State v. Howell

[Cite as State v. Howell, 2020-Ohio-3608.]

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
SEVENTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
MAHONING COUNTY

STATE OF OHIO,

Plaintiff-Appellee,

v.

ANTHONY HOWELL,

Defendant-Appellant.

OPINION AND JUDGMENT ENTRY
Case No. 19 MA 0026

Criminal Appeal from the
Court of Common Pleas of Mahoning County, Ohio
Case No. 2018 CR 441

BEFORE:
David A. D’Apolito, Cheryl L. Waite, Carol Ann Robb, Judges.

JUDGMENT:
Affirmed.

Atty. Paul J. Gains, Mahoning County Prosecutor, and Atty. Ralph M. Rivera, Assistant
Prosecuting Attorney, 21 West Boardman Street, 6th Floor, Youngstown, Ohio 44503,
for Plaintiff-Appellee and

Atty. Rachel Cerni, Cerni Law, LLC, 3685 Stutz Drive, Suite 100, Canfield, Ohio 44406,
for Defendant-Appellant.
 –2–

Dated: June 30, 2020

D’Apolito, J.

{¶1} Appellant, Anthony Howell, appeals from the October 30, 2018 judgment of
the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas sentencing him to 24 months in prison
following Appellant’s stipulation that he violated the terms and/or conditions of his
community control sanctions stemming from a guilty plea involving one count of burglary.
On appeal, Appellant takes issue with his sentence. Finding no reversible error, we affirm.

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

{¶2} On May 17, 2018, Appellant was indicted by the Mahoning County Grand
Jury on three counts: count one, burglary, a felony of the second degree, in violation of
R.C. 2911.12(A)(1); count two, theft, a felony of the fifth degree, in violation of R.C.
2913.02(A)(1); and count three, grand theft, a felony of the fourth degree, in violation of
R.C. 2913.02(A)(1) and (B). Appellant was appointed counsel, pleaded not guilty at his
arraignment, and waived his right to a speedy trial.
{¶3} Appellant subsequently entered into plea negotiations with Appellee, the
State of Ohio. On July 11, 2018, Appellant entered an oral and written plea of guilty to
an amended count one, burglary, a felony of the third degree, in violation of R.C.
2911.12(A)(3), which indicated that the maximum prison term is five years. That same
date, the trial court accepted Appellant’s guilty plea and dismissed the remaining two
counts. The court sentenced Appellant to an agreed upon three-year period of community
control which ordered him to complete Youngstown Teen Challenge, attend two AA
meetings per week, obtain employment, and abide by all laws.
{¶4} On July 18, 2018, Appellant filed a motion to reconsider his sentence. The
trial court denied his motion the next day.
{¶5} A status hearing was held on August 2, 2018. Appellant remained on the
three-year period of community control but the trial court modified his sanctions. Among
the modifications, the court removed the Teen Challenge requirement and ordered
Appellant to maintain his residence at the Dorothy Burdman Home.

Case No. 19 MA 0026
 –3–

{¶6} On or about September 17, 2018, Appellant used cocaine and marijuana
and was unsuccessfully terminated from the Burdman Home. Two days later, Appellant
stipulated to probable cause that he violated the terms and/or conditions of his community
control sanctions.
{¶7} A probation violation hearing was held on October 25, 2018. Appellant
again stipulated to violating the terms and/or conditions of his community control
sanctions. After hearing from the State, defense counsel, and Appellant, the court found
Appellant not amenable to community control and proceeded to sentencing.
{¶8} On October 30, 2018, the trial court revoked Appellant’s community control
and sentenced him to 24 months in prison, with 150 days of jail-time credit. The court
notified Appellant that post-release control is mandatory for three years. The court also
gave Appellant notice under R.C. 2929.19(B)(3) and of his appellate rights under R.C.
2953.08.
{¶9} Appellant filed a delayed appeal and raises three assignments of error.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 1

THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN FAILING TO ARTICULATE ANY
REASON TO DEVIATE FROM ITS INITIAL FINDINGS THAT THE
PUNISHMENT FOR THIS CRIME DID NOT WARRANT
INCARCERATION.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 2

THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN NOT FOLLOWING FELONY
SENTENCING GUIDELINES AND THE VIOLATION OF PROBATION
FOR AN UNRELATED CHARGE DID NOT WARRANT SENTENCING
BEYOND THE MINIMUM AVAILABLE SANCTION.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 3

THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN NOT HEARING/GRANTING HOWELL’S
MOTION TO RECONSIDER SENTENCE TERMINATING THE TEEN
CHALLENGE PROVISION, AND AMENDING THE SENTENCE TO AN

Case No. 19 MA 0026
 –4–

INDEFINITE STAY AT THE DOROTHY BURDMAN HOUSE WITHOUT
DUE PROCESS.

{¶10} Appellant’s three assignments of error focus on the trial court’s decision to
revoke his community control and impose a 24-month prison sentence. Appellant
stresses that his sentence is contrary to law because the trial court did not make the
requisite R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12 findings at the October 25, 2018 hearing and/or in its
October 30, 2018 judgment entry.1 He further stresses that the trial court erred in denying
his motion to reconsider his sentence. Because Appellant’s assignments are interrelated,
we will address them together.

The decision to revoke community control is reviewed for an abuse of
discretion. State v. Smithberger, 7th Dist. No. 16 BE 0033, 2017-Ohio-8015,
¶ 9. “The term ‘abuse of discretion’ connotes more than an error of law or
of judgment; it implies that the court’s attitude is unreasonable, arbitrary or
unconscionable. State v. Adams, 62 Ohio St.2d 151, 157, 404 N.E.2d 144
(1980).

State v. Chambliss, 7th Dist. Belmont No. 17 BE 0015, 2018-Ohio-1218, ¶ 16.

{¶11} Based on the facts presented, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in
revoking Appellant’s community control. The record reveals that Appellant used cocaine
and marijuana and was unsuccessfully terminated from the Burdman Home. Appellant
even stipulated to probable cause that he violated the terms and/or conditions of his
community control sanctions. Following a hearing, the court found Appellant not
amenable to community control and proceeded to sentencing.

1 In support of his position to reverse and remand, Appellant states that this case is similar to State v.
Weaver, 141 Ohio App.3d 512, 751 N.E.2d 1096 (Mar. 19, 2001) (7th Dist.). It is not. The appellant in
Weaver received no notice that his probation was being revoked and was sentenced to the maximum.
Appellant in the case at bar, on the other hand, did receive notice and a hearing, stipulated to violating the
terms and/or conditions of his community control sanctions, and was not sentenced to the maximum. In
addition, this court notes that Weaver was decided nearly 20 years ago and has since received negative
treatment. See Weaver; Overruling Risk State v. Foster, 109 Ohio St.3d 1, 2006-Ohio-856; Abrogated by
Oregon v. Ice, 555 U.S. 160, 129 S.Ct. 711 (2009); Overruling Risk Alleyne v. United States, 570 U.S. 99,
133 S.Ct. 2151 (2013); Superseded by Statute as Stated in State v. Fisher, 4th Dist. Washington No.
13CA25, 2014-Ohio-4257.

Case No. 19 MA 0026
 –5–

{¶12} Turning to Appellant’s 24-month prison sentence, this court utilizes R.C.
2953.08(G) as the standard of review in all felony sentencing appeals. State v. Michaels,
7th Dist. Mahoning No. 17 MA 0122, 2019-Ohio-497, ¶ 2, citing State v. Marcum, 146
Ohio St.3d 516, 2016-Ohio-1002, 59 N.E.3d 1231, ¶ 1.
{¶13} R.C. 2953.08(G) states in pertinent part:

(2) The court hearing an appeal under division (A), (B), or (C) of this section
shall review the record, including the findings underlying the sentence or
modification given by the sentencing court.

