State Of Washington v. D.d-h. ( 2016 )

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
CD
m
STATE OF WASHINGTON, No. 74053-9-1
Respondent, DIVISION ONE
v.
D.D.-H. (DOB: 3-28-99), PUBLISHED
Appellant. FILED: December 5, 2016
Cox, J. — D.D.-H. appeals the juvenile court's order on revision, arguing
that the court lacked jurisdiction beyond the originally scheduled expiration of his
community supervision. Because he was on warrant status four times during that
supervision, he was then outside the court's jurisdiction. Thus, tolling applied
and community supervision did not expire on the originally scheduled date of
expiration. The juvenile court retained jurisdiction to modify the disposition order
and impose sanctions during the additional tolled period. D.D.-H. also received
the due process to which he was entitled. We affirm.
The material facts are undisputed. D.D.-H. pleaded guilty to one count
each of third degree theft and minor in possession of intoxicants. The disposition
order directed him to serve concurrent 12 month terms of community supervision
for each count, beginning immediately on February 19, 2014. As a condition of
supervision, the court ordered that D.D.-H. regularly inform his probation officer
of his whereabouts.
No. 74053-9-1/2
On four occasions, D.D.-H. violated this condition and was unavailable for
supervision. The court issued the first bench warrant for such a failure on
February 27, 2014, which police served on April 25, 2014. It issued the second
on June 9, 2014, served on April 25, 2014. It issued the third on September 4,
2014, served on September 20, 2014. It issued the fourth on November 20,
2014, served on December 20, 2014.
A detention hearing followed the service of each of the four warrants,
followed by the scheduling of a probation violation hearing. At each hearing, the
court modified its original disposition order.
At no time during the original period of supervision did the court enter any
orders on tolling or extension of community supervision. Moreover, there was no
discussion of either subject at any court hearings during that period.
D.D.-H. was not on warrant status when his supervision was originally set
to expire on February 19, 2015. No notice of violation was outstanding.
On February 24, 2015, five days after the originally scheduled expiration
of community supervision, the court issued a fifth bench warrant for D.D.-H.'s
alleged failure to inform his probation officer of his whereabouts. Police arrested
and served the warrant on him the next day.
On March 4, 2015, the State filed a notice of violation and the court held a
probation violation hearing the next day. D.D.-H. challenged the jurisdiction of
the juvenile court at this March 5, 2015 hearing.
D.D.-H. moved to dismiss, arguing that the juvenile court's jurisdiction
ended on February 19, 2015. Thus, he argued, the court could not modify
No. 74053-9-1/3
supervision after that date. The juvenile court commissioner disagreed and
"tolled" community supervision for the periods of time D.D.-H. was on warrant
status and unavailable for supervision: 122 days. The commissioner set the time
for community service to expire as June 21, 2015.
D.D.-H. moved to revise the commissioner's order. A superior court judge
denied the motion, ruling that the juvenile court maintained jurisdiction after the
February 19, 2015 originally scheduled expiration of community supervision.
D.D.-H. appeals.
JUVENILE COURT JURISDICTION
We must decide whether a juvenile's community supervision is tolled
when he is on warrant status and not subject to supervision.
The Juvenile Court and Juvenile Justice Acts of 1977 (JJA), chapters
13.04 and 13.40 RCW, govern the operation of the juvenile courts. In enacting
the JJA, the legislature sought to hold juveniles accountable for their crimes and
deal with juvenile offenders in a consistent manner, while preserving the
rehabilitative goals of the juvenile justice system.1
The JJA grants the juvenile court authority to impose a period of
community supervision for up to one year for non-sex offenses.2 When a juvenile
violates his supervision requirements, the court may modify its disposition order
and impose sanctions.3
1 State v. V.J.. 132 Wash. App. 380, 383, 132 P.3d 763 (2006).
2 RCW 13.40.0357.
3 RCW 13.40.070.
No. 74053-9-1/4
But the JJA does not specify for how long this authority exists. Likewise,
the JJA lacks any express provision for tolling.
