State of Washington v. John Tolbert Hobbs ( 2021 )

FILED
MARCH 2, 2021
In the Office of the Clerk of Court
WA State Court of Appeals, Division III
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
DIVISION THREE
STATE OF WASHINGTON, )
) No. 36634-1-III
Respondent, )
)
v. )
)
JOHN TOLBERT HOBBS, ) UNPUBLISHED OPINION
)
Appellant. )
STAAB, J. — John Hobbs was charged with felony violation of a no-contact order
after being seen in the protected person’s apartment. He remained in custody pending
trial. After three defense attorneys and multiple continuances, Mr. Hobbs’s trial
commenced 314 days after he was arrested. A jury found him guilty, and a judge
sentenced him to 60 months in custody. Mr. Hobbs appeals, arguing that the trial court
violated his constitutional and rule-based speedy trial rights. We affirm his conviction
but remand for resentencing.
No. 36634-1-III
State v. Hobbs
FACTS
Mr. Hobbs was arrested on February 27, 2018, and charged with felony violation
of a no-contact order. 1 After numerous continuances, many at defense counsel’s request,
and over Mr. Hobbs’s personal objection, trial commenced 314 days after his arrest.
The requests for delay began almost immediately. Defense counsel was granted a
stay of proceedings after concerns arose about Mr. Hobbs’s competency when he was
placed on suicide watch in a padded jail cell and refused to be transported to court.
Defense counsel filed a petition for competency, and a status hearing was set for March
14. At this status hearing, the court granted defense counsel’s motion for a continuance
to March 28 so that she could secure an independent competency evaluation.
On March 28, defense counsel withdrew her petition for competency, and Mr.
Hobbs was arraigned. The court calculated the 60-day speedy trial period as ending on
May 29, 2018, and set an omnibus hearing for April 26, and trial on May 7. The court
overruled Mr. Hobbs’s objection to the trial date as untimely.
On May 4, the court granted defense counsel’s request for a one-week continuance
because she was exploring settlement options with Mr. Hobbs. Trial was reset to May
14.
1
Since the underlying allegations are not material to the issues, they are not
included. Instead, we will focus on the procedure after arrest.
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On May 8, defense counsel advised the court that Mr. Hobbs had rejected
settlement offers and wanted to take his case to trial. Counsel voiced her concern about
Mr. Hobbs’s rationality and requested another competency evaluation. After questioning
Mr. Hobbs, the trial court found him to be competent and declined to order another
evaluation. At this point, defense counsel requested a continuance of the trial to May 21,
indicating that both herself and the prosecutor had anticipated a settlement and needed
time to prepare for trial. The court granted the motion to continue the trial. On May 14,
Mr. Hobbs, acting on his own behalf, filed a written objection to the May 21 trial date.
On May 18, three days before trial, defense counsel filed a motion to dismiss,
alleging that the State had failed to turn over Brady 2 materials. The State requested a
continuance of the trial so it could respond to the motion. Defense counsel objected,
noting that she had given notice to the State about the issue, and that it should not come
as a surprise that warranted continuing the trial. The court granted the State’s motion and
continued the trial to June 11.
On June 8, the parties were present for a triage hearing. Counsel indicated that the
motion to dismiss had been denied. While Mr. Hobbs continued to object to any
continuance, his attorney advised the court that two of the State’s witnesses were
unavailable and she needed more time to investigate possible defense witnesses. The
court noted Mr. Hobbs’s objection and continued the trial to July 16.
2
Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 87, 83 S. Ct. 1194, 10 L. Ed. 2d 215 (1963).
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On July 13, defense counsel asked for another continuance, indicating that she was
working on a global resolution at Mr. Hobbs’s request and needed time to line up an
expert witness in the event that the case was not resolved. Counsel acknowledged that
Mr. Hobbs was continuing to object, “but I think he also knows that a global resolution
would be more likely to result in less time than going to trial and losing and getting a
sentence imposed that isn’t by agreement.” Report of Proceedings (RP) (July 13, 2018)
at 17-18. In addition, counsel noted that the short continuance she was requesting was
within the 30-day buffer created when the trial was continued to July 16. The court
granted the motion and continued the trial to August 6.
