State of Washington v. Jeffrey Gerard (Majority)

Annotate this Case

Download PDF

FILED DECEMBER 10, 2019 In the Office of the Clerk of Court WA State Court of Appeals, Division III IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON DIVISION THREE STATE OF WASHINGTON, ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) Respondent, v. JEFFREY GERARD, Appellant. No. 36131-4-III UNPUBLISHED OPINION LAWRENCE-BERREY, C.J. — Jeffrey Gerard appeals his convictions for second degree burglary, possession of a controlled substance, and bail jumping. He argues the trial court erred when it allowed an officer to testify about his statements made prior to arrest, and the State presented insufficient evidence to convict him of second degree burglary. He also raises numerous arguments in a statement of additional grounds for review. We reject his arguments and affirm. FACTS During the early evening of October 27, 2017, Craig Overdorf was driving on his 70-acre property. His property included an unoccupied cabin, various outbuildings, and a dilapidated boat. He noticed a faint glow in the cabin. Eventually, he grabbed a rifle and No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard drove toward it to investigate. As he got closer, he noticed a vehicle parked behind the cabin. He dialed 911 and continued to approach. He then saw a person, later identified as Jeffrey Gerard, walking out of the cabin. Overdorf raised his rifle and ordered Gerard to stop and stay where he was. Overdorf was still on the phone with 911. After they stood there for several minutes, Gerard dared Overdorf to shoot him, ran to his vehicle, started it, and drove down the driveway toward the main road. As Gerard approached the end of the driveway, Washington State Patrol Trooper Jacob Pont pulled into the driveway. Gerard passed him slowly, turned onto the main road, but Trooper Pont stopped him. Trooper Pont told Gerard he was investigating a reported burglary Gerard was involved in. Gerard responded that he did not know the property was owned by anyone “and he was just looking at an abandoned boat that his buddy told him about.” Report of Proceedings (RP) at 105. Trooper Pont noticed several items in Gerard’s vehicle, including power tools, flashlights, screwdrivers, and metal cutting tools. About 5 to 10 minutes after Gerard was stopped, Deputy Ed Gunnyon arrived. When Deputy Gunnyon approached Gerard, Gerard excitedly told him that a guy had pulled a gun on him. Deputy Gunnyon then asked Gerard what he was doing snooping 2 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard around on other people’s property at night. Gerard responded that he was “there looking at the boat,” and that his “buddy . . . told [him] that the boat was abandoned and [he] was there looking at it.” RP at 113. During this exchange, Gerard was still in his vehicle. Although he was not under arrest, Deputy Gunnyon advised Gerard that he was detained and not free to leave because Deputy Gunnyon had to speak to the property owner. Deputy Gunnyon spoke with Overdorf for about 30 minutes, returned to Gerard’s vehicle, arrested Gerard, and read him his Miranda1 rights. Gerard’s vehicle was seized and later searched pursuant to a search warrant. During the search, numerous power tools, flash lights, screwdrivers, pry bars, and extension cords were found. The search also found contraband, which later tested positive as methamphetamine. Initially, the State charged Gerard with second degree burglary. Later, the State amended the charges to include possession of a controlled substance and bail jumping. The trial court conducted a CrR 3.5 hearing to determine the admissibility of Gerard’s statements to Deputy Gunnyon. Deputy Gunnyon testified about the incident and his conversation with Gerard. The trial court ruled that Gerard’s statement about Overdorf pointing a gun at him was admissible as it was an unsolicited, voluntary 1 Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 86 S. Ct. 1602, 16 L. Ed. 2d 694 (1966). 3 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard statement. The trial court also found that Gerard was not in custody when Deputy Gunnyon asked him why he was on the property. For this reason, Gerard’s statement that he was there looking at the abandoned boat also was admissible. At trial, Gerard testified he went inside the cabin and was looking at the property because he was interested in buying property. The jury found Gerard guilty of all three counts. At sentencing, the trial court denied Gerard’s request for a drug offender sentencing alternative (DOSA). Additionally, because of his high offender score of 16, the trial court sentenced Gerard to an exceptional sentence of 84 months’ confinement. Gerard timely appealed to this court. ANALYSIS A. ADMISSIBILITY OF GERARD’S STATEMENT TO DEPUTY GUNNYON Gerard argues the trial court erred in finding that his initial statement to Deputy Gunnyon—that