IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OF TENNESSEE
AT JACKSON
November 4, 2003 Session
STATE OF TENNESSEE v. JAMES CURTIS WESTBROOK
Direct Appeal from the Circuit Court for Gibson County
No. H-7159 Clayburn L. Peeples, Judge
No. W2003-00163-CCA-R3-CD - Filed December 19, 2003
A Gibson County jury convicted the defendant, James Curtis Westbrook, of possession of .5 grams
or more of cocaine with intent to sell or deliver. The trial court sentenced him to twelve years as a
Range II multiple offender to be served consecutively to a prior sentence. On appeal, the defendant
contends: (1) the trial court erred in denying his motion to require the state to reveal the identity of
its confidential informant; (2) the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction; (3) the trial
court erred in permitting law enforcement officers to testify regarding footprint comparisons; (4) the
trial court erred in permitting the state to treat a witness as a hostile witness; and (5) his sentence is
improper. We remand for the empaneling of a jury to fix the fine. We otherwise affirm the judgment
of the trial court.
Tenn. R. App. P. 3 Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Circuit Court
Affirmed in Part; Reversed in Part; Remanded
JOE G. RILEY, J., delivered the opinion of the court, in which DAVID H. WELLES and JOHN EVERETT
WILLIAMS, JJ., joined.
Richard W. Vaughn, Jr., Milan, Tennessee, for the appellant, James Curtis Westbrook.
Paul G. Summers, Attorney General and Reporter; Kathy D. Aslinger, Assistant Attorney General;
Garry G. Brown, District Attorney General; and Edward L. Hardister and Elaine Gwinn, Assistant
District Attorneys General, for the appellee, State of Tennessee.
OPINION
On March 15, 2002, agents with the West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force
executed a search warrant on the premises occupied by the defendant and seized approximately 4.7
grams of cocaine. The defendant was subsequently convicted of possession of .5 grams or more of
cocaine with the intent to sell or deliver, a Class B felony. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-417(c)(1).
He received a twelve-year sentence as a Range II multiple offender.
We initially note that in addition to the appellate brief submitted by defense counsel, the
defendant also submitted a pro se brief in which he raised issues not addressed in the brief prepared
by defense counsel. However, in this court, a defendant may not be represented by counsel and
simultaneously proceed pro se. See State v. Cole, 629 S.W.2d 915, 917-18 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1981).
Accordingly, for purposes of this appeal, we decline to address those issues raised by the defendant
in his pro se appellate brief.
I. FACTS
Agent Donald Wayne Blackwell testified that on March 15, 2002, he lead a unit of several
agents in executing a search warrant on the residence and surrounding premises located at 364 Jim
Jackson Road in Gibson County, Tennessee. Agent Blackwell stated the residence was located in
a rural area with no other houses nearby. L.J. Woodruff owned the residence and lived there with
Darlene Echols, who was his daughter, and the defendant.1
Agent Blackwell testified he observed the defendant leave the residence and followed him
to Humboldt, Tennessee, where he and Agent Danny Lewis stopped the defendant and escorted him
back to the residence. Woodruff, Echols, Paul Jones, an unidentified woman, and a number of young
boys were at the residence when the agents arrived.
Agent Blackwell testified that upon searching the premises, he discovered a cigarette pack
containing a bag of crack cocaine underneath sheets of tin located approximately seventy yards
behind the residence. Agent Blackwell stated the crack cocaine weighed 4.7 grams and was worth
approximately $500. Both Agent Blackwell and Agent Lewis stated this amount was indicative of
someone who intended to sell the cocaine rather than use it.
Agent Blackwell testified that because it rained the previous day, he was able to observe a
series of fresh footprints that led from the back door of the residence to the pile of tin. Agent
Blackwell stated the tread of the shoe prints matched the tread of the shoes which the defendant
wore.
Agent Blackwell and Agent Lewis testified that a notebook which Agent Lewis seized from
the defendant’s bedroom appeared to be a drug ledger. Both agents stated the ledger listed initials
and various prices. Agent Blackwell explained that drug dealers generally list those who owe them
money by their initials rather than by their names. He further explained that the prices listed
included $10, $20, and $30, which were prices in which “rocks” of crack cocaine were generally
sold. Agent Blackwell testified the defendant’s name did not appear on the ledger and that he was
unaware of whose handwriting was in the ledger. Agent Lewis also located a receipt and a
prescription pill bottle, both of which bore the defendant’s name, inside the same bedroom.
