IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF IOWA
No. 15-1680
Filed February 22, 2017
STATE OF IOWA,
Plaintiff-Appellee,
vs.
ELMER PAUL SCHECKEL,
Defendant-Appellant.
________________________________________________________________
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Buchanan County, David F. Staudt,
Judge.
A defendant appeals his convictions for interference with judicial acts and
tampering with a witness. AFFIRMED.
Mark C. Smith, State Appellate Defender, and Maria L. Ruhtenberg,
Assistant Appellate Defender, for appellant.
Thomas J. Miller, Attorney General, and Sharon K. Hall, Assistant
Attorney General, for appellee.
Considered by Vogel, P.J., and Tabor and Mullins, JJ.
2
PER CURIAM.
The district court found Elmer Scheckel guilty of interference with judicial
acts, in violation of Iowa Code section 720.7 (2013), and tampering with a
witness, in violation of section 720.4, following a bench trial on stipulated minutes
of evidence. On appeal, Scheckel argues the State’s evidence was insufficient to
prove these crimes. Scheckel alternatively seeks a new trial, alleging the district
court did not properly inquire into his waiver of the right to counsel. In a
supplemental pro se brief, Scheckel questions the court’s jurisdiction and claims
he was not afforded his right to a grand jury and a speedy trial.
After thoroughly reviewing the evidence and the law, we find no basis for
granting relief. The stipulated record established Scheckel’s guilt on both crimes
beyond a reasonable doubt. Because Scheckel had counsel, he is not entitled to
a new trial. We see no merit in his remaining claims.
I. Facts and Prior Proceedings
In September 2012, Independence Police Captain Brian Brinkema
arrested Scheckel for driving with a suspended license. The State also charged
Scheckel with operating without valid registration, driving without insurance,
failure to maintain registration plates, and unlawful use of a driver’s license.
Captain Brinkema testified at Scheckel’s March 2013 jury trial in magistrate’s
court. The jury convicted Scheckel of the simple misdemeanor offenses, and
Magistrate Steven Ristvedt entered judgment and sentence on March 21, 2013.
A few weeks later, Captain Brinkema and Magistrate Ristvedt each
received a letter bearing the signature “Elmer Scheckel” and listing the docket
numbers for Scheckel’s traffic offenses. The letter suggested those offenses
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violated Scheckel’s constitutional rights and stated: “[Y]ou have committed fraud
upon the court, and Scheckel.” The letter also alleged: “[Y]ou have become
indebted to Scheckel” for $87,241 based on “[d]eceit and collusion that you have
actively and intentional done.” The letter cited several cases discussing a right to
travel and then provided the following:
Failure to show what case law, laws and how . . . Scheckel is not
exercising of a constitutional rights and when these case[s] have
bin overturned in writing dispute this, you agree to damages you
have done and agree to pay after 30 days from the date below,
your silence is acquiesce and grant permission for Scheckel to
place liens on you for that dollar amount you agree to and have
damaged him.
The letter, dated April 18, 2013, listed the home addresses of both the police
officer and the magistrate. Based on the letter, the State charged Scheckel by
trial information with interference with judicial acts and tampering with a witness,
both aggravated misdemeanors. Scheckel appeared in person for his May 17,
2013 arraignment and demanded speedy trial.
Scheckel did not have an attorney in the early months of his case. In a
July 5 order, the court indicated it would take no action on Scheckel’s request for
appointment of standby counsel until he applied for court-appointed counsel.
When Scheckel appeared without counsel at a July 23 pretrial conference, the
court explained he “had an absolute right to represent himself in this matter.” But
the court also advised Scheckel he had the right to an attorney and “that by
proceeding without an attorney you may place yourself at a disadvantage”
because an attorney has special training in criminal procedure and jury selection.
The judge noted Scheckel had represented himself in magistrate court but
cautioned if he went forward without an attorney he would do so “without
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assistance from the court or anyone else.” Scheckel said he understood and
wished to represent himself “for the time being.” The topic of self-representation
was again briefly discussed at an October 15 pretrial conference; the court asked
Scheckel: “Will you employ counsel or are you going to represent yourself?” and
Scheckel replied: “Myself.”
Scheckel represented himself at a jury trial on October 23. The jury
returned guilty verdicts on both counts. On December 3, Scheckel requested the
appointment of standby counsel, which the court granted on January 2, 2014.
