Jensen v. State

RUCKER, Justice.

Summary

In an opinion handed down today we concluded the Indiana Sex Offender Registration Act ("Act"), as applied in that case, violated the prohibition against ex post facto laws contained in the Indiana Constitution. See Wallace v. State, 905 N.E.2d 371 (Ind., 2009). As we explain below the Act does not violate the Indiana constitutional ban on ex post facto laws as applied here.

Facts and Procedural History

In 1999, Todd L. Jensen was charged with count one vicarious sexual gratification, as a Class C felony, count two child molesting, as a Class C felony, and count three child molesting as a Class A felony. Under terms of a plea agreement Jensen pleaded guilty to the two Class C felony counts on January 18, 2000. The trial court sentenced Jensen on February 18, *3892000, to a concurrent term of six years with three years executed and three years suspended to probation. Under terms of the Act then in effect Jensen was required to report and register as a sex offender for a period of ten years.

Jensen was released from prison and began the probationary period of his sentence on July 12, 2001. He was released from probation on July 12, 2004. Since his release, Jensen has annually reported and registered as a sex offender.

Effective July 1, 2006, the Legislature amended the Act in several respects. Significant to the case before us is an amendment requiring lifetime registration for a defendant whose offense qualifies the defendant as a "sexually violent predator.1 ' Ind.Code § 11-8-8-19 (2006). Vicarious sexual gratification-one of the offenses to which Jensen pleaded guilty-falls within that category. Ind.Code § 35-88-1-7.5(b) (2006). In 2006, the definition of "sexually violent predator" contained no limitation on the date of a conviction that could qualify an offender for the designation. Id.2

On September 20, 2006, the Sex Offender Registration Coordinator for the Allen County Sheriffs Department informed Jensen that he would have to register for life as a sexually violent predator. In response Jensen filed a motion with the trial court to determine his registration status. After a hearing the trial court found Jensen to be a sexually violent predator and determined that Jensen must register for life. Jensen appealed raising three claims: (1) the Act violates the ex post facto provisions of both the Indiana and federal Constitutions, (2) the Act violates his rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness under the State and federal Constitutions, and (8) Jensen's plea agreement was rendered involuntary because Jensen was not advised that he would be required to register for life as a sex offender. Finding the first claim dis-positive, a divided panel of the Court of Appeals reversed the trial court's order and instructed the trial court to enter an order determining that Jensen's registration requirement is ten years. Jensen v. State, 878 N.E.2d 400, 403-04 (Ind.Ct.App. 2007). Having previously granted transfer we now affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Discussion

I.

The United States Constitution provides that "[nlo State shall ... pass any ... ex post facto Law." U.S. Const. art. I, § 10. The Indiana Constitution provides that "[nlo ex post facto law ... shall ever be passed." Ind. Const. art. I, § 24. Among other things, "[tlhe ex post facto prohibition forbids the Congress and the States to enact any law 'which imposes a punishment for an act which was not punishable at the time it was committed; or imposes additional punishment to that then prescribed.'" Weaver v. Graham, 450 U.S. 24, 28, 101 S.Ct. 960, 67 L.Ed.2d 17 (1981) (quoting Cummings v. Missouri, 71 U.S. (4 Wall.) 277, 325-26, 18 L.Ed. 356 (1867)). The underlying purpose of the Ex Post Facto Clause is to give effect to the fundamental principle that persons have a right to fair warning of that conduct which will give rise to criminal penalties. Arm*390strong v. State, 848 N.E.2d 1088, 1093 (Ind.2006).

Jensen contends that as applied to him the Act violates both the Indiana and federal constitutional prohibitions against ex post facto laws. In Wallace we noted that the United States Supreme Court has concluded that the State of Alaska's Sex Offender Registry Act, which is very similar to Indiana's Act, does not violate the Ex Post Facto Clause of the United States Constitution. Wallace, 905 N.E.2d at 378. We thus proceeded to evaluate Wallace's claim under the Indiana Constitution albeit adopting the same analytical framework the Supreme Court employed to evaluate ex post facto claims under the federal constitution. Id. at 378. We do the same here. "This Court has long observed that even when confronted with similarly worded provisions in the federal constitution, we will nonetheless apply an independent analysis when interpreting provisions in our own constitution." Id.

