State v. High

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[Cite as State v. High, 2001-Ohio-3530.] STATE OF OHIO, MAHONING COUNTY IN THE COURT OF APPEALS SEVENTH DISTRICT STATE OF OHIO PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE VS. JESSIE HIGH DEFENDANT-APPELLANT ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) CASE NO. 98-C.A.-119 O P I N I O N CHARACTER OF PROCEEDINGS: Criminal Appeal from Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Case No. 97-CR-426 JUDGMENT: Affirmed. APPEARANCES: For Plaintiff-Appellee: Atty. Paul J. Gains Prosecuting Attorney Atty. Deena R. Calabrese Asst. Prosecuting Attorney 120 Market Street Youngstown, Ohio 44503 For Defendant-Appellant: Atty. Dennis A. DiMartino 6004 Market Street Youngstown, Ohio 44512 JUDGES: Hon. Cheryl L. Waite Hon. Gene Donofrio Hon. Joseph J. Vukovich Dated: January 24, 2001 WAITE, J. {¶1} This timely appeal arises from the conviction of -2Appellant, Jessie High, in the Court of Common Pleas of Mahoning County on the rape of his twelve-year-old daughter, Ebony High, and his subsequent designation as a sexual predator. For the following reasons, we affirm the judgment and sentence of the trial court. {¶2} On May 14, 1997, twelve-year-old Ebony High arrived home from school at 2:30 p.m. (Tr. p. 143.) on the north side of Youngstown. She lived with her mother Thirty minutes later Appellant, Ebony's forty-nine-year-old father, arrived at her home on a motorcycle and drove her to the home of his ex-girlfriend Loretta Wells. (Tr. p. 145.) Appellant lived in Ms. Wells' apartment at some time in the past and had never returned the keys. 213.) Ms. Wells was not home at the time. (Tr. p. (Tr. pp. 147, 216.) Ebony watched television in the living room and Appellant was in the bedroom when Appellant asked Ebony to bring him a bottle of wine. (Tr. pp. 147-148.) When Ebony did so, Appellant asked her to get on the bed. (Tr. p. 148.) Ebony refused and a struggle ensued wherein Appellant pushed her on the bed and told her to pull down her pants. (Tr. p. 149.) He threatened to kill her if she did not comply but she still refused. (Tr. pp. 148-149.) Appellant struck Ebony in her face and on the head before pulling down her clothing, putting a pillow over her head and proceeding with vaginal intercourse. {¶3} (Tr. pp. 150-153.) After the assault, Appellant took Ebony to the home of her aunt, Darnell Brown, who drove Ebony home. (Tr. p. 154.) -3When she arrived home Ebony told her mother, Darlene Brown, what had happened. (Tr. p. 154.) Her mother immediately took Ebony to Tod Children s Hospital. (Tr. p. 155.) Dr. Adarsh Gupta examined Ebony and found that she was sensitive to the touch around the head and face and that there was a milky white substance in and around her vaginal area. (Tr. p. 263.) indicated the presence of semen. An immediate urinalysis (Tr. p. 267.) collected evidence using a standard rape kit. {¶4} Dr. Gupta (Tr. p. 267.) On June 6, 1997, the Mahoning County Grand Jury indicted Appellant on one count of rape of a person less than thirteen years old, in violation of R.C. §2907.02(A)(1)(b), with a force specification pursuant to R.C. §2907.02(B). {¶5} Appellant was arrested on July 24, 1997 and arraigned on July 29, 1997. Bond was set at $200,000.00 and he remained in jail in lieu of bond from the day he was arrested until the day of his trial. {¶6} was set. In early August of 1997, an October 1, 1997 trial date On September 12, 1997, Appellant signed a consent to search form, agreeing to the collection and removal of saliva samples for scientific testing. court on September 15, 1997. This form was filed with the Also on September 15, 1997, Appellee filed a Motion to Continue Trial for the reason that laboratory test results were not expected to be returned by October 1, 1997, the scheduled date of trial. court filed a Judgment Entry On September 19, 1997, the trial granting Appellee's Motion to -4Continue and resetting the trial date for November 3, 1997. {¶7} The record does not establish on what date Appellee may have received the results of the saliva tests, although there is indication in the record that the lab itself obtained these on or about September 18, 1997. On October 28, 1997, Appellee delivered evidence to Appellant, including the results of the saliva tests, in the normal course of discovery. Results indicated that Appellant could not be excluded as the source of the semen found in Ebony. On October 31, 1997, Appellant filed a Motion for Testing, seeking to have the court order DNA tests to determine the source of the semen found in Ebony. On November 5, 1997, the court sustained the motion to conduct DNA tests and reset trial for November 19, 1997. {¶8} On November 19, 1997, Appellant filed a motion for continuance so that the DNA test results could be returned. On November 24, 1997, the trial court filed a judgment entry granting Appellant's motion for continuance and resetting trial for December 10, 1997. {¶9} On December 9, 1997, Appellant's original trial counsel filed a motion to withdraw as court-appointed counsel. {¶10} On December 10, 1997, the court filed a Judgment Entry postponing trial until January 14, 1998, stating that DNA testing was not completed and that there was a pending motion to withdraw. On January 6, 1998, the court sustained the motion to withdraw and appointed new counsel. -5{¶11} On January 14, 1998, the court filed a Judgment Entry postponing trial to January 28, 1998, due to the court's engagement in the case of State v. Willie Herring, but on that date the trial was again postponed due to the Herring matter and trial was reset for February 9, 1998. {¶12} On the day of trial, February 9, 1998, Appellant filed a Motion to Dismiss alleging a violation of his speedy trial rights. A hearing was held on the motion which the court denied by Judgment Entry on February 11, 1998. In this Entry, the judge reasoned that Appellant had consented to the collection and removal of saliva samples which necessitated the delay until November 3, 1997, and that Appellant had initiated all of the other delays. {¶13} After a three day trial, a jury found Appellant guilty of the rape of Ebony High and found a force specification. On April 2, 1998, the trial court held a combined sentencing and sexual predator determination hearing. On April 6, 1998, the court filed its Judgment Entry finding that Appellant was a sexual predator pursuant to R.C. §2950.09 and sentencing Appellant to life in prison as required by R.C. §2709.02(B). On April 14, 1998, Appellant filed his notice of appeal. {¶14} Appellant s first assignment of error alleges: {¶15} "DEFENDANT-APPELLANT WAS DENIED HIS RIGHT TO A SPEEDY TRIAL IN VIOLATION OF THE OHIO SPEEDY TRIAL -6STATUTE, THE OHIO CONSTITUTION, SECTION 10, ARTICLE I, AND THE SIXTH AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION." {¶16} Appellant argues that he was not tried within the time specified by Ohio s speedy trial statute, R.C. §2945.71. He contends that he did not expressly or implicitly waive his right to speedy trial at any time during the proceedings. Appellant also argues that the journal entry granting a continuance and extending speedy trial time was deficient as it lacked sufficient explanation of the reason for the continuance. Appellant further contends that a trial court cannot extend speedy trial time by a journal entry filed after the expiration of the statutory time limit. {¶17} Appellee responds that R.C. §2945.72(E) allows the time period for a case to be brought to trial to be extended for, "[a]ny period of delay necessitated by reason of a plea in bar or abatement, motion, proceeding, or action made or instituted by the accused". Appellee argues that when Appellant signed the September 15, 1997 Motion to Consent to Search for purposes of collecting and testing his saliva, he implicitly consented to allow enough time for the test results to be returned. Appellee argues that the saliva tests might have exonerated Appellant and therefore that he had as much an interest in the outcome of those tests as did the state. Appellee maintains that the signing of the consent form was an act done by Appellant which necessitated a -7period of delay. Based on the record before us, we hold that Appellant's assignment of error lacks merit. {¶18} Contrary to the tone of Appellant s brief and his oral argument, this matter does not involve a question of waiver of the right to speedy trial. This appeal presents us with a question of the permissible extension of the speedy trial time. Our standard of review of a speedy trial issue is to count the days of delay chargeable to either side and determine whether the case was tried within the time limits set by R.C. §2945.71. City of Oregon v. Kohne (1997), 117 Ohio App.3d 179, 180; State v. DePue (1994), 96 Ohio App.3d 513, 516. Our