Standby counsel Laura Gavigan reviewed the record and sought a new trial for
Scheckel, alleging the district court failed to obtain a valid waiver of his right to
counsel. On April 15, the court granted a new trial, concluding the waiver-of-
counsel discussions did not go into “enough specificity with [Scheckel] about how
difficult it might be to defend this type of charge” and did not sufficiently inform
him about the availability of standby counsel.
The court set the new trial for May 7. Twice the State asked to continue
the trial based on the unavailability of witness Ristvedt. On April 29, Scheckel
filed a pro se motion for change of venue. At a May 6 pretrial conference, the
court reminded Scheckel he was facing “technical charges” that could “land [him]
with up to four years in prison” and asked: “Are you sure you want to be your own
lawyer?” The court briefly discussed the challenge of conducting a jury trial and
limitations on the role of standby counsel. Scheckel said he “had no choice last
time.” The court asked: “So you know how to do this and you’re gonna be okay?”
Scheckel said he didn’t know if he knew “how to do it” but followed what the court
was telling him.
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On May 20, the court denied the change-of-venue motion and continued
the trial until June 11. Also on May 20, Scheckel filed a motion to dismiss,
asserting a violation of the one-year speedy trial deadline. On June 3, the court
overruled the motion to dismiss, finding good cause for the delay following the
grant of a new trial. Scheckel then waived his right to speedy trial.
On July 1, defense counsel filed a motion to dismiss, alleging Scheckel’s
letter was protected speech. During an August 12 hearing on the motion, the
court discussed the role of standby counsel, clarifying that attorney Gavigan was
only present to give legal advice, not to make the arguments if Scheckel planned
to represent himself: “Because I mean either she’s your lawyer or she’s standby
counsel or she’s not. So she can’t be a little bit pregnant here.” The court
denied the motion to dismiss on September 8, finding the letter was not protected
by the First Amendment.
Scheckel appeared with Gavigan on September 24 and elevated her from
standby to “regular counsel.” He then waived a jury trial and stipulated to the
minutes of evidence. The court issued its findings of fact, conclusions of law,
and judgment on October 27, 2014. The court sentenced Scheckel to eight days
in jail. Scheckel now appeals his convictions.
II. Scope and Standards of Review
We review the district court’s decision that the stipulated evidence was
sufficient to convict Scheckel of the charged offenses for correction of legal error.
See State v. Howse, 875 N.W.2d 684, 688 (Iowa 2016). We view the record “in
the light most favorable to the State, including all reasonable inferences that may
be fairly drawn from the evidence.” Id. We will uphold the convictions if
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substantial evidence supports them. Id. (defining substantial as proof from which
a reasonable trier of fact could “conceivably find the defendant guilty beyond a
reasonable doubt”). Our scope of review on the one-year speedy trial claim is
also for correction of legal error. See State v. Elder, 868 N.W.2d 448, 452 (Iowa
Ct. App. 2015). We review constitutional issues, such as the right to counsel, de
novo. See State v. Martin, 608 N.W.2d 445, 449 (Iowa 2000).
III. Analysis
A. Sufficiency of the Evidence
Interference with Judicial Acts. The district court decided Scheckel’s
communication with Magistrate Ristvedt constituted interference with judicial
acts. That offense requires proof a person (1) harassed a judicial officer in
violation of section 708.7 and (2) did so “with the intent to interfere with or
improperly influence, or in retaliation for, the official acts of a judicial officer.”
Iowa Code § 720.7(2). A person commits harassment when “with intent to
intimidate, annoy, or alarm another person,” the person communicates in writing
“without legitimate purpose and in a manner likely to cause the other person
annoyance or harm.” Id. § 708.7(a)(1).
On appeal, Scheckel does not challenge the State’s proof he wrote the
letter. In addition, Scheckel does not contest Magistrate Ristvedt’s status as a
judicial officer. Nor does he discuss the element of retaliation. Scheckel
concentrates on the harassment aspect of the charge, contending he did not
have the intent to intimidate, annoy, or alarm Magistrate Ristvedt. He also claims
the letter had a legitimate purpose and was not written in a manner to cause the
magistrate annoyance or harm. Scheckel contends judicial officers should “be
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held to a higher standard of tolerance for upset litigants who disapprove of the
outcome of a judicial proceeding.”
Magistrate Ristvedt was prepared to testify he read the letter as containing
a “threat to place a lien” on his home “if he did not pay Defendant $87,241” for
the amount of time the judicial officer sentenced Scheckel to jail. Given his past
interactions with Scheckel, the magistrate viewed the letter as a “legitimate”
threat. He was “alarmed” because the letter listed “his name and personal
residence address he shares with his wife and small grandchildren.”