In evaluating ex post facto claims under the Indiana Constitution we apply what is commonly referred to as the "intent-effects" test. Id. at 378. Under this test the court must first determine whether the legislature meant the statute to establish civil proceedings. Id. If the intention of the legislature was to impose punishment, then that ends the inquiry, because punishment results. If, however the court concludes the legislature intended a non-punitive regulatory scheme, then the court must further examine whether the statutory scheme is so punitive in ef-feet as to negate that intention thereby transforming what was intended as a civil regulatory scheme into a eriminal penalty. See Id.

A. Whether the Legislature Intended to Impose Punishment

We first observe that "it is difficult to determine legislative intent since there is no available legislative history and the Act does not contain a purpose statement." Wallace, 905 NE.2d at 383 (quoting Spencer v. O'Connor, 707 N.E.2d 1039, 1043 (Ind.Ct.App.1999)). In the absence of a stated purpose, one way to determine legislative intent is to examine where the statute is located within the Code. Roberts v. Sankey, 813 N.E.2d 1195, 1198 (Ind.Ct. App.2004). See, eg., Kansas v. Hendricks, 521 U.S. 346, 361, 117 S.Ct. 2072, 138 L.Ed.2d 501 (1997) (fact that the Kansas Sexually Violent Predator Act was placed in the probate code rather than the criminal code indicated a legislative intent to create a civil proceeding). However such an examination is of little help here because although the statutory provision for determining that a person is a sexually violent predator is placed within the criminal code, see Ind.Code § 85-88-1-7.5 (2006), the provision for registration and the duration of the registration period is placed within the statutory code provision dealing with the Department of Correetion. See Ind.Code § 11-88-19 (2006)3

In any case, even though we are not aided by an express statement of legislative intent, we are aided by the principle that every statute stands before us clothed with the presumption of constitutionality until that presumption is clearly overcome by a contrary showing. State v. Rendleman, 603 N.E.2d 1333, 1334 (Ind.1992). The party challenging the constitutionality of the statute bears the burden of proof, and all doubts are resolved against that party. Id. "If two reasonable interpreta*391tions of a statute are available, one of which is constitutional and the other not, we will choose that path which permits upholding the statute because we will not presume that the legislature violated the constitution unless the unambiguous language of the statute requires that conclusion." State Bd. of Tax Comm'rs v. Town of St. John, 702 N.E.2d 1034, 1037 (Ind. 1998).

In this case, Jensen cites no evidence of a punitive intent on the part of the legislature with respect to the 2006 amendments. Thus, we presume that the legislature's intent was civil and regulatory, and not criminal or punitive in relation to the claim that the Act is an ex post facto violation.

B. Whether the Effect of the Act is Punitive

In assessing a statute's effects we are guided by seven factors that are weighed against each other: "[1] Whether the sanction involves an affirmative disability or restraint, [2] whether it has historically been regarded as a punishment, [3] whether it comes into play only on a finding of sciemnter, [4] whether its operation will promote the traditional aims of punishment-retribution and deterrence, [5] whether the behavior to which it applies is already a crime, [6] whether an alternative purpose to which it may rationally be connected is assignable for it, and [7] whether it appears excessive in relation to the alternative purpose assigned." Wallace, 905 N.E.2d at 379 (quoting Kennedy v. Mendoza-Martines, 372 U.S. 144, 168-69, 83 S.Ct. 554, 9 L.Ed.2d 644 (1963)) (alterations in original). No one factor is determinative. "[Olur task is not simply to count the factors on each side, but to weigh them." Id. (quoting State v. Noble, 171 Ariz. 171, 829 P.2d 1217, 1224 (1992)). We address each factor in turn.

1. Affirmative Disability or Restraint

We first ask "[wlhether the sanction involves an affirmative disability or restraint." Mendoza-Martines, 372 U.S. at 168, 83 S.Ct. 554. As we point out in Wallace the Act imposes significant affirmative obligations and a severe stigma on every person to whom it applies. Among other things the Act compels affirmative post-discharge conduct (mandating registration, re-registration, disclosure of public and private information, and updating of that information) under threat of prosecution. Ind.Code §§ 11-8-8-8, -14, -17 (2006). The duties imposed on offenders are significant and intrusive, including allowing in home personal visitation for verification of the offender's address, id. at - 13, and carrying a valid identification at all times, id. at -15. All sex offenders who change residences must notify local law enforcement within seventy-two hours. Id. at -11. Through aggressive notification of their crimes, the Act exposes registrants to profound humiliation and community-wide ostracism. And the practical effect of this dissemination is that it often subjects offenders to "vigilante justice" which may include lost employment opportunities, housing discrimination, threats, and violence. Wallace, 905 N.E.2d 380 (citing Spencer, 707 N.E.2d at 1045); see also Doe v. Pataki, 120 F.3d 1263, 1279 (2d Cir.1997) (noting that "sex offenders have suffered harm in the aftermath of notification-ranging from public shunning, picketing, press vigils, ostracism, loss of employment, and eviction, to threats of violence, physical attacks, and arson")..

