Fairborn v. Flagg

[Cite as Fairborn v. Flagg, 2019-Ohio-3387.]

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
SECOND APPELLATE DISTRICT
GREENE COUNTY

CITY OF FAIRBORN :
:
Plaintiff-Appellee : Appellate Case No. 2018-CA-49
:
v. : Trial Court Case No. TRD1710394
:
RONNIE D. FLAGG : (Criminal Appeal from Municipal Court)
:
Defendant-Appellant :
:

...........

OPINION

Rendered on the 23rd day of August, 2019.

...........

BRITTANY A. DOGGETT, Atty. Reg. No. 0090704, 510 West Main Street, Fairborn, Ohio
45324
Attorney for Plaintiff-Appellee

JOHN K. LIMOLI, Atty. Reg. No. 0058551, 1402 Sunset Drive, Fairborn, Ohio 45324
Attorney for Defendant-Appellant

.............

DONOVAN, J.
 -2-

{¶ 1} Ronnie D. Flagg appeals from the November 30, 2018 judgment of the

Fairborn Municipal Court finding him guilty of speeding and fining him $85. We hereby

affirm the judgment of the trial court.

{¶ 2} Flagg was cited on August 15, 2017, for operating a vehicle on Sandhill Road

over the 25 miles per hour (mph) speed limit, in violation of City of Fairborn Codified

Ordinance 331.13, a minor misdemeanor. His citation provided that his speed was 52

mph on dry pavement with clear visibility. In the “Comments” section of the citation, it

provided that Flagg “stated that his sandal was stuck on the gas pedal and he did not

intend to go that fast.”

{¶ 3} On August 21, 2017, Flagg entered a plea of not guilty. On November 13,

2017, Flagg filed a motion to dismiss based on “Ohio’s Reasonable for Conditions Speed

Limits.” Flagg asserted that “Ohio is a ‘reasonable for conditions’ State and the

conditions at the time and place of the alleged violation may rebut evidence that a

defendant was exceeding the speed limit. Essentially, with few exceptions, there is no

fixed speed limit in Ohio.” Flagg asserted that speed limits fall into two basic categories:

fixed limits and “reasonable speed with prima facie lawful limits.” He asserted that in

states that use the “reasonable speed with prima facie lawful limits” rule, exceeding the

posted limit constitutes a prima facie showing that the statute was been violated, but that

prima facie showing may be rebutted by the defendant. Flagg asserted that, in order to

rebut the prima facie showing, a defendant must show that his speed was not

unreasonable “for the conditions existing at the time and place of the alleged violation.”

He argued that, at the time of his citation “[v]isibility and road conditions were good. The

street was of normal width, pavement was dry, weather was clear. There were no
 -3-

adverse conditions. There were no pedestrians, no bicyclists and no motorcyclists.

There were no critters on the ground and not a bird in the sky.” Flagg asserted that,

since his speed was reasonable for the conditions existing at that time and place, he was

not guilty of violating “an ordinance that contains language specifying that the

determination of speed must consider the reasonableness for conditions.”

{¶ 4} Although the City did not respond to the motion to dismiss, the municipal

court concluded that Flagg’s arguments related to issues of fact which must first be

determined at trial, and it overruled the motion to dismiss.

{¶ 5} Flagg was tried before a magistrate on March 6, 2018. The evidence at trial

was as follows:

{¶ 6} Fairborn police officer William Karolyi testified that he was certified in radar

and laser speed detection. On August 15, 2017, at about 5:50 p.m., he was “running the

stationary radar post” on Sandhill Road; Karolyi had just completed a traffic stop and was

moving back to his position where he was “running stationary radar.” Karolyi testified

that he was traveling eastbound on Sandhill near Eastview, and he saw a vehicle coming

toward him (Flagg’s vehicle) that appeared to be traveling at a speed much greater than

the posted 25 mph limit. Karolyi moved his radar into the “moving mode” and recorded

the car’s speed at 52 mph. According to Karolyi, the calibration of his radar was checked

prior to the start of his shift that day, after each traffic stop he made that day, and again

after he stopped Flagg.

{¶ 7} Karolyi testified that he made U-turn, got behind Flagg’s car, and activated

his emergency lights to effectuate a traffic stop. He “used a couple of short chirps” of his

siren, at which point Flagg pulled into a yard on Sunset. Karolyi explained the reason
 -4-

for the stop to Flagg, who “stated that his flip-flop or his sandal had gotten stuck on the

gas pedal, he wasn’t intending going that fast however * * * his footwear caused him to

increase to that speed.” Karolyi issued a citation to Flagg.

