PEOPLE OF MI V JOSEPH AVERY PATTON
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STATE OF MICHIGAN
COURT OF APPEALS
PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN,
FOR PUBLICATION
July 30, 2009
9:05 a.m.
Plaintiff-Appellee,
v
No. 283921
Oakland Circuit Court
LC No. 2006-211927-FH
JOSEPH AVERY PATTON,
Defendant-Appellant.
Advance Sheets Version
Before: Talbot, P.J., and Fitzgerald and Hoekstra, JJ.
PER CURIAM.
Defendant appeals by delayed leave granted his conditional no-contest plea to
embezzlement of over $20,000, MCL 750.174(5)(a). Defendant was sentenced to 23 months to
10 years’ imprisonment. Defendant was not “promptly inform[ed]” when the prosecution lodged
a detainer against him. However, because the Interstate Agreement on Detainers does not
provide for dismissal of a criminal charge for a violation of Article III(c), defendant is not
entitled to have his conviction vacated and the embezzlement charge dismissed. In addition,
defendant was not denied his constitutional right to a speedy trial, nor was he denied due process
because of prearrest delay. Defendant is also not entitled to sentence credit for time served from
the date a detainer could have, or was, lodged against him. Accordingly, we affirm defendant’s
conviction and his sentence.
I. Summary of the Facts
From January 1, 2002, to June 30, 2002, defendant embezzled more than $20,000 from
Federal Mogul. In October 2002, a criminal complaint was filed in Oakland County and a
warrant was issued for defendant’s arrest; however, the prosecution was not able to locate
defendant.
The prosecution eventually learned that defendant was incarcerated in a federal
penitentiary in Kentucky and lodged a detainer against him on February 23, 2006. However,
federal authorities failed to inform defendant of the detainer until August 28, 2006, at which time
defendant requested a final disposition of the embezzlement charge. Defendant was transferred
to the custody of Michigan authorities on November 6, 2006. After the trial court denied
defendant’s motion to dismiss, defendant pleaded no contest to the embezzlement charge.
Defendant reserved the right to appeal the trial court’s order denying his motion to dismiss.
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II. Interstate Agreement on Detainers
Defendant asserts that his conviction must be vacated and the embezzlement charge
dismissed because of a violation of the Interstate Agreement on Detainers (IAD), MCL 780.601.
Specifically, defendant contends that because the federal authorities failed to timely inform him
of the detainer, he was prevented from demanding a speedy resolution of the charge. We
disagree. The interpretation and application of a statute is a question of law that we review de
novo. People v Webb, 458 Mich 265, 274; 580 NW2d 884 (1998).
“‘Forty-eight States, [including Michigan,] the Federal Government, and the District of
Columbia . . . have entered into the Interstate Agreement on Detainers . . . .’” People v Swafford,
483 Mich 1, 8; 762 NW2d 902 (2009), quoting Alabama v Bozeman, 533 US 146, 148; 121 S Ct
2079; 150 L Ed 2d 188 (2001). The purpose of the IAD is to facilitate the prompt disposition of
outstanding charges against an inmate incarcerated in another jurisdiction. People v Meyers (On
Remand), 124 Mich App 148, 154; 335 NW2d 189 (1983). “Once a detainer is filed, it is then
that the IAD is triggered and compliance with the provisions of the agreement is required.”
People v Gallego, 199 Mich App 566, 574; 502 NW2d 358 (1993).1
Article III(c) of the IAD provides:
The warden, commissioner of corrections or other official having custody
of the prisoner shall promptly inform him of the source and contents of any
detainer lodged against him and shall also inform him of his right to make a
request for final disposition of the indictment, information or complaint on which
the detainer is based.
It is uncontested that defendant was not notified of the February 2006 detainer until August 28,
2006. We agree with defendant that because he was not informed of the detainer until six
months after it was lodged against him, he was not “promptly inform[ed]” of the detainer.
The IAD expressly requires dismissal of a criminal charge in three circumstances:
(1) if, after a prisoner has made the required request pursuant to Article
III, trial does not occur within the required 180 days;
(2) when trial does not occur before the prisoner, having been transferred
to the receiving state, is sent back to the sending state; or
(3) when the receiving state fails or refuses to accept temporary custody of
the prisoner. [Lara v Johnson, 141 F3d 239, 243 (CA 5, 1998), mod 149 F3d
1226 (CA 5, 1998).]