review of the trial court s decision regarding a motion to dismiss based upon a violation of the speedy trial provisions involves a mixed question of law and fact. State v. McDonald (June 30, 1999), Mahoning App. Nos. 97 C.A. 146, 97 C.A. 148, unreported. Due deference must be given to the trial court's findings of fact if supported by competent, credible evidence. Id. However, we must independently review whether the trial court properly applied the law to the facts of the case. Id. Furthermore, when reviewing the legal issues presented in a speedy trial claim, an appellate court must strictly construe the relevant statutes against the state. Id., citing Brecksville v. Cook (1996), 75 Ohio St.3d 53, 57. {¶19} In the present case, Appellant was arrested on July 24, 1997 and held in lieu of $200,000.00 bond. Pursuant to R.C. -8§2945.71(E), Appellant was to be tried by October 22, 1997. However, as Appellee notes, R.C. §2945.72 provides in relevant part that: {¶20} The time within which an accused must be brought to trial * * * may be extended only by the following: {¶21} * * * {¶22} (E) Any period of delay necessitated by reason of a plea in bar or abatement, motion, proceeding, or action made or instituted by the accused; {¶23} * * * {¶24} (H) The period of any continuance granted on the accused s own motion, and the period of any reasonable continuance granted other than upon the accused s own motion * * *. (Emphasis added). {¶25} It is obvious that the timeliness of Appellant s trial hinges on the continuance granted pursuant to the state s motion for testing. That continuance extended the trial date to November 3, 1997, eleven days past the technical trial deadline. Although this extension was clearly initiated by the state s motion, it does not necessarily run afoul of the speedy trial time limit. As stated be in R.C. §2945.72(H), a reasonable continuance granted other than upon the accused s own motion. may We hold from the record here that the extension was reasonable under the circumstances. {¶26} In its journal entry filed on September 19, 1997, the trial court continuance. expressly referred to the state s motion for The state s motion stated that chemical testing was -9pending and the results were not expected until after the original trial date of October 1, 1997. Moreover, the state filed this motion on the same day as the consent to search signed by Appellant in which he agreed to the collection and removal of saliva samples for testing. Based on these filings, the trial court denied Appellant s motion to dismiss for lack of a speedy trial. {¶27} In its February 11, 1998 journal entry, the trial court concluded that the delay based on the state s motion was reasonable, * * * especially since the Defendant specifically consented to the testing. The trial court further stated in that judgment entry that, [a]lthough the Entry does not indicate the purpose for the testing, it is only logical to assume that the parties were in the process of determining, by agreement, whether any exculpatory evidence existed. While this entry was made long after the try-by date and thus, is not dispositive of the issue before us except as it is relevant to the court's disposition of the motion to dismiss, we must agree with the trial court. There does not appear to be any reason other than the expectation of discovering exculpatory evidence that a defendant would consent to chemical testing. While not determinative here, we must also note that the record reflects from his later motions that Appellant clearly believed testing would exculpate him. {¶28} In State v. Austin (1998), 131 Ohio App.3d 329, the First District Court of Appeals held that a continuance for DNA testing, -10 * * * was both a reasonable and proper exercise of the court s own initiative pursuant to R.C. 2945.72(H), especially since the results could have been either inculpatory or exculpatory for the defendant. 6. Id., 335, citing State v. Mincy (1982), 2 Ohio St.3d In the present matter, the continuance was not on the court s own initiative. However, that does not affect the application of the reasoning behind Austin, which is that a continuance for testing that may exculpate a defendant is a reasonable one, even when not on the defendant's own motion. is even more reasonable when Moreover, the extension considering that Appellant specifically consented to the collection of samples for testing. This signing of a consent form can only be called an "action made...by the accused," contemplated within R.C. §2945.72(E). Further, while not dispositive of the issue as to whether the first continuance for testing extended the speedy time deadline, we are still mindful of the fact that Appellant himself later sought a continuance for further DNA testing and testing results is indicative not only that Appellant believed that these tests may be exculpatory but also that he absolutely intended that the results of such testing would necessarily have to be obtained before trial. continuance We therefore hold that the trial court s grant of eleven days beyond the original try-by date constituted a reasonable extension pursuant to R.C. §2945.72(H). {¶29} With the exception of two sua sponte extensions by the trial court, the remaining continuances were pursuant to or -11necessitated by Appellant s own permissible under R.C. §2945.72. motions, all of which were As earlier discussed, Appellant filed his first motion to continue on October 31, 1997, in order to pursue DNA testing. This motion falls within reasonable extension granted on the state s motion. the same Appellant filed each of his subsequent motions prior to the expiration of the extension granted by the immediately preceding motion. {¶30} With respect to Appellant s argument that the trial court impermissibly entered a sua sponte extension after the expiration of the statutory speedy trial time, it is well settled that a sua sponte continuance must be journalized prior to the expiration of the time limit prescribed defendant to trial. in R.C. §2945.71 for bringing a State v. DuBose (June 25, 1996), Mahoning App. No. 95 C.A. 134, unreported, **2; State v. Mincy, supra, syllabus of the court. The trial court in this matter journalized his continuance entry on September 19, 1997, almost one month prior to the try-by date. However, as we have discussed, the continuance here was not made sua sponte by the court, but rather, was based on the state's request and on Appellant's consent to search. Thus, as the continuance was not initiated by the trial court, Appellant's arguments based on caselaw regarding sua sponte continuances must fail. {¶31} In the case relied on by Appellant, State v. Mincy, supra, the Court specifically states that an accused, "...prior to -12the expiration of the statutory time limit, was entitled to one of the following: (1) a trial on the charges or, (2) if his case was being continued by the court or prosecutor, the reason he was not being tried." 2 Ohio St.3d 8. Thus, the Court reasoned, the trial court must necessarily file such a journal prior to the expiration of the try-by date. However, Mincy is silent as to how much explanation need be given, even when continuance is entirely sua sponte by the court. {¶32} Based on his Mincy, infra, argument, Appellant cites numerous cases in support of the proposition that a journal entry granting a continuance not chargeable to a defendant must record the continuance, identify the party against whom speedy trial time will run and set forth underlying reasons for the extension. See, State v. King (1994), 70 Ohio St.3d 158; State v. Mincy, supra; State v. Pudlock (1975), 44 Ohio St.2d 104; Village of Elenwood Place v. Denike (1978), 56 Ohio St.2d 427; State v. Harr (1992), 81 Ohio App.3d 244; State v. Reuschling (1986), 30 Ohio App.3d 81; State v. Geraldo (1983), 13 Ohio App.3d 27; State v. DuBose, supra; State v. Campbell (Mar. 22, 1995), Hamilton App. No. C940601, unreported. However, every case on which Appellant relies deals with the issue of sua sponte continuances granted by a trial court. Clearly, we are not dealing with such a continuance in the case sub judice and these arguments are inapplicable to the situation before us. Only when the court, on its own initiative, -13decides to continue a matter beyond the try-by date do these three strictures above apply. {¶33} R.C. §2945.72(H) allows a continuance made by the state or any other entity to extend the speedy trial deadline, but that continuance must be reasonable. If the continuance is made on the court's own volition, caselaw mandates that the court must clearly state its reasoning. If the continuance is not sua sponte, but is instead granted upon the state's motion and/or some action of the accused, we are forced to conclude that the reasons, and reasonableness of the continuance, must be apparent from