At the “triage” hearing on August 3, Mr. Hobbs refused to be transported to court.
His attorney asked for a one-week continuance to go over a new offer with Mr. Hobbs.
Trial was reset to August 13. The attorneys and the court considered this trial date to be
within the 30-day buffer created by the continuance to July 16.
At the triage hearing on August 10, defense counsel requested another continuance
of the trial to September 7. Counsel indicated that Mr. Hobbs had raised concerns that
morning about her representation of Mr. Hobbs when the no-contact order was initially
entered, and there may be a conflict of interest if she were needed as a witness in the
current case.
The trial court discussed this issue thoroughly with Mr. Hobbs, advising him that
if his attorney could be a witness, she would need to withdraw, and a new attorney would
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State v. Hobbs
need to be appointed. Appointing new counsel would result in resetting the speedy trial
period and another delay. Mr. Hobbs begrudgingly agreed that his attorney should
withdraw. The State did not object to the continuance but made it clear on the record that
withdrawal of counsel would reset the 60-day speedy trial clock under CrR 3.3(c)(2)(vii).
The court reset trial to September 7 and ordered new counsel for Mr. Hobbs.
At a status hearing on August 24, Mr. Hobbs’s second attorney advised the court
that he too had a conflict and needed to withdraw. This second attorney noted Mr.
Hobbs’s ongoing speedy trial objection but acknowledged that disqualification of counsel
would reset the speedy trial period. Counsel asked the court to set a status hearing in one
week to see if they could get an attorney assigned to Mr. Hobbs. The Court set a status
hearing for August 31 and noted that it would not change Mr. Hobbs’s trial set for
September 10. 3
3
On August 10, a scheduling order set Mr. Hobbs’s trial for September 7. At the
next hearing, on August 24, when the second attorney withdrew, the court noted that trial
was set for September 10. It is not clear from the record how trial was moved from
September 7 to September 10. It is possible, that the court mistook the trial date.
Regardless, on August 24, the court recognized that the 60-day speedy trial period was
reset, and entered a scheduling order setting trial on September 10.
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On September 7, Mr. Hobbs appeared in court with his third attorney. Trial was
already set for September 10, but Mr. Hobbs’s new attorney requested a continuance of
the trial date, indicating that he was new and did not have a file yet. Mr. Hobbs objected.
The court found that a continuance was necessary in the interest of justice, Mr. Hobbs
would not be prejudiced, granted defense counsel’s motion, and continuing trial to
December 17. 4
A triage hearing was held on December 14, Mr. Hobbs was not present, and there
is nothing in the record to indicate why he was not transported. Defense counsel
explained to the court, “[s]o, what we need to do is reset it for trial and it was supposed to
be on the docket this morning for triage; but it wasn’t. So, within the thirty-day period
we’re trying to reset it and we’re looking at Wednesday, January 2 [2019] for trial date.”
RP (December 14, 2018) at 5. It is not clear from the record why the trial date of
December 17 needed to be moved. Nevertheless, a scheduling order was entered, without
Mr. Hobbs’s signature, moving trial to January 2, 2019.
4
At the omnibus hearing on November 28, the State requested a continuance to
mid-February, indicating that the case had been reassigned to a different prosecutor.
Although the record does not contain a written order, at the triage hearing on December
14, counsel noted that the State’s motion for a continuance had been denied.
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State v. Hobbs
At the triage hearing on December 28, the State advised the court that defense
counsel was ill and would not be well enough for trial on January 2. The State indicated
that the outside speedy trial date was January 16, based on the 30-day buffer added to the
December 17 continuance, and asked the court to reset trial to January 7. Mr. Hobbs was
present and continued to object to any continuance of his trial.