someone pulled a gun on him—was unsolicited. He also argues that the trial court erred in finding he was not in custody when he told Deputy Gunnyon he was on the property to look at the boat. Miranda warnings are designed to protect a defendant’s right not to make incriminating statements while in the potentially coercive environment of custodial police 4 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard interrogation. State v. Harris, 106 Wn.2d 784, 789, 725 P.2d 975 (1986); see Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 86 S. Ct. 1602, 16 L. Ed. 2d 694 (1966). The Miranda rule applies when “the interview or examination is (1) custodial (2) interrogation (3) by a state agent.” State v. Post, 118 Wn.2d 596, 605, 826 P.2d 172, 837 P.2d 599 (1992). Unless a defendant has been given the Miranda warnings, his statements, made in police custody, are presumed to be involuntary. State v. Sargent, 111 Wn.2d 641, 647-48, 762 P.2d 1127 (1988). Unless admission of the involuntary statement was harmless, the appropriate remedy is reversal and remand for entry of an order of suppression. State v. D.R., 84 Wn. App. 832, 838, 930 P.2d 350 (1997). 1. Gerard’s first statement that someone pulled a gun on him Miranda warnings are not required unless the person suspected of criminal activity is subjected to custodial interrogation. State v. Posenjak, 127 Wn. App. 41, 53, 111 P.3d 1206 (2005). Statements and admissions made that are not in response to an officer’s questions are freely admissible. Id. Gerard challenges the trial court’s finding that his initial statement was unsolicited. CrR 3.5 findings of fact will be upheld if supported by substantial evidence. State v. Broadaway, 133 Wn.2d 118, 131, 942 P.2d 363 (1997). Substantial evidence exists 5 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard where there is sufficient evidence in the record to persuade a fair-minded, rational person of the truth of the finding. State v. Hill, 123 Wn.2d 641, 644, 870 P.2d 313 (1994). Substantial evidence supports the trial court’s finding that Gerard’s initial statement to Deputy Gunnyon—that a guy pulled a gun on me—was unsolicited. Deputy Gunnyon testified at the CrR 3.5 hearing that when he approached Gerard, Gerard “was very excited and he made the statement that that guy pulled a gun on me.” RP at 6. Deputy Gunnyon testified that he did not ask any questions of Gerard prior to Gerard’s initial statement. This sufficiently supports the trial court’s finding that Mr. Gerard’s initial statement to Deputy Gunnyon regarding a gun was an unsolicited, voluntary statement. The trial court did not err in admitting that statement. 2. Gerard’s second statement that he was on the property looking at an abandoned boat Miranda warnings are not required unless the person suspected of criminal activity is in custody. Posenjak, 127 Wn. App. at 53. “‘[C]ustodial’ refers to whether the defendant’s freedom of movement was restricted at the time of questioning.” Post, 118 Wn.2d at 605-06. Washington has adopted an objective test to evaluate “whether a reasonable person in a suspect’s position would have felt that his or her freedom was curtailed to the degree associated with a formal arrest.” State v. Heritage, 152 Wn.2d 6 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard 210, 218, 95 P.3d 345 (2004) (citing Berkemer v. McCarty, 468 U.S. 420, 441-42, 104 S. Ct. 3138, 82 L. Ed. 2d 317 (1984)). Gerard argues that because he was not free to leave for over 30 minutes while Deputy Gunnyon spoke with Overdorf, he was in custody for purposes of Miranda. Generally, a routine Terry2 stop or other similar traffic stop does not rise to the level of “custody” for purposes of Miranda warnings. Berkemer, 468 U.S. at 439-40; Heritage, 152 Wn.2d at 218 (Terry stops are not custodial under Miranda). “An officer making a Terry stop may ask a moderate number of questions to determine the identity of the suspect and to confirm or dispel the officer’s suspicions without rendering the suspect ‘in custody’ for purposes of Miranda.” Heritage, 152 Wn.2d at 219 (citing Berkemer, 468 U.S. at 439-40). An “on-the-street Terry stop” or comparable traffic stop does not require Miranda warnings because traffic stops and routine Terry stops are brief, occur in public, and are “‘substantially less “police dominated”’” than the type of police interrogations contemplated by Miranda. Id. at 218 (quoting Berkemer, 468 U.S. at 439). Here, Gerard had been detained only for 5 or 10 minutes when Deputy Gunnyon asked why he was on Overdorf’s property at night. When Gunnyon asked Gerard this question, Gerard was sitting in his vehicle and had not been handcuffed. Gerard’s 2 Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1, 88 S. Ct. 1868, 20 L. Ed. 2d 889 (1968). 