[Cite as State v. Dean,

.]

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS

TWELFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT OF OHIO

MADISON COUNTY

STATE OF OHIO, :

Appellee, : CASE NOS. CA2021-08-013 CA2021-08-014 : - vs - OPINION : 9/6/2022

SAMUEL J. DEAN, et al., :

Appellants. :

CRIMINAL APPEAL FROM MADISON COUNTY MUNICIPAL COURT Case Nos. CRB2100235A, CRB2100235B, CRB2100236A, CRB2100236B

Nicholas A. Adkins, Madison County Prosecuting Attorney, and Rickelle A. Davis, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, for appellee.

The Helbling Law Firm, LLC, and John J. Helbling, for appellants.

S. POWELL, J.

{¶ 1} Appellants, Samuel J. Dean and his wife, Julie A. Dean, appeal from their

convictions in the Madison County Municipal Court after a jury found them both guilty of

third-degree misdemeanor criminal mischief and fourth-degree misdemeanor criminal

trespass. For the reasons outlined below, we affirm the Deans' convictions for criminal

mischief in Case Nos. CRB2100235A and CRB2100236A. We also affirm Mrs. Dean's Madison CA2021-08-013 CA2021-08-014

conviction for criminal trespass in Case No. CRB2100235B. However, finding Mr. Dean's

conviction for criminal trespass was not supported by sufficient evidence, we reverse and

vacate Mr. Dean's criminal trespass conviction in Case No. CRB2100236B.

Facts and Procedural History

{¶ 2} On March 20, 2021, the Deans were served with summons and complaints

charging them with single counts of third-degree misdemeanor criminal mischief in violation

of R.C. 2909.07(A)(1)(a) and fourth-degree misdemeanor criminal trespass in violation of

R.C. 2911.21(A)(2). The charges related to Mr. Dean were given Case Nos. CRB2100236A

and CRB2100236B, whereas the charges related to Mrs. Dean were given Case Nos.

CRB2100235A and CRB2100235B. As set forth within those complaints, the charges arose

after the Deans were seen on security camera footage entering onto the Plain City Public

Library's property located at 305 West Main Street, Plain City, Madison County, Ohio

afterhours at approximately 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 14, 2021. The complaints allege

that once the Deans were on the library's property that the Deans placed "propaganda

stickers" on the library's curbside pick-up box and traffic sign located on the library's back

parking lot.

{¶ 3} The record contains photographs of both stickers found stuck to the curbside

pick-up box and traffic sign. Those stickers appeared as follows:

{¶ 4} On March 31, 2021, the Deans were arraigned and entered pleas of not guilty

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to all charges. The Deans were then appointed with their own separate counsel. The

Deans, however, later dismissed their attorneys and instead proceeded pro se at all times

relevant to this appeal.

{¶ 5} Shortly after Mr. and Mrs. Dean entered their not guilty pleas, they filed

identical motions with the trial court requesting the court grant them "meaningful access" to

the "public law library" that "must not be pursuant to unlawfully restraint – to undertake a

medical intervention without any informed consent and without any medical necessity or

consultation with a qualified physician who is licensed and insured to practice medicine."

Several days later, on April 2, 2021, the trial court issued separate entries in both Mr. Dean's

and Mrs. Dean's cases notifying the Deans that their motions were "impossible to

comprehend." Because of this, the trial court requested the Deans "clarify with counsel and

refile" their motions with the court. The Deans, however, never refiled any similar motion

with the trial court with the assistance of counsel or otherwise.

{¶ 6} On April 28, 2021, the Deans filed two notices with the trial court requesting

they be provided with reasonable accommodations in accordance with Title II of the

Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA"). That same day, as well as in the weeks and months

that followed, the Deans filed numerous other motions, "notices," and "entries" with the trial

court. This included the Deans filing separate, albeit similarly worded, motions seeking to

withdraw their earlier not guilty pleas. The Deans also filed demands for discovery, several

motions to compel, motions to subpoena the judge presiding over their cases, as well as a

variety of motions to dismiss. This included motions to dismiss due to a "lack of evidence,"

the state's alleged "failure to make discovery" and "withholding evidence," and on speedy

trial grounds. This also included the Deans each filing another notice with the trial court

requesting the court provide them with reasonable ADA accommodations.

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{¶ 7} On May 20, 2021, the trial court issued separate entries addressing the

Deans' initial requests for reasonable ADA accommodations. In both entries, the trial court

noted that the Deans had been either "unable or unwilling" to disclose what type of

accommodation they were asking the court to provide to them.1 The trial court also noted

that it had attempted to "decipher if a need was present" by asking the Deans what they

had been diagnosed with and/or what type of physician had they had been diagnosed by.

To this, the trial court noted that "Mr. Dean informed the Court that he was not going to

disclose the nature of his disability." As for Mrs. Dean, the trial court noted that "Mrs. Dean

informed the Court that she was self-diagnosed but could not or would not indicate what the

diagnosis was for." Given the Deans' refusal to cooperate with the trial court by answering

even the most basic of questions regarding their purported disabilities, the trial court

concluded both entries by noting that, without more information from the Deans, the court

was "unable to provide any assistance" to them.

{¶ 8} On July 13, 2021, the trial court held a joint hearing to address all of the Deans'

still pending motions. This included Mr. and Mrs. Dean's additional notices they had filed

with the trial court requesting the court provide them with reasonable ADA

accommodations. The trial court did this after having previously issued an entry on May

20, 2021 that consolidated the Deans' cases for purposes of this pretrial hearing and for

purposes of trial.

