NO. 12-01-00002-CR
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
TWELFTH COURT OF APPEALS DISTRICT
TYLER, TEXAS
WANDA BERNARD,§ APPEAL FROM THE 145TH
APPELLANT
V.§ JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT OF
THE STATE OF TEXAS,
APPELLEE§ NACOGDOCHES COUNTY, TEXAS
Appellant Wanda Bernard appeals her jury conviction for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, for which the jury assessed punishment at imprisonment for eighty years and imposed a fine of $22,000.00. In three issues, Appellant complains that the State engaged in improper jury argument, and that she received ineffective assistance of counsel. We reverse and remand for a new trial.
Background
In 1998, Appellant was a passenger on a commercial bus which stopped in Nacogdoches, Texas. When the bus came to a halt, an officer of the Deep East Texas Narcotics Task Force boarded the vehicle. The officer walked to the back of the bus and began speaking with the passengers. He asked Appellant for permission to search her person and baggage, to which Appellant consented. When Appellant stood up, the officer saw a square shape under Appellant's clothing and asked what it was. Appellant told the officer that it was cocaine. She was arrested and ultimately indicted and prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. Upon conviction, this appeal followed. Appellant complains that there was improper jury argument at both the guilt/innocence stage of the trial and the punishment stage. Her ineffectiveness claim hinges on her trial counsel's failure to object to that improper jury argument.
Improper Jury Argument
Complained of Statements
In issue three, Appellant complains that trial counsel failed to object when, during final argument at the guilt-innocence stage of the trial, the prosecutor made improper jury arguments commenting on Appellant's failure to testify, as follows:
[1] Now, [defense counsel] started out by saying that the only evidence that was brought into this case is what came through this witness stand up here. And he's right. And this evidence is uncontroverted. There is no evidence - and these are the elements . . .
. . .
[2] And there is no evidence to controvert with intent to deliver, because the evidence, and the only evidence that you had, and what you're bound by your oath, is to consider only the evidence that was submitted. The only evidence about, with intent to deliver, was what Officer Cruse testified based on his experience.
. . .
[3] Ladies and gentlemen, the only evidence that you had in this case, the only evidence that you're entitled to consider is what John Been told you and what Henri Cruse told you.
. . .
[4] In fact, ladies and gentlemen, there isn't any evidence to the contrary that she's not guilty. There's not one bit of evidence in this record that shows her any . . .
. . .
[5] --every element is undisputed.
. . .
[6] You can find that she intended to deliver it based on the circumstances, taped to her body, traveling at that time of night under an assumed name. Those are pieces of evidence that are uncontroverted under which you can assume that she intended to deliver it.
(emphasis added).
Appellant contends that even though the prosecutor's remarks were clearly improper comments on her failure to testify, her trial counsel failed to object to all but the fourth comment. (1) This failure waived any error for appellate review. Tex. R. App. P. 33.1(a). Appellant asserts that trial counsel's performance in this respect constituted ineffective assistance of counsel. But before we can determine if failing to object to the above-quoted comments was ineffective assistance, we must first consider whether the jury argument was improper.
Standard of Review
For the State's jury argument to be proper, it must fall within one of four general categories: (1) summation of the evidence, (2) reasonable deduction from the evidence, (3) answer to argument of opposing counsel, and (4) plea for law enforcement. Allridge v. State, 762 S.W.2d 146, 155 (Tex. Crim. App. 1988). Commenting on a defendant's failure to testify does not fall within any of these categories. The State violates both the state and federal constitutions when a prosecutor comments on an accused's failure to testify. Bustamante v. State, 48 S.W.3d 761, 764 (Tex. Crim. App. 2001). In addition, article 38.08 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure expressly prohibits any allusion to or comment on an accused's exercise of his right not to testify. Jones v. State, 693 S.W.2d 406, 407 (Tex. Crim. App. 1985). The test applied in such a case requires us to view the offensive language from the jury's standpoint to see if it is of such a character that a jury would necessarily and naturally take it to be a comment on the accused's failure to testify. Madden v. State, 799 S.W.2d 683, 699 (Tex. Crim. App. 1990).
After reviewing the record in the instant case, we find that the prosecutor's language constituted improper comments on Appellant's failure to testify. (2) The primary thrust of the argument in question went to the issue of intent to deliver. The only person who could testify to Appellant's intent to deliver the cocaine was Appellant herself. A jury would necessarily and naturally interpret the State's argument that the evidence was undisputed as a comment on Appellant's failure to testify. See Pollard v. State, 552 S.W.2d 475, 476-77 (Tex. Crim. App. 1977)("No one contradicts her," when defendant is only person capable of contradicting the witness, is comment on failure to testify); Dubose v. State, 531 S.W.2d 330 (Tex. Crim. App. 1976)(remark that the defense had not presented "one scintilla of evidence" challenging the credibility of the victim is a comment on the accused's failure to testify); Carrillo v. State, 821 S.W.2d 697 (Tex. App.-Dallas 1991, pet. ref'd)(statement by the prosecutor that "it's simple, it's not been uncorroborated evidence, it's not been disputed, it's just a simple case," is comment on defendant's failure to testify; Anderson v. State, 813 S.W.2d 177, 181 (Tex. App.-Dallas 1991, no pet.)("[H]as [defendant] put up any kind of explanation as to how those fingerprints ended up on the truck?" is comment on failure to testify).
