State v. Nicholson, Unpublished Decision (11-24-2004)
State v. Nicholson, Unpublished Decision (11-24-2004)
Opinion of the Court
{¶ 2} "The trial court erred when it ordered the defendant-appellant to pay unspecified court costs, fees, and attorney fees."
{¶ 3} At the time of his arraignment, appellant told the court that he did not have the funds to hire an attorney and that he was unemployed. The court found appellant to be indigent and appointed counsel to represent him.
{¶ 4} Following the entry of a no contest plea, the court held a sentencing hearing. During the hearing, appellant's counsel stated that appellant had been on transitional control for a prior conviction to help with his transition back into the community and to provide him with vocational skills and a job. Appellant had obtained a job and was a "great" employee. The attorney also noted that appellant was employed until the time of his arrest on the escape charges.
{¶ 5} In its sentencing order, the court found that appellant has or reasonably may be expected to have the means to pay all or part of the applicable costs of supervision, confinement, assigned counsel, and prosecution as authorized by law. Therefore, the court ordered appellant to pay these costs.
{¶ 6} On appeal, appellant argues in his sole assignment of error that the court erred when it ordered appellant to pay unspecified court costs, fees, and attorney fees. In his brief in support of the assignment of error, he argues that the court did not make an inquiry or determination that appellant had the ability to pay such costs.
{¶ 7} Pursuant to R.C.
{¶ 8} However, there is such a requirement with respect to the cost of appointed representation. R.C.
{¶ 9} In this case, appellant's counsel indicated that appellant had been working up until the time of his arrest. Therefore, we find that there was evidence in the record supporting the court's determination that appellant was able to pay for the cost of his representation. Appellant's sole assignment of error is found not well-taken.
{¶ 10} Having found that the trial court did not commit error prejudicial to appellant and that substantial justice has been done, the judgment of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed. Pursuant to App.R. 24, appellant is hereby ordered to pay the court costs incurred on appeal.
Judgment affirmed.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to App.R. 27. See, also, 6th Dist.Loc.App.R. 4, amended 1/1/98.
Handwork, P.J., Singer, J., Pietrykowski, J., Concur.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- State of Ohio v. James W. Nicholson
- Cited By
- 1 case
- Status
- Unpublished