[Cite as State v. Bohanan, 2016-Ohio-8340.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
TENTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
State of Ohio, :
Plaintiff-Appellee, :
No. 15AP-1026
v. : (C.P.C. No. 14CR-5517)
Manaro F. Bohanan, : (REGULAR CALENDAR)
Defendant-Appellant. :
D E C I S I O N
Rendered on December 22, 2016
On brief: Ron O'Brien, Prosecuting Attorney, and Seth L.
Gilbert, for appellee. Argued: Seth L. Gilbert.
On brief: Yeura R. Venters, Public Defender, and David L.
Strait, for appellant. Argued: David L. Strait.
APPEAL from the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas
DORRIAN, P.J.
{¶ 1} Defendant-appellant, Manaro F. Bohanan, appeals the October 6, 2015
decision of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas entering a judgment of
conviction, pursuant to a jury verdict, and sentencing him. For the reasons that follow, we
affirm the judgment of the trial court.
I. Facts and Procedural History
{¶ 2} On October 16, 2014, appellant was indicted for one count of aggravated
robbery, in violation of R.C. 2911.01, a felony of the first degree, with a three-year gun
specification, one count of robbery, in violation of R.C. 2911.02, a felony of the second
degree, one count of robbery, in violation of R.C. 2911.02, a felony of the third degree, and
one count of having weapons while under disability, in violation of R.C. 2923.13, a felony
of the third degree. The indictment alleged that the crimes all occurred on February 3,
No. 15AP-1026 2
2014 at a Family Dollar store. On October 20, 2014, appellant pled not guilty to all
charges.
{¶ 3} On December 23, 2014, appellant and plaintiff-appellee, State of Ohio,
entered into an "Entry of Stipulation of Use of Polygraph" ("stipulation"). The stipulation
indicated that appellant would take a polygraph examination performed by a "properly
trained, experienced, and qualified" examiner who was employed by the Ohio State
Highway Patrol. (Stipulation at ¶ 3.) The stipulation also stated that if the results were
" 'inconclusive' as to deception or lack thereof on the part of the [Appellant]," the
examination shall not be the subject of any testimony whatsoever. (Stipulation at ¶ 3.)
The stipulation was signed by appellant, his attorney, and the prosecuting attorney.
{¶ 4} On August 17, 2015, prior to the commencement of trial, the trial court
granted the state's motion to enter a nolle prosequi as to the two robbery counts. The case
proceeded to a jury trial on the remaining charges.
{¶ 5} On August 19, 2015, the jury entered verdicts of guilty on both the
aggravated robbery and having weapons while under disability charges. On September 24,
2015, the matter proceeded to sentencing. The trial court sentenced appellant to 5 years
in prison on the aggravated robbery charge, plus 3 mandatory consecutive years as to the
firearm specification to run concurrently with 12 months on the having a weapon while
under disability charge, for an aggregate prison term of 8 years. On September 30, 2015,
appellant filed a motion for new trial.
{¶ 6} A judgment entry memorializing the jury's verdict and appellant's sentence
was filed on October 6, 2015.
{¶ 7} After having reviewed the parties' briefs and the court's trial notes, the trial
court denied appellant's motion for a new trial on October 29, 2015 because there did not
"appear to be any legitimate reason to grant a new trial." (Journal Entry at 2.)
II. Assignment of Error
{¶ 8} Appellant appeals and assigns the following sole assignment of error for our
review:
Appellant was denied the effective assistance of counsel
guaranteed by the Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments to the
United States Constitution and Article I, Section 10 of the
Ohio Constitution when trial counsel agreed to the admission
of expert opinion concerning the results of the polygraph
No. 15AP-1026 3
examination of the Appellant when the testimony did not
satisfy the standards of State v. Souel, 53 Ohio St.2d 123, 132
* * * (1978).
