesses were not credible and because the State
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did not present evidence of the gun he used and did not provide deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
linking Robinson to the crime scene, the State failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he
committed any crime. These arguments fail.
Robinson’s arguments about State witnesses’ credibility fail because credibility
determinations by the jury are unreviewable. Rodriquez, 187 Wn. App. at 930. And although
Robinson is correct that the State did not submit the murder weapon into evidence and did not
provide DNA linking Robinson to the crime scene, that specific evidence is not mandatory to
support any of the crimes with which Robinson was charged.
Because we do not review credibility determinations and because the absence of a murder
weapon and DNA evidence do not render the evidence insufficient, Robinson’s arguments fail.
B. ROWLAND ACCOMPLICE LIABILITY AND SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
Rowland appears to argue that the State failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he
committed burglary and first degree murder.19 We hold that sufficient evidence supports that
Rowland was an accomplice to burglary and principal to felony murder.
1. FIRST DEGREE BURGLARY
Sufficient evidence supports that Rowland was an accomplice to first degree burglary.
An individual is guilty of first degree burglary as an accomplice if he or she aids in the
burglary’s planning or commission, knowing that his or her act will promote or facilitate the
commission of the crime. RCW 9A.08.020(3); RCW 9A.52.020(1). The State must prove more
19
His accomplice liability for attempted robbery is discussed above.
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than a person’s physical presence at the crime scene and assent to establish accomplice liability.
State v. Everybodytalksabout, 145 Wn.2d 456, 472-73, 39 P.3d 294 (2002).
A person is guilty of first degree burglary if, with intent to commit a crime against a person
or property therein, he or she enters or remains unlawfully in a building and if, in entering or while
in the building or in immediate flight therefrom, the actor or another participant in the crime (a)
is armed with a deadly weapon or (b) assaults any person. RCW 9A.52.020(1).
Here, the State’s testimony supports that Rowland knowingly provided aid in the
commission of the burglary. See RCW 9A.08.020(3); RCW 9A.52.020(1). Rowland aided in the
burglary when he drove Mendez and Gaytan-Gutierrez to the stash house, served as a lookout, and
drove a getaway car for himself and two other participants. While at the stash house, Robinson,
Gaytan-Gutierrez, and Mendez committed first degree burglary when they entered the apartment
while Robinson was armed intending to steal from the apartment. RCW 9A.52.020(1). As such,
Rowland’s transportation of Gaytan-Gutierrez and Mendez, and him serving as a lookout,
facilitated the commission of burglary. RCW 9A.52.020(1); RCW 9A.08.020(3).
Rowland’s aid was knowing because he was aware from previous discussions that the
group planned to steal drugs, and Calo offered Rowland money if he agreed to participate.
Moreover, Mendez and Gaytan-Gutierrez explained the plan to Rowland during the drive to the
house, telling him that they were going to the stash house to take the drugs and tie up anyone in
the house for Calo to kill, and Rowland continued to drive the group, walk with the group to the
house, stand as a lookout, and drive the getaway car.
Rowland asserts that accomplice liability cannot support his conviction for first degree
burglary because the “to-convict” instruction listed the elements of first degree burglary but did
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not indicate that Rowland could be convicted of first degree burglary as an accomplice. He argues
that the absence of accomplice liability from the “to-convict” instruction means that an essential
element of the crime was missing. This argument fails because a “to-convict” instruction does not
need to include the instruction for accomplice liability as long as the jury is provided a separate
instruction on accomplice liability. State v. Teal, 152 Wn.2d 333, 3339, 96 P.3d 974 (2004). Here,
the jury was properly instructed regarding accomplice liability, so the instructions were proper.
See Teal, 152 Wn.2d at 339.
Sufficient evidence supports that Rowland committed first degree burglary as an
accomplice. RCW 9A.08.020(3); RCW 9A.52.020(1).
2. FIRST DEGREE MURDER
Rowland also appears to assert that sufficient evidence does not support his conviction for
first degree murder. This argument fails.
A person commits first degree murder when he commits an enumerated crime (including
first degree burglary or first degree attempted robbery) and in the course of or in furtherance of
such crime or in immediate flight therefrom, he or she, or another participant, causes the death of
a person other than one of the participants. RCW 9A.32.030(1)(c).