Trial commenced on January 7, 2019, 314 days after Mr. Hobbs was arrested. The
State called four witnesses, and defense did not call any. The trial, including jury
selection and deliberations, lasted three days. The jury found Mr. Hobbs guilty of felony
violation of a no-contact order.
ANALYSIS
1. Did the trial court violate Mr. Hobbs’s speedy trial rights under CrR 3.3?
Under Washington’s speedy trial rules, an individual held in custody pending trial
must be brought to trial within 60 days of arraignment. CrR 3.3(b)(1). The rule provides
for tolling and resetting of the speedy trial period in certain circumstances. Whether the
time limits set forth in the rule are violated, is a question reviewed de novo. State v.
Kenyon, 167 Wn.2d 130, 135, 216 P.3d 1024 (2009). If the court finds a violation of the
rule’s time limits, the charges must be dismissed with prejudice. CrR 3.3(h).
On appeal, Mr. Hobbs makes several arguments concerning his speedy trial rights
under the rule. First, he argues that the rule’s time limits were violated when trial was set
on December 17 and then again when it was continued to January 7. In the alternative,
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State v. Hobbs
he argues that the court abused its discretion in granting the continuance to December 17
and finding that a lengthy delay was necessary.
A. Time Limit Violations
Initially, Mr. Hobbs argues that the time limits within the rule were violated when
the court set a trial for December 17. To support this argument, Mr. Hobbs points out
that the rule requires a court to set trial within the speedy trial period after the
commencement date is reset by a defense attorney’s disqualification. CrR 3.3(d)(2).
From this proposition, he contends that the trial date of December 17 was well outside of
his recommenced 60-day speedy trial period, which ended on October 23. If the
December 17 trial date was an initial resetting, Mr. Hobbs would be correct. But the
record does not support his argument. On August 24, when Mr. Hobbs’s second attorney
notified the court that he, too, would need to withdraw, the trial court recognized that the
speedy period would be reset under CrR 3.3(c)(2)(vii). The court then signed a
scheduling order setting a status hearing for August 31, and trial on September 10, 2018.
Clerk’s Papers (CP) at 95. This trial date was within the 60-day speedy trial period that
commenced on August 24, and ended on October 23. Thus, on September 7, when the
court moved the trial date to December 17, it was a continuance under CrR 3.3(f)(2), not
an initial setting after recommencement.
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In his brief, Mr. Hobbs does not acknowledge the September 10 trial date. This is
fatal to his argument. The rule does not require a judge to set a new trial date because the
commencement date has been reset. Indeed, in this case, there was already a trial date set
within the recommenced 60-day speed trial period. Instead, the rule makes clear that if
trial is reset, for any reason, then it is the court’s responsibility to make sure the new trial
date is within the time limits, and the court’s responsibility to notify each counsel or party
of the new date. CrR 3.3(d)(2). 5 These are the court’s responsibilities every time a new
trial date is set. See State v. Carney, 129 Wn. App. 742, 748, 119 P.3d 922 (2005).
Mr. Hobbs also argues that the rule’s time limits were violated when the court
continued his trial from December 17 to January 7. However, this argument is based on
the incorrect premise that the December 17 date was an initial setting and not a
continuance. As set forth above, the December 17 trial was a continuance granted under
CrR 3.3(f)(2), not an initial setting. As a valid continuance, the 30-day buffer in CrR
3.3(b)(5) applied, and Mr. Hobbs’s speedy trial period was extended to January 16. His
trial on January 7 was within the time limits of the rule.
5
“Resetting of Trial Date. When the court determines that the trial date should be
reset for any reason, including but not limited to the applicability of a new commencement
date pursuant to subsection (c)(2) or a period of exclusion pursuant to section (e), the court
shall set a new date for trial which is within the time limits prescribed and notify each
counsel or party of the date set.” CrR 3.3(d)(2) (emphasis added).