7 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard freedom of movement had not been curtailed to a degree associated with a formal arrest. Gerard gave an exculpatory answer—he was on the property looking at a boat. The question was a permissible question under Terry to dispel or confirm the officer’s belief of whether Gerard had committed a crime. We conclude that Gerard was not in custody when he made his second statement that he was on the property to look at a boat. The trial court did not err in admitting Gerard’s second statement. B. SUFFICIENCY OF EVIDENCE FOR SECOND DEGREE BURGLARY CONVICTION Gerard argues that insufficient evidence supports his burglary conviction because the State presented no evidence that he entered the cabin with the intent to commit a crime. Due process requires the State to prove all elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Washington, 135 Wn. App. 42, 48, 143 P.3d 606 (2006). In a sufficiency challenge, the inquiry is “whether, after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, any rational trier of fact could have found guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.” State v. Salinas, 119 Wn.2d 192, 201, 829 P.2d 1068 (1992). All reasonable inferences are drawn in the State’s favor, and the evidence is interpreted most strongly against the defendant. Id. This court’s role is not to reweigh the evidence and 8 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard substitute its judgment for that of the trier of fact. State v. Green, 94 Wn.2d 216, 221, 616 P.2d 628 (1980). A person commits second degree burglary “if, with intent to commit a crime against a person or property therein, he or she enters or remains unlawfully in a building other than a vehicle or a dwelling.” RCW 9A.52.030(1). Burglary does not require an intent to commit a specific crime; rather, it requires an intent to commit any crime against a person or property. State v. Bergeron, 105 Wn.2d 1, 4, 711 P.2d 1000 (1985). Intent to commit a crime may be inferred when a person enters or remains unlawfully. State v. Cantu, 156 Wn.2d 819, 826, 132 P.3d 725 (2006); State v. Bishop, 90 Wn.2d 185, 18889, 580 P.2d 259 (1978). Specifically, RCW 9A.52.040 defines the permissible inference of criminal intent for burglary as any person who enters or remains unlawfully in a building may be inferred to have acted with intent to commit a crime against a person or property therein, unless such entering or remaining shall be explained by evidence satisfactory to the trier of fact to have been made without such criminal intent. Little is required to support a finding of criminal intent once unlawful entry is established. See, e.g., State v. Couch, 44 Wn. App. 26, 32, 720 P.2d 1387 (1986) (finding sufficient evidence to infer intent to commit a crime where defendant entered surreptitiously and took flight upon discovery). Also, for a trier of fact to draw inferences 9 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard from proven facts, the inference must be “rationally related” to the proven facts. State v. Jeffries, 105 Wn.2d 398, 442, 717 P.2d 722 (1986). The State need only establish that criminal intent was “more likely than not.” State v. Deal, 128 Wn.2d 693, 700, 911 P.2d 996 (1996). There was sufficient evidence to support that Gerard unlawfully entered the unoccupied cabin because he even testified that he entered it. Also, there was sufficient evidence for the jury to rationally infer that he entered the cabin with the intent to commit a crime. The jury was specifically instructed on this permissible inference: Instruction No. 14: A person who enters or remains unlawfully in a building may be inferred to have acted with the intent to commit a crime against a person or property therein. This inference is not binding upon you and it is for you to determine what weight, if any such inference is to be given. RP at 257. The State presented ample evidence from which a jury could draw the necessary inference. First, Gerard attempted to flee when Overdorf discovered him in the cabin. See State v. Thompson, 69 Wn. App. 436, 444, 848 P.2d 1317 (1993) (attempting to flee is circumstantial evidence of guilt). Second, particular tools—flashlights, pry bars, power tools, and screwdrivers—characterized as burglary tools by law enforcement, were found in the back of Gerard’s vehicle. Third, Gerard provided an implausible explanation for 10 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard being on the property. He told the officers that he was looking at an abandoned boat, but this did not explain why he did so in the dark of night or why he was inside the cabin. See Couch, 44 Wn. App. at 32 (sufficient evidence found to support inference of criminal intent when defendant entered unlawfully, fled immediately upon being found, and offered a lame or improbable story for being in the area). We conclude the State presented sufficient evidence to sustain Gerard’s conviction for second degree burglary. C. STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL GROUNDS FOR REVIEW RAP 