{¶ 8} On cross-examination, when shown a copy of Flagg’s citation, Karolyi

testified that the ticket accurately reflected the conditions at the time of the traffic stop.

He testified that “the roadway was dry. It was a clear, sunny day. Wasn’t any adverse

weather. Traffic was moderate. It’s a residential area.” A video of the traffic stop was

played for the magistrate, after which defense counsel observed that there seemed to be

no other cars on the road. Karolyi responded that “in that short seven, eight seconds,

you are correct, there was not any [other car] right then and there. There was one

coming up after I made my U-turn, behind me.”

{¶ 9} The following exchange occurred:

DEFENSE COUNSEL: Officer, I’m going to make a statement and I

want to know whether you agree or disagree with me on this particular

statement. Would you agree that a person whose speed is unsafe for

conditions also has a speed that is unreasonable for conditions?

PROSECUTOR: And I’m going to object. We’re not proceeding

under unsafe conditions. We’re proceeding that he traveled over [a]

posted speed limit. The question is irrelevant.

***

DEFENSE COUNSEL: I believe it is relevant because I have a

motion in this particular matter and both the Revised Code and Codified

Ordinances of Fairborn discuss reasonable * * * in the wording.
 -5-

MAGISTRATE: I’m going to agree with [the prosecutor] that that’s

irrelevant.

{¶ 10} The defense did not call any witnesses. At the conclusion of the trial, the

magistrate found that Officer Karolyi’s testimony was credible and found Flagg guilty of

speeding 52 mph in a 25 mph zone. The magistrate imposed a fine of $85 plus court

costs.

{¶ 11} On March 8, 2018, Flagg filed objections to the magistrate’s decision. He

argued:

* * * On the day of trial, defense counsel attempted to raise the issue

of whether the speed was reasonable for conditions. The prosecution

objected arguing that this Court had already addressed the issue when it

overruled the defendant’s motion. The Magistrate agreed with the [City],

held that the issue of whether the speed was reasonable for conditions had

previously been presented in the defendant’s motion and had been

overruled by the Court. The Magistrate sustained the prosecution’s

objection and ordered that the defendant was not permitted to raise that

issue or present evidence on that issue before the trial court.

Flagg argued that the Magistrate erred to his prejudice by prohibiting him from arguing

that his speed was reasonable for the conditions.

{¶ 12} On July 27, 2018, the municipal court sustained Flagg’s objection. The

court determined as follows:

* * * [Fairborn Ordinance 331.13] as applied to the case sub judice is

a prima facie violation, not a per se violation. As such, once the [City] has
 -6-

established a prima facie case establishing a rebuttable presumption, the

defendant may present evidence showing that in the circumstance the

speed was neither excessive nor unreasonable. * * *

At the trial, defense counsel began to ask the citing officer whether

a person whose speed is unsafe for conditions is unreasonable for

conditions. The Magistrate granted the objection and did not allow

evidence to be presented on this issue. The Court finds that the Magistrate

erred in not allowing evidence to be submitted by the defendant to rebut or

negate the prima facie case with evidence that the speed was neither

excessive nor unreasonable.

* * * This matter is hereby remanded for trial before the Magistrate to

allow additional evidence consistent with this decision.

{¶ 13} The magistrate held another hearing on August 21, 2018. The following

exchange occurred at the start thereof:

MAGISTRATE: * * * It’s my understanding that the Judge has

remanded the case * * * to allow [Defense Counsel] to ask a question.

[DEFENSE COUNSEL]: Yes.

MAGISTRATE: I think – at the original trial, the prosecutor objected

to a question and I sustained the objection.

The Judge has reviewed [Defense Counsel’s] objection and agreed

with [him] that I should not have sustained the objection. * * *

[DEFENSE COUNSEL]: Yes.

MAGISTRATE: Is that - - are we all on the same page?
 -7-

[PROSECUTOR]: It was my understanding that it was remanded

for a new trial unless defense is willing to stipulate to the testimony that’s

already been presented by the officer.

***

MAGISTRATE: A brand new trial?

[DEFENSE COUNSEL]: * * * I - - believe the court is correct, that it

was remanded simply to permit me to put on evidence regarding conditions.

The state has already met its initial burden of establishing a prima

facie case that my client exceeded the speed limit of 25 miles an hour, was

inside the city.

I wanted to put on some evidence regarding the reasonableness for

the conditions, which means I need to discuss the conditions.

***

MAGISTRATE: * * * And so - - [Prosecutor], do you feel like you still

need to redo the whole trial or do you feel like just allowing [Defense

Counsel] to cross-examine the officer would be sufficient?

[PROSECUTOR]: I guess what I - - what I heard [Defense Counsel]

say is that * * * they agree that the defendant was travelling within the city

limits of Fairborn, that the posted speed limit was 25 and he was travelling

52.