Here, as discussed above, Rowland committed both first degree robbery and first degree
burglary. And the State’s testimony established that in the course of committing these crimes,
another participant, Robinson, shot and killed Diaz-Solis. As such, sufficient evidence supports
that Rowland committed first degree murder. RCW 9A.32.030(1)(c).
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III. PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT
Robinson and Rowland argue that the prosecutor engaged in misconduct during closing
argument. Because the State’s challenged arguments were proper argument based on the evidence
presented at trial, the prosecutorial misconduct claim fails.
A. PRINCIPLES OF LAW
“‘Allegations of prosecutorial misconduct are reviewed under an abuse of discretion
standard.’” State v. Lindsay, 180 Wn.2d 423, 430, 326 P.3d 125 (2014) (quoting State v. Brett,
126 Wn.2d 136, 174-75, 892 P.2d 29 (1995)). “The defendant bears the burden of showing that
the comments were improper and prejudicial.” Lindsay, 180 Wn.2d at 430. If the defendant fails
to object to the State’s conduct or fails to request a curative instruction at trial, “the issue of
misconduct is waived unless [it] was so flagrant and ill intentioned that an instruction could not
have cured the resulting prejudice.” Lindsay, 180 Wn.2d at 430.
We review a prosecutor’s comments during closing argument in the context of the total
argument, the issues in the case, the evidence addressed in the argument, and the jury instructions.
State v. Dhaliwal, 150 Wn.2d 559, 578, 79 P.3d 432 (2003). A prosecutor has wide latitude in
closing argument to draw reasonable inferences from the evidence and to express such inferences
to the jury. State v. Hoffman, 116 Wn.2d 51, 94-95, 804 P.2d 577 (1991). “However, a prosecutor
may not make statements that are unsupported by the record and prejudice the defendant.” State
v. Jones, 71 Wn. App. 798, 808, 863 P.2d 85 (1993).
B. ROBINSON’S PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT CLAIM
Robinson argues that the prosecutor engaged in misconduct when he argued that cell phone
records supported that Robinson was present at the crime scene at the time the shooting took place.
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He argues this is manifestly prejudicial because the prosecutor insinuated that he had personal
knowledge that he did not possess. The State’s challenged statements about cell phone records
were appropriate argument based on the evidence.
Robinson appears to challenge the State’s closing argument asserting, based on Robinson’s
cell phone records, that there were six cell phone calls between Uscanga Fernandez and Robinson
after 9:46 PM on November 12 “[a]nd they were using Cell Tower 413, which is the cell tower that
serves the area of where the crime scene is.” 19 VRP at 2489. This statement was proper argument
based on the evidence because testimony and exhibits supported that Robinson made and received
calls immediately after the time of the shooting using a tower that serves the area of the crime
scene.
Because the State’s argument about cell phone data was supported by the evidence,
Robinson has failed to establish that the State engaged in misconduct.
C. ROWLAND’S PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT CLAIM
Rowland challenges numerous of the prosecutor’s statements during closing arguments.
Each of Rowland’s prosecutorial misconduct allegations fails because the State engaged in
appropriate argument supported by the evidence.
1. STATEMENT THAT ROWLAND WAS A LOOKOUT AND SAW A GUN
Rowland asserts that the prosecutor engaged in misconduct when he argued that Rowland
knew another participant was armed with a gun during the break-in, that he saw multiple guns in
the garage before they left to the stash house, and that he acted as a lookout to aid the commission
of the robbery and burglary.
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Testimony supports each of the prosecutor’s challenged arguments. Smith testified that
after the group arrived to the back of the apartment, Rowland was standing apart from the group
serving as a lookout. Rowland testified on cross-examination that he had previously told law
enforcement that he saw multiple people armed with guns in Calo’s garage on November 12. And
Rowland testified that he believed at least one other person carried a gun during the commission
of the robbery and burglary. As such, the State’s arguments that Rowland served as a lookout,
saw multiple people were armed in Calo’s garage, and knew another participant was armed during
the break-in were proper arguments based on the evidence.
2. STATEMENTS REGARDING ROWLAND’S TESTIMONY AND DEFENSE
Rowland argues that the prosecutor engaged in misconduct when he summarized
Rowland’s testimony that he was present during the crime but did not have knowledge of the crime.