III. Discussion
{¶ 9} In his sole assignment of error, appellant argues he was rendered ineffective
assistance of counsel. Specifically, appellant contends that defense counsel agreed to a
stipulation that did not satisfy the standards of State v. Souel, 53 Ohio St.2d 123 (1978).
{¶ 10} A convicted defendant alleging ineffective assistance of counsel must
demonstrate that: (1) defense counsel's performance was so deficient that he or she was
not functioning as the counsel guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the United
States Constitution, and (2) defense counsel's errors prejudiced defendant, depriving him
or her of a trial whose result is reliable. State v. Galdamez, 10th Dist. No. 14AP-527,
2015-Ohio-3681, ¶ 15, citing Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984); State v.
Bradley, 42 Ohio St.3d 136 (1989), paragraph two of the syllabus.
{¶ 11} "Judicial scrutiny of counsel's performance must be highly deferential, and
a court must indulge a strong presumption that counsel's conduct falls within the wide
range of reasonable professional assistance." Strickland at paragraph 2(a) of the syllabus;
Bradley at 142. In Ohio, a properly licensed attorney is presumed competent. State v.
Davis, 10th Dist. No. 13AP-98, 2014-Ohio-90, ¶ 20, citing Vaughn v. Maxwell, 2 Ohio
St.2d 299, 301 (1965). Trial counsel is entitled to a strong presumption that all decisions
fall within the wide range of reasonable professional assistance. State v. Sallie, 81 Ohio
St.3d 673, 675 (1998). "To show that a defendant has been prejudiced by counsel's
deficient performance, the defendant must prove that there exists a reasonable
probability that, were it not for counsel's errors, the result of the trial would have been
different." State v. Griffin, 10th Dist. No. 10AP-902, 2011-Ohio-4250, ¶ 42, quoting
Bradley at paragraph three of the syllabus.
{¶ 12} The Supreme Court of Ohio has held that the results of polygraph
examinations are admissible only for corroboration or impeachment purposes, and only
where the parties observe certain prescribed conditions. In re D.S., 111 Ohio St.3d 361,
2006-Ohio-5851, ¶ 13, citing Souel. In order for a polygraph examination to be
admissible, the Supreme Court in Souel held that the parties must sign a written
No. 15AP-1026 4
stipulation which incorporates the following conditions, originally set forth in State v.
Valdez, 91 Ariz. 274, 283-84 (1962):
(1) That the county attorney, defendant and his counsel all
sign a written stipulation providing for defendant's
submission to the test and for the subsequent admission at
trial of the graphs and the examiner's opinion thereon on
behalf of either defendant or the state.
(2) That notwithstanding the stipulation the admissibility of
the test results is subject to the discretion of the trial judge, i.e.
if the trial judge is not convinced that the examiner is
qualified or that the test was conducted under proper
conditions he may refuse to accept such evidence.
(3) That if the graphs and examiner's opinion are offered in
evidence the opposing party shall have the right to cross-
examine the examiner respecting:
a. the examiner's qualifications and training;
b. the conditions under which the test was administered;
c. the limitations of and possibilities for error in the technique
of polygraphic interrogation; and
d. at the discretion of the trial judge, any other matter deemed
pertinent to the inquiry.
(4) That if such evidence is admitted the trial judge should
instruct the jury that the examiner's testimony does not tend
to prove or disprove any element of the crime with which a
defendant is charged but at most tends only to indicate that at
the time of the examination defendant was not telling the
truth. Further, the jury members should be instructed that it
is for them to determine what corroborative weight and effect
such testimony should be given.
Souel at 131-32.
{¶ 13} Here, appellant contends he was rendered ineffective assistance of counsel
because the stipulation did not comply with Souel. The parties in this case agreed to the
following stipulation language:
By agreement of the Defendant, the Defendant's attorney and
the Prosecuting Attorney, Attorney for the State of Ohio,
certain understandings and stipulations have been reached
and entered into by said parties, as hereafter follow:
No. 15AP-1026 5
1. The Defendant will submit to an examination process
utilizing in part a device commonly known as a "polygraph" or
"lie detector" which examination process may involve a series
of interviews and tests employing such device.