1
Echols was jointly charged with the defendant. She was tried along with the defendant and was acquitted of
the charge.
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Agent Blackwell testified agents also found a filter on Jones and arrested him for possession
of drug paraphernalia. Agents further discovered a crack pipe in a hole in the wall near a stairway
leading to the defendant’s bedroom; cigarette packages in the living room; and a crack pipe, a bent
spoon, a push rod, and lighters in the front bedroom. Agent Blackwell stated the cigarette packages
resembled the package which contained the cocaine. He further stated the bent spoon had residue
on it, and the push rod and the lighters are customarily used in smoking crack cocaine. Agent
Blackwell testified that some time after the search was completed, he and Agent Lewis interviewed
Woodruff, who admitted to using crack cocaine.
Agent Guy Steven Howell testified that upon being informed of the recovery of the cocaine,
he approached the pile of tin and observed numerous footprints leading to and from the tin. He
stated he identified four sets of footprints as belonging to Agent Johnny Tucker, Agent Blackwell,
Agent Lewis, and the defendant. Upon examining the agents’ shoes, Agent Howell was able to
eliminate their footprints. Agent Howell testified he then removed the defendant’s shoes, took them
to the site, and determined the defendant’s shoes matched footprints leading to the area where the
drugs were recovered. Agent Howell explained he observed two distinctive marks on the bottom
of the defendant’s shoes. The center of the shoes appeared to have “a big star type sort of symbol,”
and the heels of the shoes made a “wedge type” impression.
L.J. Woodruff testified the defendant, Echols’ boyfriend, lived with him and Echols for
approximately two to three weeks prior to the execution of the search warrant. Woodruff testified
that prior to the agents’ arrival, he observed the defendant cutting a “stone,” which appeared to be
cocaine, on a plate. Woodruff stated the substance had a round shape and was as large as a quarter.
He further stated that upon instructing the defendant to remove the substance from the residence, the
defendant placed the material in a plastic bag and exited the residence through the back door.
Woodruff testified he observed the defendant exchange cocaine in the yard on four or five prior
occasions.
The defendant presented no proof at trial. The jury convicted the defendant of possession of
.5 grams or more of cocaine with intent to sell or deliver as charged in the indictment. The trial court
sentenced him to twelve years in confinement as a Range II multiple offender to be served
consecutively to prior sentences.
II. IDENTITY OF CRIMINAL INFORMANT
The defendant contends the trial court erred in denying his motion to require the state to
reveal the identity of its confidential informant used to secure the search warrant. We disagree.
A. Affidavit in Support of Search Warrant
The affidavit in support of the search warrant, which led to the seizure of the cocaine,
provided in part that:
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Within 72 hours prior to the swearing of this affidavit, a confidential source
did see [the defendant] in possession of crack cocaine and did witness [the defendant]
sell crack cocaine at the above listed address. This confidential source is aware of
what crack cocaine looks like due to the source’s previous use and association with
others using crack cocaine.
Agents of the West Tennessee Violent Crime & Drug Task Force have used
this confidential source in the past. This source has given information in 2 felony
cases. One, leading to an arrest and conviction also a seizure of a large amount of
cocaine. The second felony arrest is pending in court also with a seizure of cocaine.
B. Hearing on Motion for Disclosure of the Confidential Informant’s Identity
Prior to trial, the defendant filed a motion to compel the state to reveal the identity of the
confidential informant. During the hearing on the motion, defense counsel explained he was not
seeking the identity of the informant in order to attack the validity of the search warrant. Rather,
defense counsel argued that because the drugs were seized from an area in which others, including
the informant, may have had access, disclosure of the informant’s identity was necessary to
determine whether the informant was a witness or a participant in the offense.
During the hearing, the state maintained it did not intend to present the informant as a witness
at trial. The state further argued the informant was not a witness to the crime nor would he be
beneficial to the defense. The trial court denied the motion.