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B. Discretionary Continuance
Next, Mr. Hobbs suggests that even if the continuance to December 17 was not a
violation of the time limits, the court nonetheless abused its discretion in granting the
continuance. A court’s decision to grant a continuance is reviewed for abuse of
discretion. State v. Ollivier, 178 Wn.2d 813, 822, 312 P.3d 1 (2013). “[G]ranting
defense counsel’s request for more time to prepare for trial, even ‘over defendant’s
objection, to ensure effective representation and a fair trial,’ is not necessarily an abuse of
discretion.” State v. Saunders, 153 Wn. App. 209, 217, 220 P.3d 1238 (2009) (quoting
State v. Campbell, 103 Wn.2d 1, 15, 691 P.2d 929 (1984)).
In this case, it was not an abuse of discretion for the court to continue the trial set
on September 10, when defense counsel was new and did not have a file three days
before trial. The rule provides that a court may continue a trial upon motion of a party
when required in the administration of justice if the defendant is not prejudiced. CrR
3.3(f)(2). The court must state on the record or in writing the reasons for the
continuance. Id. A continuance granted under this provision tolls speedy trial from the
date of the original trial to the new trial date. CrR 3.3(e)(3). Here, the trial court found
that the continuance would not prejudice Mr. Hobbs and was necessary in the interest of
justice to give new counsel needed time “to receive the file and come up to speed on the
case.” CP at 96.
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State v. Hobbs
Mr. Hobbs also challenges the length of the continuance, arguing that the court
abused its discretion by granting a continuance for 101 days. The requested continuance,
and its length of delay, were both requested by Mr. Hobbs’s new attorney for the purpose
of trial preparation. As such, Mr. Hobbs has waived any objection to the continuance.
CrR 3.3(f)(2).
Despite the waiver, Mr. Hobbs argues that the trial court abused its discretion by
failing to set forth “convincing and valid reasons” for the lengthy continuance, citing
Saunders, 153 Wn. App. at 221. The holding in Saunders is very limited and does not
apply to the circumstances in this case. In Saunders, the State and defense counsel
requested a continuance to “continue negotiations” despite the defendant’s stated desire
to go to trial. Several subsequent continuances were also granted without an adequate
basis articulated by either party or the court. The Court of Appeals found an abuse of
discretion because the choice to negotiate or go to trial is within the defendant’s control,
and the subsequent continuances were granted “[a]bsent convincing and valid reasons.”
Id. at 221.
In this case, the trial court made specific findings that the continuance was
necessary for the interests of justice and did not prejudice Mr. Hobbs. Specifically, Mr.
Hobbs’s new attorney needed time to prepare for trial. Such a request is within the
purview of defense counsel. See Ollivier, 178 Wn.2d at 825. While a shorter
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State v. Hobbs
continuance may have been more prudent, the length of delay in this case was not
manifestly unreasonable.
2. Did the trial court violate Mr. Hobbs’s constitutional right to a speedy trial?
Next, Mr. Hobbs challenges the 314-day delay in bringing him to trial as a
violation of his constitutional right to a speedy trial. The Sixth Amendment to the United
States Constitution, as well as art. I, section 22 of the Washington State Constitution,
both protect a criminal defendant’s right to a speedy trial. The protections provided by
each provision are substantially the same, and a constitutional challenge is reviewed de
novo. Ollivier, 178 Wn.2d at 826.
A constitutional speedy trial challenge is separate from a rule violation. While the
rule has the purpose of ensuring that a defendant’s constitutional right to a speedy trial is
effectuated, complying with it does not necessarily mean that no constitutional violation
occurs. Id. at 823 (citing Kenyon, 167 Wn.2d at 136).
Unlike the court rule, the constitutional right is not quantified. Id. at 827. To
determine whether a violation of constitutional speedy trial rights occurred, a court must
apply a balancing test by examining both the State and the defendant’s conduct and
culpability. Barker v. Wingo, 407 U.S. 514, 529-30, 92 S. Ct. 2182, 33 L. Ed. 2d 101(1972). However, in order to trigger the Barker analysis, the defendant must first
demonstrate that the “interval between accusation and trial has crossed the threshold
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State v. Hobbs
dividing ordinary from ‘presumptively prejudicial’ delay.” Doggett v. United States, 505
U.S. 647, 651-52, 112 S. Ct. 2686, 120 L. Ed. 2d 520 (1992).