the record. {¶34} In the case at bar, the record reflects not only that the extension amounted to a delay of only eleven days, but that Appellant himself consented continuance was based. to the testing upon which It is irrefutable that testing, without obtaining the results therefrom, would be a vain act. without additional the time to then prepare for Further, trial or any additional motions which may be necessitated by the results of said testing, the consent for the test would also be in vain. Thus, while the trial court's entry granting this first continuance could have been more explicit, Appellant's first assignment of error lacks merit and is hereby overruled because the record reflects that it was entirely reasonable. {¶35} Appellant s second assignment of error alleges: {¶36} IN THE ALTERNATIVE, DEFENDANT-APPELLANT WAS -14DENIED EFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL AS GUARANTEED BY THE SIXTH AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION DUE TO THE FACT THAT HIS ATTORNEY DID NOT FILE A MOTION TO DISMISS ON SPEEDY TRIAL GROUNDS AFTER THE COURT GRANTED THE STATE S CONTINUANCE RESETTING TRIAL BEYOND 90 DAYS AND BEFORE HE FILED MOTIONS ON BEHALF OF THE DEFENDANT WHICH RESULTED IN ADDITIONAL EXTENSIONS. {¶37} Appellant argues that his counsel was ineffective as he did not file a motion to dismiss soon enough to preserve his speedy trial rights. Appellant also argues that his counsel was ineffective as he failed to object to testimony which indicated that Appellant was likely to flee if he discovered he was being investigated. (Tr. pp. 356-357.) Appellant further contends that the trial judge had the power to exclude such testimony even without a proper objection and that failing to do so was plain error. {¶38} This assignment of error lacks merit. On an appellate review as to whether a criminal defendant has received adequate representation, the defendant ineffective assistance. 175. has the burden of proving State v. Lott (1990), 51 Ohio St.3d 160, To meet this burden of proof, the defendant must show, "...first, that counsel's performance was deficient and, second, that the deficient performance prejudiced his defense so as to deprive the defendant of a fair trial." Id., 174, citing Strickland v. Washington (1984), 466 U.S. 668, 687. In order to establish that counsel is deficient, Appellant must demonstrate that his performance fell, "below an objective standard of -15reasonable representation." 514, 534. State v. Keith (1997), 79 Ohio St.3d To then demonstrate that he was prejudiced by this alleged deficient performance, Appellant " * * * must prove that there exists counsel's a reasonable errors, different." Id. the probability result of the trial were it would not have for been In Ohio, a properly licensed attorney is presumed competent. State v. Lott, 175. tactical will decisions that not form ineffective assistance of counsel. Ohio St.2d 45, 48-49. a Moreover, strategic or basis for a claim of State v. Clayton (1980), 62 Effectiveness, * * * is not defined in terms of the best available practice, but rather should be viewed in terms of the choices made by counsel. We must assess the reasonableness of the attorney s decisions at the time they are made, not at the time of our assessment. State v. Wilkins (1980), 64 Ohio St.2d 382, 390. {¶39} We first address Appellant s argument that his trial counsel should have filed a motion to dismiss after the trial court granted the state s motion for continuance. is moot. This argument Our resolution of Appellant s first assignment of error that the extension in question was reasonable and did not deny Appellant a speedy trial abrogates any basis for a motion to dismiss for lack of a speedy trial. Regardless, given that Appellant consented to the collection of samples for testing and that he, himself, continued his trial for additional testing, it is reasonable to conclude that it was trial counsel s plan to -16exculpate Appellant through scientific testing. Therefore, Appellant was not denied effective assistance of counsel with respect to any delay of his trial. {¶40} Appellant s next argument focusses on the testimony of Detective Harris of the Youngstown Police Department, who testified that he did not investigate the scene of the rape as he was afraid that if Appellant knew he was a suspect in the rape, Appellant would flee. (Tr. p. 356.) Appellant argues that this testimony, in the absence of any evidence that Appellant would likely flee or that he intended to flee, prejudicially influenced the jury to view Appellant s hypothetical conduct as evidence of guilt. {¶41} Having reviewed the record, we cannot conclude that counsel was ineffective in not objecting to the testimony. It is apparent from the record that trial counsel undertook a vigorous attack on the sufficiency and reliability of Detective Harris s investigation. (Tr. pp. 364-387.) Trial counsel questioned Harris with respect to his perception that Appellant was a flight risk and elicited from the witness that immediately arrested despite Harris belief. Appellant was not (Tr. pp. 374-375.) Given this approach on cross examination, it was reasonable for trial counsel to forgo any objection to Harris s testimony in favor of a vigorous impeachment. {¶42} Moreover, we cannot prejudiced by Harris' testimony. conclude that Appellant was Appellant suggests that the -17misrepresentation of guilt by Harris s comments were the basis for the verdict. evidence to However, convict there Appellant was sufficient exclusive of and the compelling allegedly prejudicial testimony. {¶43} Appellant also insinuates that the admission of the testimony in question constitutes reversible plain error as the trial court failed to exclude it under its inherent power to do so. See, Oakbrook Realty Corp. v. Blout (1988), 48 Ohio App.3d 69, 69; Evid.R. 611(A). "Plain errors or defects affecting substantial rights may be noticed although they were not brought to the attention of the trial court." Crim.R. 52(B). {¶44} "To rise to the level of plain error, it must appear on the face of the record not only that the error was committed, but that except for the error, the result of the trial clearly would have been otherwise and that not to consider the error would result in a clear miscarriage of justice." {¶45} State v. Smith (Oct. 28, 1999), Jefferson App. No. 96 JE 1, unreported, 2, quoting State v. Nielsen (1990), 66 Ohio App.3d 609, 611. {¶46} In our review of the record we can find no facial error by the trial court. Moreover, as we have already concluded that Appellant was not prejudiced by the questioned statements, there is no manifest miscarriage of justice. We therefore overrule this assignment of error. {¶47} Appellant s third assignment of error alleges {¶48} THE STATE S FAILURE TO LAY A PROPER FOUNDATION FOR CRUCIAL RAPE KIT EVIDENCE AND THE TRIAL COURT S SUBSEQUENT ADMISSION OF THE RAPE KIT AND EXPERT TESTIMONY -18BASED ON ITS CONTENTS RENDERED THE TRIAL FUNDAMENTALLY UNFAIR IN VIOLATION OF THE DUE PROCESS CLAUSE OF THE FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION AND RESULTED IN A CONVICTION SUPPORTED BY INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE IN VIOLATION OF SAME. {¶49} Appellant argues that there were gaps and omissions in the chain of custody testimony concerning the "rape kit" which was used to collect evidence. Appellant particularly points to the failure of the state to produce as a witness the nurse who actually broke the seal of the rape kit and who eventually delivered it to the Youngstown police, and a discrepancy of six hours between when Officer Nick Marciano said he picked up the rape kit from the hospital and the time listed on the hospital log as when it was picked up. evidence was later linked (Tr. 326.) to him by Because the rape kit subsequent DNA tests, Appellant argues that his right to a fair trial was prejudiced by the improper introduction of the rape kit into evidence without having a sufficient foundation. Based on our review of the record, we find that this assignment of error lacks merit. {¶50} Although Appellant separates his argument into an analysis of the authentication of the rape kit and then into a discussion of the chain of custody prior to trial, this assignment of error is actually a single challenge to admissibility of the rape kit based on the chain of custody. "The admission and exclusion of evidence are within the broad discretion of the trial court. A reviewing court should be slow to interfere unless the court has clearly abused its discretion and a party has been -19materially prejudiced thereby." State v. Mays, (1996), 108 Ohio App.3d 598, 617; State v. Bresson (1990), 51 Ohio St.3d 123, 129. "An abuse of discretion is more than a mere error of judgment of law; rather, it is conduct that unreasonable, or unconscionable." is