C. Analysis
The identity of a confidential informant is generally privileged. House v. State, 44 S.W.3d
508, 512 (Tenn. 2001); State v. Vanderford, 980 S.W.2d 390, 395 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1997). This
privilege, which is based upon public policy, seeks to encourage citizens to provide information of
criminal activity to law enforcement officials “without unduly exposing themselves to the danger
inherent in such laudable activity and to make possible their continued usefulness in future disclosures
that the revelation of their identity would probably hamper and prevent.” House, 44 S.W.3d at 512
(citation omitted).
However, this privilege is not absolute, and “the scope of the privilege is limited by its
underlying purpose.” Roviaro v. United States, 353 U.S. 53, 60, 77 S. Ct. 623, 1 L. Ed. 2d 639
(1957). No fixed rule exists regarding when the state is required to disclose the identity of a
confidential informant to a defendant. Id. at 62. Rather, this determination is within the sound
discretion of the trial court upon considering the particular facts and circumstances of the case.
House, 44 S.W.3d at 512; Vanderford, 980 S.W.2d at 396.
Generally, the state is required to disclose a confidential informant’s identity to a defendant
when:
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(a) disclosure would be relevant and helpful to the defendant in presenting his defense
and is essential to a fair trial,
(b) the informant was a participant in the crime,
(c) the informant was a witness to the crime, or
(d) the informant has knowledge which is favorable to the defendant.
Vanderford, 980 S.W.2d at 397. The defendant bears the burden of establishing by a preponderance
of the evidence that the identity of the informant is material to his defense in that “the informant was
a witness to the crime, participated in the crime, or possesses facts favorable or relevant to the
defendant.” Id.
The defendant contends the confidential informant “might” have been a participant in the
offense or an otherwise material witness. He further asserts he was unable to determine whether the
informant was material unless the state disclosed the informant’s identity. However, as the movant,
the defendant bore the burden of proving materiality of the informant by a preponderance of the
evidence. See id. During the hearing on the motion, the defendant admitted he did not know whether
the informant was a participant or whether the informant had information which would have been
helpful to the defense. Therefore, the defendant has failed to establish the materiality of the informant
by a preponderance of the evidence.
We further note that the defendant was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to sell
or deliver based upon the cocaine and other items which the agents seized while executing the search
warrant. Nothing in the record suggests that the informant was present when the agents executed
the search warrant; rather, during the pretrial hearing, the state maintained the informant was not
present during the search. The state is generally not required to reveal the identity of an informant
who did not participate or was not present when the offense occurred. State v. Tidmore, 604 S.W.2d
879, 882 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1980); see also N. Cohen, et al., Tennessee Law of Evidence § 5.24
(4th ed. 2000) (noting that disclosure of an informant’s identity is not required if the informant only
provided information which officers used in obtaining a search warrant).
Finally, the defendant asserts that the informant may have been a material witness in that he
may have planted the cocaine underneath the pile of tin. However, during the pretrial hearing, the
defendant failed to present any proof regarding this theory. As a panel of this court has previously
noted:
If the informer’s relation to the acts leading directly to or constituting the crime may
be assumed from a fertile imagination of counsel, the Government in practically
every case would have to prove affirmatively that the informant had not done any
such likely acts. Having done that, all would be revealed and the informer privilege,
deemed essential for the public interest, for all practical purposes would be no more.
Carver v. State, 570 S.W.2d 872, 875 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1978) (citation omitted). Accordingly, we
conclude the defendant is not entitled to relief on this issue.
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III. SUFFICIENCY OF THE EVIDENCE
The defendant contends the evidence presented at trial is insufficient to support his
conviction. We disagree.
A. Standard of Review
In determining the sufficiency of the evidence, this court does not reweigh or reevaluate the
evidence. State v. Cabbage, 571 S.W.2d 832, 835 (Tenn. 1978). Accordingly, it is the appellate
court’s duty to affirm the conviction if the evidence, viewed under these standards, was sufficient
for any rational trier of fact to have found the essential elements of the offense beyond a reasonable
doubt. Tenn. R. App. P. 13(e); Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319, 99 S. Ct. 2781, 2789, 61 L.