The district court concluded the stipulated evidence proved Scheckel’s
intent to intimidate, annoy, or alarm the judicial officer. The court highlighted the
“wild accusations” in the letter and the threat of a “nonjudicial lien on the judicial
officer’s property.” Given the tenor and timing of the letter, we find substantial
evidence supporting the district court’s conclusion. See State v. Evans, 672
N.W.2d 328, 331 (Iowa 2003) (“Intent is a matter that is seldom capable of direct
proof. Consequently, we have recognized that a trier of fact may infer intent from
the normal consequences of one’s actions.”).
The district court also concluded Scheckel communicated in a manner
likely to cause the magistrate annoyance or harm and without legitimate purpose.
The court reasoned: “The threat of an invalid and unsubstantiated lien being filed
at the county record’s office is likely to cause a judicial officer annoyance or
harm.” The court found no valid reason for Scheckel to present this letter to the
judicial officer weeks after the trial ended. These conclusions are supported by
substantial evidence. See State v. Miller, No. 15-1109, 2016 WL 4384647, at *2
(Iowa Ct. App. Aug. 17, 2016) (upholding conviction for interference with judicial
8
acts based on threat of filing liens in defendant’s communications with
magistrate).
Tampering with a Witness. The district court also decided Scheckel’s
communication with Captain Brinkema following his testimony against Scheckel
constituted tampering with a witness. This crime requires proof a person
harassed a witness in any case “in retaliation for anything lawfully done” by that
witness. Iowa Code § 720.4. Scheckel does not contest Brinkema’s status as a
witness. Nor does he discuss the retaliation-for-anything-lawfully-done element.
Instead, Scheckel concentrates on the harassment elements of intent to
intimidate, annoy, or alarm; legitimate purpose; and a manner to cause
annoyance or harm. He compares his case to State v. Fratzke, 446 N.W.2d 781,
785 (Iowa 1989) (reversing harassment conviction based on citizen’s letter
complaining about speed laws, enforcement priorities, and one particular state
trooper).
According to the minutes of evidence, Captain Brinkema would testify “he
felt threatened by this letter, both personally and financially.” The officer “felt
intimidated by this letter, as it contained his name and personal residence
address he shares with his wife and child.” The district court decided: “Given the
nature of the letter the State has proven that there is no legitimate purpose for
the communication between the defendant and the witness following the trial.”
The court ruled the communication was done in a manner to cause the witness
annoyance and harm. The court also found Scheckel had the specific intent to
intimidate and annoy the witness.
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Substantial evidence in the record supports the district court’s decision.
This case differs from Fratzke because no lawful purpose for Scheckel’s
communication existed. See State v. Baker, 688 N.W.2d 250, 254 n.2 (Iowa
2004). The criminality of Scheckel’s conduct turned on his threat of retaliation
against Captain Brinkema for his role as a trial witness. See id. at 253–55
(describing aim of section 720.4 as preserving integrity and fairness of judicial
system by preventing harassing contact with jurors or witnesses). The State’s
evidence was sufficient to prove the elements of section 720.4
B. Waiver of Counsel
Scheckel argues he is entitled to a new trial because the district court did
not adequately inquire into his choice to waive counsel under the Sixth
Amendment. See Martin, 608 N.W.2d at 450; see also Faretta v. California, 422
U.S. 806, 819 (1975). He focuses on the May 6, 2014 pretrial conference that
occurred after he was granted a new trial. He contends the court’s guidance and
questions about his self-representation at that hearing did not meet constitutional
standards for a waiver-of-counsel colloquy. See Martin, 608 N.W.2d at 450
(reiterating court’s obligation under Faretta to make defendant “aware of the
dangers and disadvantages of self-representation” so he realizes the
consequences of his choice (citation omitted)).
In criticizing the court’s brief discussion on May 6, Scheckel ignores what
happened before and after that date. Scheckel received a new trial based on the
court’s failure to provide an adequate Faretta colloquy before his October 23,
2013 jury trial. The court appointed standby counsel on January 2, 2014. And
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Scheckel was fully represented by counsel when he waived a jury trial and
stipulated to the minutes of evidence on September 24, 2014.
These circumstances are not governed by Martin, where the court held
that participation by standby counsel in criminal proceedings was not sufficient to
cure a defective waiver. See id. at 452 (observing Martin controlled his own
defense). Scheckel expressly assented on the record to Gavigan assuming the
role of lead counsel. See United States v. Swinney, 970 F.2d 494, 498 (8th Cir.