We review de novo whether the juvenile court had jurisdiction.4
The question in this case is whether a juvenile's community supervision
tolls when he is on warrant status and unavailable for supervision, where there is
no order expressly tolling supervision. This court dealt with a similar issue in
State v. V.J.5
In that case, we decided that City of Spokane v. Marquette was instructive
as to whether tolling of community supervision was proper.6 We, again, turn to
that supreme court case.
There, Marquette pleaded guilty in municipal court to reckless driving. On
February 22, 1996, the court fined him and sentenced him to 365 days in jail,
with 364 days suspended for 24 months of probation.7 His probation was
dependent on certain conditions. He violated those conditions.
Based on his failures to comply with probation conditions, the court issued
three bench warrants.8 Following service of each warrant, the court held
hearings on the alleged violations.
In total, Marquette was on warrant status three times.9 The first period
lasted 107 days, from March to June 1996, because he failed to report for his
one day in jail. The second period lasted 65 days, from August to October 1997,
4 Citv of Spokane v. Marquette. 146 Wash. 2d 124, 129, 43 P.3d 502 (2002).
5132 Wash. App. 380, 132 P.3d 763 (2006).
6 146 Wash. 2d 124, 130, 43 P.3d 502 (2002).
7 Jd, at 126.
8 id, at 127-27.
9 Id. at 128-29.
No. 74053-9-1/5
because he failed to appear at a show cause hearing. And the third period lasted
eight days, during July 1998, because he failed to appear at another show cause
hearing.
The supreme court explained that the relevant statute limited the
municipal court's probation authority to two years, but tolling of this period
occurred when "the probationer is not subject to the jurisdiction of the court"
because of his warrant status.10
In doing so, the supreme court followed the court of appeals decision in
Gillespie v. State.11 There, the trial court sentenced Gillespie to probation in
1972.12 Gillespie disappeared and the court issued a bench warrant on
September 11, 1972.13 Police arrested him on September 15, 1974.14 The court
of appeals held that the probation period tolled for the entire time Gillespie was
on warrant status.15 The court of appeals explained that the purpose of probation
was rehabilitation which defendant frustrated by eluding the court's supervision.16
RCW 13.40.020(5) confers on juvenile courts authority to impose a set
period of community supervision. D.D.-H. was not subject to court supervision
for the total period he was on warrant status: 122 days. We conclude that tolling
for this period was appropriate and occurred as a matter of law. Thus, his term
of community service did not expire on the originally scheduled date: February
0 id, at 130.
1 17 Wash. App. 363, 563 P.2d 1272 (1977).
2 id, at 364.
3 Id,
4 Id,
5 jd, at 368.
6 Id. at 365-67.
No. 74053-9-1/6
19, 2015. The court maintained jurisdiction for the 122-day period following that
date.
D.D.-H. concedes that the juvenile court has authority to toll community
supervision when a juvenile is on warrant status. But he argues the juvenile
court's jurisdiction ends at the originally scheduled expiration of supervision
unless a violation proceeding is pending at that time. He relies on State v. May17
and State v.Y.I.18
In May, the juvenile court sentenced May to 12 months of community
supervision.19 Two days before the expiration of that period, May's probation
counsellor submitted a report to the State showing that May had violated his
supervision conditions.20 Eight days after the supervisory period ended, the
State moved for a show cause proceeding regarding the violations.21 Almost
three weeks later, the juvenile court ordered sanctions against May.22
May appealed, challenging the juvenile court's jurisdiction.23 The State
countered that, similar to the adult sentencing framework, the juvenile court
should retain jurisdiction until a defendant satisfies all community supervision
conditions or ages out of the juvenile system.24 Division Three of this court
determined that such a holding impaired the legislative intent underlying the
17 80 Wash. App. 711, 911 P.2d 399 (1996).
18 94 Wash. App. 919, 973 P.2d 503 (1999).
19 May, 80 Wash. App. at 712.
20 id, at 713.
21 id,
22 id, at 714.