arbitrary, capricious, State v. Mays, 617 citing State v. Moreland (1990), 50 Ohio St.3d 58, 61; State v. Adams (1980) 62 Ohio St.3d 151, 157. {¶51} Evid.R. 901 (A) states: {¶52} "The requirement of authentication or identification as a condition precedent to admissibility is satisfied by evidence sufficient to support a finding that the matter in question is what its proponent claims." {¶53} Evidence may be authenticated by testimony that a matter is what it is claimed to be. Evid.R. 901(B)(1). Chain of custody is a part of the authentication and identification mandate set forth in Evid.R. 901, and the state has the burden of establishing evidence. the chain of custody of a specific piece of State v. Brown (1995), 107 Ohio App.3d 194, 200, citing State v. Barzacchini (1994), 96 Ohio App.3d 440, 457-458. The state s burden, however, is not absolute since [t]he state need only establish that it is reasonably certain substitution, alteration or tampering did not occur. that State v. Brown, 200, citing State v. Blevins (1987), 36 Ohio App.3d 147, 150. Breaks in the chain of custody go to the weight of the evidence, not to its admissibility. State v. Mays, supra, 618; -20State v. Brown, 200; State v. Barzacchini, 458. {¶54} In the present case, the record reflects that: {¶55} Dr. Adarsh Gupta performed the sexual assault exam on Ebony High, using a sealed rape kit. (Tr. P. 266.) {¶56} A nurse assisting Dr. Gupta broke the seal on the rape kit and prepared the equipment so that samples could be collected (Tr. pp. 266-267.) {¶57} Dr. Gupta collected the samples, and he and the nurse resealed the rape kit (Tr. p. 268.) {¶58} The sealed rape kit was taken and held by the assisting nurse (Tr. p. 268.) {¶59} The sealed rape kit was picked up by Youngstown Police Officer Aaron Coleman and placed in Evidence Locker No. 1 (Tr. p. 303.) {¶60} The sealed rape kit was picked up from the evidence locker by Youngstown Police Officer Nick Marciano and delivered to Officer John Patton at the Youngstown Crime Lab (Tr. pp. 320-321.) {¶61} The rape kit was transported by Officer Patton and delivered to Joseph Serowik at Tri-State Laboratories of Youngstown (Tr. pp. 338-339.) {¶62} Joseph Serowik examined the samples contained in the rape kit (Tr. pp. 408-410.) {¶63} Joseph Serowik took the rape kit and placed it in the secured evidence room at Tri-State Laboratories (Tr. p. 416.) {¶64} Officer Patton retrieved the rape kit from Tri-State Laboratories and delivered it to Youngstown Police Officer Anthony Harris (Tr. 343.) {¶65} There is some discrepancy as to the exact time the rape kit was picked up from the hospital. a discrepancy does not affect (Tr. p. 326.) However, such admissibility. State v. Barzacchini, supra, 458. {¶66} Testimony at trial established a chain of custody such -21that it is unreasonable contaminated or altered. to conclude that the evidence was There was ample evidence from which the trial court could have found that the rape kit was what it was purported to be. We hold that the trial court was well within its discretion in admitting the rape kit into evidence and we overrule this assignment of error, accordingly. {¶67} Appellant s fourth assignment of error alleges: {¶68} THE TRIAL COURT FAILED TO INSTRUCT THE JURY TO DISREGARD TESTIMONY WHICH WAS THE SUBJECT OF SUSTAINED DEFENSE OBJECTIONS, WHICH RENDERED THE TRIAL FUNDAMENTALLY UNFAIR IN VIOLATION OF THE DUE PROCESS CLAUSE OF THE FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION. {¶69} Appellant argues that the judge failed to instruct the jury to disregard testimony which was sustained objection to the testimony. barred because of a Although he argues that this occurred on numerous occasions, Appellant only cites one specific instance. (Tr. p. 231-232.) Appellant argues that the jury should have been given immediate instructions to disregard that testimony and that failure to do so deprived him of a fair trial. This argument, too, lacks merit. {¶70} Although Appellant refers to numerous occasions of error, we will address only the one instance to which Appellant cites. Appellant has failed to demonstrate any other instances on the record, disregarding App.R. 16(A)(7). This Court has no duty to search the record in order to find support for Appellant s position. State v. Reed (Nov. 12, 1999), Jefferson App. No. 97- JE-73, unreported, **2. -22{¶71} Appellant directs us to testimony by Ebony s aunt, Darnell Brown, who was discussing what occurred when she was driving Ebony home shortly after she was raped: {¶72} Q What did she do when she got in the back of the car? {¶73} A She just sat there, and I was turned around looking at her, and I said, What s the matter? Is something wrong? She said, No. {¶74} [Appellant s counsel]: {¶75} A Objection, Your Honor. And she was looking down. {¶76} THE COURT: Sustained. (Tr. pp. 231-232.) {¶77} When a trial court sustains an objection during testimony, i incumbent upon the objecting party to request a curative instruct State v. Davie (1997), 80 Ohio St.3d 311, 322. waived on appeal. Crim.R. 52(B). Id. Otherwise, any erro Therefore, we may only consider plain er As stated earlier, plain error affecting substantial r may be noticed although it was not brought to the trial court s attent Crim.R. 52(B). Moreover, it must appear to us on the face of the re that there was error and that it affected the outcome of the trial so a create a clear miscarriage of justice. State v. Smith, supra, 2. {¶78} We find no error in the trial court s failure to strike the testimony challenged here or to issue a curative instruction. This is especially true considering the trial court s discretion to control the mode and order of questioning. Evid.R. 611(A). Moreover, trial although Appellant s objection at was not specific, nor is his argument on appeal, it is apparent that he -23objected to hearsay testimony by Darnell Brown. The lack of a curative instruction, or even the admission of that testimony without objection, could not have prejudiced Appellant. The hearsay testimony supports Appellant s defense as it indicates a denial by Ebony that anything notable occurred on the day of the incident. There being no clear miscarriage of justice, we overrule this assignment of error. {¶79} Appellant s fifth assignment of error alleges: {¶80} THE GUILTY VERDICT WAS CLEARLY AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE. {¶81} Appellant argues that the guilty verdict was against the manifest weight of the evidence. Appellant argues that there was doubt as to whether Ebony High was actually raped at all and even if she was, whether Appellant was the rapist. Appellant also argues that physical evidence, namely his semen, was intentionally planted to incriminate him. {¶82} Appellant contends that there was no evidence of semen found on the victim's underwear, even though she walked around, rode on the back of a motorcycle, rode in two cars and did not use the bathroom or wash her underwear before it was collected at the hospital. Appellant submits that the only explanation for this is that the semen was actually placed on the victim's pubic area at the hospital after her underwear was removed. {¶83} Appellant argues that the state's evidence was not consistent with the usual expectations in a rape case. Appellant -24points to the testimony of Dr. Gupta that he found no bleeding, bruising or fresh tears on the victim's hymen or vagina. 264-265, 282.) (Tr. pp. Appellant also notes that Ebony testified that she occasionally lies to avoid getting into trouble. (Tr. pp. 163164.) Appellant further argues that Ebony's testimony that she was a virgin prior to the rape is highly suspect in the light of Dr. Gupta's testimony that she had a well-healed hymen bearing old scars. (Tr. pp. 264-165.) {¶84} Appellant proffers, as an alternative interpretation of the evidence, that the victim's mother and/or Loretta Wells saved samples of Appellant's semen, brought those samples to the hospital on May 14, 1997, placed the semen in and around Ebony's vagina during the physical exam and coerced her to testify against Appellant. {¶85} Appellant lists a number of other alleged inconsistencies in the state's case: that the state failed to have the victim's mother testify at trial, even though it was she who drove the victim to the hospital and stayed with her there; that the state did not produce evidence that Appellant's semen was found at the scene of the rape on the sheets, clothing, or anywhere else; that Dr. Gupta did not find any signs of bruising, swelling, scratches or cuts on the victim's face or head, even though she testified that Appellant struck her in the head sixteen times (Tr. pp. 187, 197-198, 275, 276) and that the state produced no witness who heard or saw signs of a struggle going on at Ms. Wells s apartment -25at the time the attack occurred. For all these