10.10 permits a defendant to file a pro se statement of additional grounds for review (SAG) if the defendant believes his appellate counsel has not adequately addressed certain matters. Mr. Gerard raises several arguments in his SAG involving allegations of (1) prosecutorial misconduct, (2) an improper ruling by the trial court on an objection, (3) an improper denial of his motion to sever, (4) an improper or illegal sentence, (5) ineffective assistance of trial and appellate counsel, (6) an improper denial of his request to post an appeal bond, and (7) insufficient evidence to support his possession of a controlled substance conviction. We address each of these in turn. 11 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard SAG Ground 1: 1A. Prosecutorial Misconduct: Brady3 Violation Mr. Gerard argues that the prosecutor improperly withheld his Yakima arrest and that this constitutes a Brady violation. To establish a Brady violation, a defendant must demonstrate the existence of each of three necessary elements: (1) the State must have suppressed the evidence, either willfully or inadvertently, (2) the evidence at issue must be favorable to the accused, either because it is exculpatory, or because it is impeaching, and (3) prejudice must have ensued such that there is a reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have differed had the State disclosed the evidence to trial counsel. State v. Mullen, 171 Wn.2d 881, 895, 259 P.3d 158 (2011). A Brady claim fails if the defendant does not demonstrate all of these elements. Id. In this case Mr. Gerard cannot support his claim. The arrest record Mr. Gerard refers to is outside the appellate record and this court is precluded from considering facts not in the record. State v. McFarland, 127 Wn.2d 322, 335, 899 P.2d 1251 (1995). 3 Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 83 S. Ct. 1194, 10 L. Ed. 2d 215 (1963). 12 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard 1B. Prosecutorial Misconduct: Closing Argument Mr. Gerard contends the prosecutor improperly argued facts not in evidence and points to several of the prosecutor’s statements in closing that he feels are improper. To demonstrate prosecutorial misconduct, Mr. Gerard has the burden of showing that (1) the State acted improperly, and (2) the State’s improper act prejudiced him. State v. Emery, 174 Wn.2d 741, 756, 278 P.3d 653 (2012). Misconduct is prejudicial if there is a substantial likelihood that it affected the verdict. Id. at 760-61. However, if a defendant fails to object to the State’s improper act at trial, he or she waives any error unless the improper act was so flagrant and ill intentioned that an instruction could not have cured the resulting prejudice. State v. Thorgerson, 172 Wn.2d 438, 443, 258 P.3d 43 (2011). In assessing this, courts “focus less on whether the prosecutor’s misconduct was flagrant or ill intentioned and more on whether the resulting prejudice could have been cured.” Emery, 174 Wn.2d at 762. We review allegations of prosecutorial misconduct during closing argument in light of the entire argument, the issues in the case, the evidence discussed during closing argument, and the court’s instructions. State v. Sakellis, 164 Wn. App. 170, 185, 269 P.3d 1029 (2011). During closing argument, the State has wide latitude in drawing and 13 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard expressing reasonable inferences from the evidence, including inferences about credibility. State v. Thompson, 169 Wn. App. 436, 496, 290 P.3d 996 (2012). Mr. Gerard claims the prosecutor accused him of stealing, but the record does not support this. The prosecutor stated that “it’s reasonable . . . that you don’t go onto people’s property—go into their buildings and steal their stuff. . . . [T]hat’s reasonable one-on-one.” RP at 265. Nowhere in this statement does the prosecutor allege that Mr. Gerard stole anything. Mr. Gerard also argues the prosecutor improperly stated that the methamphetamine found in his vehicle was not Debbie Minkler’s. He contends this was improper because Ms. Minkler specifically testified that it could have been her methamphetamine. However, the evidence also showed that Mr. Gerard had dominion and control over the vehicle so there was the potential for the drugs to be his, which the prosecutor was permitted to raise and discuss in closing. See Thompson, 169 Wn. App. at 496. Mr. Gerard further argues that the prosecutor mischaracterized the facts when he stated during closing, “it was all [Mr. Gerard’s] stuff in the car. . . . [H]e’s by himself in the car. You know—maybe it—but I give kids rides to school and Sunday school and such. You know—one of the kids dropped it on the way to Sunday school or class. . . . [T]hat’s not reasonable or credible.” RP at 270. Again, although Mr. Gerard is correct 14 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard that there was no mention of him