23 Id,
24 Id. at 715.
No. 74053-9-1/7
JJA.25 That act sought to avoid leaving juveniles "at the mercy of the State's
administrative bureaucracy" because the juvenile cannot, unlike the probationer,
obtain an order or discharge releasing him from supervision.26 Accordingly, the
court opted for a "bright-line rule that clearly defines the juvenile court's
jurisdiction."27
Under that rule, a juvenile court's "jurisdiction to enforce its disposition
order terminates when the community supervision period expires, unless a
violation proceeding is then pending before the court."28 Division Two of this
court later held in State v. Todd that this rule requires the State to "institute
violation proceedings before the expiration of the deferral period."29 Placing the
burden to institute an action on the State thus guards against administrative
inertia.30 Our supreme court recently cited Todd in confirming the validity of this
rule.31
In State v. Y.I.. we applied May's logic to the context of a juvenile's legal
financial obligations.32 In that case, Y.l's probation officerfiled a petition to
review conditions of community supervision after the original expiration of
supervision, citing Y.l.'s failure to pay his Victim Penalty Assessment.33 The
juvenile court ordered confinement unless he paid his assessment or performed
25 jd, at 715-16.
26 id, at 716.
27 Id,
28 id, at 717.
29 State v. Todd. 103 Wash. App. 783, 790, 14 P.3d 850 (2000).
30 id,
31 State v. Tucker. 171 Wash. 2d 50, 53, 246 P.3d 1275 (2011).
32 94 Wash. App. 919, 922, 973 P.2d 503 (1999).
33 Id. at 921.
No. 74053-9-1/8
community service.34 Applying May, we concluded the court lacked jurisdiction to
enter this order after supervision had expired.35
But May and YJ, are distinct from this case. May considered "whether the
juvenile court retains jurisdiction to consider alleged violations that occurred
during community supervision, but are not brought to the court's attention until
after the supervisory period expires."36 Similarly in YJ,, the probation officer only
filed his petition after the original expiration of supervision. Thus, on neither
occasion did the trial court have the opportunity to issue a bench warrant or place
the juvenile on warrant status. In contrast, the State instituted violation
proceedings each time D.D.-H. violated the conditions of his supervision. The
court placed him on warrant status several times, prior to the original expiration
of supervision, which tolled the supervisory period.
Such a conclusion does not deprive May's bright line rule of its force. If
the State does not institute a violation hearing and no bench warrant issues,
supervision will not toll. Similarly, as Marquette explained, tolling may not occur
when police are not diligent in serving that warrant.37 Neither circumstance
exists in this case.
D.D.-H. next attempts to distinguish VJ, because V.J. was on warrant
status when his supervision ended but D.D.-H. was not. He is correct on this
factual matter but this factual distinction does not change our conclusion.
34 id,
35 id, at 923.
36 May, 80 Wash. App. at 714.
37 Marquette. 146 Wash. 2d at 132.
8
No. 74053-9-1/9
In Marquette, upon which VJ, relied, community supervision was originally
scheduled to expire 24 months after the February 22, 1996 sentencing.38
Marquette was not on warrant status on February 22, 1998, the originally
scheduled expiration of probation. Nevertheless, the court held that the earlier
periods of warrant status tolled his probation.39 Accordingly, we conclude that
whether a juvenile is on warrant status at the originally scheduled expiration of
his supervision is not material. Rather, whether a juvenile is on warrant status at
any time during community supervision is the proper inquiry.
D.D.-H. argues, nonetheless, that the court must affirmatively order
supervision tolled before supervision is originally set to expire. But as we have
explained, tolling occurs by operation of law when the juvenile is on warrant
status. No order is necessary.
D.D.-H. next argues that due process requires notice prior to the
expiration of the originally scheduled community supervision period that
supervision has tolled. We disagree for the reasons already stated.
To summarize, because D.D.-H. was on warrant status for 122 days and
not subject to the court's supervision during that period, tolling applied by
operation of law. Supervision tolled for those additional days beyond the
originally scheduled expiration. The State in this case instituted violation
proceedings before that original expiration, the court issued bench warrants each
time, and police diligently served those warrants. D.D.-H. thus received the due
process to which he is entitled.