And * * * if you’re willing to stipulate to that, I don’t think we need to

redo all of that testimony.

[DEFENSE COUNSEL]: I’ll - -
 -8-

***

[DEFENSE COUNSEL]: - - stipulate to the fact that he was

exceeding the speed limit. The speed limit’s 25 in that particular area.

[PROSECUTOR]: In that case, then I think we need to put the

officer back on to do my portion of it. I - - ‘cause I think she remanded it

for a new trial to allow him to ask those questions but I don’t know how you

can remand it just for cross.

MAGISTRATE: * * * We’ll start fresh, new today. * * *

{¶ 14} After Officer Karolyi was put under oath, the following exchange occurred:

[DEFENSE COUNSEL]: May I have a few minutes with the

prosecutor to see if we can iron this out and * * * not waste any of the court’s

additional time?

***

[DEFENSE COUNSEL]: * * * [T]he initial issue is is there a prima

facie showing that my client was exceeding the speed limit, * * * there is a

showing to that extent and the court [sic] has met its burden there. We - -

redo this and the result will be the same, my client was exceeding the posted

speed limit.

We’re not saying Mr. Flagg was doing 35 or 36. We’re just saying

he was exceeding the posted speed limit and with that, and that alone, the

court would be correct in finding him guilty.

However, * * * my client can rebut that initial showing regarding the

reasonableness of the conditions at the time and whether those conditions
 -9-

were optimal for (inaudible) speed or horrible, glare ice, demanding * * * a

much lower speed than the posted 25.

MAGISTRATE WOMACK: * * * I didn’t actually speak to the Judge

about this.

I’ve only read her written decision and so if there’s some confusion

about whether it’s remanded for a whole new trial or just remanded to allow

cross-examination, * * * I’m going to just start fresh * * * and it was some

time ago that we had the hearing and so we’ll just start fresh with a whole

new trial * * *.

{¶ 15} Officer Karolyi testified that he was working the day shift from 7:00 a.m. to

7:00 p.m., when he observed Flagg while travelling east on Sandhill Road. Karolyi

testified that, as he was nearing the intersection of Eastview, he saw a maroon vehicle

coming toward him that appeared to be travelling at an excessive rate of speed and over

the 25 mph posted limit. Karolyi stated that he was trained in the visual estimation of

speed. He activated his radar in the “moving mode” upon seeing Flagg, and it gave him

a reading of 52 mph. He testified that his radar device was properly calibrated and that

the area of Sandhill Road with the posted speed limit of 25 mph was within the City of

Fairborn.

{¶ 16} Karolyi testified that he made a U-turn in the intersection of Eastview and

got behind Flagg. Flagg turned onto Sunset as Karolyi activated his lights; Karolyi

explained that Sunset makes a hard turn to the left, at which point Flagg pulled into the

“front tree lawn” of a residence, which was defense counsel’s residence. Karolyi testified

that Flagg apologized and stated that he “didn’t intend to go that fast. There was
 -10-

something about his sandal got stuck on the gas pedal.”

{¶ 17} On cross-examination, Karolyi testified about the boundary between the

township and the City of Fairborn on Sandhill. Karolyi also testified that the road was

dry, visibility was clear, there were no adverse conditions, and traffic was moderate.

Karolyi testified that, in addition to his and Flagg’s vehicles, there was traffic “coming off

the side streets.” The dash camera video was played for the magistrate. Thereafter,

the following exchange occurred:

Q [DEFENSE COUNSEL]. * * * The classification of the traffic at the

time, you classified as moderate. Do you still believe that that was

moderate? * * *

A [KAROLYI]. In that short snippet of the video, I would say not but

it - - I was in that area for several minutes prior to that, operating traffic.

It’s kind of like if the sun is out, then it goes behind a cloud, it’s not

cloudy that day. So the exact time that that vehicle was on the roadway,

light to moderate, depending on how you determine how many vehicles

make moderate.

Q. How about none to light?

A. I said at least three vehicles to me could be light to moderate.

Q. * * * We can run through this again. I only saw your car.

A. You are correct.

Q. And his car?

A. That is correct.

***
 -11-

Q. * * * The ticket you issued * * * with the exception of what we just

discussed here, you stand by the ticket as far as all the conditions?

A. Yes.

{¶ 18} On redirect examination, Karolyi was asked whether, in his 27 years of

experience, it was safe to travel more than twice the posted limit; he responded that he

had considered charging Flagg with reckless driving rather than speeding, because of the

residential nature of the area and how hast he was driving.