Ed. 2d 560 (1979); State v. Cazes, 875 S.W.2d 253, 259 (Tenn. 1994).
Although the evidence of the defendant’s guilt is circumstantial in nature, circumstantial
evidence alone may be sufficient to support a conviction. State v. Tharpe, 726 S.W.2d 896, 899-900
(Tenn. 1987); State v. Buttrey, 756 S.W.2d 718, 721 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1988). However, for this
to occur, the circumstantial evidence must be consistent with guilt of the accused, inconsistent with
innocence, and must exclude every other reasonable theory or hypothesis except that of guilt. Tharpe,
726 S.W.2d at 900.
Great weight is given to the jury verdict in a criminal trial; it accredits the state’s witnesses
and resolves all conflicts in favor of the state. State v. Bigbee, 885 S.W.2d 797, 803 (Tenn. 1994);
State v. Harris, 839 S.W.2d 54, 75 (Tenn. 1992). Therefore, while following the above guidelines,
this court must remember that the jury decides the weight to be given to circumstantial evidence.
“The inferences to be drawn from such evidence, and the extent to which the circumstances are
consistent with guilt and inconsistent with innocence are questions . . . for the jury.” Marable v.
State, 313 S.W.2d 451, 457 (Tenn. 1958) (citation omitted); see also State v. Gregory, 862 S.W.2d
574, 577 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1993).
B. Analysis
One who knowingly possesses .5 grams or more of cocaine with the intent to sell or deliver the
substance commits a Class B felony. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-417(a)(4), (c)(1). “Possession” may
be actual or constructive. State v. Shaw, 37 S.W.3d 900, 903 (Tenn. 2001). To prove constructive
possession, the state must establish the defendant had the power and intention at a given time to
exercise dominion and control over the drugs either directly or through others. Id. at 903; State v.
Patterson, 966 S.W.2d 435, 445 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1997). Presence in the area of the drugs or
association with those possessing drugs is not alone sufficient to establish constructive possession.
State v. Cooper, 736 S.W.2d 125, 129 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1987). An inference may be drawn from the
amount of the drugs possessed by the accused and other relevant facts and circumstances surrounding
the arrest that the drugs were possessed “with the purpose of selling or otherwise dispensing.” Tenn.
Code Ann. § 39-17-419.
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In the case at bar, various agents testified that a plastic bag containing approximately 4.7
grams of crack cocaine with an estimated value of $500 was discovered inside a cigarette package
underneath a pile of tin located behind the residence in which the defendant was then residing.
Agent Blackwell and Agent Lewis testified this amount of crack cocaine was indicative of one who
intended to sell the drug rather than use it. Agent Howell and Agent Blackwell stated shoe prints
near the area where the cocaine was seized matched the defendant’s shoes. Agent Lewis and Agent
Blackwell testified a notebook, which appeared to be a drug ledger, was subsequently seized from
the defendant’s bedroom.
Woodruff testified he observed the defendant exchange cocaine on four or five prior
occasions. Woodruff stated that prior to the agents’ arrival, he observed the defendant cutting a
substance which appeared to be crack cocaine. When Woodruff ordered the defendant to remove
the drugs from the residence, the defendant placed the substance in a plastic bag, exited the back
door, and walked toward an area behind the residence. We conclude this evidence is sufficient to
support the defendant’s conviction for possession of .5 grams or more of cocaine with the intent to
sell or deliver.
IV. EVIDENCE OF FOOTPRINTS
The defendant maintains the trial court erred in admitting evidence that his shoe tread
matched the footprints found in the area where the cocaine was seized. Specifically, the defendant
asserts the testimony of Agents Howell and Blackwell did not qualify as expert testimony; rather,
the agents provided inadmissible lay opinions which invaded the province of the jury.
A. Trial Proceedings
Prior to trial, the defendant filed a motion in limine requesting the trial court to prohibit the
state from introducing any evidence regarding the discovery and comparison of footprints at the
crime scene. The trial court subsequently filed a written order denying the motion.