38 id, at 126.
39 Id. at 134.
No. 74053-9-1/10
Yet D.D.-H. contends that notice was required under RCW 13.40.200(2).
That statue entitles a juvenile to "the same due process of law as would be
afforded an adult probationer." Thus, we must consider what due process is
owed the adult probationer. On this point, D.D.-H. cites State v. Campbell.40
In that case, the State sought a review hearing to extend a probation term
while Campbell underwent psychiatric treatment.41 The trial court scheduled a
hearing, giving notice to Campbell and his counsel, but then cancelled it upon
Campbell's therapist's recommendation.42 The court then, without notice to
Campbell, entered an ex parte order to extend the probation term.43
After the original expiry date of probation, the court again extended the
probationary period.44
In that case, our supreme court first considered whether a court could
extend probation by an ex parte order and second whether the probationer's
commitment to a psychiatric institution tolled probation.45
Regarding the first question, the court held that due process required
"courts in this state to provide notice to probationers not only of proposed
revocations, but also extensions, and advise them that they have a right to a
hearing."46
40 95 Wash. 2d 954, 632 P.2d 517 (1981).
41 id, at 955.
42 Id,
43 id,
44 id, at 956.
45 id, at 957-58.
46 Id. at 959.
10
No. 74053-9-1/11
But the court upheld the extension because Campbell's probation tolled
while he was committed to psychiatric treatment.47 It likened such circumstance
to a probationer who is "generally out of the jurisdiction contrary to the terms of
probation."48
Here, the juvenile court extended the supervision period without providing
prior notice to D.D.-H. that his supervision would toll. But tolling occurred by
operation of law. For the pendency of his warrant status, D.D.-H. was outside
the trial court's jurisdiction. Rather than supporting his right to notice that this
time would be tolled, Campbell demonstrates that it tolled by operation of law.
As such, there was no new imposition upon D.D.-H.'s liberty that would require
notice.
We affirm the order on revision and the modification of the disposition
order and imposition of sanctions.
^7X»X
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WE CONCUR:
47 jd, at 957.
48 Id.: see also State v. Frazier. 20 Wash. App. 332, 334, 579 P.2d 1357 (1978).
11
State of Washington v. D.D.-H. (DOB: 03-28-99), No. 74053-9-1
Spearman, J. (concurring)
I concur with the result because, as set out in the majority opinion, case law
dictates that the probationary period is tolled by operation of law for those time periods
when the probationer is on warrant status and not subject to the jurisdiction of the court.
I write only to make the observation that adult offenders, whether on probation in courts
of limited jurisdiction or in superior court, are provided with explicit notice by statute that
ifthey abscond from supervision the probationary period is tolled during their absence.1
No such explicit authorization for or notice of tolling is to be found in the Juvenile Justice
Act of 1977, chapters 13.04 and 13.40 RCW.
In this case, the record contains no indication that D.D.-H. was ever given notice,
either by the court or by statute, that as a result of his failures to report to his probation
officer his probation would be extended beyond the original two year term. We do not
know whether, had D.D.-H. been so advised, it would have made a difference in his
behavior. But the purpose of providing notice is two-fold: to give fair warning of the
sanctions that may follow certain behavior and to provide the offender a fair opportunity
to avoid conduct that may result in further punishment. Neither of those goals are
satisfied by the result in this case.
1 For probationers in superior court, RCW 9.94A.171(2) provides: "Any term of community
custody shall be tolled by any period of time during which the offender has absented himself or herself
from supervision without prior approval of the entity under whose supervision the offender has been
placed." For probationers in courts of limited jurisdiction, RCW 3.66.068(3) provides: "A defendant who
has been sentenced, or whose sentence has been deferred, and who then fails to appear for any hearing
to address the defendant's compliance with the terms of probation when ordered to do so by the court,
shall have the term of probation tolled until such time as the defendant makes his or her presence known
to the court on the record."
While it is true that a review of the case law may very well have warned D.D.-H.
of the tolling effect of warrant status, it is anomalous that we burden only juvenile, but
not adult probationers, with this responsibility.
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