{¶ 19} Flagg testified that, on the day he was cited, the pavement was dry, visibility

was good, it was sunny, and there were no adverse conditions. When asked about the

level of traffic, he testified that it was “[j]ust [him] on the road” and that the road he was

driving on was “just clear all the way through.” Flagg testified that he did not see any

pedestrians or anyone outside in a yard. He also testified that he “really couldn’t drive

because [his] sandals * * * kept slipping.”

{¶ 20} At the start of the prosecutor’s cross-examination, Flagg’s attorney advised

the court that Flagg had been operating his (defense counsel’s) vehicle when he was

stopped; the vehicle was for sale and Flagg had been test-driving it. In his testimony,

Flagg agreed that the speed limit in the area of his stop was 25 mph. He asserted he

had actually slowed the vehicle down and unhooked his seatbelt to grab his sandal, and

then when he looked up, “the officer was looking at [him] like what are you doing,”

whereupon Flagg drove to defense counsel’s house. Flagg testified that, as soon as he

got out of the car, Karolyi “attacked” him.

{¶ 21} Flagg testified that he was travelling between 27 and 30 mph, which he

knew because he was “in second gear” and his down-shifting “would have dropped [his]
 -12-

speed down.” Flagg testified that Karolyi’s testimony that he apologized to the officer

and told him that he did not intend to go so fast, but was having trouble with his sandal,

was inaccurate. Flagg testified that he explained that his movements within the car,

which he assumed had been seen by Karolyi, were because he had a problem with his

sandal.

{¶ 22} On redirect examination, Flagg testified that the vehicle was a four-door

Saturn five speed with a stick shift. He testified that he “knew what [he] was doing,” but

he had to get his sandal off to “get the car back home.” Flagg testified that, upon seeing

him, Karolyi turned around, followed him, and drew his gun.

{¶ 23} On recross-examination, Flagg was asked if Karolyi’s gun was visible in the

video, Flagg responded that, when he (Flagg) got out of the vehicle, Karolyi “jumped

behind his vehicle and said free (phonetic), get back in the car.” When defense counsel

approached an explained that Flagg had been test-driving counsel’s car, “then the officer

put his gun back into his holster” and said he was sorry.

{¶ 24} Karolyi was then re-called, and he denied drawing his weapon in the course

of the stop. He stated that, when Flagg got out of the vehicle, Karolyi told him to get back

inside it.

{¶ 25} In a September 6, 2018 decision, the magistrate found that the City had

established a prima facie case of speeding under the ordinance and that Flagg did not

dispute traveling 52 mph, but that Flagg argued that this speed was “reasonable for the

conditions.” The magistrate noted that Flagg pointed to the fact that the road was dry, it

was sunny, and there was no other traffic, but the magistrate concluded that “these facts

alone do not rebut [the] presumption. Although it was dry and sunny, Defendant was
 -13-

exceeding the limit by 27 mph in a residential area where there are many driveways,

mailboxes and mature trees” and a nearby park. The magistrate credited Karolyi’s

testimony that Flagg had stated that he had not intended to go so fast, but his sandal got

stuck on the gas pedal and he had to reach down to free it. The magistrate also noted

that Flagg “was distracted when reaching down while traveling without a seatbelt at this

rate of speed.” According to the magistrate, Karolyi’s dash cam video depicted Flagg

speeding past an intersection and quickly approaching another, Sunset Drive, onto which

Flagg made a sharp left turn before pulling onto the front lawn of a residence. The

magistrate concluded that Flagg’s speed was “unreasonable and excessive,” that “the

City’s prima facie case of speeding was not overcome,” and that the evidence supported

a finding of guilt.

{¶ 26} Flagg filed objections to the magistrate’s decision on September 20, 2018.

Flagg argued that the magistrate had erred to the his prejudice by failing to comply with

the previous instructions of the trial court when she conducted a trial de novo instead of

the limited hearing to permit introduction of evidence related to the conditions at the time

of the traffic stop. Flagg also asserted that any “evidence produced by the [City] at the

second hearing was not properly before the Magistrate” and any decision rendered as a

result of that of that evidence was “unwarranted.” Flagg asserted:

While the Magistrate found that “Sandhill Road is a small two lane

road in a residential area with a park nearby,” she failed to acknowledge

that the park is not in the vicinity of the speeding violation. * * * There is

nothing to suggest that Sandhill Road is “small” or is any smaller than similar

roads such as Hyde Road with a 55 mph limit. * * * The Magistrate also
 -14-

stated: "Although it was dry and sunny, Defendant was exceeding the limit

by 27 mph in a residential area where there are many driveways, mailboxes

and mature trees. The Officer testified that there was a nearby park as

well.” There was no evidence that there were many driveways, mailboxes

and mature trees. Any testimony regarding a park was inappropriate

because the park was not in the area of the violation. There was testimony

that there was not another car in sight, that there were no pedestrians, that

there were no stray animals and that there were no cyclists. A review of the

dash cam video shows that, prior to seeing the defendant’s car, the police

car was traveling at 35 mph and, it follows, the officer either believed that

the speed limit should be greater than 25 mph or that he was simply

speeding. The Officer admitted that he did not mark the ticket as “unsafe

for conditions.” The Officer agreed that if speed is not unsafe for

conditions, it is reasonable for conditions. When asked whether he would

change anything on the ticket, the officer stated “No.” The defendant

testified that, while he had an issue with one of his sandals, it did not impair

his driving, that he had his eyes on the road at all times and that he was in

full control of the vehicle at all times. The Officer did not suggest, and the

record does not support, any allegation of distracted driving, erratic driving

or failure to maintain the lane of travel.

{¶ 27} On November 30, 2018, the court sustained in part and overruled in part

Flagg’s objections. The court found that the magistrate did not err by holding a new trial

and that the new trial did not prejudice Flagg, because even if the magistrate had only
 -15-

held a limited hearing, as Flagg wanted, the City would still have been able “to cross-

examine witnesses and ask questions on redirect, and call witnesses in rebuttal, just as

it did in the new trial.” According to the court, “it was a difference without a distinction.”

The court noted that the area where Flagg’s vehicle was clocked travelling 52 mph was

a residential area, with a dog park and recreational park shortly down the road, while

acknowledging that it was “a clear and sunny day with clear visibility and no adverse

conditions.”

{¶ 28} The court found Flagg’s objection to the magistrate’s finding that “the road

was small and there were many driveways, mailboxes, and mature trees” to be

meritorious. According to the court, there was no evidence of the size of the road or the

location of driveways, mailboxes, or mature trees. Thus, the magistrate’s finding in this

respect was incorrect. The court also noted, however, that Flagg suggestion that the

park on Sandhill Road was not near the location of the speeding violation would “also

fabricate evidence, as that information was not produced as evidence at trial.” The court

noted that, although defense counsel tried to suggest during his closing remarks that the

park was not close to the stop, closing remarks are not testimony.

{¶ 29} The court concluded as follows:

Defendant argued at trial that because dogs and children were not

present at the time of the violation, that Defendant’s speed was safe for

conditions. The Court finds that the State met its burden in proving the

prima facie case that Defendant was speeding when operating the Saturn

at 52 miles per hour in a 25 mile per hour zone. The Court further finds

that Defendant failed to establish a rebuttable presumption that the speed
 -16-

was neither excessive nor unreasonable. The evidence established that

the area of the violation was residential with a dog park and recreational

park down the road. The Court finds that travelling 52 miles per hour in a

residential area with a dog park and a recreational park just down the road

is unreasonable as well as excessive.

{¶ 30} The court found Flagg guilty of violating Fairborn Codified Ordinance

331.13, and it imposed a fine of $85 plus court costs. Flagg filed a motion for a stay

pending appeal, which the municipal court granted.

{¶ 31} Flagg asserts two assignments of error herein which we will consider

together. They are as follows:

A TRIAL COURT ERRS, AS A MATTER OF LAW, WHEN IT

PRESUMES WHAT EVIDENCE A PARTY WOULD PRESENT AND

PROCEEDS TO REACH A JUDGMENT BASED ON THAT

PRESUMPTION.

THE TRIAL COURT ERRED, TO THE PREJUDICE OF THE

DEFENDANT-APPELLANT BY CONSIDERING EVIDENCE OUTSIDE

THE AREA OF THE SPEEDING OFFENSE WHEN DETERMINING

WHETHER THE SPEED WAS REASONABLE FOR CONDITIONS.

{¶ 32} We initially note that both parties erroneously captioned their briefs “State

of Ohio v. Ronnie Flagg,” and that the proper case name is “City of Fairborn v. Ronnie

Flagg.” Despite the repeated references in the briefs to “the State,” the State of Ohio is

not a party herein.
 -17-

{¶ 33} Flagg directs our attention to Crim.R. 191 and asserts that the case was

remanded to the magistrate “with limiting instructions” that afforded Flagg the opportunity

to present evidence regarding the conditions at the time of the stop. He argues that there

had been a previous determination that the City met its prima facie burden of proof, and

therefore “the evidence to be presented should have been in the sole discretion of

defense counsel.” Flagg asserts that the “trial court presumed that the prosecution

would be able to present the same evidence it did present based on the evidence defense

counsel might present. This presumes that defense counsel would have called Officer

Karolyi and that defense counsel would have covered the same evidentiary areas as the

State did in its direct.” Flagg argues that these presumptions were “unwarranted.”

