Strickland Test Archives

RE-2018-1233

Post author:Staff
Post published:March 5, 2020
Post category:RE

In OCCA case No. RE-2018-1233, Joice appealed his conviction for obtaining cash or merchandise by bogus check/false pretenses. In an unpublished decision, the court decided to vacate the order revoking Joice's suspended sentence and remanded the case to the District Court with instructions to dismiss the State's application to revoke with prejudice. One judge dissented. Joice had originally entered a guilty plea in 2013 for writing a bogus check and received a twenty-year sentence, which was all suspended, meaning he would not serve time in prison if he followed the rules of his probation. However, in 2018, the State claimed he broke the rules of his probation and sought to revoke his suspended sentence. During the hearings, Joice argued that the original sentence was too long and that the State filed their application to revoke his probation too late. He also said his lawyer did not help him properly by not questioning the judge’s decision to revoke his sentence. The court agreed there were major issues with his original sentence and that the State was too late in trying to revoke it. They found that Joice did not get good legal help at his revocation hearing. Since the court recognized that the original sentence was illegal and the State's request to change it came too late, they decided to dismiss the application to revoke Joice’s probation. This means he won't have to serve time because the conditions under which his probation could be revoked were not met correctly.

C-2019-132

Post author:Staff
Post published:October 31, 2019
Post category:C

In OCCA case No. C 2019 132, Brown appealed his conviction for Domestic Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon. In a published decision, the court denied his petition for certiorari, stating his plea was voluntary and intelligent. One judge dissented. [occa_caption]

F-2018-954

Post author:Staff
Post published:October 10, 2019
Post category:F

**IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA** **Case No. F-2018-954** --- **CHRISTIAN D. MOLINA-SOLORZANO, Appellant,** **v.** **THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA, Appellee.** --- **SUMMARY OPINION** **ROWLAND, JUDGE:** Appellant Christian D. Molina-Solorzano appeals his Judgment and Sentence from the District Court of Beckham County, Case No. CF-2017-259, for Aggravated Trafficking in Illegal Drugs, in violation of 63 O.S.Supp.2015, § 2-415. The Honorable F. Douglas Haught presided over the non-jury trial, found Molina-Solorzano guilty, and sentenced him to fifteen years imprisonment, $1,000.00 fine, and one year of post-imprisonment supervision. Molina-Solorzano raises the following issues: 1. Ineffective assistance of counsel for failing to challenge the basis for the traffic stop. 2. Ineffective assistance of counsel for failing to inform him of his rights under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (VCCR). 3. Entitlement to retroactive application of recent changes in law regarding parole eligibility for aggravated trafficking convictions. **DECISION:** After review, we find relief is not warranted and affirm the district court's Judgment and Sentence. **1. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel: Traffic Stop Challenge** Molina-Solorzano asserts that defense counsel was ineffective by not challenging the validity of the traffic stop, which he claims was based on race discrimination and an inadequate fog light infraction. To succeed on an ineffective assistance claim, Molina-Solorzano must demonstrate: - Counsel's performance was deficient. - The deficiency resulted in prejudice that affected the outcome of the trial. The Fourth Amendment prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures, and a traffic stop is valid if the officer had probable cause or reasonable suspicion of a traffic violation. The record, including video evidence from the traffic stop, supports that the stop was justified due to a fog light infraction. The trooper's testimony confirmed that visibility was over a mile, and thus the use of fog lights constituted a violation under Oklahoma law. Since the stop was justified, Molina-Solorzano cannot establish that counsel's failure to challenge it affected the trial's outcome, denying his ineffective assistance claim. **2. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel: VCCR Rights** Molina-Solorzano also contends that defense counsel failed to inform him of his rights under the VCCR, which would have allowed him to contact the Mexican consulate for assistance. To evaluate this claim, we consider: - Whether he was unaware of his right to contact his consulate. - Whether he would have utilized that right had he known. - Whether the consulate's assistance would have likely aided his defense. The record lacks evidence that Molina-Solorzano was unaware of his rights or that assistance from the consulate would have changed the trial's outcome. Appellate counsel's assertions do not suffice to demonstrate these conditions. Therefore, this claim is also denied. **3. Retroactive Application of Parole Changes** Molina-Solorzano argues that he should benefit from recent legislative proposals reducing parole eligibility terms for aggravated trafficking convictions. However, as legislation is not retroactive unless explicitly stated, and the referenced Senate Bill was never enacted, his claim is moot. **CONCLUSION:** The Judgment and Sentence of the district court is AFFIRMED. The MANDATE is ORDERED issued upon filing of this decision. **APPEARANCES** - Kenny R. Goza, Counsel for Defendant - Debra K. Hampton, Counsel for Appellant - Gina R. Webb, Counsel for State - Mike Hunter, Attorney General of Oklahoma - Joshua R. Fanelli, Assistant Attorney General **OPINION BY:** ROWLAND, J. **Concur in Results:** KUEHN, V.P.J. **Concur:** LUMPKIN, J. **Concur:** HUDSON, J. --- For the full decision, click here: [Download PDF](https://opinions.wirthlawoffice.com/wp-content/uploads/F-2018-954_1734874505.pdf)