But the foregoing "disabilitlies]l or restraint[s]" applied to Jensen even before his offense qualified him as a sexually violent predator. That is to say at the time Jensen pleaded guilty he was required to *392register for ten years. Nothing mentioned above imposes any greater burden on Jensen or has any greater adverse affect now that he is required to register for a longer period.

We do acknowledge at least two differences. Unlike other offenders, offenders determined to be sexually violent predators must (1) inform local law enforcement authorities of their plans to travel from their principal place of residence for more than 72 hours, Ind.Code § 11-8-8-18 (2006), and (2) re-register for the rest of their lives, id. at -19.4 These restraints lean slightly in favor of treating the effects of the Act as punitive when applied to Jensen.

&. Sanctions that have Historically been Considered Punishment

We next determine "whether [the sanction] has historically been regarded as a punishment." Mendoza-Martinez, 372 U.S. at 168, 83 S.Ct. 554. As we noted in Wallace, the Act does not expressly impose sanctions that have been historically considered punishment. And because sex offender registration and notification acts are of relatively recent origin, some courts addressing the issue have determined there is no historical equivalent. Wallace, 905 N.E.2d at 380. However, associating ourselves with the Alaska Supreme Court, we agreed that, "the dissemination provision at least resembles the punishment of shaming." Id. at 380 (quoting Doe v. State, 189 P.3d 999, 1012 (Alaska 2008)). In this case the extensive information available for mass distribution is itself notice to the public that the offender is someone to be shunned. And this is so whether the offender must provide the information for ten years or for a lifetime. But the 2006 amendment to the Act imposed an additional "shaming" punishment to which Jensen was not previously exposed, namely: posting the face of a sexually violent predator on a webpage under the label "Sex Predator." See Ind.Code § 11-8-2-13; Indiana Sheriffs' Sex and Violent Offender Registry, http://www (last visited April 23, 2009). "Every law that changes the punishment, and inflicts a greater punishment, than the law annexed to the crime when committed," Lynce v. Mathis, 519 U.S. 433, 441 n. 13, 117 S.Ct. 891, 137 L.Ed.2d 63 (1997) (citing Calder v. Bull 3 Dall. 386, 390, 1 L.Ed. 648 (1798)), implicates the ex post facto provisions of the Federal Constitution as well as the Indiana Constitution. We conclude therefore that the second Mendoza-Martinez factor leans in favor of treating the effects of the Act as punitive when applied to Jensen.

3. Finding of Scienter

Third, we consider "whether [the statute] comes into play only on a finding of scienter." Mendoza-Martines, 372 U.S. at 168, 83 S.Ct. 554. "The existence of a scienter requirement is customarily an important element in distinguishing criminal from civil statutes." Wallace, 905 N.E.2d at 381 (quoting Kansas v. Hendricks, 521 U.S. 346, 362, 117 S.Ct. 2072, 138 L.Ed.2d 501 (1997)) (alterations omitted). If a sanction is not linked to a showing of mens rea, it is less likely to be intended as punishment. As we observed in Wallace the Act "overwhelmingly applies to offenses that require a finding of scienter for there to be a conviction." Wallace, 905 N.E.2d at 381. In like fashion, here the Act makes Jensen's criminal conviction for vicarious sexual gratification a prerequisite for registration and notification as a sexually violent predator. This *393third factor slightly favors treating the effects of the Act as punitive when applied to Jensen.

4. Traditional Aims of Punishment

We next ask "whether [the statute's] operation will promote the traditional aims of punishment-retribution and deterrence." Mendoza-Martines, 372 U.S. at 168, 83 S.Ct. 554. The underlying assumption is that if the statute promotes the traditional aims of punishment, the statute is more likely punitive than regulatory. First, we observe that under the Indiana Constitution the primary objective of punishment is rehabilitation, not retribution. "The penal code shall be founded on the principles of reformation, and not of vindictive justice." Ind. Const. art. 1, § 18. Second, in addition to deterrence there are other objectives as well, including the need to protect the community by sequestration of the offender and community condemnation of the offender. Wallace, 905 N.E.2d at 881. '

There is no question that the Act's deterrent effect is substantial and that the Act promotes community condemnation of offenders-both of which are traditional aims of punishment. But this is so whether applied to an offender who is required to register for ten years or an offender required to register for life. Essentially, as to this factor Jensen is in no different position now than he was before the Act was amended in 2006. Therefore this fourth factor favors treating the effects of the Act as non-punitive when applied to Jensen.