giving rides to children to Sunday school or classes, testimony was provided that Mr. Gerard gave people rides, including children, with his vehicle to various places, and the prosecutor is provided latitude in providing inferences about credibility and discussing the reasonableness of the defendant’s theory of the case based on the evidence. Id. Mr. Gerard also challenges, for the first time on appeal, the prosecutor’s characterization that he had no money or had some “vague promise” of coming into money. RP at 271. While Mr. Gerard’s brother’s death was briefly mentioned at trial and that he may come into some money through an inheritance when his brother’s estate is probated, there was no mention of exactly how much nor was there any other proof or evidence provided to support Mr. Gerard’s suggestion that he was planning on buying property. As such, the prosecutor was allowed to question the credibility and reasonableness of Mr. Gerard’s defense theory based on the evidence. As a result, the prosecutor’s statements here were not improper nor were they “so flagrant and illintentioned” that they could not have been cured by a jury instruction. State v. Stenson, 132 Wn.2d 668, 719, 940 P.2d 1239 (1997). Finally, Mr. Gerard makes several arguments, for the first time on appeal, that the prosecutor mischaracterized the evidence (e.g., stating the events leading to the charges 15 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard occurred in the middle of the night when it was actually the early evening hours) and accuses the prosecutor of lying about this. However, like the arguments discussed above, these comments and statements are not so improper that they could not have been neutralized by an admonition to the jury. These arguments raise factual matters that are not in the appellate record; therefore, this court is precluded from addressing this argument and the proper avenue for relief would be for Mr. Gerard to file a personal restraint petition (PRP). McFarland, 127 Wn.2d at 335. Mr. Gerard has failed to demonstrate that the prosecutor committed misconduct during closing argument. 1C. Prosecutorial Misconduct: Cross-Examination Mr. Gerard also challenges the prosecutor’s method of questioning inserted words and testimony into his and other witnesses’ mouths. These challenges are all based on leading questions given by the prosecution during cross-examination. Leading questions are generally permissible when cross-examining a witness called by an opponent. 3 JOHN HENRY WIGMORE, EVIDENCE IN TRIALS AT COMMON LAW § 773, at 165 (James H. Chadbourn rev. 1970). Therefore, this argument fails to demonstrate prosecutorial misconduct. 16 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard SAG Ground 2: Excluding Relevant Evidence Mr. Gerard contends the trial court erred in sustaining the State’s relevancy objection to his counsel’s question regarding Dennis Chapman because this information was relevant. He argues that Deputy Gunnyon should have been able to answer this question as Dennis Chapman and his co-defendants recently pleaded guilty to one of the prior burglaries in the area—specifically at Mr. Overdorf’s property—and that this would show why people in the area were suspicious of strangers on their property. He also argues that not allowing this evidence likely allowed the jury to speculate that he was a part of an ongoing burglary ring in the area even though he did not take anything from Mr. Overdorf or his property. A trial court’s decision to exclude evidence is reviewed for abuse of discretion. State v. Starbuck, 189 Wn. App. 740, 750, 355 P.3d 1167 (2015). Criminal defendants have a constitutional right to present relevant evidence. State v. Gregory, 158 Wn.2d 759, 790, 147 P.3d 1201 (2006), overruled on other grounds by State v. W.R., 181 Wn.2d 757, 336 P.3d 1134 (2014). However, a trial court may exclude evidence if the probative value of the evidence is outweighed by such factors as unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or potential to mislead the jury. Starbuck, 189 Wn. App. at 751. 17 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard Evidence regarding Dennis Chapman and the burglary ring in the area was never presented at trial and was irrelevant to this case, as it likely would have misled the jury. Additionally, it was irrelevant to Mr. Gerard’s theory of the case, which he testified to. Mr. Gerard testified that he did not take anything from the property and no stolen property was ever found in Mr. Gerard’s vehicle. As to Mr. Gerard’s theory that he unwittingly stumbled on the property, which had a preexisting suspicious environment due to recent burglaries, this is also irrelevant, as any property owner would be suspicious if they found a stranger wandering around their property and exploring cabins or buildings on their property, regardless of previous burglaries. As such, the ongoing burglary ring and the