F-2018-814

Post author:Staff
Post published:October 3, 2019
Post category:F

**IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA** **Case No. F-2018-814** **MELINDA GAYLE HENRY,** Appellant, **v.** **THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA,** Appellee. --- **SUMMARY OPINION** **JOHN D. HADDEN, CLERK** **LUMPKIN, JUDGE:** Appellant, Melinda Gayle Henry, was convicted by jury of Embezzlement, in violation of 21 O.S.Supp.2012, § 1451, in the District Court of Nowata County Case Number CF-2016-71. The jury recommended a punishment of five years imprisonment and a fine of $10,000.00, which the trial court imposed. Appellant now appeals this judgment and sentence. **Propositions of Error:** 1. **Ineffective Assistance of Counsel:** Appellant contends trial counsel was ineffective for failing to secure necessary discovery. 2. **Failure to Request Continuance:** Appellant also asserts counsel was ineffective for not seeking a continuance for trial. 3. **Plain Error:** Lastly, Appellant claims the trial court committed plain error by proceeding to trial with unprepared counsel. **Analysis:** **Propositions One and Two (Ineffective Assistance of Counsel):** Under the Strickland v. Washington framework, Appellant must show (1) that counsel's performance was deficient and (2) that the deficiency prejudiced the defense. There is a strong presumption that counsel's conduct falls within a range of reasonable professional assistance. In Proposition One, Appellant argues that her counsel did not obtain critical records from the victim, The Woodshed convenience store, potentially impacting her defense. Counsel did request the records but believed they were destroyed. The trial court found that the State had offered access to the records, which the defense did not utilize. Appellant's assertion lacks evidence that obtaining these records would have changed the outcome of her trial; thus, this claim is speculative and fails to demonstrate prejudice. In Proposition Two, Appellant claims counsel was ineffective for not requesting a continuance due to the lack of records. However, the trial court's history with the case and previous findings suggested a request for a continuance would have been denied. Therefore, counsel would not be ineffective for abandoning a baseless motion. **Proposition Three (Plain Error):** Appellant's final claim of plain error regarding the trial being held without sufficient preparation fails under Rule 3.5(A)(5) of the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, which requires specific citations to the record. This assertion is superficial and unsubstantiated, leading to its waiver from appellate review. **Decision:** The judgment and sentence are **AFFIRMED**. **Mandate Ordered.** --- **APPEARANCES:** **AT TRIAL:** - **Mark Kane, Counsel for Appellant** - **Mike Hunter, Attorney General of Oklahoma; Kevin Buchanan, Assistant District Attorney for the State** **ON APPEAL:** - **Kevin D. Adams, Counsel for Appellant** - **Katherine R. Morelli, Assistant Attorney General for the State** **OPINION BY:** **LUMPKIN, J.** **LEWIS, P.J., KUEHN, V.P.J., HUDSON, J., ROWLAND, J.:** Concur in Result [Download Full Opinion PDF](https://opinions.wirthlawoffice.com/wp-content/uploads/F-2018-814_1735213396.pdf)

F-2018-552

Post author:Staff
Post published:September 19, 2019
Post category:F

In the Court of Criminal Appeals of the State of Oklahoma, Tommy Lynn Berry appealed the termination of his participation in Drug Court after admitting to violations. The court reviewed Berry's claims and ultimately affirmed the termination. 1. **Involuntary Stipulation**: Berry argued that his stipulation to the allegations was involuntary and that the trial court erred by accepting it without meeting the standard for a guilty plea. However, the court found that no legal precedent required the same standards for stipulations in Drug Court as for guilty pleas. The court established that Berry was aware of the consequences of his stipulation, which was made in exchange for the dismissal of additional charges. 2. **Abuse of Discretion in Termination**: Berry contended that the trial court should have imposed progressively increasing sanctions before terminating him. The court clarified that while graduated sanctions are generally preferred, the statute also allows for immediate termination if warranted. Since Berry had committed new offenses while participating in the program, the court found no abuse of discretion in his termination. 3. **Ineffective Assistance of Counsel**: Berry claimed he did not receive effective representation. The appellate court utilized the Strickland standard to evaluate this claim, requiring proof of both deficient performance and resulting prejudice. The court noted that Berry's counsel had negotiated a favorable outcome—dismissing the new drug charges—thereby showing that the counsel's actions were reasonable and resulted in no detriment to Berry. Ultimately, the court concluded that Berry's termination from Drug Court was justified and affirmed the lower court's decision.