reasons, Appellant concludes that the evidence did not support the guilty verdict. {¶86} The issue as to whether a trial court judgment is against the manifest weight of the evidence was addressed extensively in State v. Thompkins (1997), 78 Ohio St.3d 380. {¶87} "Weight of the evidence concerns 'the inclination of the greater amount of credible evidence, offered in a trial, to support one side of the issue rather than the other. It indicates clearly to the jury that the party having the burden of proof will be entitled to their verdict, if, on weighing the evidence in their minds, they shall find the greater amount of credible evidence sustains the issue which is to be established before them. Weight is not a question of mathematics, but depends on its effect in inducing belief.'" Id., 387, quoting Black's Law Dictionary (6 Ed.1990) 1594. {¶88} When reviewing a trial court decision as against the manifest weight of the evidence, a court of appeals acts as a "thirteenth juror", especially when it reviews the trial court's resolution of conflicts in testimony. State v. Thompkins, 387 citing Tibbs v. Florida (1982), 457 U.S. 31, 42. {¶89} "The court, reviewing the entire record, weighs the evidence and all reasonable inferences, considers the credibility of witnesses and determines whether in resolving conflicts in the evidence, the jury clearly lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the conviction must be reversed and a new trial ordered. The discretionary power to grant a new trial should be exercised only in the exceptional case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the conviction." {¶90} State v. Thompkins, 387 quoting State v. Martin (1983), 20 Ohio App.3d 172, 175. "A reversal based on the weight of the -26evidence, moreover, can occur only after the State both has presented sufficient evidence to persuaded the jury to convict." quoting Tibbs v. Florida 41-43. support conviction and has State v. Thompkins, 387-388, (citations and footnotes omitted.) To reverse a jury verdict as against the manifest weight of the evidence, a unanimous concurrence of all three appellate judges is required. State v. Thompkins, 389. {¶91} In the present case, Appellant does not challenge the legal sufficiency of the evidence presented at trial. Accordingly, we will proceed directly to an analysis of the manifest weight of the evidence. Appellant was convicted of violating R.C. §2907.02(A)(1)(b) which provides that: {¶92} (A)(1) No person shall engage in sexual conduct with another who is not the spouse of the offender or who is the spouse of the offender but is living separate and apart from the offender, when any of the following applies: {¶93} * * * {¶94} (b) The other person is less than thirteen years of age, whether or not the offender knows the age of the other person. {¶95} Appellant was also found guilty of a force specification in violation of R.C. §2907.02(B) which provides in relevant part that: {¶96} (B) * * * If the offender under division (A)(1)(b) of this section purposely compels the victim to submit by force or threat of force, whoever violates division (A)(1)(b) of this section shall be imprisoned for life. -27{¶97} At trial, Ebony testified in great detail as to the circumstances of the rape. her into the bedroom, She testified that Appellant called ordered her to take off her pants, threatened to kill her, hit her in the face and head, pushed her down on the bed while holding a pillow over her face and had vaginal intercourse with her. (Tr. pp. 149-153.) Moreover, she testified that she was twelve years old on the date of the rape. (Tr. p. 143.) {¶98} Dr. Adarsh Gupta who performed the medical examination following the assault reported that Ebony was crying and upset. (Tr. p. 258-259.) Dr. Gupta testified that although there was no major evidence of scratches, bites, abrasions, bruises or swelling on Ebony s face and head, she was sensitive to light touch in those areas. (Tr. pp. 260-261.) Dr. Gupta further stated that it is not unusual for one to feel pain without any visible evidence of injury. (Tr. p. 261.) Dr. Gupta found a milky white substance on Ebony s pubic hair as well as in her vagina. 263.) (Tr. pp. 262- Dr. Gupta further testified that whether any discharge following a sexual encounter will be found on the undergarments depends on a number of variables including the amount of discharge and the amount of subsequent physical activity. (Tr. pp. 263-264.) {¶99} Dr. Gupta also stated that in cases of sexual assault there is not necessarily an expectation of trauma to the hymen as it is, very stretchable tissue, and depending on the size of the penetrating object it can dilate without scarring, cuts or -28lacerations. (Tr. pp. 264-265.) Dr. Gupta further testified that the hymen can be lacerated or scarred by a number of things including bicycle falls and that young girls three to four years old are particularly prone to inserting foreign objects, such as toys, that cause lacerations. (Tr. pp. 265-266.) Dr. Gupta testified that an immediate urinalysis detected sperm in Ebony s urine. (Tr. p. 268.) Dr. Gupta concluded within a reasonable degree of medical certainty that Ebony had been sexually abused. (Tr. pp.269-270.) {¶100} Forensic serologist Joseph Serowik testified that based on tests of semen found in vaginal swabs taken from Ebony and saliva volunteered by Appellant, Appellant could not be excluded as the source of the semen. (Tr. pp. 415-416.) Serowik also testified that it is not surprising that semen was not found in the undergarments of the victim as that would depend on a number of variables including the amount of ejaculation, the time between the assault and when the victim put on the undergarments and the length of time the victim wore the undergarments before they were collected. (Tr. 466-467.) Moreover, DNA expert Lisa Grossweiler testified that sperm obtained from a vaginal swab from Ebony came from Appellant. (Tr. p. 509.) In fact, she testified on cross examination that the test she performed was one-hundred percent without error. (Tr. p. 521.) {¶101} Given the state s evidence against Appellant, we cannot say that the jury clearly lost its way in convicting him of -29forcible rape. Appellant asks us to conclude that Ebony s testimony was not believable based on her honest admission that she has occasionally lied in the past to avoid getting in trouble. Moreover, Appellant asks us to conclude that the medical and scientific testimony is not credible, or at the very least that it does not support Ebony s account of the rape. Judging the credibility of testimony is primarily the responsibility of the jury. State v. DeHass (1967), 10 Ohio St.2d 230, 231. Therefore, "* * * we must accede to the jury who 'is best able to view the witnesses and inflections, observe and use their these demeanor, gestures observations credibility of the proffered testimony.'" in and weighing voice the State v. Gore (Feb. 17, 1999), Mahoning App. No. 94 CA 97, unreported, *2. quoting Seasons Coal Co., Inc. v. Cleveland (1984), 10 Ohio St.3d 77, 80. It is clear to us that Appellant concentrates on evidence he claims should have been offered and on inferences he hoped the jury would draw from the evidence that was, in fact, presented. Moreover, he has reviewed the testimony he cites in a vacuum, ignoring the possible explanations for what he designates as inconsistencies in the evidence that should exculpate him. rationally infer from the evidence However, a jury could presented Appellant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. at trial that Conceding to the jury s advantageous position, we hold that Appellant s conviction was not against the manifest weight of the evidence and overrule this assignment of error. -30{¶102} Appellant s final assignment of error alleges {¶103} THE TRIAL COURT DEPRIVED DEFENDANT-APPELLANT OF HIS MINIMUM DUE PROCESS RIGHTS AND RIGHT TO CONFRONT WITNESSES IN VIOLATION OF THE DUE PROCESS CLAUSE OF THE 14TH AMENDMENT OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION AND O.R.C. §2950.09. {¶104} Appellant raises several arguments to support his position that he was denied due process of law at the hearing to determine his status as a sexual predator. Appellant admits that as his counsel failed to object during this hearing, our review is limited to plain error. As we stated earlier, plain error affecting substantial rights may be noticed although it was not brought to the trial court s attention. Crim.R. 52(B). It must appear to us on the face of the record that there was error and that it affected the outcome of the trial so as to create a clear miscarriage of justice. State v. Smith, supra, 2. {¶105} Appellant initially argues that he was denied the right to confrontation of witness as certified copies of prior convictions served, at least in part, as the basis for his determination as a sexual predator. Appellant argues that as there were no live witnesses to enlighten the court as to how his sexual propensity is demonstrated by the prior convictions, he was unable to have an effective cross-examination of that evidence. {¶106} It has been established that Ohio s sexual predator determination proceedings completely comport with due process requirements, including the right to present evidence and the -31right to cross-examination of witnesses. 