5. Applicability Only to Criminal Behavior

Under the fifth factor we consider "whether the behavior to which [the statute] applies is already a crime." Mendoza-Martinez, 372 U.S. at 168, 83 S.Ct. 554. The fact that a statute applies only to behavior that is already and exclusively criminal supports a conclusion that its effects are punitive. Wallace, 905 N.E.2d at 382. There is no question that it is the determination of guilt for the offense of vicarious sexual gratification that triggered Jensen's lifetime registration requirement. This seems to support the view that the effects of the statute are punitive. However, when Jensen pleaded guilty to this offense in January 2000 he also was required to register as a sex offender, albeit for ten years. In short, Jensen's behavior was eriminal both before and after the 2006 amendment. With the exception of an extended period of registration, Jensen is in the exact position he was in when he pleaded guilty. We conclude the fifth Mendoza-Martinez factor favors treating the effects of the Act as non-punitive when applied to Jensen.

6. Advancing Non-pumitive Interest

We next ask whether, in the words of the Supreme Court, "an alternative purpose to which [the statute] may rationally be connected is assignable for it." Mendoga-Martines, 372 U.S. at 168-69, 83 S.Ct. 554. This statement is best translated as an inquiry into whether the Act advances a legitimate regulatory purpose. Wallace, 905 N.E.2d at 388. The answer is yes. "We cannot disagree that 'the risk of recidivism posed by sex offenders is frightening and high or that registration systems are a legitimate way to protect the public from repeat offenders." Id. (internal quotation omitted) (alterations omitted). We thus conclude that the sixth Mendoza-Manrtinesz factor also favors treating the effects of the Act as non-punitive when applied to Jensen.

7. Excessiveness in Relation to State's Articulated Purpose

Last we determine "whether [the Act] appears excessive in relation to the alter*394native purpose assigned." Mendoza-Martinez 372 U.S. at 169, 83 S.Ct. 554. In Wallace we observed that those jurisdictions that have rejected ex post facto challenges to sex-offender registration statutes specifically noted that disclosures were limited to those necessary for public safety, and/or that an individualized finding of future dangerousness was made. Wallace, 905 N.E.2d at 383. We also observed that the Indiana Act makes information on all sex offenders available to the general pub-lie without restriction and without regard to whether the individual poses any particular future risk. Id. at 384. Finding the Act excessive as to appellant Wallace, we determined that "the non-punitive purpose of the Act, although of unquestioned importance, does not serve to render as non-punitive a statute that is so broad and sweeping." Id. at 384.

But the effects of the Act apply to Jensen much differently than they applied to appellant Wallace. The "broad and sweeping" disclosure requirements were in place and applied to Jensen at the time of his guilty plea in January 2000. Nothing in that regard was changed by the 2006 amendments. And with regard to lifetime registration, we note that sexually violent predators may, after ten years, "petition the court to consider whether the person should no longer be considered a sexually violent predator." Ind.Code § 85-38-1-7.5(g) (2006). We conclude therefore that the seventh Mendoza-Martines factor favors treating the effects of the Act as non-punitive when applied to Jensen..

In summary, of the seven factors identified by Mendoza-Martinezs as relevant to the inquiry of whether a statute has a punitive effect despite legislative intent that the statute be regulatory and non-punitive, only three lean in favor of treating the effects of the Act as punitive when applied to Jensen. The remaining factors point in the other direction. Importantly, the last Mendoza-Martines factor, which we afford "considerable weight in deciding whether the [Act is] punitive, in-fact," Wallace, 905 N.E.2d at 383 (citation omitted), leans in favor of treating the Act as non-punitive when applied to Jensen. We conclude therefore that Jensen has not carried his burden of demonstrating that as applied to him the Act violates the Indiana constitutional prohibition against ex post facto laws. On this issue we affirm the trial court's ruling. We now address Jensen's remaining claims, which the Court of Appeals did not reach.

IL.