2. The Prosecuting Attorney or his Assistant shall arrange all
necessary appointments for such examination process
hereinafter referred to as "polygraph testing" or simply,
"testing".
3. The Prosecuting Attorney or his Assistant shall designate
the person who will administer and conduct the testing of the
Defendant, such person to be selected from those persons
employed by the Ohio State Highway Patrol as properly
trained, experienced, and qualified to conduct such testing.
4. Such person designated by the Prosecuting Attorney or his
Assistant shall be permitted, if called as a witness by the State
of Ohio or by the Defendant, to testify at trial in this cause as
an "expert" regarding all aspects of the test administered, and
such testimony shall be offered and received as evidence in
the trial of this cause without objections of any kind by any
party to this Agreement except as to the weight of evidence it
is to be given. EXCEPTION: Should any person administering
such test pursuant to this Entry determine the results of such
test to be "inconclusive" as to deception or lack thereof on the
part of the Defendant, then such "inconclusive" test shall not
be the subject of any testimony whatsoever and this entire
Entry of Stipulation of Use of Polygraph Test shall be set aside
and held for naught.
5. The Defendant and his Attorney are under obligation to
disclose to the examiner, prior to any testing, the charts of and
questions asked of any prior polygraphs administered to this
Defendant concerning this case, and any known condition
which might affect the reliability of testing pursuant to this
Entry; for example, the concealment of medication used by
the Defendant shall be regarded as willful breach of this entry
and shall be dealt with as provided in paragraph nine (9) of
this Entry.
6. The person chosen to administer the testing may refuse to
administer the test, if, in the judgment of such person, the
Defendant is not deemed a proper subject for examination at
the time of examination (e.g., the Defendant is or appears to
be under the influence of a drug which might distort test
results); in such a situation, the person chosen to administer
No. 15AP-1026 6
the examination process may determine whether reasonable
delay of examination would permit a reliable test to be given
and may conduct such test at the appropriate time. If, in the
judgment of the person chosen to administer the examination
process, the Defendant can, through no fault of his own, never
be reliably tested, this Entry shall be set aside and held for
naught.
7. Prior to signing this Entry, and agreeing thereby to submit
to "polygraph testing", the Defendant has been fully advised of
his constitutional and statutory rights, and by signing this
Entry, he knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waives his
right to remain silent and his right to seek advice of counsel
during any stage of the administration of the polygraph test
procedure. Admissions or other culpable statements made by
the Defendant during "testing" shall be admissible and may be
testified to during the trial of this case.
8. No testimony or other evidence concerning polygraph test
or tests of the Defendant shall be received at any state [sic] of
the trial of this case unless such test or tests had been
conducted pursuant to this or any subsequent Entry.
9. It is further understood by all parties that upon signing this
Entry of Stipulation of Use of Polygraph Test, permitting the
results of such test to be introduced into evidence, all parties
and their successors in interest (i.e., such other counsel as the
State of Ohio or the Defendant may retain or employ or be
represented by for the trial of this case) shall be mutually
bound to the terms of said Entry. The willful refusal of any
party to submit to or comply with any provision of this Entry
shall be the proper subject of evidence and testimony to be
adduced during the case in the trial of this case, and may
further, in the Court's discretion, be punishable by
additionally appropriate civil and/or criminal contempt
remedies and procedures, except that the State of Ohio or the
Defendant may withdraw from this Agreement as herein
agreed at any time prior to the commencement of the test
procedures in which event this Entry shall be set aside and
held for naught.
10. It is further understood in keeping with normal testing
procedure, that the polygraph examiner will hold in
confidence any admissions or statements made by the
Defendant which pertain to matters not under investigation.