criminal defendants involved in such offenses were irrelevant to Mr. Gerard’s case, and the trial court did not abuse its discretion in sustaining the State’s objection to defense counsel’s question. SAG Ground 3: Denied Motion to Sever Bail Jumping Charge Next, Mr. Gerard challenges the trial court’s decision to deny his motion to sever the bail jumping charge from his other charges. Prior to trial, Mr. Gerard motioned for the court to sever his bail jumping charge, arguing that the jury would be unfairly biased against him if they heard that charge against him. The trial court denied the motion, 18 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard finding that the charges were connected because the bail jumping charge resulted from Mr. Gerard’s failure to appear on the underlying burglary and possession of a controlled substance charges, and simply resolving the matter in one trial rather than multiple trials was beneficial and promoted judicial economy. Mr. Gerard did not renew his motion for severance prior to the close of trial. CrR 4.4(b) authorizes a trial court to grant a severance of offenses in response to a motion from either the prosecuting attorney or defendant if “the court determines that severance will promote a fair determination of the defendant’s guilt or innocence of each offense.” A defendant, generally, must make a motion for severance before the beginning of trial. CrR 4.4(a)(1). If the pretrial motion is denied, the defendant may renew the motion before the close of trial. CrR 4.4(a)(2). If a defendant fails to renew the motion for severance before the close of trial, then severance is waived. State v. Wilcoxon, 185 Wn. App. 534, 540 n.4, 341 P.3d 1019 (2015), aff’d, 185 Wn.2d 324, 373 P.3d 224 (2016); CrR 4.4(a)(2). Because Mr. Gerard failed to renew his motion to sever prior to the close of trial, he waived the issue of severance and cannot raise it on appeal. 19 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard SAG Ground 4: 4A. Improper Sentence: Miscalculated Offender Score Mr. Gerard argues that his offender score was miscalculated. This argument is without any support or citation to the record or any authority. Thus, this court declines to review this argument. RAP 10.10(c). 4B. Improper Sentence: Denial of Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative Mr. Gerard contends the trial court’s reasoning for denying his DOSA request was absurd because the amount of methamphetamine found was not a large or substantial amount, as described by the court, and he did not pinpoint anyone in particular to blame for the presence of the methamphetamine in his vehicle. RCW 9.94A.660 allows courts to impose an alternative sentence for drug offenders when the court finds the offender and the community would benefit from the use of the alternative. An offender is eligible for a DOSA if, “the offense involved only a small quantity of the particular controlled substance as determined by the judge upon consideration of such factors as the weight, purity, packaging, sale price, and street value of the controlled substance.” RCW 9.94A.660(1)(d). Generally, a trial court’s decision to not grant a DOSA is not reviewable, but the procedure by which the court came to its decision may be challenged and reviewed by this 20 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard court. State v. Grayson, 154 Wn.2d 333, 338, 111 P.3d 1183 (2005). We review such challenges for abuse of discretion. Id. Mr. Gerard’s argument mischaracterizes the trial court’s reasoning for denying his DOSA request. The trial court specifically found that it was not logical for Mr. Gerard to now be asking for a DOSA sentence and treatment when he specifically denied that the methamphetamine belonged to him and noted how other people had ridden with him in his vehicle before. Mr. Gerard had his friend, Debbie Minkler, testify in his defense at trial. He had her testify that she had previously ridden in his vehicle and that the methamphetamine could have been hers. Contrary to Mr. Gerard’s argument, he maintained his innocence that the methamphetamine found in his vehicle was not his, and he never acknowledged that he used or had a problem with drugs until sentencing. In addition, a drug analyst testified that 2.7 grams of methamphetamine, which was termed an “eight ball,” were found and analyzed. RP at 152. In denying the DOSA, the trial court said, “[t]his was not a small amount of drugs. This was an eight ball—it was a quite a bit bigger drug amounts that we’ve had in many of the recent drug cases that we’ve had” and characterized it as, “quite a substantial amount of methamphetamine that were in that vehicle there.” RP at 303. As such, it does not appear that the trial court abused its discretion in denying Mr. Gerard’s DOSA request. 