According to Flagg, the main area of contention related to Karolyi’s characterization of

the traffic at the time of the stop as “moderate.” The defense believed that

characterization to be inaccurate and in direct conflict with the dash cam video, which

showed two cars on the road, one belonging to the police department and the other driven

by Flagg. He asserts that there was “nothing to show that Flagg would have called any

witnesses much less Officer Karolyi. It is unlikely that Flagg would have introduced

evidence related to a dog park or a park because such evidence was irrelevant.” Flagg

argues that, if “the parks had any significance, the State would have elicited testimony

regarding them at the earlier hearing.” Flagg asserts that the magistrate chose to ignore

1 “Crim.R. 19 governs the authority of magistrates in criminal cases. * * * [M]agistrate’s
sitting in misdemeanor cases are authorized to ‘determine guilt or innocence, receive
statements in explanation and in mitigation of sentence, and recommend a penalty to be
imposed.’ ” State v. Pennington, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 23367, 2010-Ohio-2139, ¶ 12.
“A magistrate’s decision is not effective unless it has been adopted by the court. Crim.R.
19(D)(4)(a).” Id. at ¶ 14.
 -18-

the trial court’s order “and grant a new trial to the prosecution.”

{¶ 34} In his second assignment of error, Flagg asserts that the trial court erred by

considering irrelevant evidence, because when a trial court determines whether an

alleged speeder has met his burden of establishing that the speed was reasonable for the

conditions, the court is limited to considering only those conditions present “at [the]

immediate time and place of the alleged violation.” Based on his argument that “Ohio is

a ‘reasonable conditions’ State,” Flagg argues that the conditions at the time and place

of an alleged violation may rebut evidence that a defendant was exceeding the speed

limit. “Essentially, with few exceptions, there is no fixed speed limit in Ohio.”

{¶ 35} According to Flagg, whether a driver’s speed is excessive or unreasonable

under the circumstances is a question of fact. He argues that Officer Karolyi did not

check the box on the citation for “Unsafe for conditions,” so there was nothing to suggest

that he found Flagg’s speed unsafe or unreasonable for conditions. Flagg also argues

that the dash cam video of the incident showed there were only two cars on the road, the

patrol car and Flagg’s car. According to Flagg, “Sandhill is capable of sustaining 55 mile

per hour traffic and two portions of the road are in the township and are subject to a 55

mile per hour speed limit.” Flagg also asserts that there was no evidence in the record

“to show that either [he] or the police car drove past” a dog park or a recreational park or

that any person or dog was in danger.

{¶ 36} According to Flagg, the “central issue is: what were the conditions at the

time and place of the violation? There is a dog park down the road. There is a

recreational park down the road. Neither car passed either park. * * * The State did not

introduce any evidence to show the proximity of the parks to the speeding violation.”
 -19-

Flagg asserts that his speed was reasonable considering the conditions existing at the

time, and that “preceding conditions or subsequent conditions [were] irrelevant for

determining the reasonableness” of his speed. He argues that conditions and traffic

levels at other times were irrelevant. Flagg argues that the trial court erred by

considering the parks “when the evidence shows that the parks were not in the immediate

vicinity of the incident.” Flagg asserts that, while the evidence showed that he exceeded

the speed limit, the evidence also showed that “the conditions at the time of the incident

were optimal and that, under those conditions, the defendant’s speed was not

unreasonable.”

{¶ 37} Finally, Flagg asserts as follows:

This matter was returned to the magistrate with specific limiting

instructions to permit the introduction of evidence regarding the conditions

existing at the time of the incident. Although the State had not complied

with the rules covering objections to a magistrate’s decision, the magistrate,

nevertheless, granted a new trial to the State. When Flagg objected, the

trial court determined that any evidence presented at the second hearing

would have to have been presented anyway because the State could cross-

examine defense witnesses and could offer rebuttal testimony. It follows

that the trial court would have to presume what evidence, if any, the defense

would offer. The trial court would also have to presume that the defense

objections regarding the scope would automatically be overruled. A trial

court errs when it presumes what evidence the defendant would have

offered.
 -20-

{¶ 38} The City responds that the trial court did not err by holding a new trial when

the matter was remanded for the purpose of allowing Flagg to present evidence that his

speed was neither excessive nor unreasonable. According to the City, a new trial was

held, rather than a limited trial, because Flagg “would not stipulate to the testimony that

had already been presented by the officer.” The City asserts that Flagg was given ample

opportunity to present evidence, such as “the conditions at the time of the arrest, including

visibility, pavement conditions, and weather.” According to the City, Flagg “believes that

if the trial had been limited, Officer Karolyi would not have mentioned the parks down the

road on Sandhill. However, as the court held, the State would still have been able to

cross-examine witnesses, ask questions on redirect, and call witnesses in rebuttal.” The

City asserts that Flagg could have questioned the officer regarding the proximity of the

park or put on his own testimony about the closeness of the park, but he chose not to do

so. According to the City, the new trial did not prejudice Flagg; it afforded him the same

opportunities he would have had if the trial had been limited to cross-examination. “The

court did not presume what evidence Flagg would have presented because the new trial

allowed him to present his evidence in whatever way he chose.”