In determining whether the length of delay crosses the line from ordinary to
presumptively prejudicial, reviewing courts should consider the complexity of the case,
the length of the delay, and the reliance on eyewitness testimony. State v. Iniguez, 167
Wn.2d 273, 292, 217 P.3d 768 (2009). Once the defendant demonstrates the delay is
presumptively prejudicial, the reviewing court must apply the Barker balancing test by
examining (1) the length of the delay, (2) the reason for the delay, (3) the defendant’s
assertion of his right, and (4) prejudice to the defendant. Barker, 407 U.S. at 530. Thus,
the length of the delay is both a triggering factor and a balancing factor.
In this case, approximately ten months (314 days) passed between the arrest and
the beginning of the trial. Therefore, Mr. Hobbs’s pretrial delay is presumptively
prejudicial and meets that threshold showing. Iniguez, 167 Wn.2d at 290. Consequently,
the remainder of the Barker factors must be considered.
(1) Length of delay. This factor focuses on “‘the extent to which the delay
stretches beyond the bare minimum needed to trigger’” the four-step analysis. Iniguez,
167 Wn.2d at 293 (quoting Doggett, 505 U.S. at 652). A longer pretrial delay compels a
court to give a closer examination into the circumstances surrounding the delay. Id.Here, the ten-month lapse between arrest and trial is just beyond the bare minimum
needed to trigger the Barker inquiry (8 months to 12 months).
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State v. Hobbs
(2) Reason for delay. This factor requires the court to examine each party’s
responsibility for the delay and weigh the respective reasons. Iniguez, 167 Wn.2d at 294.
In this case, defense counsel requested nearly all the continuances. First, defense counsel
sought a continuance for time to assess Mr. Hobbs’s competency. Then, defense counsel
requested continuances to pursue additional investigations. Finally, several continuances
were necessary after the disqualification of two consecutive defense counsel. Again, it is
understandable that Mr. Hobbs was frustrated by the multiple delays. However, case law
clearly states that delay caused by defense counsel is chargeable to the defendant, even if
the delay is over the objection of the defendant. Ollivier, 178 Wn.2d at 832; Campbell,
103 Wn.2d at 15.
In both the initial brief and the reply brief, Mr. Hobbs argues that the State caused
undue delay by failing to respond to Brady discovery requests timely or adequately.
However, the record indicates that the court ultimately held that the State had complied
with its Brady disclosure requirements. CP at 81-89. Mr. Hobbs does not assign error to
this conclusion. Because the court found no Brady violation, Mr. Hobbs cannot
demonstrate that the State deliberately caused unnecessary delay by requesting a
continuance to respond and brief the Brady issue. Overall, the reasons for the delay
weigh against Mr. Hobbs.
(3) Assertion of right. This factor requires the court to consider the extent to
which the defendant asserted his speedy trial right. Iniguez, 167 Wn.2d at 294-95. Mr.
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State v. Hobbs
Hobbs objected to each continuance. Thus, this factor weighs slightly in favor of Mr.
Hobbs.
(4) Prejudice. The fourth factor considers what prejudice the defendant suffered
because of the delay. “Prejudice is judged by looking at the effect on the interests
protected by the right to a speedy trial: (1) to prevent harsh pretrial incarceration, (2) to
minimize the defendant’s anxiety and worry, and (3) to limit impairment to the defense.”
Iniguez, 167 Wn.2d at 295.
Here, there is no showing, other than conclusory statements, that the delay caused
prejudice to Mr. Hobbs. Additionally, Mr. Hobbs fails to identify with any particularity
evidence that the delay impeded his defense (such as memories of critical witnesses
fading or evidence becoming unavailable). Barker, 407 U.S. 514. The evidence of guilt
here, both direct and circumstantial, was overwhelming. Accordingly, this factor weighs
against Mr. Hobbs.