The appellate court may increase, reduce, or otherwise modify a sentence
that is appealed under this section or may vacate the sentence and remand
the matter to the sentencing court for resentencing. The appellate court’s
standard for review is not whether the sentencing court abused its
discretion. The appellate court may take any action authorized by this
division if it clearly and convincingly finds either of the following:

(a) That the record does not support the sentencing court’s findings under
division (B) or (D) of section 2929.13, division (B)(2)(e) or (C)(4) of section
2929.14, or division (I) of section 2929.20 of the Revised Code, whichever,
if any, is relevant;

(b) That the sentence is otherwise contrary to law.

{¶14} Although trial courts have full discretion to impose any term of imprisonment
within the statutory range, they must consider the sentencing purposes
in R.C. 2929.11 and the guidelines contained in R.C. 2929.12.
{¶15} R.C. 2929.11(A) provides that the overriding purposes of felony sentencing
are (1) “to protect the public from future crime by the offender and others”; and (2) “to
punish the offender * * * using the minimum sanctions that the court determines
accomplish those purposes without imposing an unnecessary burden on state or local
government resources.” Further, the sentence imposed shall be “commensurate with and
not demeaning to the seriousness of the offender’s conduct and its impact upon the victim,

Case No. 19 MA 0026
 –6–

and consistent with sentences imposed for similar crimes committed by similar offenders.”
R.C. 2929.11(B).
{¶16} R.C. 2929.12 provides a nonexhaustive list of sentencing factors the trial
court must consider when determining the seriousness of the offense and the likelihood
that the offender will commit future offenses. The court that imposes a felony sentence
“has discretion to determine the most effective way to comply with the purposes and
principles of sentencing.” R.C. 2929.12(A). The factors a trial court may consider include
the “more serious” factors, such as “[t]he physical or mental injury suffered by the victim
of the offense due to the conduct of the offender was exacerbated because of the physical
or mental condition or age of the victim” and “[t]he victim of the offense suffered serious
physical, psychological, or economic harm as a result of the offense.” R.C. 2929.12(B)(1)
and (2). The court may also consider the “less serious” factors, any recidivism factors,
and any mitigating factors listed in R.C. 2929.12(C)-(F).

R.C. 2929.11 does not require the trial court to make any specific findings
as to the purposes and principles of sentencing. State v. Wilson, 129 Ohio
St.3d 214, 2011-Ohio-2669, 951 N.E.2d 381, ¶ 31. Similarly, R.C. 2929.12
does not require the trial court to “use specific language or make specific
findings on the record in order to evince the requisite consideration of the
applicable seriousness and recidivism factors.” State v. Arnett, 88 Ohio
St.3d 208, 215, 724 N.E.2d 793 (2000).

State v. Shaw, 7th Dist. Belmont No. 15 BE 0065, 2017-Ohio-1259, ¶ 36.

In this District, a silent record raises a rebuttable presumption that the
sentencing court considered the statutory factors in R.C. 2929.11 and R.C.
2929.12. State v. Henry, 7th Dist. No. 14 BE 40, 2015-Ohio-4145, 2015 WL
5813874, ¶ 23, citing State v. Grillon, 7th Dist. No. 10CO30, 2012-Ohio-
893, 2012 WL 714681, ¶ 131; State v. James, 7th Dist. No. 07CO47, 2009-
Ohio-4392, 2009 WL 2625838, ¶ 38-51. In other words, we presume that
the trial court considered the relevant factors in the absence of an
affirmative showing that it failed to do so. State v. Taylor, 7th Dist. No. 15
MA 0078, 2016-Ohio-1065, 2016 WL 1051580, ¶ 15, citing State v. Hardy,

Case No. 19 MA 0026
 –7–

7th Dist. No. 14 MA 30, 2015-Ohio-2206, 2015 WL 3542691, ¶ 13 and State
v. Pyles, 7th Dist. No. 13 BE 11, 2014-Ohio-4146, 2014 WL 4672438, ¶ 6 *
* *.