Jensen contends that "[rlequiring Mr. Jensen to register as a sex offender for life violates his right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness under the State and Federal Constitutions." Appellant's Br. at 11. We make the following observations. First, although Jensen cites the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution5 and Article 1 section 1 of the Indiana Constitution 6 he advances no argument concerning the Federal Constitution. This claim is thus waived. Second, Jensen devotes slightly more than one page to his Indiana constitutional claim. In doing so he cites to a single case, Anthis v. State, 731 N.E.2d 446 (Ind.Ct. *395App.2000). In that case the Indiana Court of Appeals determined that an earlier version of the Act did not violate any right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness the defendant might have under the State Constitution. Id. at 447. Noting that the statute has now been amended, Jensen invites this court "to hold that the lifetime registration statutes be deemed unconstitutional under state and federal principles." Appellant's Br. at 12. Absent cogent argument or citation to authority, we decline the invitation. This claim is also waived. Trueblood v. State, 715 N.E.2d 1242, 1255 (Ind.1999) (finding claim waived when defendant failed to cite authority or make cogent argument in its favor).

IIL.

Jensen challenges the propriety of his plea agreement contending he did not enter it knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily because he "was not properly advised at the time of his plea agreement that the State may require him to register as a sex offender for life." Appellant's Br. at 12. We first note that a person who pleads guilty is not permitted to challenge the propriety of that conviction on direct appeal. Collins v. State, 817 N.E.2d 230, 281 (Ind.2004). Direct appeal challenges to sentences following guilty pleas are permitted only in "open pleas," that is, for sentences following plea agreements under which the trial court exercised sentencing discretion. See, eg., Kling v. State, 837 N.E.2d 502, 506 (Ind. 2005); Gutermuth v. State, 817 N.E.2d 233, 234 (Ind.2004); Tumulty v. State, 666 N.E.2d 394, 396 (Ind.1996). Instead, any challenge to a conviction imposed as a result of guilty plea where the trial court is exercising no discretion must be made through the procedure afforded by the Indiana Rules of Procedure for Post-Conviction Remedies. Hall v. State, 849 N.E.2d 466, 472 (Ind.2006).

In this case the agreement negotiated between Jensen and the State called for Jensen to plead guilty to viearious sexual gratification, as a Class C felony, and child molesting, as a Class C felony. See Appellant's App. at 36. Under the agreement Jensen was to be sentenced to concurrent terms of six years on both counts with three years executed and three years suspended to probation. Id. The trial court sentenced Jensen accordingly and thus exercised no discretion in doing so. Jensen's direct appeal is thus foreclosed.

Second, in response to Jensen's contention that he was not "properly advised" that the State would require him to register for life as a sex offender, we note that neither the State nor Jensen could possibly have anticipated six years in advance that the Act would be amended to include such a requirement. The important question of whether Jensen would have entered the plea agreement had he known such a requirement might later be included requires a factual inquiry that is best resolved through post-conviction proceedings.7

Conclusion

We affirm the judgment of the trial eourt.

*396SHEPARD, C.J., concurs. SULLIVAN, J., coneurs in result with separate opinion. BOEHM, J., dissents with separate opinion in which DICKSON, J., concurs.

. Both before and after the 2006 amendment, "sexually violent predator" was defined as "a person who suffers from a mental abnormality or personality disorder that makes the individual likely to repeatedly [commit sex offenses]." Ind.Code § 35-38-1-7.5(a) (formerly Ind.Code § 5-2-12-4.5).

. In 2007, the Act was made to apply to persons, "released from incarceration, secure detention, or probation for the offense after June 30, 1994." Ind.Code § 35-38-1-7.5(b) (2007).

. But see Thompson v. State, 875 N.E.2d 403, 409 (Ind.Ct.App.2007) (declaring that this ambiguous Code placement "does not provide us with a vehicle for stating with certitude that the provision is clearly not penal in nature but rather is purely regulatory").

. Since 2007, sexually violent predators have been required to register every 90 days, as opposed to annually. Ind.Code § 11-8-8-14 (2007).

. The Fourteenth Amendment provides in pertinent part, "nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law." U.S. Const. amend XIV, § 1.

. Section 1 of the Bill of Rights of the Indiana Constitution provides in pertinent part, "WE DECLARE, That all people are created equal; that they are endowed by their CREATOR with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Ind. Const. art. 1, § 1.

. We note however that if Jensen's guilty plea is set aside, so too is the six year sentence Jensen has already served. Nothing in Jensen's appellate papers suggests that he fully comprehends the consequences of a successful challenge to his plea of guilty, namely, he would be subject to prosecution for the original charges: a Class A felony and two Class C felonies. See Patton v. State, 810 N.E.2d 690, 696 (Ind.2004) (Where defendant did not "sufficiently understand the nature of the charge to which he pleaded guilty" we reversed the denial of post-conviction relief and remanded "with instructions to grant [defendant] a new trial on the attempted murder charge.").