During the trial, both Agent Blackwell and Agent Howell testified regarding the footprints
they observed near the area where the bag of cocaine was seized. They stated they removed the
defendant’s shoes from his feet, took them to the site, and compared the footprints with the tread of
his shoes. The two agents stated the tread of the defendant’s shoes had a distinctive design which
matched the footprints. The defendant’s shoes and photographs of the footprints were admitted into
evidence.
B. Analysis
The propriety, scope, manner and control of the examination of witnesses is within the sound
discretion of the trial court. State v. Humphreys, 70 S.W.3d 752, 766-67 (Tenn. Crim. App. 2001).
Absent an abuse of discretion, we will not interfere with such rulings. Harris, 839 S.W.2d at 72.
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A witness qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education may
testify in the form of an opinion or otherwise, provided the scientific, technical, or other specialized
knowledge will substantially assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact
in issue. Tenn. R. Evid. 702. The state concedes that the agents’ testimony regarding the footprints
failed to satisfy the requirements for the admission of expert testimony, but contends the state did
not attempt to qualify the agents as experts pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Evidence 702. Therefore,
we must determine whether the agents’ testimony concerning the footprints was properly admitted
as opinion testimony by non-expert witnesses.
Tennessee Rule of Evidence 701 limits the opinions or inferences of a non-expert witness
to those which are “(1) rationally based on the perception of the witness and (2) helpful to a clear
understanding of the witness’s testimony or the determination of a fact in issue.” Tenn. R. Evid.
701(a). Opinion testimony by non-expert witnesses is limited to opinions which do not require
specialized knowledge; situations where the witness is unable to adequately communicate without
testifying in the form of an opinion; and situations where the opinion will not mislead the trier of fact
resulting in prejudice to the objecting party. State v. Dutton, 896 S.W.2d 114, 118 n.2 (Tenn. 1995).
Other jurisdictions have concluded a lay witness may properly testify regarding footprint
comparisons and identification. See, e.g., Burton v. State, 564 N.E.2d 318 (Ind. Ct. App. 1990)
(noting that non-expert testimony relating to footprint comparisons is admissible provided the
opinion is based upon the measurements or peculiarities of the footprints); State v. Jeter, 609 So.2d
1019, 1023 (La. App. 2d Cir. 1992) (noting that a witness need not be qualified as a footprint expert
in order to testify concerning a comparison between an accused’s shoes and shoe prints found at the
scene of the crime); State v. Johnson, 576 A.2d 834, 851 (N.J. 1990) (holding lay opinion testimony
in the area of footprint identification is admissible); State v. Rondeau, 553 P.2d 688, 698-99 (N.M.
1976) (concluding a lay witness may present opinion testimony regarding the similarity between a
defendant’s shoes and footprints found at the scene of the crime). As one court has observed,
patterns of shoe prints are often “readily recognizable and well within the capabilities of a lay
witness to observe. No detailed measurements, no subtle analysis or scientific determination is
needed.” Hutt v. State, 523 A.2d 643, 645-46 (Md. App. 1987) (citations omitted).
We agree with the holdings of these jurisdictions and conclude that the testimony of Agent
Blackwell and Agent Howell regarding footprint identification and comparison was properly
admitted. Both agents testified they observed a distinctive pattern on the tread of the defendant’s
shoes which matched the footprints located near the area where the cocaine was discovered.
Accordingly, this issue is without merit.
V. HOSTILE WITNESS
The defendant asserts the trial court erred in permitting the state to treat L.J. Woodruff, a
witness for the state, as a hostile witness at trial. We disagree.
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A. Trial Proceedings
During trial, the state presented Woodruff, Echols’ father who resided at the residence, as a
witness. Woodruff testified the defendant was at the residence during the morning hours prior to the
execution of the search warrant. The following colloquy then occurred:
Q. Well, what sort of things had [the defendant] been doing around the house?
A. Doing a lot of cooking.
...
Q. Cooking. Anything else?
A. If you’ll tell me what you’re talking about I might can remember. I have a hard
time. I can’t remember too much.
...
Q. Did you see anything relating to James Westbrook having anything to do with any
cocaine?
A. I thought one time I seen him with some in a plate one time.
Q. You saw him with some in a plate?
A. It was something. I guess that’s what it was.
...
Q. What was on the plate, Mr. Woodruff?
A. It was something on a plate. It looked to me like he was cutting something or
another. I just walked out the door.