C-2018-834

Post author:Staff
Post published:June 27, 2019
Post category:C

**IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS STATE OF OKLAHOMA** FILED JUN 27 2019 **Case No. C-2018-834** **TAMMERA RACHELLE BAKER,** Petitioner, vs. **THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA,** Respondent. --- **SUMMARY OPINION DENYING CERTIORARI** LEWIS, PRESIDING JUDGE: Tammera Rachelle Baker, Petitioner, entered a blind plea of guilty to first degree manslaughter, in violation of 21 O.S.2011, § 711, in the District Court of Delaware County, Case No. CF-2017-157. The Honorable Robert G. Haney, District Judge, found Petitioner guilty. The Honorable Barry V. Denny, Associate District Judge, later sentenced Appellant to thirty (30) years imprisonment, with ten (10) years suspended, and a $1,000.00 fine. Petitioner filed an application to withdraw the plea, which was denied. She now seeks a writ of certiorari in the following propositions of error: 1. The plea was not knowingly and intelligently entered into as Petitioner believed the court would not impose more than ten years and relied on misinformation from her attorney regarding witness testimony. 2. Petitioner received ineffective assistance of counsel during her plea proceedings. 3. The sentence imposed post-plea is shockingly excessive due to improper victim impact statements. Certiorari review is limited to whether the plea was entered voluntarily and intelligently before a competent jurisdiction, whether the sentence is excessive, whether counsel was constitutionally effective, and whether the State has the power to prosecute. The Court will not review issues not raised in the motion to withdraw the guilty plea. The trial court's ruling on a motion to withdraw a plea is reviewed for an abuse of discretion unless it involves statutory or constitutional interpretation, which is reviewed de novo. **Proposition One**: Petitioner argues her plea was involuntary due to reliance on her attorney's misinformation regarding sentencing expectations. The record refutes this argument, indicating that the plea was voluntary; therefore, no relief is warranted. **Proposition Two**: Petitioner alleges ineffective assistance of counsel and requests an evidentiary hearing. Claims are assessed under the Strickland v. Washington test. Petitioner has not shown clear evidence to support a finding of ineffective assistance, thus this proposition and the request for a hearing are denied. **Proposition Three**: Petitioner claims her sentence is excessive. The Court will only disturb a sentence within statutory limits if it shocks the conscience. The facts of this case do not meet that threshold, so no relief is warranted. **DECISION**: The petition for the writ of certiorari is DENIED. The Judgment and Sentence is AFFIRMED. The MANDATE is ORDERED issued upon the delivery and filing of this decision. --- **APPEARANCES:** **TRIAL** Lee Griffin, Attorney for Appellant Kathy Baker, Attorney for Withdrawal **APPEAL** Katrina Conrad-Legler, Attorney for Appellant Nicholas P. Lelecas, Assistant District Attorney for the State **OPINION BY**: LEWIS, P.J. KUEHN, V.P.J.: Concur LUMPKIN, J.: Concur HUDSON, J.: Concur ROWLAND, J.: Concur --- For full ruling, [click here to download the PDF](https://opinions.wirthlawoffice.com/wp-content/uploads/C-2018-834_1734180202.pdf).