No. 15AP-1026 7
11. Defendant acknowledges that multiple appointments
and/or polygraph examinations may be necessary to complete
the testing. Failure of Defendant to appear for all scheduled
appointments and/or polygraph examinations precludes use
of any portion of the testing results by the Defendant at trial.
(Emphasis sic.)
{¶ 14} Appellant specifically contends that the stipulation agreed to by the parties
(1) does not permit the defense's involvement in the selection of the examiner, (2) does
not require the state to submit graphs to the jury, (3) does not permit cross-examination
of the examiner, and (4) deprives the trial court of discretion in admitting evidence. We
disagree with each of appellant's arguments.
{¶ 15} First, appellant was involved in selecting the examiner. The stipulation, at
¶ 3, provides that the examiner must be employed by the Ohio State Highway Patrol and
must be "properly trained, experienced, and qualified to conduct such testing."
Furthermore, ¶ 9 ensures that if the state chose someone who did not fit this description,
then the defense could have utilized the remedies set forth in that paragraph.
{¶ 16} Second, we reject appellant's argument that the stipulation violated Souel
because it did not require the state to submit the examiner's graphs to the jury.1 The
Souel syllabus provides that "[i]f the graphs and examiner's opinion are offered in
evidence the opposing party shall have the right to cross-examine." By phrasing the
admission of the graphs in conditional terms—i.e., "if"—Souel contemplates that graphs
must not be admitted in every case. Thus, the defense had the right to have the graphs
admitted into evidence but chose not to pursuant to its trial strategy.
{¶ 17} Third, there is no indication that the stipulation limited the defense's ability
to cross-examine the examiner. In ¶ 4, the stipulation permits the examiner to "testify at
trial," which includes cross-examination. Furthermore, although ¶ 4 states that if offered,
the examiner's testimony shall be "received as evidence in the trial of this cause without
objections of any kind by any party to this Agreement," importantly it qualifies the
statement as follows: "except as to the weight of evidence it is to be given." (Emphasis
1 The state did present, and the court admitted, the polygraph examiner's Report of Investigation and the
Empirical Scoring System. The latter exhibit contains appellant's "ESS Scores" on four different "Charts,"
as well as the "Sub-Totals" and "Grand Total" of these scores. At no point during trial did either the state
or the defense seek to admit the examiner's graphs, and there are no graphs contained in the record.
No. 15AP-1026 8
added.) We note as well that, at trial, the polygraph examiner was cross-examined by the
defense.
{¶ 18} Finally, we reject appellant's argument that the stipulation deprived the trial
court of discretion in admitting evidence. A trial court's discretion to admit or exclude
evidence exists independently of the stipulation. Moreover, Souel specifically states that
the trial court's discretion to admit evidence exists "[n]otwithstanding the stipulation."
Id. at syllabus.
{¶ 19} Defense counsel's decision to stipulate to the admissibility of the polygraph
examination is a matter of trial strategy. State v. J.G., 10th Dist. No. 08AP-921, 2009-
Ohio-2857, ¶ 20, citing State v. Gilfillan, 10th Dist. No. 08AP-317, 2009-Ohio-1104, ¶ 65.
We cannot use the benefit of hindsight to render counsel's strategic decision deficient just
because defendant subsequently failed the polygraph examination. Id.
{¶ 20} The stipulation language relating to the selection and cross-examination of
the examiner, submission of graphs, and discretion of the trial court is nearly identical to
the corresponding language in the Souel stipulation.2 Since the stipulation in this case
2 The stipulation in Souel was as follows:
By agreement among the defendant, the defendant's counsel, and counsel
for the State of Ohio, certain understandings and stipulations have been
reached and entered into by said parties, as hereafter follows:
"1. The defendant will submit to an examination process utilizing in part, a
device commonly known as a 'polygraph' or 'lie detector,' which
examination process may involve a series of interviews and tests
employing such device;
"2. Counsel for the State of Ohio shall arrange all necessary appointments
for such examination process hereinafter referred to as 'Polygraph Testing'
or, simply, 'testing';
"3. Counsel for the State of Ohio shall designate the person who will
administer and conduct the testing of the defendant, such person to be
selected from those persons employed by the Ohio State Patrol as properly
trained, experienced and qualified to conduct such testing;
"4. Such person designated by counsel for the State of Ohio shall be
permitted if called as a witness by the State of Ohio or the Defendant, to
testify at trial of this cause as an 'expert' regarding all aspects of the test
administered, and such testimony shall be offered and received as evidence
in the trial of this cause without objections of any kind by any party to this
agreement except as to the weight of evidence it is to be given.