Specifically, Rowland challenges the following statement:
And, in terms of Michael Rowland, you have his own words. He was a part of that
group. He drove two people there. He walked all the way from the one apartment
complex parking lot, down the road, around the buildings, down in front and around
the back. He saw them huddle up. He saw them looking for a way in. He saw the
guns. He never left until things went wrong. And he says he saw all of those things.
His defense is I just didn’t get it.
19 VRP at 2484 (quoted in Rowland SAG at 24).
Rowland argues that this was misconduct because it misrepresented his testimony and used
words that he never used.
However, the State, in summarizing Rowland’s testimony, properly argued based on the
testimony that Rowland admitted to the acts alleged by the State but denied having the knowledge
necessary to commit any crime. Rowland testified that he met Gaytan Gutierrez and Mendez at
Calo’s garage and agreed to drive them to Lakewood. He drove them to the stash house, but
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testified that he did not know where they were going specifically or why they were driving there.
Rowland followed Mendez and Gaytan Gutierrez to the back of the apartment, but he claimed he
did not know where they were walking or why they were walking there. As the group formed
together behind the house, with Rowland standing separately, he saw a gun in someone’s hand.
He fled after others in the group entered the apartment and after he heard the gunshot.
Because the State’s argument was properly based on Rowland’s testimony, Rowland has
failed to establish that the prosecutor engaged in misconduct.
3. STATEMENTS ABOUT ROWLAND’S KNOWLEDGE
Rowland also argues that the prosecutor improperly argued that Rowland knew they were
going to commit an armed burglary. As discussed at length above when addressing sufficiency of
the evidence, testimony supports that Rowland knew the group intended to steal from the house,
and he knew others were armed. As such, the State’s argument was proper based on the evidence.
See Hoffman, 116 Wn.2d at 94-95.
IV. TOO VAGUE TO ADDRESS
Robinson and Rowland both raise arguments that are too vague to address.
We cannot review a SAG claim if it is too vague to properly inform the court of the claimed
error. State v. Bluehorse, 159 Wn. App. 410, 436, 248 P.3d 537 (2011). We do not make
arguments for the parties. Coats, 173 Wn.2d at 138.
Here, Robinson argues that (1) the trial court violated various constitutional rights when it
failed to record sworn testimony, (2) Robinson “tried to present an alibi but had no defense against
perjured testimony by co-defendants” (Robinson SAG at 2), other suspects were unfairly given
plea agreements in exchange for their testimony, (4) defense counsel provided ineffective
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assistance when he failed to present mitigating evidence at sentencing, (5) defense counsel was
ineffective for failing to suppress prejudicial testimony of no probative value, (6) Robinson’s due
process rights were violated because the State used compelled testimony from co-defendants with
felony records, (7) Smith and Mendez offered false, tainted testimony and Robinson was “forced”
to testify to refute the false testimony, (8) witnesses were not credible because they had criminal
histories or received plea deals, and (9) Detective Catlett “did not respect the truth finding process”
and prosecuted people without evidence (Robinson SAG at 12).
Rowland argues that (1) he would like the court to “review this case for future possible
civil suits” (Rowland SAG at 12), (2) the trial court engaged in “abuse of discovery [and] abuse
of discretion,” and the State engaged in prosecutorial misconduct related to Rowland’s extradition
(Rowland SAG at 12), (3) the prosecutor misquoted him during closing argument, (4) the
prosecutor made statements to divert the jury from its duty to decide the case on the evidence, (5)
there was new evidence of extradition irregularities such that his counsel should have raised
another suppression motion before the second trial, (6) he was not given a fair trial and Pierce
County initiated and maintained a malicious prosecution to gain a conviction, as evidenced by the
conviction rate and appeal rate in Pierce County, (7) the prosecution knowingly used perjured
testimony by Mendez after visiting him in jail during trial, (8) the State used false evidence and
false testimony, and (9) Robinson’s counsel made a motion based on statements made by
Rowland’s counsel and Rowland’s counsel said he would “leave it up to the appellate attorney”
(Rowland SAG at 28).
Because these arguments are too vague to inform us of the claimed error, we do not address
them further. Bluehorse, 159 Wn. App. at 436.