130 Ohio App.3d 551, 558. State v. Ward (1999), Moreover, a certified copy of the judgment entry of a prior conviction along with evidence to identify the defendant sufficiently proves that conviction. 558-559; R.C. 2945.75(B). Id. In the present case, Appellant concedes that the record contains certified copies of his convictions for sexual battery and kidnapping. identity as the defendant in Appellant does not challenge his those convictions. Moreover, Appellant had the opportunity at the hearing to present witnesses to challenge the prior convictions but chose not to. We therefore conclude that this argument lacks merit. {¶107} Appellant next argues that R.C. Chapter 2950 impinges on his constitutionally-protected disclosure of personal liberty matters. interest He to complains avoid the that the notification requirements of the statute would infringe on his right to privacy. This argument also lacks merit. {¶108} Although not succinctly stated by Appellant, we assume that he is actually arguing that the dissemination requirements of R.C. 2950 impinge on his right to privacy as it would provide notification to his community that he has been convicted of the underlying crimes and determined to be a sexual predator. The Ohio Supreme Court recently held that R.C. Chapter 2950 does not violate a convicted sex offender's right to privacy. Williams (2000), 88 Ohio St.3d 513, 525. State v. Under R.C. Chapter 2950, [t]he information disseminated to the public, however, is a -32public record * * * the right to privacy encompasses only personal information and not information readily available to the public. Id., 526. In drafting the notification and dissemination requirements, [t]he General Assembly struck a balance between the privacy expectations of the offender and the paramount governmental interest in protecting members of the public from sex offenders. Chapter 2950 impacts the State v. Cook (1998), 83 Ohio St.3d 404, 413. is reasonable lives of legislation convicted sex because, offenders, R.C. although the it statute addresses legitimate governmental interests without a detrimental effect on individual constitutional rights. State v. Williams, 525. {¶109} Appellant next argues that the Evid.R. 609(B) prohibited the use of evidence of his prior convictions as more than ten years had elapsed since the convictions. He argues that the trial court was required to, and did not, make a determination that the probative value of the convictions outweighed their prejudicial effect. This argument lacks merit. {¶110} In State v. Cook, supra, the Ohio Supreme Court determined that the Rules of Evidence do not strictly apply to a sexual predator determination hearing. Id., 425. Moreover, the court determined that reliable hearsay, such as a presentence investigation report, may be relied upon at the hearing. certified copy of a conviction is similarly reliable. v. Ward, supra, 558-559; R.C. §2945.75(B) A See, State -33{¶111} Appellant next argues that the trial court erred in considering his prior conviction of kidnapping as it was not a sexually oriented offense. R.C. §2950(B)(2)(b) We summarily dismiss this argument as specifically permits the trial court to consider, [t]he offender s prior criminal record regarding all offenses * * *. {¶112} Finally, Appellant argues that the state produced no evidence that he has a propensity to commit sexual crimes in the future. We also find this argument lacks merit. {¶113} Sexual predator is defined as, * * * a person who has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to committing a sexually oriented offense and is likely to engage in the future in one or more sexually oriented offense. R.C. §2950.01. To determine whether an offender is a sexual predator, the trial court must consider: the offender's age; prior criminal record including all offenses; age of the victims; the number of victims; whether drugs or alcohol were used; prior guilty pleas or convictions for sexual offenses; mental illness; nature of the sexual offender's conduct; whether cruelty characteristics. was involved and any R.C. §2950.09(B)(2). other behavioral Moreover, the trial court s finding that an offender is a sexual predator must be supported by clear and convincing evidence. {¶114} In the present case, the trial R.C. §2950.09(B)(3). court presented a certified transcript of Ebony High s testimony at trial which established that Appellant forcibly raped his twelve year old -34daughter. Appellant s Moreover, the state submitted certified copies of prior convictions, oriented offense. one of which was a sexually The record establishes that the trial court considered all of the relevant factors as provided by statute. In its journal entry of April 6, 1998 and from the transcript of the determination hearing, the trial court found relevant the facts that Appellant was fifty years old; that he had prior convictions for sexual battery and kidnapping; that his victim was twelve years old at the time of the crime; that Appellant had not successfully completed his sentence on the kidnapping conviction as evidenced by a pre-sentence investigation report; that Appellant displayed cruelty to his victim by threatening her life and repeatedly beating her and that Appellant s victim was his daughter. {¶115} The record abundantly supports a finding by clear and convincing evidence that Appellant is a sexual predator. We therefore find this argument to lack merit. {¶116} As a final note, Appellant does not develop an argument but states that he was denied effective assistance of counsel as his trial counsel did not object to the admission of hearsay testimony. As we have already stated that the rules of evidence do not strictly apply to a sexual predator determination hearing, we cannot conclude that trial counsel s failure to object constituted error that would have affected the outcome of the proceeding. Strickland v. Washington, supra; State v. Keith, 79 -35Ohio St.3d 514, supra. {¶117} We therefore find no error in the trial court s determination of that Appellant is a sexual predator and overrule Appellant s final assignment of error. {¶118} For all the forgoing reasons, we affirm the jury verdict and sentence of the trial court as well as the determination that Appellant is a sexual predator. Vukovich, J., dissents; see dissenting opinion. Donofrio, J., concurs; see concurring opinion. VUKOVICH, J., dissenting: {¶119} What my colleagues in the majority have accomplished is a form of legal alchemy wherein they have transformed the prosecutor's requests for a saliva sample and for a continuance into activities chargeable to the defendant for the purpose of determining whether said defendant's right to a speedy trial has been violated. court: (1) They have done so despite the fact that the trial failed to state its reasons for granting the aforementioned continuance; (2) failed to state to whom the continuance was chargeable; and (3) failed to state why it was necessary to reschedule the trial beyond the date the defendant had to be brought to trial as set forth in Ohio's speedy trial statute, R.C. 2945.71. While I applaud the ingenuity of my colleagues, I cannot condone such creativity at the expense of fundamental constitutional rights. Accordingly, I respectfully dissent for the reasons hereinafter set forth. FACTS {¶120} There appears to be no real dispute concerning the operative facts of this case relative to the issue of appellant's right to a speedy trial: -36{¶121} Defendant-Appellant right to a speedy trial; never expressly waived his {¶122} Appellant was continuously incarcerated awaiting trial from his arrest on July 24, 1997, to the date his trial actually commenced on February 9, 1998; {¶123} To comply with the speedy trial provisions of R.C. 2945.71, the accused should have been brought to trial by October 22, 1997, unless the time period contemplated in that section was extended pursuant to R.C. 2945.72; {¶124} There was no appellant-initiated proceeding, or action prior to October 22, 1997; motion, {¶125} On September 12, 1997, the accused executed a form entitled CONSENT TO SEARCH for the voluntary collection and removal of saliva samples ; {¶126} On September 15, 1997, the aforementioned CONSENT was filed with the Clerk of Courts, along with a motion by the prosecutor to continue the trial scheduled for October 1, 