1992) (“The defendant remains free, of course, to elevate standby counsel to a
lead counsel role, thereby waiving the defendant’s Faretta rights.”). Here,
Scheckel is not complaining he was denied the right to self-representation.
Instead, he points to an uninformed waiver of counsel that he later revoked by
deciding to proceed with counsel. The deprivation from an inadequate waiver-of-
counsel colloquy is self-representation without being fully informed of the hazards
of not having an attorney to assist. See Martin, 608 N.W.2d at 449 (framing
question as follows: “whether the district court erred in permitting Martin to
represent himself without determining that Martin had made a knowing and
intelligent waiver of his right to counsel”). When a defendant has representation,
no deprivation of the right to counsel occurs, regardless of the adequacy of the
colloquy.1 Because Scheckel did not represent himself at the second trial that
1
Our court has previously addressed similar situations, holding elevation of standby
counsel to full counsel eliminates a claim the defendant was deprived of a Sixth
Amendment right to counsel. See, e.g., State v. Jaimes, No. 15-2181, 2016 WL
7395751, at *4 (Iowa Ct. App. Dec. 21, 2016) (citing Page v. State, No. 14-1842, 2016
WL 719243, at *3 (Iowa Ct. App. Feb. 24, 2016)).
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resulted in the convictions on appeal, we find no cause for granting a third trial.2
C. Issues Raised in Pro Se Supplemental Brief
Jurisdiction. Scheckel makes general assertions concerning personal
and subject matter jurisdiction. In criminal cases, personal jurisdiction—the
exercise of State power over the defendant—requires only the physical presence
of the defendant in the state. State v. Rimmer, 877 N.W.2d 652, 662 (Iowa
2016). Scheckel was present in Iowa. Subject matter jurisdiction refers to a
court’s power to hear and decide a general class of cases, not the particular case
before it. See Schrier v. State, 573 N.W.2d 242, 244 (Iowa 1997). Iowa district
courts have subject matter jurisdiction over criminal cases. See Iowa Const. art.
V, § 6.2; Iowa Code § 602.6101. No jurisdictional problem exists here.
Grand Jury. Scheckel complains he was denied his right to a grand jury.
Scheckel “has no federal constitutional right to be indicted by a grand jury rather
than being charged by county attorney’s information.” State v. Lint, 270 N.W.2d
598, 599 (Iowa 1978). He also has no state constitutional right to a grand jury
indictment. See Iowa Const. art. I, § 11. No violation occurred in regards to the
charging instrument.
One-Year Speedy Trial. Scheckel also alleges he was denied his right to
a speedy trial. Iowa Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.33(2)(c) requires all criminal
cases be “brought to trial within one year after the defendant’s initial arraignment”
unless “an extension is granted by the court, upon a showing of good cause.”
Scheckel was arraigned on May 17, 2013, and moved to dismiss on speedy-trial
2
Scheckel does not claim his status as a self-represented litigant with Gavigan as
standby counsel from January 2 until September 24, 2014, deprived him of the right to
counsel at a critical stage of the proceedings.
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grounds on May 20, 2014.3 The district court found the State established good
cause for continuing the case beyond the one-year deadline based on the
unavailability of a critical prosecution witness for the retrial date. See State v.
Petersen, 288 N.W.2d 332, 335 (Iowa 1980) (affirming district court’s finding of
good cause for delay based on absence of a witness). The court also found
delay attributable to Scheckel, who asked for a change of venue on April 29,
2014. See State v. Hart, 703 N.W.2d 768, 772 (Iowa Ct. App. 2005) (“‘Delay
attributable to the defendant’ may include whatever passage of time is
‘reasonably necessary’ to act upon a defendant’s motion.” (citation omitted)).
Finally, the district court concluded Scheckel was not prejudiced by the delay.
See State v. Rodriguez, 511 N.W.2d 382, 383–84 (Iowa 1994). Finding no error
in the district court’s speedy-trial analysis, we affirm on this issue.
To the extent Scheckel raises further issues in his supplemental brief, they
are not fully enough developed to merit consideration.
AFFIRMED.
3
After the district court granted Scheckel a new trial, the matter proceeded under the
original trial information. Consequently, the one year runs from his initial arraignment
under the terms of the rule. See generally State v. Fisher, 351 N.W.2d 798, 801–02
(Iowa 1984).