1
There is no exact definition of the term “detainer,” but “it has generally been recognized to
mean written notification filed with the institution in which a prisoner is serving a sentence
advising that the prisoner is wanted to face pending charges in the notifying state.” Gallego,
supra at 574. The prosecution does not dispute that it lodged a detainer against defendant on
February 23, 2006.
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See Articles IV(e) and V(c) of the IAD; see also Swafford, supra at 3-4 (the IAD requires
dismissal of the charge when the prosecution fails to bring the defendant to trial within 180 days
of receiving the defendant’s request for a final disposition). However, “[t]he IAD does not
expressly provide for a remedy in cases involving a violation of Article III(c).” People v
Marshall, 170 Mich App 269, 277; 428 NW2d 39 (1988); see also United States v Lualemaga,
280 F3d 1260, 1264 (CA 9, 2002).
In Schin v State, 744 SW2d 370 (Tex App, 1988), the defendant, who was incarcerated in
an Arizona prison when he received a warrant from Texas for his arrest, argued that the Texas
indictment should be dismissed because Arizona authorities, contrary to Article III(c) of the
IAD, failed to provide him with the necessary forms to request a final disposition of the
indictment. The Texas Court of Appeals, after surveying relevant caselaw, concluded:
[T]he receiving state’s charges should not be dismissed except as
expressly allowed under the IAD. Inasmuch as the legislature chose to specify
situations when dismissal is the appropriate remedy, the courts should not expand
that relief to cover possible procedural errors made by another state’s prison
officials. . . . Although we may sympathize with appellant, we find no authority
in the statute to warrant dismissal of the Texas offenses. [Id. at 374.]
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, in Lara, supra at 243 n 4, agreed with the reasoning
in Schin. It stated that “dismissal because of negligence on the part of the sending state is not a
part of the IAD,” and, therefore, it “agree[d] . . . that it would be inappropriate for the federal
courts to judicially expand the list of situations in which dismissal is dictated.” Id. at 243. The
Sixth, Eighth, Ninth, and Eleventh circuits have also held that because the IAD expressly
mandates dismissal in only three circumstances, which do not include a sending state’s violation
of Article III(c), dismissal is not an appropriate remedy for such a violation. United States v
Robinson, 455 F3d 602, 606 (CA 6, 2006); United States v Walker, 255 F3d 540, 542-543 (CA 8,
2001); Lualemaga, supra at 1263-1265; United States v Pena-Corea, 165 F3d 819, 821-822
(CA, 11, 1999).2
The construction of the IAD presents a federal question. People v Bowman, 442 Mich
424, 428; 502 NW2d 192 (1993). We are not bound by the decisions of the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth,
Ninth, and Eleventh circuits, Abela v Gen Motors Corp, 469 Mich 603, 606-607; 677 NW2d 325
(2004), in determining whether the failure of federal authorities to “promptly inform” defendant
of the detainer requires us to vacate his conviction and dismiss the embezzlement charge.
However, we may follow the decisions of lower federal courts if we find the analyses and
conclusions persuasive. Id. at 607. The decisions from the five federal circuits comport with our
rules of statutory interpretation. See, e.g., Halloran v Bhan, 470 Mich 572, 577; 683 NW2d 129
(2004) (if the language of a statute is clear and unambiguous, the Legislature is presumed to have
intended its plain meaning and we must enforce the statute as written); Roberts v Mecosta Co
Gen Hosp, 466 Mich 57, 63; 642 NW2d 663 (2002) (we may read nothing into an unambiguous
2
See also, e.g., State v Reynolds, 218 Neb 753, 761-762; 359 NW2d 93 (1984); Commonwealth
v Gonce, 320 Pa Super 19, 28; 466 A2d 1039 (1983); State v Clark, 222 Kan 65, 68-69; 563 P2d
1028 (1977).
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statute that is not within the manifest intent of the Legislature as derived from the words of the
statute). Consequently, we find the analyses and conclusions of the five federal circuits
persuasive, and we choose to follow them. Because the IAD expressly provides for the remedy
of dismissal for certain violations but not for a violation of Article III(c), defendant is not entitled
to have his conviction vacated and the embezzlement charge dismissed.3
III. Speedy Trial
Defendant next argues that he was denied his constitutional right to a speedy trial.