1997; {¶127} On September 19, 1997, the trial court, without explanation, granted the motion of the prosecutor for a continuance, and set the matter for trial on November 3, 1997, eleven days past the date the accused had to have been brought to trial pursuant to the aforementioned speedy trial provisions of the Ohio Revised Code. APPLICABLE STATUTES {¶128} R.C. 2945.71 is entitled Time within which hearing or trial must be held and states that a person accused of a felony shall be brought to trial within two hundred seventy days after his arrest, or within ninety days if the accused is held in jail in lieu of bail on the pending charge. and (E). See R.C. 2945.71(C)(2) Here, appellant was arrested on July 24, 1997. He was charged with a felony and was held in jail in lieu of bail on the charges pending against him. Accordingly, he was required to be tried no later than ninety days after his arrest, which was October 22, 1997. By statutory mandate, the fact that he was tried after that date is fatal unless the period of time set forth in R.C. 2945.71 is extended pursuant to R.C. 2945.72. -37{¶129} As the majority correctly observed, only two of the provisions of said R.C. 2945.72 are even remotely applicable to the case sub judice. They are sections 2945.72(E) and (H), which respectively provide that the time within which an accused must be brought to trial may be extended only by: {¶130} (E) Any period of delay necessitated by reason of a plea in bar or abatement, motion, proceeding, or action made or instituted by the accused; {¶131} (H) The period of any continuance granted on the accused's own motion, and the period of any reasonable continuance granted other than upon the accused's own motion; (Emphasis added). {¶132} For the reasons which follow, it is clear that neither of the foregoing provisions can operate to extend the time within which appellant was required to be brought to trial. R.C. 2945.72(E) {¶133} When reading R.C. 2945.72, one cannot help but note that the first five sections all possess a common denominator. That is, in each of those sections, there is a direct nexus between some act or action by the accused and the delay in the trial. Specifically, section 2945.72(E) clearly states that to be counted or charged against the accused, the delay in trial necessitated by a plea bargain or an abatement motion, or any proceeding, or any action, must be made or instituted by the accused. {¶134} Here, none of the aforementioned events were initiated by the accused. Therefore, section 2945.72(E) is inapplicable to the case at bar unless one equates the consent of the accused to the saliva test requested by the prosecutor as being the same as a motion, proceeding, or action made by the accused. Such an interpretation would be improper for at least two reasons. {¶135} First and foremost, such a conclusion flies in the face of the plain meaning of the statute. The accused here did not request that a saliva test be taken. continuance of his trial. Nor did he request a In both instances, it was the action of the prosecutor that precipitated each event. Unless one reads the -38words acquiesced to as being synonymous with made or instituted by the accused, there is no logical way that giving consent to a saliva test operated ipso facto to extend the time appellant had to be brought to trial. {¶136} Secondly, the continuance filed by the prosecutor for the alleged purpose of awaiting the saliva test results cannot change the motion made or instituted by the prosecutor into a motion made or instituted by the accused as contemplated by R.C. 2945.72(E). Obviously, there would be no need for the language set forth in R.C. 2945.72(H) and its reference to continuances granted other than upon the accused's own motion if R.C. 2945.72(E) is also applicable to continuances granted other than at the initiation of the accused. {¶137} While my colleagues in the majority state that the signing of a consent form can only be called an 'action made * * * by the accused' contemplated within R.C. 2945.72(E), they were careful not to specifically say that their affirmance was based upon said section. Apparently they recognize that such a loose interpretation could mean that all pre-trial operate to extend the trial date of an accused. consents could If consent to a police line-up or a body fluid sample, or any other procedure requested by the police and/or prosecution would operate to automatically extend one's right to trial, no one would ever have to be brought to trial in ninety days. {¶138} Finally, I am troubled that the majority even intimates that a consent to a saliva sample falls within the purview of R.C. 2945.72(E). matter. The accused did not have much of a choice in the If the prosecutor wants a sample of a bodily fluid, it can be forcibly obtained pursuant to a search warrant. The accused should not have to give up a constitutional right to a speedy trial in order to avoid the issuance of a warrant. At least in this district, defense attorneys who wish to preserve their client's right to a speedy trial would be well advised, based upon this case, to refuse all cooperation and require the prosecutor to -39obtain a search warrant. Otherwise, they may inadvertently extend their client's speedy trial time. R.C. 2945.72(H) {¶139} The majority specifically held that the trial court's grant of continuance of eleven days beyond the original try-by date constituted a reasonable extension pursuant to R.C. 2945.72(H). With all due respect to my colleagues, I find nothing in the record to indicate that the continuance in question was reasonable, and nothing in the law to find that it must be chargeable to the accused. REASONABLENESS {¶140} Since the first part of R.C. 2945.72(H) deals with extensions of time as a result of a motion filed by the accused, we are again back to the issue hereinabove discussed relative to the legal significance of appellant's execution of a consent form for the prosecutor to obtain a saliva sample for testing. Unlike the majority, I cannot equate consent of an accused to a request by a prosecutor for a saliva test to be an implied request for a continuance chargeable to the accused. Like the majority, I can find no caselaw in support of such a proposition. {¶141} Moreover, I would hold that whenever you have a question as to whether a right guaranteed by the constitutions of the United States and the State of Ohio was waived, it is far better that such a waiver be express and unequivocal than it is to find that the right was impliedly waived. Here, if the accused did not want to go to trial without the results of a saliva test, he could have joined in the request of the prosecutor for a continuance. This court should neither assume such a motive or attribute such motivation to fill the void left by a deficient judgment entry. {¶142} More troublesome, at first blush, is the second part of R.C. 2945.72(H) wherein the time for an accused's trial might be extended by the period of any reasonable continuance granted other than upon the accused's own motion. course, is reasonable. The key word, of The key question here, therefore, is -40whether the trial continuance granted by the common pleas court was reasonable. {¶143} The obvious starting point for such a determination focuses on the reasons given by the trial court. reasons were given in the case sub judice. However, no In fact, the trial court's entry, in its entirety, merely stated: {¶144} The State of Ohio's Motion for Continuance of the Jury Trial scheduled for October 1, 1997 is hereby sustained. The Court orders that the matter be reset to the 3rd day of November, 1997, at 1:30 p.m. {¶145} Since the trial court did not state its reasons for granting the state's motion for a continuance, I submit that it is virtually impossible to determine its reasonableness. That is why the Ohio Supreme Court held: {¶146} When sua sponte granting a continuance under R.C. 2945.72(H), the trial court must enter the order of continuance and the reasons therefor by journal entry prior to the expiration of the time limit prescribed in R.C. 2945.71 for bringing a defendant to trial. State v. Mincy (1982), 2 Ohio St.3d 6, syllabus. {¶147} Although Mincy dealt with a sua sponte continuance, the court also stated: {¶148} Consequently, we find that appellee, prior to the expiration of the statutory time limit was entitled to one of the following: (1) a trial on the charges or, (2) if his case was being continued by the court or prosecutor, the reason he was not being tried. Since a court may only speak through its journal entry, it is necessary that such an entry be spread upon its journal prior to the expiration of the statutory time limit. Id. at 8. (Emphasis added). {¶149} If the trial court would have followed the ruling in Mincy, then the majority of this reviewing court would not