Harm Analysis
Having determined that the State's arguments constituted improper comments on Appellant's failure to testify, we must conduct a harm analysis under Tex. R. App. P. 44.2. The applicable legal standard of review is whether this court can determine beyond a reasonable doubt that the error did not contribute to the conviction. Tex. R. App. P. 44.2(a). In applying this standard of review, we do not consider whether there is overwhelming evidence of guilt. Harris v. State, 790 S.W.2d 568, 585 (Tex. Crim. App. 1989). Instead, we focus on the error and its possible impact. Id. at 586-88. "If the error was of a magnitude that it disrupted the [factfinder's] orderly evaluation of the evidence, no matter how overwhelming it might have been, then the conviction is tainted." Id. at 588.
To perform a harm analysis, an appellate court should consider the following factors: (1) the source of the error, (2) the nature of the error, (3) whether the error was emphasized and its probable collateral implications, (4) the weight a juror would probably place upon the error, and (5) whether declaring the error harmless would encourage the State to repeat it with impunity. Also, the Supreme Court has held that "courts must be alert to factors that may undermine the fairness of the factfinding process." Estelle v. Williams, 425 U.S. 501, 503, 96 S. Ct. 1691, 1693, 48 L. Ed. 2d 126 (1976). The probability of deleterious effects on fundamental rights, such as the Fifth Amendment guarantee against self-incrimination which every defendant is entitled to, calls for close judicial scrutiny. See Id.
Applying these standards to this case, we cannot conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that the improper prosecutorial argument did not contribute to Appellant's conviction for possession with intent to deliver. The record reflects that the prosecutor, intentionally or unintentionally, tainted the guilt-innocence phase of Appellant's trial by improperly commenting on Appellant's failure to testify. The prosecutor's remarks could not help but direct the jury's attention to Appellant's invocation of her constitutional right not to testify. The jury convicted Appellant of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. The jury was given the opportunity to find Appellant guilty of the lesser included offense of possession, but declined to do so. The difference between the two offenses is the "intent to deliver," which was the issue to which the improper argument was directed. The comments were made by the State, and on one occasion, sanctioned by the trial court, which put "the stamp of judicial approval" on it. (3) See Good v. State, 723 S.W.2d 734, 738 (Tex. Crim. App. 1986); Burke v. State, 652 S.W.2d 788, 790 (Tex. Crim. App. 1983). The State emphasized Appellant's failure to testify on several occasions. And it would be a natural consequence of the State's argument that the jury would consider Appellant's failure to testify as evidence of guilt, especially as to the element of intent to deliver.
The natural and necessary implications of the prosecutor's comments include (1) disrupting the jury's orderly evaluation of the evidence, (2) causing prejudice to the jury's decision-making, and (3) denying Appellant's right to a fair and impartial trial. Also, we determine that to declare this improper prosecutorial argument harmless could encourage other prosecutors to repeat it with impunity. Accordingly, we conclude that the prosecutor's improper jury argument constitutes harmful error, which would have been reversible. Therefore, if trial counsel had objected, he would not have been engaging in an exercise in futility, but rather he would have preserved reversible error for appeal. (4)
Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
Standard of Review
To show that his trial counsel was ineffective, Appellant must meet the two-pronged test articulated in Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 104 S. Ct. 2052, 80 L. Ed. 2d 674 (1984). First, Appellant must demonstrate that counsel's performance was deficient. Id. at 687. In order to satisfy this prong, Appellant must demonstrate that counsel's performance fell below an objective standard of reasonableness, as judged on the facts of a particular case and viewed at the time of counsel's conduct. Id. at 688-90. However, counsel is presumed to have rendered adequate assistance and made all significant decisions in the exercise of reasonable professional judgment. Thompson v. State, 9 S.W.3d 808, 813 (Tex. Crim. App. 1999). Appellant has the burden to rebut this presumption by proving that his attorney's representation was unreasonable under prevailing professional norms and that the challenged action was not sound strategy. Jackson v. State, 877 S.W.2d 768, 771 (Tex. Crim. App. 1994).