Specifically, defendant contends that the 3 ½ year delay from October 2002, when the
prosecution filed a criminal complaint against him and an arrest warrant was issued, until
February 2006, when the prosecution lodged a detainer, is sufficient to show a constitutional
violation. Defendant also contends that although prejudice is presumed because of the length of
the delay, he suffered actual prejudice to his person and to his defense.4 However, defendant is
mistaken in asserting that the relevant delay for determining whether he was denied a speedy
trial began when the criminal complaint and arrest warrant were issued and ended when the
detainer was lodged. “The time for judging whether the right to a speedy trial has been violated
runs from the date of the defendant’s arrest.” People v Williams, 475 Mich 245, 261; 716 NW2d
208 (2006), citing United States v Marion, 404 US 307, 312; 92 S Ct 455; 30 L Ed 2d 468
(1971); see also People v Walker, 276 Mich App 528, 541; 741 NW2d 843 (2007), vacated in
part on other grounds 480 Mich 1059 (2008). Here, the time frame relied on by defendant
preceded his arrest on November 6, 2006. Consequently, the 3 ½ year period that defendant uses
to claim a speedy trial violation is not recognized as a period during which a speedy trial
violation occurs. Nor may the events that occurred during that period form the basis for
establishing prejudice to defendant. Defendant has not established that he was denied a speedy
trial.
IV. Due Process
Defendant next argues that the prosecution’s “lack of a diligent investigation” into his
whereabouts denied him due process, because he was not able to exercise his right to a speedy
3
We note that this Court has previously addressed whether a violation of Article III(c) requires
dismissal of a criminal charge. See Marshall, supra; People v Office, 126 Mich App 597; 337
NW2d 592 (1983); People v Bentley, 121 Mich App 36; 328 NW2d 389 (1982). However,
because the opinions in those cases were issued before November 1, 1990, they are not binding
precedent. MCR 7.215(J)(1).
4
The United States Constitution and the Michigan Constitution guarantee a criminal defendant
the right to a speedy trial. US Const, Am VI; Const 1963, art 1, § 20; People v Williams, 475
Mich 245, 261; 716 NW2d 208 (2006). In determining whether a defendant has been denied the
right to a speedy trial, a court must consider and balance: (1) the length of the delay, (2) the
reason for the delay, (3) the defendant’s assertion of the right, and (4) the prejudice to the
defendant. Id. at 261-262. Prejudice is presumed where the delay is 18 months or more, and the
prosecutor has the burden to show that there was no injury. Id. at 262. Where the delay is less
than 18 months, the defendant must prove prejudice. People v McLaughlin, 258 Mich App 635,
644; 672 NW2d 860 (2003).
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trial or to procure defense witnesses. We disagree. Constitutional questions are reviewed de
novo. People v Pipes, 475 Mich 267, 274; 715 NW2d 290 (2006).5
Mere delay between the time of the commission of an offense and arrest is
not a denial of due process. There is no constitutional right to be arrested.
Rather, the guideline is whether the record presents evidence of prejudice
resulting from the delay which violates a defendant’s right to procedural due
process. [People v Anderson, 88 Mich App 513, 515; 276 NW2d 924 (1979)
(citations omitted).]
“Before dismissal may be granted because of prearrest delay there must be actual and substantial
prejudice to the defendant’s right to a fair trial and an intent by the prosecution to gain a tactical
advantage.” People v Crear, 242 Mich App 158, 166; 618 NW2d 91 (2000), overruled in part on
other grounds People v Miller, 482 Mich 540 (2008). Substantial prejudice is that which
meaningfully impairs the defendant’s ability to defend against the charge in such a manner that
the outcome of the proceedings was likely affected. People v Adams, 232 Mich App 128, 135;
591 NW2d 44 (1998). “‘[A]ctual and substantial’ prejudice requires more than generalized
allegations.” Id. If a defendant demonstrates prejudice, the prosecution must then persuade the
court that the reason for the delay sufficiently justified whatever prejudice resulted. People v
Cain, 238 Mich App 95, 109; 605 NW2d 28 (1999).