{¶ 39} Regarding Flagg’s second assignment of error, the City argues that Flagg

failed to present evidence necessary to overcome the rebuttable presumption created by

the prima facie speeding. “Under Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.21, it is prima facie unlawful

for any person to exceed any of the speed limitations established by statute.” The City

asserts that, while a court may find sufficient evidence to rebut this presumption, it is not

required to do so “just because a defendant presents supporting evidence.” The City

argues that it proved its prima facie case, and Flagg failed to overcome the rebuttable
 -21-

presumption by showing that his speed was neither excessive nor unreasonable. The

City asserts that the location of the parks merely showed the character of the surrounding

area. Although Officer Karolyi did not check the box marked “unsafe for conditions,” “in

other cases, the courts have found that ‘unsafe for conditions’ does not need to be marked

to sustain a conviction under the prima facie provision of the statute.” The City argues

that the primary focus of the trial court’s decision was that Flagg was speeding at 52 mph

in a residential area.

{¶ 40} In reply, Flagg asserts that he testified that “the sandal issue did not impair

his driving and did not distract his attention from the road.” According to Flagg, although

Karolyi stated that the area was “residential,” counsel could not find Karolyi’s statement

that there were many driveways in the area and there was nothing to show that there

were many driveways.

{¶ 41} Flagg asserts that he does not suggest that a new trial prevented him from

offering testimony or evidence in support of his theory of the case, but rather that there

was “no legal reason for ignoring the trial judge’s clear orders that limited the hearing to

such evidence that the defendant chose to present” in support of his theory of the case

and, instead, affording a new trial, when the City had not complied with the requirements

necessary to merit a trial de novo. Flagg argues that he had admitted that the City had

already met its prima facie burden necessary to establish the offense of speeding.

{¶ 42} Flagg argues that the citation and Karolyi’s testimony established that there

were no adverse conditions. The only controversy involved the traffic conditions at the

time and place of the stop. The officer characterized the traffic conditions as “moderate,”

but the dash cam video did not support that characterization. He argues that the trial
 -22-

court’s presumptions about what evidence he would have introduced and about the

resolution of any objections he may have made regarding material outside of the scope

of direct were unwarranted. He notes that there was no mention of either a park or a

dog park at the first hearing. According to Flagg, if the parks were important, the City

would have presented evidence about them at the first hearing rather than presenting

such evidence “as innuendo” at the second hearing. Flagg asserts that if he had been

permitted to present his evidence under the limited order on remand, evidence about the

parks may never had been admitted, “because the parks would have been outside of the

scope of direct and improper on cross.” He claims prejudice because the trial court

mentioned both parks in its decision, although neither park was in the immediate area of

the violation.

{¶ 43} Flagg argues that questions regarding whether a speed is reasonable for

conditions “must, of necessity, consider the immediate vicinity of the violation.” He

argues that, while Karolyi testified that a park and dog park were “down the road,” he “did

not testify as to how far down the road meant.” Flagg asserts that there was testimony

that portions of Sandhill were located in the township with a 55 mph speed limit; “[t]here

was nothing to suggest that the road was not uniform throughout and the reasonable

presumption is that the road is capable of supporting a vehicle travelling at 55 miles per

hour.” According to Flagg, the dash cam video shows “nothing on the road,” and if “the

purpose of a speed limit is to prevent one car from striking either another or another object

or person, the defendant’s speed was reasonable for that purpose. Simply stated, you

can’t hit something when there is nothing to hit.”

{¶ 44} City of Fairborn Codified Ordinance 331.13 governs speed limits and
 -23-

provides:

(a) No person all operate a motor vehicle at a speed greater or less

than is reasonable or proper, having due regard to the traffic, surface and

width of the street or highway and any other conditions, and no person shall

drive any motor vehicle, in and upon any street or highway at a greater

speed that will permit him to bring it to a stop within the assured clear

distance ahead.