We do not inquire into matters of trial strategy unless from all appearances no possible basis exists in strategy or tactics for trial counsel's actions. Johnson v. State, 614 S.W.2d 148, 152 (Tex. Crim. App. 1981). When the record contains no evidence of the reasoning behind trial counsel's actions, we cannot conclude counsel's performance was deficient. See Jackson, 877 S.W.2d at 772. A silent record does not require an appellate court to speculate on the reasons for trial counsel's decisions. Id. at 771. Our speculation on the reasons for trial counsel's actions is "not material." Id. However, when a "cold record" clearly confirms that no reasonable trial counsel could have made such trial decisions, to hold counsel ineffective is not speculation. Vasquez v. State, 830 S.W.2d 948, 950-51 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992); Tapia v. State, 933 S.W.2d 631, 634 (Tex. App.- Dallas 1996, pet. ref'd). In other words, in "rare cases," the record on direct appeal will be sufficient for the appellate court to evaluate the claim. Robinson v. State, 16 S.W.3d 808, 813 n.7 (Tex. Crim. App. 2000). (5) Further, it is possible that a single egregious error of omission or commission by Appellant's counsel constitutes ineffective assistance. Thompson, 9 S.W.3d at 813.
The second prong requires Appellant to show that counsel's performance prejudiced his defense at trial. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 692. "It is not enough for the Appellant to show that the errors had some conceivable effect on the outcome of the proceeding." Id. at 693. Rather, he must show there is a reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different but for the errors made by counsel. Id. at 694. "A reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome." Id.
"Any allegation of ineffectiveness must be firmly founded in the record and the record must affirmatively demonstrate the alleged ineffectiveness." McFarland v. State, 928 S.W.2d 482, 500 (Tex. Crim. App. 1996). Failure to make the required showing of either deficient performance or sufficient prejudice defeats the ineffectiveness claim. Id.
Analysis
As we stated earlier, the State's argument constituted improper comments on Appellant's failure to testify. The prosecutor in this case exceeded the bounds of proper jury argument, bringing improper influences to bear on the jury's deliberations on several occasions. Although the trial record is devoid of trial counsel's reasons for not objecting to this improper jury argument, counsel's failure to object cannot be attributed to any reasonable trial strategy. While it is true that counsel could have made a strategic decision not to object, we conclude that in this case, counsel's failure to object was not trial strategy because he lodged an objection to the fourth improper comment on his client's failure to testify. Consequently, we find no valid strategic reason for trial counsel's performance. The record affirmatively demonstrates that counsel's inaction could not have constituted sound trial strategy. We hold, therefore, that this is the "rare case" in which the record on direct appeal is sufficient to prove counsel's performance was deficient. Robinson, 16 S.W.3d at 813 n.7. (6)
The next question before us is whether trial counsel's deficient performance prejudiced Appellant's defense at trial. The prosecution offered very little evidence of intent to deliver, relying solely on an inference from the amount of cocaine possessed by Appellant. During closing argument, the State made six allusions to Appellant's failure to testify. These allusions clearly implied that the jury could infer Appellant's guilt of intent to deliver from her failure to offer evidence to rebut the State's position. Appellant's failure to testify was emphasized by the State. Furthermore, because trial counsel did not object to the improper comments, the court did not issue instructions to disregard to make it clear to the jury that they were not to use the prosecutor's statements in weighing the evidence. And as we earlier noted, the trial court put "the stamp of judicial approval" on the improper argument, thus magnifying the possibility for harm.
The number of times the State alluded to Appellant's failure to testify, the State's heavy reliance upon the argument that the evidence of intent to deliver was "uncontroverted," the court's "stamp of judicial approval" on the improper argument, and the scant evidence of intent to deliver offered by the State causes us to conclude that there is a reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different but for the errors made by counsel. Our confidence in the outcome of the trial has been undermined by trial counsel's errors. Accordingly, we sustain issue three and reverse and remand this case for a new trial.
LEONARD DAVIS
Chief Justice
Opinion delivered February 20, 2002.
Panel consisted of Davis, C.J., Worthen, J., and Griffith, J.
(DO NOT PUBLISH)
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
- And other than that did you in doing the trial - I know you're competent, skilled, and an aggressive counsel - I presume you saw error in the trial?
- Yes.
- And did you believe that you had preserved issues that would be appealable?
- Yes.
- And did you made an effort I'm sure to make that record as replete as possible with competent objections?
- Yes.
. . .
- Did you feel that [the prosecutor] had made some improper arguments within the case?
- In 20 years of law practice I have never had an Assistant District Attorney or a District Attorney act as badly as [the prosecutor] did in this trial.
- Did you feel like he had gone over the limits on occasion?
- Beyond over the limit . . .
. . .
- Do you think from your standpoint that if on appeal she claims that you were ineffective that that's a valid ground?
Footnote continued.
- It's not for me to say. That's for the appellate court to grade my paper . . . .