Defendant has presented no evidence that the delay by the prosecution in learning his
whereabouts was an attempt to gain a tactical advantage. Moreover, defendant only generally
alleges that the prearrest delay prevented him from contacting former, unnamed coworkers
because his former employer was no longer in business and its headquarters had been vacated.
However, defendant does not provide any detail on the substance of any possible defense to the
embezzlement charge, nor does he provide any detail regarding how his former coworkers could
have supported a defense. By not identifying any specific prejudice, defendant has not
established “actual and substantial” prejudice. Accordingly, defendant was not denied due
process because of the prearrest delay.6
V. Sentence Credit
Finally, defendant argues that he is entitled to credit for time served from the date a
detainer could have been lodged against him. Defendant claims that this date is October 25,
5
To the extent that defendant is arguing that because he was denied a speedy trial, he was
necessarily denied due process, the argument is without merit. Defendant was not denied a
speedy trial.
6
Defendant also argues that the 3 ½ year delay should have resulted in the loss of jurisdiction by
the trial court. Defendant relies on People v Dubis, 158 Mich App 504; 405 NW2d 181 (1987).
However, Dubis is inapposite to the present case. In Dubis, the trial court lost jurisdiction to
sentence the defendant because, contrary to statute, the trial court delayed the defendant’s
sentencing for more than one year. Id. at 506-507. The delay of which defendant is complaining
did not occur between the date of his no-contest plea and his sentencing date. Defendant’s
argument is without merit.
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2002, when the warrant for his arrest was entered into the Law Enforcement Information
Network (LEIN). At the very least, defendant claims that he is entitled to credit for time served
from February 23, 2006, the date plaintiff lodged a detainer against him. We disagree. We
review de novo a defendant’s claim that he is entitled to sentence credit. People v Givans, 227
Mich App 113, 124; 575 NW2d 84 (1997).
MCL 769.11b provides:
Whenever any person is hereafter convicted of any crime within this state
and has served any time in jail prior to sentencing because of being denied or
unable to furnish bond for the offense of which he is convicted, the trial court in
imposing sentence shall specifically grant credit against the sentence for such
time served in jail prior to sentencing.
A defendant is only entitled to sentence credit for time served as a result of being denied or
unable to furnish bond “for the offense of which he is convicted.” People v Adkins, 433 Mich
732, 742, 746; 449 NW2d 400 (1989); People v Prieskorn, 424 Mich 327, 343-344; 381 NW2d
646 (1985). When a defendant is incarcerated in another jurisdiction, “whether a hold has, or
could have, entered against the defendant is irrelevant for purposes of determining how much
time the defendant has served ‘for the offense of which he is convicted.’” Adkins, supra at 748.
Defendant received 113 days credit for time served from November 6, 2006, the date he
was transferred to the custody of Michigan authorities, to February 27, 2007, the date he was
sentenced. Before November 6, 2006, defendant was in the custody of federal authorities for his
conviction of bank robbery. His incarceration in the federal penitentiary was not the result of
him being denied or unable to furnish bond for the embezzlement charge. Accordingly,
defendant is not entitled to sentence credit for time served from the date a detainer could have, or
was, lodged against him. Id.7
Affirmed.
/s/ Michael J. Talbot
/s/ E. Thomas Fitzgerald
/s/ Joel P. Hoekstra
7
Defendant also claims that sentence credit, even if not specifically authorized by MCL 769.11b,
may be awarded on “a due process theory.” However, a review of the three cases cited by
defendant shows that none of the three defendants was awarded sentence credit under a due
process theory. In People v Parshay, 104 Mich App 411, 414-418; 304 NW2d 593 (1981), and
People v Cohen, 35 Mich App 706, 708-709; 192 NW2d 652 (1971), sentence credit was
awarded under a “liberal” construction of MCL 769.11b. The Supreme Court rejected this
“liberal” construction of MCL 769.11b in Adkins and Prieskorn. In People v West, 100 Mich
App 498, 500-501; 299 NW2d 59 (1980), the Court’s discussion about sentence credit is dictum,
because the Court held that the trial court, by improperly delaying sentence, lost jurisdiction to
sentence the defendant.
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