...
Q. And what did the substance look like?
A. Little stuff. I don’t know what it looked like. He was just cutting stuff. I went
out the door.
Q. Well, Mr. Woodruff, are you familiar with the appearance of crack cocaine?
A. Yes, I’ve seen a lot of it.
Q. You’ve seen a lot of crack cocaine?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Well, did the stuff on the plate look like crack cocaine?
A. It looked like something like that.
...
Q. How big a quantity was it on the plate?
A. I didn’t pay that much attention because I just went out the door. I don’t like to
be around nothing like that so when stuff like that goes on, I go out.
A bench conference was then held, and the state requested the trial court to allow them to
declare Woodruff to be a hostile witness. The prosecutor explained that Woodruff had given a prior
statement to the agents in which he stated that approximately forty-five minutes prior to the agents’
arrival, he observed the defendant cutting up “a chunk of crack cocaine about the size of a half a
dollar.” The prosecutor further stated he and Woodruff had met on the previous day and that
Woodruff was able to recall the size of the “chunk” of cocaine.
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The trial court found that Woodruff was “refusing to cooperate and [was] behaving in a
hostile manner to the State.” The court further found that due to Woodruff’s representations during
the meeting, the state had a right to claim that they expected Woodruff’s testimony to comport with
his prior statement. The trial court permitted the state to treat Woodruff as a hostile witness.
The prosecutor then questioned Woodruff regarding his prior statement to the agents, and
Woodruff admitted to making the statement. Upon further questioning, Woodruff’s testimony
regarding his observations prior to the execution of the search warrant was similar to the version
related in the prior statement.
B. Analysis
The defendant contends the state sought to declare Woodruff to be a hostile witness in order
to introduce his prior statement. He asserts that the state should have permitted Woodruff to view
the prior statement in order to refresh his recollection.
Pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Evidence 611(c), “[w]hen a party calls a witness determined
by the court to be a hostile witness, interrogation may be by leading questions.” This rule generally
applies when the party calling the witness was surprised by the witness’s testimony, which was
contradictory to the witness’s pretrial statements. See Floyd v. State, 596 S.W.2d 836, 839 (Tenn.
Crim. App. 1979).
We conclude the record supports the trial court’s findings. Woodruff’s initial testimony was
contrary to his prior statement. During a hearing outside the presence of the jury, the trial court
found the state reasonably expected Woodruff to testify consistently with his prior statement. Once
the trial court declared Woodruff to be a hostile witness, the state properly asked him leading questions.
Woodruff then admitted he gave the prior statement and, more significantly, gave independent
testimony incriminating the defendant.2 Accordingly, this issue is without merit.
VI. SENTENCING
The defendant contends his sentence is improper. Specifically, he asserts that the issue
regarding the amount of the fine should have been submitted to the jury. The defendant further
maintains that the trial court erred in ordering him to serve his sentence consecutively to his sentences
for prior convictions.
2
A prior inconsistent statement itself is not substantive evidence unless a hearsay exception applies. See State
v. Smith, 24 S.W .3d 274, 279 (Tenn. 200 0). However, if the witness then proceeds to declare that the contents of the
prior statement are in fact true, that testimony becomes substantive evidence.
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A. Sentencing Hearing
During the sentencing hearing, the state submitted the defendant’s presentence report into
evidence. According to the presentence report, the defendant has two prior convictions for possession
of over .5 grams of cocaine with intent to sell or deliver, a misdemeanor theft conviction, a
misdemeanor assault conviction, a petit larceny conviction, and numerous convictions for traffic
offenses. The defendant was arrested for one of the drug offenses in October 1999 and was arrested
for the theft offense and the second drug offense in March 2001. He was convicted of all three
offenses in October 2001 and received an effective sentence of sixteen years, which was suspended
following service of one year in confinement. Thus, he was on probation when the instant offense
was committed.
The trial court sentenced the defendant to twelve years in confinement as a Range II multiple
offender. The court ordered the defendant to serve his sentence consecutively to his sentences for
prior convictions. The court then imposed a $3,000 fine.