Other intermediate appellate courts in Ohio have reached the same
conclusion. State v. Bohannon, 1st Dist. No. C-130014, 2013-Ohio-5101,
2013 WL 6118349, ¶ 7; State v. Rutherford, 2d Dist. No. 08CA11, 2009-
Ohio-2071, 2009 WL 1175050, ¶ 34; State v. Jackson, 3d Dist. No. 1-06-
26, 2006-Ohio-5146, 2006 WL 2795556, ¶ 5; State v. Picklesimer, 4th Dist.
No. 11CA9, 2012-Ohio-1282, 2012 WL 1029466, ¶ 30; State v. Hannah, 5th
Dist. No. 15-CA-1, 2015-Ohio-4438, 2015 WL 6447492, ¶ 13; State v.
Brimacombe, 195 Ohio App.3d 524, 2011-Ohio-5032, 960 N.E.2d 1042, ¶
11 (6th Dist.); State v. Sutton, 8th Dist. No. 102300, 2015-Ohio-4074, 2015
WL 5737104, ¶ 72; State v. Cobb, 9th Dist. No. 13CA0087-M, 2014-Ohio-
3530, 2014 WL 4057447, ¶ 12; State v. Reed, 10th Dist. No. 08AP-20,
2008-Ohio-6082, 2008 WL 4966485, ¶ 64; State v. Dickerson, 11th Dist.
No. 2013-A-0046, 2015-Ohio-938, 2015 WL 1138269, ¶ 66.

State v. Michaels, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 17 MA 0122, 2019-Ohio-497, ¶ 6-7.

{¶17} Thus, contrary to Appellant’s assertion, the trial court was not required to
make specific findings pursuant to R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12. Shaw, supra, at ¶ 36. A
silent record raises a rebuttable presumption that the sentencing court considered the
statutory factors in R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12. Michaels, supra, at ¶ 6. Therefore, we
presume that the trial court considered the relevant factors as there is no affirmative
showing that it failed to do so. Id.
{¶18} The trial court did not err in imposing a 24-month prison term after Appellant
stipulated to violating the terms and/or conditions of his community control sanctions. As
stated, Appellant’s written plea of guilty to an amended count one, burglary, a felony of
the third degree, in violation of R.C. 2911.12(A)(3), indicated that the maximum prison
term is five years. Thus, Appellant’s 24-month sentence is within the statutory range.
See R.C. 2929.14(A)(3). Also, the record reveals the trial court properly advised
Appellant regarding post-release control.

Case No. 19 MA 0026
 –8–

{¶19} Accordingly, there is no evidence that the trial court did not comply with all
applicable rules and statutes. As a result, we do not find by clear and convincing evidence
that the record does not support Appellant’s sentence or that the sentence is contrary to
law.
{¶20} Furthermore, the trial court properly denied Appellant’s motion to reconsider
his sentence because the trial court lacks jurisdiction to reconsider its own valid final
judgment. See State v. Pierce, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 16 MA 0194, 2017-Ohio-7769, ¶
22 (“A judgment entry of sentence is a final order. See State ex rel. Rose v. McGinty, 128
Ohio St.3d 371, 2011-Ohio-761, 944 N.E.2d 672, ¶ 2. A motion to reconsider a final order
is a nullity. Pitts v. Ohio Dept. of Transp., 67 Ohio St.2d 378, 381, 423 N.E.2d 1105
(1981).”)
{¶21} Appellant’s assignments of error are without merit.

CONCLUSION

{¶22} For the foregoing reasons, Appellant’s assignments of error are not well-
taken. The judgment of the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed.

Waite, P.J., concurs.

Robb, J., concurs.

Case No. 19 MA 0026
[Cite as State v. Howell, 2020-Ohio-3608.]

For the reasons stated in the Opinion rendered herein, the assignments of error
are overruled and it is the final judgment and order of this Court that the judgment of
the Court of Common Pleas of Mahoning County, Ohio, is affirmed. Costs to be waived.
A certified copy of this opinion and judgment entry shall constitute the mandate
in this case pursuant to Rule 27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure. It is ordered that
a certified copy be sent by the clerk to the trial court to carry this judgment into
execution.

NOTICE TO COUNSEL

This document constitutes a final judgment entry.