(b) It is prima-facie lawful, in the absence of a lower limit declared

pursuant to this section by the Ohio Director of Transportation or local

authorities, for the operator of a motor vehicle, to operate the same at a

speed not exceeding the following:

***

(3) Twenty-five miles per hour in all other portions of the City, except

on State routes, through streets and through highways outside business

district and alleys;

***

(c) It is prima-facie unlawful for any person to exceed any of the

speed limitations in any section of this Traffic Code, or any declared by the

Ohio Director of Transportation or local authorities.

“Where a municipal ordinance makes it prima facie unlawful for a motor vehicle to exceed

a certain speed limit in a described locality, a speed greater than that specified does not

establish the commission of an offense or constitute unlawful conduct per se, but

establishes only a prima facie case under the ordinance. * * *.” Village of St. Paris v.
 -24-

Malikov, 2d Dist. Champaign No. 2007 CA 6, 2007-Ohio-6260, ¶ 22, quoting Cleveland

v. Keaha, 157 Ohio St. 331, 105 N.E.2d 402 (1952) and Village of Bellville v. Keiffaber,

114 Ohio St.3d 124, 2007-Ohio-3763, 870 N.E.2d 697, ¶ 17.

{¶ 45} As noted by the Twelfth District:

* * * A prima facie case is one in which the evidence introduced is

sufficient to support, but not to compel a certain conclusion. * * * The trier

of fact may determine that prima facie evidence alone is sufficient to

establish a fact, but is not required to do so. * * * Instead, the trier of fact

may be swayed by other evidence or by the facts and circumstances of the

case. * * * Id. Such a provision creates “a rule of evidence raising a

rebuttable presumption which may be overcome by evidence that in the

circumstances the speed was neither excessive nor unreasonable. * * *

State v. Rimedio, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2002-04-084, 2003-Ohio-79, ¶ 8, citing Keaha

at 336 and others.

{¶ 46} As this Court has noted:

* * * [W]hat is reasonable and proper under the circumstances is a

question of fact. A question of fact is always for the lower court to decide.

The only reason a lower court’s decision on an issue of fact would be

overturned by a higher court would be if the decision was against the

manifest weight of the evidence. Judgments supported by some

competent, credible evidence going to all the elements of the case will not

be reversed by a reviewing court as being against the manifest weight of

the evidence. * * *
 -25-

State v. Winkler, 2d Dist. Champaign No. 98-CA-18, 1999 WL 55720, *2 (Feb. 5, 1999).

{¶ 47} Officer Karolyi testified that his radar device detected Flagg’s speed at 52

mph. As the trial court correctly determined, Flagg was entitled to present evidence to

overcome the rebuttable presumption that arose from the evidence that he exceeded the

25 mph limit. We have reviewed the video of the stop, and we agree with Flagg that the

Saturn and Karolyi’s cruiser were the only vehicles visible on Sandhill Road at the time of

the stop. We conclude, however, even without considering any testimony about

“moderate” traffic and nearby parks,2 that Flagg failed to rebut the prima facie evidence

of unreasonable speed with evidence that his speed was not excessive or unreasonable

under the circumstances. We also note that, contrary to the trial court’s conclusion,

several driveways, mature trees, and mailboxes were plainly visible in the video along the

edge of Sandhill Road. We further note that Flagg passed a 25 mph speed limit sign on

Sandhill Road, which was observable in the video.

{¶ 48} Flagg’s speed was more than twice the posted limit, and Karolyi wrote on

Flagg’s citation that Flagg told him that “his sandal was stuck on the gas pedal and he did

not intend to go that fast.” Karolyi’s testimony at the second hearing was consistent with

his comment on the ticket. Flagg himself testified that he “really couldn’t drive” because

of his sandals. While Flagg asserts that Sandhill was “capable of sustaining” 55 mph

traffic and that two portions of the road in the township were subject to a 55 mph speed

limit, the fact that the speed limit was reduced to 25 mph in the residential area of Flagg’s

2
We note that Flagg attached a Google Maps printout of Sandhill Road to his motion to
dismiss. It depicted Sandhill Road Park, and according to the legend of the map, the
park was approximately 200 feet from Sunset Drive. However, the map was not admitted
as an exhibit at either trial.
 -26-

offense, where there were side streets, mailboxes, and multiple driveways perpendicular

to Sandhill Road, further supported the conclusion that 52 mph was excessive and

unreasonable there, regardless of dry pavement, clear visibility and a lack of adverse

conditions. For the foregoing reasons, Flagg’s assigned errors are overruled.

{¶ 49} The judgment of the trial court is affirmed.

.............

WELBAUM, P.J. and FROELICH, J., concur.

Copies sent to:

Brittany A. Doggett
John K. Limoli
Hon. Beth W. Cappelli