21 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard 4C. Improper Sentence: Court Bias Mr. Gerard further argues that his sentence violated equal protection principles because the trial court was biased against him and would give similarly situated defendants DOSA sentences. He contends that because the judge usually gives other defendants with drug convictions protreatment DOSA sentences and he did not receive one, this shows that the judge was biased and had animosity toward him. However, there is nothing in the record to support this argument and it raises factual matters outside the record. Thus, this court is precluded from reviewing this argument. McFarland, 127 Wn.2d at 335. 4D. Improper Sentence: Exceptional Sentence Reasoning Mr. Gerard contends that the reasoning for his exceptional sentence was improper. Mr. Gerard asserts that the free crimes aggravator, due to his high offender score, allowed for an exceptional sentence but was not a valid reason to give one. Trial courts are given authority to impose an exceptional sentence when “[t]he defendant has committed multiple current offenses and the defendant’s high offender score results in some of the current offenses going unpunished.” RCW 9.94A.535(2)(c). In this case, Mr. Gerard’s offender score was 16 for the burglary conviction and 15 for his other two convictions. The trial court acknowledged that Mr. Gerard’s high offender 22 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard score would result in “current offenses go[ing] unpunished.” See State v. Alvarado, 164 Wn.2d 556, 567, 192 P.3d 345 (2008) (“[W]here current offenses go unpunished based on criminal history and current offenses, this is an aggravating circumstance per se.”). The trial court did not abuse its discretion in imposing an exceptional sentence. SAG Ground 5: 5A. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel: Trial Counsel Mr. Gerard argues that his trial counsel provided ineffective assistance. This court reviews ineffective assistance of counsel claims de novo as they present mixed questions of law and fact. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 698, 104 S. Ct. 2052, 80 L. Ed. 2d 674 (1984). To prove ineffective assistance, Mr. Gerard must demonstrate that his counsel’s performance was deficient and this deficient performance prejudiced him. Id. at 687. To meet the deficiency prong, Mr. Gerard must show that his counsel’s performance fell “below an objective standard of reasonableness.” Id. at 688. This threshold is high due to the great deference afforded to decisions of defense counsel. State v. Grier, 171 Wn.2d 17, 33, 246 P.3d 1260 (2011); State v. Kyllo, 166 Wn.2d 856, 862, 215 P.3d 177 (2009) (defendant must overcome “a strong presumption that counsel’s performance was reasonable”). “When counsel’s conduct can be characterized as 23 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard legitimate trial strategy or tactics, performance is not deficient.” Kyllo, 166 Wn.2d at 863. However, a defendant can rebut this presumption by showing that “there is no conceivable legitimate tactic explaining counsel’s performance.” State v. Reichenbach, 153 Wn.2d 126, 130, 101 P.3d 80 (2004). To satisfy the prejudice prong, Mr. Gerard must establish that “there is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel’s deficient performance, the outcome of the proceedings would have been different.” Kyllo, 166 Wn.2d at 862. This reasonable probability is a prospect “sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694. Mr. Gerard argues that his trial counsel provided ineffective assistance because she failed to object to the State’s closing argument, specifically the phrases or statements he previously raises and challenges in his prosecutorial misconduct argument; she allegedly forced him to take the stand in defense of his bail jumping charge; she failed to obtain the arrest report that led to him being in jail in Yakima County, which resulted in his bail jumping charge in Klickitat County; she failed to argue at sentencing that Mr. Gerard was penalized for exercising his right to trial; she never requested a bail reduction hearing; she failed to adequately prepare him and his testimony prior to trial; and she failed to object to Deputy Gunnyon’s neighbor being on the jury. 24 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard In regard to Mr. Gerard’s argument that his trial counsel was ineffective for not objecting to the State’s improper closing argument statements, which are raised in his prosecutorial misconduct argument, Mr. Gerard cannot demonstrate prejudice. As discussed above, none of the prosecutor’s statements that Mr. Gerard challenges as constituting prosecutorial misconduct were improper nor were they “so flagrant and illintentioned” that they could not have been cured by a jury instruction. Stenson, 132 Wn.2d at 719. As such, Mr. Gerard’s trial counsel did not provide deficient performance by failing to object to the prosecutor’s statements nor was Mr. Gerard prejudiced by her failure to object to the challenged statements. We now move onto Mr. Gerard’s other arguments regarding his trial counsel. These arguments all involve matters outside the appellate record, which this court cannot address. Thus, these matters should be addressed through a PRP. McFarland, 127 Wn.2d at 335. 