C-2018-225

Post author:Staff
Post published:May 9, 2019
Post category:C

**COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA** **Case No. C-2018-225** **STATE OF OKLAHOMA** **Petitioner:** STEVEN LEON GRIMMETT **Respondent:** THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA **SUMMARY OPINION DENYING CERTIORARI** **Opinion by: LUMPKIN, JUDGE:** Steven Leon Grimmett (Petitioner) was charged with multiple felony counts and entered a blind plea of no contest. After sentencing, he sought to withdraw his plea, claiming coercion and misunderstandings regarding his sentence. His motion was denied, and he appealed the decision, raising several propositions of error. 1. **Coercion and Voluntariness of Plea**: Petitioner claimed his plea was coerced and involuntary. The court evaluated whether the plea was entered voluntarily and intelligently, emphasizing the importance of confirming that the plea was not the result of force or threats. The court concluded that evidence demonstrated the plea was voluntary. 2. **Advice on Sentencing Requirements**: The Petitioner contended he was not adequately informed about the 85% rule applicable to his sentence or the post-imprisonment supervision requirement. However, since these claims were not raised in his Motion to Withdraw Plea, the appellate court found he waived the right to contest these issues. 3. **Clerical Error Argument**: Petitioner argued there was a clerical error in the judgment regarding the requirement of post-imprisonment supervision. The court did not find this to be an obvious error but remanded the matter to the district court to address the claim. 4. **Effective Assistance of Counsel**: The court assessed his claims of ineffective assistance of both plea and withdrawal counsel using the Strickland test, which evaluates counsel's performance and whether any deficiencies prejudiced the defense. The court determined that Petitioner was sufficiently informed about his plea and that withdrawal counsel's performance did not constitute ineffective assistance. **DECISION**: The court affirmed the denial of the Motion to Withdraw Plea and remanded for the district court to address the clerical error regarding post-imprisonment supervision. **Counsel Information:** - **Counsel for Petitioner at Trial and Appeal**: Shelley Levisay, Kimberly D. Heinze - **Counsel for the State**: Adam Panter, Mike Hunter, David Hammer, Joshua Fanelli **Opinion filed: May 9, 2019** **Mandate ordered upon filing**. For full opinion documents, refer to [the PDF link here](https://opinions.wirthlawoffice.com/wp-content/uploads/C-2018-225_1734103367.pdf).

C-2017-1311

Post author:Staff
Post published:October 4, 2018
Post category:C

In OCCA case No. C-2017-1311, Heath Justin Wright appealed his conviction for multiple charges, including Second Degree Burglary, Knowingly Concealing Stolen Property, and Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. In an unpublished decision, the court decided to grant relief to Wright, allowing him to withdraw his guilty plea and proceed to trial. One judge dissented. Wright entered a negotiated plea without legal counsel and was accepted into the Pontotoc County Drug Court program. His plea agreement stated that if he successfully completed the program, his charges would be dismissed. However, if he failed, he would receive a lengthy prison sentence for each charge. After the State sought to terminate him from the drug court program, Wright tried to withdraw his plea. The court denied his request and sentenced him to the agreed-upon prison terms. Wright claimed his attorney did not assist him properly. He argued that he was not warned about the risks of representing himself in court. The court found that this lack of advice affected his decision to plead guilty. Since it was clear that Wright’s attorney did not address this issue, the court decided he should be allowed to withdraw his plea and face trial for the charges. The ruling concluded that because the initial plea was handled improperly, Wright should get another chance to defend himself in court.

F-2013-326

Post author:Staff
Post published:February 25, 2014
Post category:F

In OCCA case No. F-2013-326, Maurice Cortez Washington, Jr. appealed his conviction for Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Driving a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, and Transporting an Open Container of Beer. In a published decision, the court decided to affirm Washington's conviction but modified his sentence to fifteen years imprisonment for the first count. One member dissented, arguing that the trial counsel's comments were a reasonable strategic decision.

F-2011-480

Post author:Staff
Post published:August 9, 2012
Post category:F

In OCCA case No. F-2011-480, Huyen Ai Thi Tran appealed his conviction for perjury. In a published decision, the court decided to remand the case for correcting the fine but otherwise affirmed the conviction. One judge dissented. Ms. Tran was found guilty of perjury by a jury and was sentenced to ten years in prison, with three years to be served. Ms. Tran raised several issues in her appeal. She claimed that evidence from other crimes unfairly influenced the jury, which made her trial unfair. She argued that the trial court mentioned she was in custody for an unrelated matter and that her co-defendant talked about other crimes during the trial. However, the court found these issues did not have significant impact. She also argued that the prosecutor asked questions that brought up evidence about other crimes without proper warning, but the court decided these errors didn’t affect the outcome. Ms. Tran argued that her right to remain silent was violated when the jury heard that she had refused to answer questions in a previous case. The court noted that the trial judge intervened and instructed the jury to ignore that testimony. Another point Ms. Tran made was about her lawyer's failure to challenge a juror who was a police officer. Ms. Tran’s lawyer did not pursue this challenge, but the court found that it was not a serious issue since the juror was not working in law enforcement at the time of the trial. Ms. Tran then pointed out that the fine noted in the final judgment was different from what the court initially stated during sentencing. The court agreed to correct this mistake. Lastly, Ms. Tran suggested that all these issues combined created a harmful effect on her case. However, the court concluded that any significant errors were not enough to change the trial’s outcome due to strong evidence against her. The final decision required the correction of the fine in the records, but the conviction for perjury was largely upheld.