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V. MATTERS OUTSIDE THE RECORD
Robinson argues that evidence about his cell phone records is “fruit[] of the poisonous tree”
because he claims he was subject to an invalid warrantless arrest in June 2013. Robinson SAG at
20. And he argues that he was not provided equal protection because he was not offered an
opportunity to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence but his co-defendants were.
“Where, as here, the claim is brought on direct appeal, the reviewing court will not consider matters
outside the trial record.” State v. McFarland, 127 Wn.2d 322, 335, 899 P.2d 1251 (1995).
Robinson’s challenges to an invalid warrantless search and others’ plea deals refer to matters
outside the record, and we do not address them further. McFarland, 127 Wn.2d at 335.
Rowland also asserts that Catlett engaged in misconduct by failing to follow internal police
department policies regarding documentation of police reports. To the extent Rowland refers to
Catlett’s misconduct related to violation of policies, his argument was not preserved under RAP
2.5, and he refers to matters outside the record. As such, we do not address his claim further.
McFarland, 127 Wn.2d at 335.
ROBINSON SAG
I. ER 403
Robinson appears to assert that the trial court erred under ER 403 because the probative
value of testimony by six law enforcement officers was outweighed by unfair prejudice. He argues
that the six officers’ testimony was not probative because it was irrelevant and cumulative, and he
argues that it was unfairly prejudicial because the “sheer number of uniformed officers presented”
resulted in “guilt by association.” Robinson SAG at 9. We hold that Robinson’s argument is
waived under RAP 2.5.
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A. PRINCIPLES OF LAW
Relevant evidence may be excluded if its probative value is substantially outweighed by
the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading the jury, or by considerations
of undue delay, waste of time, or needless presentation of cumulative evidence. ER 403. A danger
of unfair prejudice exists when “evidence is likely to stimulate an emotional response rather than
a rational decision.” State v. Beadle, 173 Wn.2d 97, 120, 265 P.3d 863 (2011). “[T]he burden of
demonstrating unfair prejudice is on the party seeking to exclude the evidence.” State v. Burkins,
94 Wn. App. 677, 692, 973 P.2d 15 (1999). Under ER 403, “police officers are allowed to testify
in uniform, even if their presence is prejudicial to a defendant.” Carson v. Fine, 123 Wn.2d 206,
224, 867 P.2d 610 (1994).
On appeal, a party may raise only objections that are properly preserved, unless the party
demonstrates manifest constitutional error. State v. Powell, 166 Wn.2d 73, 82, 206 P.3d 321(2009). Courts will not reverse the trial court’s decision to admit evidence where the defendant
argues for reversal based on an evidentiary rule not raised at trial. State v. Korum, 157 Wn.2d 614,
648, 141 P.3d 13 (2006) (plurality opinion); Powell, 166 Wn.2d at 82. The defendant has the
initial burden of showing that an alleged error was manifestly unconstitutional. State v. O’Hara,
167 Wn.2d 91, 98, 217 P.3d 756 (2009). A defendant cannot simply assert that an error occurred
at trial and label the error “constitutional”; instead, he must identify an error of constitutional
magnitude and show how the alleged error actually affected his rights at trial. State v. Gordon,
172 Wn.2d 671, 676, 260 P.3d 884 (2011).
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B. ROBINSON’S ER 403 ARGUMENT WAIVED
Here, Robinson’s counsel did not object under ER 403 to the admission of any law
enforcement testimony that was admitted at trial. As such, Robinson’s ER 403 claim was not
properly preserved. See Powell, 166 Wn.2d at 82. And Robinson has not established that
admission of the testimony of the numerous uniformed officers is a manifest constitutional error.
As such, Robinson’s ER 403 claim is waived. RAP 2.5(a)(3).20
II. POLICE MISCONDUCT
Robinson appears to argue that Detective Catlett engaged in misconduct and witness
tampering during an interrogation of Uscanga Fernandez that occurred prior to trial. Robinson
alleges that Detective Catlett prejudiced the jury and engaged in witness tampering when, during
interrogation, Uscanga Fernandez identified a photo as being Robinson only after Catlett suggested
that Robinson was the person in the photograph.
Robinson’s argument fails because it is based on the assumption that Uscanga Fernandez’s
testimony was tainted and that Robinson was prejudiced by that testimony. Here, the jury never
heard evidence suggesting that Uscanga Fernandez identified Robinson during an interrogation.