B. Standard of Review
A defendant who challenges his or her sentence has the burden of proving the sentence
imposed by the trial court is improper. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-401, Sentencing Commission
Comments; State v. Ashby, 823 S.W.2d 166, 169 (Tenn. 1991). It is this court’s duty to conduct a
de novo review of the record with a presumption the trial court’s determinations are correct when
a defendant appeals the length, range, or manner of service of his or her sentence. Tenn. Code Ann.
§ 40-35-401(d). The presumption of correctness is conditioned upon the affirmative showing in the
record that the trial court considered the sentencing principles and all relevant facts and
circumstances. State v. Pettus, 986 S.W.2d 540, 543-44 (Tenn. 1999).
C. Consecutive Sentencing
The defendant asserts the trial court erred in ordering him to serve his twelve-year sentence
for the present offense consecutively to his prior offenses. We disagree.
Generally, it is within the discretion of the trial court to impose consecutive sentences if it
finds by a preponderance of the evidence that at least one of the criteria provided in Tennessee Code
Annotated section 40-35-115(b) applies. One of the criteria provides for the imposition of consecutive
sentences if “[t]he defendant is sentenced for an offense committed while on probation.” Tenn. Code
Ann. § 40-35-115(b)(6). This provision authorizes the trial court “to order the new sentence to be
served consecutively to the one for which probation was granted.” State v. Moore, 942 S.W.2d 570,
572 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1996). Imposition of consecutive sentencing based upon this provision is
permissive, rather than mandatory. State v. Eric Jonathan Benefield, No. E2000-02565-CCA-R3-
CD, 2001 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 787, at **5-6 (Tenn. Crim. App. Oct. 2, 2001, at Knoxville).
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According to the defendant’s presentence report, on October 29, 2001, he was convicted of
two counts of possession of .5 grams or more of cocaine with intent to sell or deliver, Class B
felonies. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-417(c)(1). The defendant received an effective sixteen-year
sentence, which was suspended upon serving one year in confinement. The trial court ordered the
defendant to serve his twelve-year sentence for the present offense, which was committed on March
15, 2002, while the defendant was on probation, consecutively to his prior sixteen-year sentence.
We conclude the trial court did not abuse its discretion in imposing consecutive sentencing.
D. Fine
The defendant contends the trial court erred in imposing the $3,000 fine. He maintains the
amount of the fine should have been submitted to the jury. We agree.
Under the Tennessee Constitution, the right to a jury trial applies where a fine of more than
$50 may be imposed. State v. Dusina, 764 S.W.2d 766, 768 (Tenn. 1989); see Tenn. Const. art. VI,
§ 14. A trial court may impose a fine greater than $50 in two circumstances: “(1) when the defendant
waives the right for a jury determination of the fine, and (2) when the fine is statutorily specified and
allows no judicial discretion in its imposition.” State v. Martin, 940 S.W.2d 567, 570 (Tenn. 1997)
(citations omitted).
During the sentencing hearing, the trial court imposed a $3,000 fine. However, we have
found nothing in the technical record nor the trial transcript indicating the defendant waived his right
to have the fine fixed by the jury. Furthermore, the statute at issue only provides for a minimum
fine; thus, the trial court exercised some discretion in fixing the fine. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-
428(b)(9)-(11); see also Martin, 940 S.W.2d at 570-71. Therefore, the trial court did not have the
authority to impose the $3,000 fine. Accordingly, we remand this case to the trial court and, absent
a waiver, direct a new jury be empaneled in order to fix the fine. See Martin, 940 S.W.2d at 570.
We further note that the $3,000 fine imposed by the trial court appears to be below the
mandatory minimum fine for this offense. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-428(b)(11). The defendant
has two prior convictions for possession of .5 grams or more of cocaine with intent to sell or deliver,
the same offense for which he stands convicted in the case at bar. Because the defendant’s present
conviction is his third felony drug conviction involving a scheduled controlled substance, the
applicable mandatory minimum fine is $5,000. See id.
VII. CONCLUSION
In summary, we conclude the trial court erred in fixing the $3,000 fine and remand for a jury
to fix the appropriate fine. We otherwise affirm the judgment of the trial court.
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JOE G. RILEY, JUDGE
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