Balancing each of the above factors, the delay under the totality of the
circumstances was not a speedy trial violation of constitutional magnitude. Iniguez, 167
Wn.2d at 295. Contrary to Mr. Hobbs’s assertions, the delay was not unduly long, the
reasons for the delay are primarily attributable to the defense, and Mr. Hobbs fails to
demonstrate particularized prejudice. Thus, Mr. Hobbs made an insufficient showing to
tip the scales in his favor. Accordingly, there was no violation of Mr. Hobbs’s
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No. 36634-1-III
State v. Hobbs
constitutional right to a speedy trial under the Sixth Amendment to the United States
Constitution and article I, section 22.
3. Did the trial court err in calculating Mr. Hobbs’s offender score for purposes of
sentencing?
Mr. Hobbs challenges the trial court’s calculation of his offender score for
purposes of sentencing. Specifically, he argues that three Oregon convictions for
burglary should not have been included in calculating his offender score because the
State failed to prove the crimes were comparable Washington offenses. The State
concedes error and acknowledges that the Oregon burglary statutes are broader than
Washington’s first-degree burglary statute.
At sentencing, the State bears the burden of proving by a preponderance of the
evidence the existence and comparability of a defendant’s prior out-of-state convictions.
State v. Collins, 144 Wn. App. 547, 554, 182 P.3d 1016 (2008). The State is relieved of
its burden only if the defendant “affirmative[ly] acknowledge[s]” the “facts and
information” the State introduces regarding criminal history. State v. Mendoza, 165
Wn.2d 913, 928, 205 P.3d 113 (2009), disapproved of on other grounds by State v. Jones,
182 Wn.2d 1, 338 P.3d 278 (2014). The remedy when the State fails this burden is to
remand for resentencing to allow both parties to present relevant evidence of criminal
history under RCW 9.94A.530(2). State v. Cobos, 182 Wn.2d 12, 15-16, 338 P.3d 283(2014); Jones, 182 Wn.2d at 10-11.
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In this case, Mr. Hobbs indicated he was “unwilling to stipulate to any of the
convictions . . . or any of the facts as presented by the State with regard to his criminal
history.” RP (Feb. 19, 2019) at 11. And, the State concedes that the trial court erred by
finding the offenses comparable because it failed to conduct the required factual
comparability analysis (considering only facts of the foreign convictions that were
admitted, stipulated, or proved by the State beyond a reasonable doubt). The State
properly asserts that the appropriate remedy is to remand for resentencing at which time it
may present additional evidence to support a factual comparability determination.
4. Statement of Additional Grounds (SAG)
In his statement of additional grounds, Mr. Hobbs raises two additional issues.
First, he contends that the “state’s motion in limine the day of trial changed the scope of
evidence in a prejudicial bias manner that ended with the outcome of my suffering from a
malicious prosecution in violation of speedy trial court rule; where a nullification by jury
is the right of the accused.” SAG at 1. Mr. Hobbs does not identify the challenged
motion in limine and does not analyze this issue or provide authority. We therefore
decline to review this issue. RAP 10.3.
Second, Mr. Hobbs argues that the trial court improperly prevented the protected
person from testifying at his trial. Mr. Hobbs contends that her testimony would have
supported his defense, or in the alternative, supported jury nullification. There is nothing
in the record to support Mr. Hobbs’s argument that the trial judge kept a witness from
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testifying. Nor is there a proffer as to what testimony this witness would provide. There
is no indication in the record that Mr. Hobbs’s attorney subpoenaed this witness or called
her to testify. We decline to review this issue. RAP 10.3.
Affirm the conviction and remand for resentencing.
A majority of the panel has determined this opinion will not be printed in the
Washington Appellate Reports, but it will be filed for public record pursuant to
RCW 2.06.040.
_________________________________
Staab, J.
WE CONCUR:
_________________________________
Fearing, J.
_________________________________
Siddoway, A.C.J.
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