Instead, at trial, Uscanga Fernandez was unable to identify Robinson in a photo array on both
20
Robinson asserts repeatedly that the police testimony in general was unfairly prejudicial. We
cannot review a SAG claim if it is too vague to properly inform us of the claimed error. Bluehorse,
159 Wn. App. at 436. To the extent that Robinson does not challenge specific police testimony,
his claims are too vague to address. State v. Hand, 199 Wn. App. 887, 901, 401 P.3d 367 (SAG
argument regarding ineffective assistance of counsel was too vague to address where defendant
did not “complain of specific actions taken by defense counsel or argue that defense counsel should
have done something differently.”), review granted, 189 Wn.2d 1024 (2017).
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direct and cross-examination, and he was unable to identify that Robinson was present in the court
room. As such, the jury observed that Uscanga Fernandez could not identify Robinson by sight.
To the extent Robinson argues that he was prejudiced by Detective Catlett’s alleged
“tampering” of Uscanga Fernandez that allegedly occurred during a prior interrogation, his claim
fails.
ROWLAND SAG
I. EXTRADITION—MOTION TO DISMISS
Rowland argues that his motion to dismiss all charges against him should have been
granted because the State violated his due process rights when it allegedly failed to comply with
Oregon’s extradition statute before transporting him from Oregon to Washington. Because
violation of Oregon’s extradition statute is not a due process violation, Rowland’s claim fails.
A. PRINCIPLES OF LAW
We review a trial court’s denial of a motion to dismiss for abuse of discretion. State v.
Blackwell, 120 Wn.2d 822, 830, 845 P.2d 1017 (1993). Under this standard, a court abuses it
discretion when its decision is manifestly unreasonable or based on untenable grounds. Blackwell,
120 Wn.2d at 830.
Oregon law provides the extradition procedures for returning arrestees to other states. OR.
REV. STAT., ch. 133; see State v. Bonds, 98 Wn.2d 1, 7-8, 653 P.2d 1024 (1982). Failure to comply
with Oregon extradition proceedings before transporting an arrestee to Washington State does not
constitute a violation of due process and does not support application of the exclusionary rule.
Bonds, 98 Wn.2d at 14.
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B. NO ABUSE OF DISCRETION
Here, the trial court relied on Bonds when it denied Rowland’s motion to suppress, holding
that “[o]ur Supreme Court apparently finds the extradition proceedings without a judicial hearing
[are] appropriate” such that dismissal was not warranted. 1 VRP at 67.
In Bonds, our Supreme Court considered whether a defendant’s due process rights were
violated when Vancouver police officers removed an arrestee from Oregon to Washington after
making “no attempt to comply with Oregon extradition procedures.” 98 Wn.2d at 8. The court
also considered whether it was an appropriate remedy to exclude statements made after an
extradition that failed to comply with Oregon law. Bonds, 98 Wn.2d at 14. The court concluded
that violations for Oregon’s extradition procedures do not constitute a due process violation and
do not support application of the exclusionary rule. Bonds, 98 Wn.2d at 14.
Rowland’s June 2016 motion to dismiss relied on the argument that law enforcement’s
failure to comply with Oregon extradition procedures constituted a due process violation for which
dismissal was the only appropriate remedy. Based on Bonds, the trial court properly concluded
that violation of Oregon extradition procedures is not a violation of due process for which extreme
remedies, such as exclusion or dismissal, is appropriate. 98 Wn.2d at 14.
The trial court’s denial of Rowland’s motion to suppress was proper because it was based
on tenable grounds and reasons supported by Bonds. 98 Wn.2d at 14.21
21
Rowland also makes numerous references and citations to the Uniform Criminal Extradition
Act, ch. 10.88 RCW. This is a model law promulgated by the Uniform Law Commission and is
not a source of law providing rights or procedures binding on government officials. RCW
43.56.020.
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II. EXTRADITION: SUPPRESSION
Rowland argues that statements he made during his transport from Oregon to Washington
should have been suppressed as “fruit[] of a poison[ous] tree” resulting from his extradition that
was not compliant with Oregon statutory extradition procedure. Rowland SAG at 11. This claim
fails.