5B. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel: Appellate Counsel Mr. Gerard also argues his appellate counsel provided ineffective assistance because his appellate counsel ignored all of the potential issues Mr. Gerard raised in a letter he sent to his counsel and his counsel failed to communicate with him. This argument involves factual matters outside this appellate record that this court cannot 25 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard address. Thus, these matters should be addressed through a PRP. McFarland, 127 Wn.2d at 335. SAG Ground 6: Denial of Appeal Bond Mr. Gerard argues the trial court improperly denied his right to post an appeal bond. This argument involves factual matters outside of the record on appeal, precluding our review. McFarland, 127 Wn.2d at 335. SAG Ground 7: Sufficiency of the Evidence for Possession Charge Mr. Gerard contends that insufficient evidence supports his possession of a controlled substance conviction because the State failed to prove that the methamphetamine belonged to him. Specifically, he argues that because Ms. Minkler testified that the methamphetamine could have been hers, this created a reasonable doubt, which convinced the judge to allow her to testify at trial. The trial court allowed Ms. Minkler to testify because the court found her testimony to be relevant. Relevance is not a high hurdle as it is defined as evidence that has “any tendency” to make the existence of a consequential fact more or less likely than it would be if the evidence did not exist. ER 401 (emphasis added); Salas v. Hi-Tech Erectors, 168 Wn.2d 664, 670, 230 P.3d 583 (2010). Admitted evidence and credibility 26 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard of trial testimony is assessed, ultimately, by the jury. State v. Bucknell, 144 Wn. App. 524, 528, 183 P.3d 1078 (2008). As stated previously, we determine sufficiency of the evidence in the light most favorable to the State and interpret it most strongly against the defendant to decide if any rational trier of fact could have found guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Salinas, 119 Wn.2d at 201. Mr. Gerard was charged with possession of a controlled substance under RCW 69.50.4013. The State may establish that possession of a controlled substance is either actual or constructive. State v. Ibarra-Raya, 145 Wn. App. 516, 524, 187 P.3d 301 (2008), rev’d on other grounds by State v. Ibara-Cisneros, 172 Wn.2d 880, 263 P.3d 591 (2011). Constructive possession may be found where the defendant has dominion and control over the premises where the drugs are discovered. Ibarra-Raya, 145 Wn. App. at 524-25. A vehicle is a premises for this inquiry. State v. Turner, 103 Wn. App. 515, 521, 13 P.3d 234 (2000). When a defendant claims that they were in unwitting possession, they bear the burden of presenting evidence to support that theory. State v. Sundberg, 185 Wn.2d 147, 153, 370 P.3d 1 (2016). 27 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard In this case, methamphetamine was found in a car driven by Mr. Gerard. At the time, Mr. Gerard was the only passenger in the car. He offered testimony by Ms. Minkler that the trial court found to be relevant to support Mr. Gerard’s theory that the methamphetamine was not his. However, this does not mean that this testimony proved this assertion beyond a reasonable doubt. The jury, in weighing this evidence against all the other evidence, found that it did not create reasonable doubt. During her testimony, Ms. Minkler stated that the drugs found in Mr. Gerard’s car “could have been” hers. RP at 155. She testified she had lost methamphetamine earlier in the day, but did not know where. RP at 154. She also testified that it was possible the drugs belonged to Mr. Gerard. RP at 155. This testimony, when combined with the other evidence and viewed in a light most strongly against the defendant, does not preclude any rational trier of fact from finding that the drugs were in Mr. Gerard’s possession beyond a reasonable doubt. Therefore, Mr. Gerard cannot demonstrate that insufficient evidence supports his possession of a controlled substance conviction. 28 No. 36131-4-III State v. Gerard Affirmed. A majority of the panel has determined this opinion will not be printed in the Washington Appellate Reports, but it will be filed for public record pursuant to RCW 2.06.040. WE CONCUR: 29

Some case metadata and case summaries were written with the help of AI, which can produce inaccuracies. You should read the full case before relying on it for legal research purposes.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.