EXCEPTION: Should any person administering such test pursuant to this
Entry determine the results of such test to be 'inconclusive' as to deception,
No. 15AP-1026 9
or lack thereof, on the part of the defendant, then such 'inconclusive' test
shall not be the subject of any testimony whatsoever and this entire 'Entry
of Stipulation of Use of Polygraph Test' shall be set aside and held for
naught;
"5. The defendant and his counsel are under obligation to disclose prior to
any testing, any known condition which might affect the reliability of
testing pursuant to this Entry; for example, the concealment of medication
used by the defendant shall be regarded as a willful breach of this Entry
and shall be dealt with as provided in paragraph 9 of this Entry;
"6. The person chosen to administer the testing may refuse to administer
the test, if, in the judgment of such person the defendant is not deemed a
proper subject for examination at the time of examination (e.g., the
defendant is or appears to be under the influence of a drug which might
distort test results); in such situation, the person chosen to administer the
examination process may determine whether reasonable delay of
examination would permit a reliable rest [sic test] to be given and may
conduct said test at the appropriate time. If, in the judgment of the person
chosen to administer the examination process, the defendant can, through
no fault of his own, never be reliably tested, this Entry shall be set aside
and held for naught;
"7. Prior to signing this Entry and agreeing thereby to submit to 'Polygraph
Testing,' the defendant has been fully advised of his constitutional and
statutory rights, and by signing this Entry, he knowingly, intelligently, and
voluntarily waives his right to remain silent and his right to seek advice of
counsel during any stage of the administration of the polygraph test
procedure. Admissions or other inculpatory statements made by the
defendant during 'testing' shall be admissible and may be testified to
during the trial of this cause.
"8. No testimony or other evidence concerning polygraph test or tests of
the defendant shall be received at any stage of the trial of this cause unless
such test or test[s] had been conducted pursuant to this or any subsequent
Entry.
"9. It is further understood by all parties that upon signing this Entry of
Stipulation of Use of Polygraph Test, permitting the results of such test to
be introduced into evidence, all parties and their successors in interest (i.e.
such other counsel as the State of Ohio or the defendant may retain or
employ or be represented by for the trial of this cause) shall be mutually
bound to the terms of said Entry. The willful refusal of any party to submit
to or comply with any provision of this Entry shall be the proper subject of
evidence and testimony to be adduced during the case in the trial of this
cause, and may, further, in the Court's discretion, be punishable by
additionally appropriate civil and/or criminal contempt remedies and
procedures; except that the State of Ohio or the defendant may withdraw
from this agreement as herein agreed at any time prior to the
commencement of the test procedure in which event this Entry shall be set
aside and held for naught;
"10. It is further understood, in keeping with normal testing procedure,
that the polygraph examiner will hold in confidence any admissions or
No. 15AP-1026 10
appears to be in clear compliance with Souel, it is not necessary to analyze the second
prong of the Strickland standard. Accordingly, appellant's trial counsel did not perform
unreasonably by agreeing to a Souel-compliant stipulation. Appellant's assignment of
error is overruled.
IV. Conclusion
{¶ 21} Having overruled appellant's sole assignment of error, we affirm the
judgment of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.
Judgment affirmed.
SADLER and BRUNNER, JJ., concur.
statements made by the defendant which pertain to matters not under
investigation."
(Emphasis sic.) Id. at fn. 1.