“Generally, evidence seized during an illegal search is suppressed under the exclusionary
rule.” State v. Gaines, 154 Wn.2d 711, 716-17, 116 P.3d 993 (2005). “In addition, evidence
derived from an illegal search may also be subject to suppression under the fruit of the poisonous
tree doctrine.” Gaines, 154 Wn.2d at 717.
Rowland has failed to establish that the State engaged in an illegal search that would justify
application of the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine. In addition, failure to comply with statutory
extradition procedures is not grounds for application of the exclusionary rule. Bonds, 98 Wn.2d
at 14. As such, Rowland’s suppression argument fails.22
III. ALLEGED BRADY VIOLATIONS
Rowland appears to assert that the State committed two Brady23 violations. These
arguments fail.
In Brady, the United States Supreme Court held that a prosecutor’s suppression of an
accomplice’s murder confession violated the defendant’s due process rights under the Fourteenth
Amendment. The Supreme Court held that “suppression by the prosecution of evidence favorable
22
Rowland’s suppression argument is also arguably unpreserved, as Rowland did not raise this
argument about extradition in his suppression motion below.
23
Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 86, 83 S. Ct. 1194, 10 L. Ed. 2d 215 (1963).
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to an accused upon request violates due process where the evidence is material either to guilt or to
punishment, irrespective of the good faith or bad faith of the prosecution.” Brady, 373 U.S. at 87.
To establish a Brady violation, the defendant must establish that (1) the evidence at issue
is favorable to the accused, either because it is exculpatory or impeaching; (2) the evidence was
suppressed by the State, either willfully or inadvertently; and (3) the evidence is material, meaning
that the evidence must have resulted in prejudice to the accused. Strickler v. Greene, 527 U.S.
263, 281-82, 119 S. Ct. 1936, 144 L. Ed. 2d 286 (1999). Prejudice occurs “‘if there is a reasonable
probability that, had the evidence been disclosed to the defense, the result of the proceeding would
have been different.’” Strickler, 527 U.S. at 280 (quoting United States v. Bagley, 473 U.S. 667,
682, 105 S. Ct. 3375, 87 L. Ed. 2d 481 (1985)).
Here, Rowland alleges that the State violated Brady because it failed to produce (1) a photo
montage used in an interrogation in which law enforcement was seeking identification of
Rowland’s co-defendant Robinson and (2) the second page of the form Rowland signed in Oregon
consenting to his removal from Oregon by Washington law enforcement. Rowland has failed to
establish that these pieces of evidence are material, so his Brady claims fail.
First, Rowland has not established that the photo montage was material to his own case.
Although the record suggests that there was a photo montage missing from discovery, Robinson’s
(not Rowland’s) defense counsel raised the issue and requested that the State produce the evidence
at issue. The montage at issue was referenced in an interrogation transcript available to the
defense, and it is evident that the montage was used in an effort to identify co-defendant Robinson.
Rowland does not explain how a photo montage used in an effort to identify his co-defendant has
any bearing on his own case. As such, he has failed to show a “‘reasonable probability that, had
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the evidence been disclosed to the defense, the result of the proceeding would have been
different.’” Strickler, 527 U.S. at 280 (quoting Bagley, 473 U.S. at 682).
Second, Rowland has failed to establish that the second page of the form he signed
consenting to his removal from Oregon was material. During his motion to dismiss, Robinson
alleged that his waiver of Oregon’s statutory extradition processes was invalid. As discussed
above, the trial court concluded that even if the waiver was invalid, violation of Oregon’s statutory
procedures was not a due process violation and did not support dismissal. Thus, the trial court
assumed Rowland’s waiver was invalid and still denied his motion. Rowland fails to establish that
the outcome of his motion to dismiss would have been different if he had access to the second page
of the waiver form. Strickler, 527 U.S. at 280.
IV. ROWLAND’S PRIOR STATEMENT
Rowland appears to argue that the trial court erred when it allowed the State to question
him about a prior statement that he made to Detectives Catlett and Bunton during the drive from
Oregon to California. Because the statement was properly admitted evidence of a prior
inconsistent statement and a statement by a party opponent, Rowland’s claim fails.
A. PRINCIPLES OF LAW
The State may impeach witnesses, including the defendant, as to their credibility by a prior
inconsistent statement. State v. Garland, 169 Wn. App. 869, 885, 282 P.3d 1137 (2012).