have had to resort to a strained attempt at finding reasonableness by speculation. [t]here does See, e.g., p. 9 of the majority opinion (stating, not appear to be any reason other than the expectation of discovering exculpatory evidence that a defendant would consent to chemical testing. ). However, my colleagues -41limit the holding in Mincy and its progeny to those situations where a trial court sua sponte issues a continuance. Again, not a single case is cited for this novel approach. {¶150} Moreover, I fail to see the significance of such a distinction. Why would a continuance granted by the court on its own motion have a more exacting requirement than a continuance granted upon motion of the prosecutor? is not who made the motion. In either case, the issue Rather, the issue is whether the granted continuance was reasonable. I cannot find any logic in the rule advanced by the majority that requires a trial court to state its reasons for granting a continuance, unless the continuance was at the request of the prosecutor. {¶151} By its finding that the continuance in question was reasonable notwithstanding the lack of any stated justification by the trial court, the majority seems to be articulating the position that the requisite reasonableness required by R.C. 2945.72(H) is sufficient if it may be found in the record. That position was articulated in the following portion of the dissent to Mincy: {¶152} [T]he record here affirmatively demonstrates that the defendant s case was set for trial within the time limitation of the statute and, equally important, this record contains sufficient evidence to demonstrate both the necessity and reasonableness of the continuance. Mincy, supra at 10 (Holmes, J., dissenting). (Emphasis original). {¶153} However, that rationale was expressly rejected by the majority of the Supreme Court in Mincy, which observed: {¶154} If we were to follow the states reasoning, the only burden upon the prosecution and the courts would be to assure that a trial is scheduled within the appropriate time limit as long as it could subsequently be explained why the defendant was not brought to trial within the statutory time frame. It is obvious such reasoning does not comport with the purposes of the speedy trial statutes. Mincy, supra at 8. [Citations omitted]. {¶155} According to the view of the majority, a court does not -42ever need to articulate any reason for postponing the trial of an accused as long as the reason for the prosecutor s motion for a continuance was discernible from the record. I would specifically hold that in all cases where the motion for a continuance stems from anyone other than the accused, the court must state its reasons on the record so that a reviewing court can determine whether or not the continuance was reasonable. In other words, I would hold that Mincy applies to all such cases, regardless of whether the continuance was sua sponte issued by the court or issued at the request of the state. {¶156} In fact, other interpretation of Mincy. appellate districts agree with my See, e.g., State v. Stamps (1998), 127 Ohio App.3d 219, 224; State v. Gregrich (Mar. 24, 1999), Wayne App. No. 98 CA 29, unreported, 2; State v. Sanders (Dec. 10, 1996), Pickaway App. No. 95 CA 6, unreported, 10; State v. Simmons (Mar. 3, 1994), Cuyahoga App. No. 64572, unreported, 3. this court has stated that speedy trial time Moreover, excludes any reasonable continuance granted other than upon appellant s motion if the court journalizes the reasons therefor. (Emphasis added). State v. Brown (Dec. 8, 1999), Belmont App. No. 98 BA 13, unreported, 1. Additionally, the following Supreme Court language in State v. Saffell (1988), 35 Ohio St.3d 90, implies that the court must journalize the reasons for granting the state s request for a continuance: {¶157} Here, the state moved that the trial as originally scheduled be continued based on the fact that the arresting officer would be on vacation at that time. In the journal entry granting the continuance, the reasons for the continuance were specified prior to the expiration of the time limit prescribed in R.C. 2945.71. [Citation to Mincy]. * * * The record developed below reveals that the continuance and the reasons underlying it were journalized prior to the expiration of the ninety-day statutory time period consistent with the holding in Mincy, supra. Id. at 91-92. (Emphasis added). {¶158} Although the Supreme Court has not yet been presented with a case that directly addresses the issue in the case at bar, -43from reading Saffell, it is reasonable to conclude that Mincy should be interpreted as requiring journalized reasons in cases of a sua sponte continuance and in cases of a prosecutor s request for a continuance. {¶159} However, even if the foregoing standards set forth in Mincy are disregarded, there is no showing from the record that testing a saliva sample is such a cumbersome procedure that any delay was necessary. Granted, the majority was correct in its notation that the prosecutor delivered evidence to the accused of the results of the saliva test on October 28, 1997. transcript of proceedings contains a letter However, the from Tri State Laboratories, which is dated September 18, 1997 and addressed to the Mahoning County Prosecutor s Office to the attention of the assistant prosecutor prosecuting appellant. In said letter, the results of the saliva testing of the accused were disclosed. Therefore, there appears to be no necessity for a delay of the trial scheduled on October 1, 1997, and certainly no necessity to continue the trial to November 3, 1997 (eleven days past the statutory time limit to bring appellant to trial). There being no necessity for a continuance, there can be no reasonableness. {¶160} Finally, the majority improperly gives credence to the argument of the state that execution of a consent to search impliedly required an extension of time in which an accused must be brought to trial for the reason that such consent is meaningless if one does not allow sufficient time for the test results to be returned. Such a contention is flawed for several reasons: {¶161} The prosecutor could have sought such a consent anytime after appellant was in custody (i.e., July 24, 1997). They, for whatever reason, made the choice to present the consent form in question to the accused less than a month prior to trial. That lack of diligence and timeliness should not, and cannot, operate to diminish the rights afforded the accused. {¶162} It appears (as hereinabove set forth) that the testing results were completed at least thirteen days prior to the scheduled trial date and at least thirty-five days -44prior to the statutory period to bring the defendant to trial. CONCLUSION {¶163} Appellant's first assignment of error is meritorious. Appellant had a constitutionally mandated right to a speedy trial which was violated. It is not merely a technical trial deadline as by characterized the majority. It is a right so constitutionally protected that the legislature of this state has mandated a discharge of the accused upon its violation. Accordingly, I would reverse the trial court and order that appellant be discharged as mandated by R.C. 2945.73. DONOFRIO, J., concurring. {¶164} I concur with the majority opinion in all respects but I am compelled to respectfully address some characterizations made in the dissenting opinion. The dissent states that the majority limits the case of State v. Mincy (1982), 2 Ohio St.3d 6, and its progeny to situations where a trial court sua sponte issues a continuance. The dissenting opinion goes on to claim that this approach is a novel one. {¶165} Mincy clearly states in its syllabus: {¶166} When sua sponte granting a continuance under R.C. 2945.72(H), the trial court must enter the order of continuance and the reasons therefor by journal entry prior to the expiration of the time limit prescribed in R.C. 2945.71 for bringing a defendant to trial. {¶167} It is clear from a reading of Mincy that the Ohio Supreme Court has set these limits for us to follow. {¶168} The dissent is misguided in its view that the reasons for -45a continuance must be enumerated by the trial court in all cases. When a trial court upholds a motion of a moving party it is implicit that the court finds support in the reasons given by the moving party unless the trial court states otherwise in its order. This is obviously not the case when a sua sponte order is granted due to the fact that no motion is filed. Thus, the reason for Mincy. {¶169} A reason for the continuance must be given by the prosecutor and/or trial court so the reasonableness standard can be determined on review of the motion filed. The motion in question that the prosecutor filed clearly stated the reason for the requested continuance.

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