“‘Impeachment is evidence, usually prior inconsistent statements, offered solely to show the
witness is not truthful.’” Garland, 169 Wn. App. at 885 (quoting State v. Burke, 163 Wn.2d 204,
219, 181 P.3d 1 (2008)). When a prior inconsistent statement is an admission by a party opponent,
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the statement may be used as both impeachment and substantive evidence. Garland, 169 Wn.
App. at 885-86.
B. PRIOR STATEMENT PROPERLY ADMITTED
Here, Rowland’s prior statement was properly admitted as a prior inconsistent statement
and a statement by a party opponent. Rowland denied that he had knowledge of the plan to steal
from the stash house, and the trial court concluded that his prior statement criticizing the plan was
probative of whether he had knowledge of that plan. When the State asked Rowland about the
prior statement, he admitted that he made the statement but claimed that he was joking. As a
rebuttal witness, Detective Catlett testified that Rowland was not joking when he made the
statement criticizing Calo’s plan.
The trial court did not abuse its discretion when it concluded that Rowland’s prior
statement was admissible. Because the prior statement was made by Rowland himself, it was a
statement of a party opponent that could be reasonably considered as both impeachment and
substantive evidence. Garland, 169 Wn. App. at 885-86; ER 801(d)(2).24
V. MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL
Rowland argues that his motion for a new trial for irregularities in the proceedings should
have been granted. This argument fails.
At sentencing, Rowland’s counsel moved for a new trial on the basis that (1) the “to-
convict” instructions for first degree murder and attempted robbery required Rowland to commit
the crime as a principal and did not authorize conviction as an accomplice because they did not
24
Rowland also argues that the State engaged in misconduct when it asked Rowland and Catlett
about Rowland’s prior statement. Because the State does not commit misconduct when it asks
questions about properly admitted evidence, Rowland’s argument fails.
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explicitly mention accomplice liability, (2) sufficient evidence did not support his convictions for
first degree murder and first degree attempted robbery, and (3) the State improperly admitted
Rowland’s prior statement criticizing the participants’ plan. The trial court denied the motion.
We review the denial of a motion for a new trial for abuse of discretion. State v. Balisok,
123 Wn.2d 114, 117, 866 P.2d 631 (1994). Abuse occurs where the decision is based on untenable
grounds or made for untenable reasons. State v. Quismundo, 164 Wn.2d 499, 504, 192 P.3d 342(2008). In a criminal proceeding, a new trial is necessary only when the defendant has been so
prejudiced that only a new trial can ensure that the defendant will be treated fairly. State v. Roberts,
142 Wn.2d 471, 533, 14 P.3d 713 (2000).
Here, the trial court did not provide detailed reasons for why it denied Rowland’s new trial
motion. However, as addressed in detail above, each of the arguments raised in the new trial
motion fails. Specifically, (1) the “to-convict” instructions were proper under Teal because they
did not need to refer to accomplice liability, given that the jury was properly instructed on
accomplice liability, (2) sufficient evidence supported Rowland’s convictions, and (3) the court
properly admitted Rowland’s prior statement.
Because each argument in Rowland’s new trial motion fails, the trial court had tenable
grounds and reasons for denying the motion. As such, Rowland’s challenge to the trial court’s
denial of his new trial motion fails. See Balisok, 123 Wn.2d at 117.
VI. CUMULATIVE ERROR
Rowland asserts that the “accumulation of errors” identified in his SAG entitles him to a
new trial. Rowland SAG at 28. “Under the cumulative error doctrine, a defendant may be entitled
to a new trial when cumulative errors produce a trial that is fundamentally unfair.” State v. Emery,
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174 Wn.2d 741, 766, 278 P.3d 653 (2012). As discussed above, Rowland was not affected by
multiple errors. He is therefore not entitled to a new trial based on cumulative error.
We remand for the trial court to vacate Robinson’s attempted robbery conviction but affirm
all other convictions and sentences.
A majority of the panel having determined that this opinion will not be printed in the
Washington Appellate Reports, but will be filed for public record in accordance with RCW 2.06.040,
it is so ordered.
PENOYAR, J.P.T.
We concur:
BJORGEN, P.J.
SUTTON, J.
60