{¶ 9} At the start of this hearing, Mr. Dean stood and began reading from a prepared

statement requesting the trial court dismiss the charges against him because "[his] ADA

rights, [his] access to this court, have been prejudiced, compromised, and denied

1. This unwillingness ultimately resulted in the trial court finding Mr. Dean in contempt and fining him $250 when Mr. Dean continued to read from his prepared statement despite the trial court judge telling him to stop reading, to stop interrupting, and to stop speaking over the judge.

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irreparably." To this, the trial court informed Mr. Dean that they were "not here for that," but

were instead "here to see what accommodation it is that you're asking for" given his

repeated refusal to provide this information to the court when asked. The trial court also

noted that, "[a]t all previous occasions," Mr. Dean had "refused" to tell the court what type

of reasonable ADA accommodation that he was seeking. The trial court then advised Mr.

Dean that "[t]he Court can't help you if you don't tell me what it is that you want." However,

rather than simply telling the trial court what it was that he was requesting, Mr. Dean instead

responded by reading his prepared statement again.

{¶ 10} Upon hearing Mr. Dean's prepared statement for a second time, the trial court

advised Mr. Dean, "[t]hat does nothing for me." The trial court then set the matter for trial

to take place on the morning of July 29, 2021. The trial court then called Mrs. Dean's case

to order. Shortly after Mrs. Dean's case was called, Mrs. Dean stood and began reading

from the same prepared statement that Mr. Dean had just moments before recited to the

trial court as part of his case. The record indicates Mrs. Dean then told the trial court judge

that he had "been served." The judge responded, "Well, I haven't," and set the matter for

trial to also take place on the morning of July 29, 2021.

{¶ 11} On July 19, 2021, ten days before their trial was scheduled to begin, the

Deans each filed affidavits with the Ohio Supreme Court seeking to disqualify the trial court

judge from presiding over their respective cases because they had filed a federal lawsuit

and grievance against the judge. The Ohio Supreme Court denied Mr. Dean's request the

next day upon finding no basis had been established to order the disqualification of the

judge from presiding over his case.2 In re Disqualification of Schooley,

. The record indicates that both Mr. Dean and Mrs. Dean filed affidavits with the Ohio Supreme Court seeking to disqualify the trial court judge from their respective cases. This court, however, was only able to locate the Ohio Supreme Court's decision as it relates to the affidavit of disqualification filed by Mr. Dean.

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1221,

.

{¶ 12} On July 27, 2021, the trial court issued separate entries addressing the Deans'

second request for reasonable ADA accommodations. The trial court's entries pertaining

to Mr. and Mrs. Dean are nearly identical in substance and differ only in that they refer to

the Deans individually, as well as make brief reference to the slightly different arguments

that Mr. and Mrs. Dean had raised to the court. With those slight differences in mind, the

trial court's entries state, in pertinent part, the following:

[The Deans have] moved this Court for an accommodation claimed to fall under the umbrella of the American's With Disabilities Act. The first mention of any issue was at the May 3, 2021 pre-trial. [The Deans have] reiterated the motion continuously throughout the proceedings. However, [the Deans have] also refused to respond to any inquiry of the Court as to the nature of the disability, how it impacts [them], the precise accommodation sought, why it is needed or in fact provide any meaningful shred of information upon which the Court could provide assistance. The Court has bent over backwards in its attempts to ascertain the nature of the claimed disability. Obviously, the Court derives no benefit from denying a legitimate need for services and in fact routinely, even daily, provides a range of services to individuals appears before it.

{¶ 13} The trial court's entries continue and state:

The Court has had the opportunity to observe [the Deans] in Court and review the massive filings prepared by and tendered by [the Deans], under [their] signature[s], during the pendency of this case. For purposes of this matter, [the Deans] would need to establish a disability that substantially inhibits the ability to see, hear, speak or otherwise communicate. To the contrary, [the Deans have] established a substantial body of work overwhelmingly showing a level of communication and comprehension that this Court rarely observes from defendants.

{¶ 14} The trial court's entries conclude by stating:

While the Court has given [the Deans] repeated opportunities to support the Motion nothing of substance was provided. The Court has no information as to how the ADA would apply to [the Deans] let alone what actual accommodation is sought. Without getting over this initial hump, the Court does not even get to the

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point where consideration of additional factors takes place which it would need to weigh prior to allowing any accommodation. The Court left the motion open until the last possible minute to maximize the opportunity of [the Deans] to prosecute the motion. That time has come to an end.

{¶ 15} On July 29, 2021, the trial court issued entries in both of the Deans' cases

noting that it was overruling any and all motions, "notices," and "entries" that were still

pending and had yet to be ruled on by the court. The trial court noted that this included the

"documents and/or motions" the Deans had recently filed with the court within the preceding

week. The matter then proceeded to trial. At the start of their trial, just prior to the jury pool

being brought into the courtroom for the start of voir dire, the trial court addressed the Deans

personally and advised the Deans of the following:

Well, and I think as I've stated before, the court does not fall within the level of employees to have its own ADA coordinator. * * * With regard to any accommodation, the court's provided numerous hearings to allow you to explain what it is that you need. I understand you have issues with not wanting to do that. That's – but I can't do anything without knowing anything. And I've asked the questions, you won't answer them and that's where we are. So that's where we are here today is based on that.

{¶ 16} Once the jury was empaneled and opening statements from all parties

complete, the state elicited testimony from four witnesses. Those four witnesses included

two employees with the Plain City Public Library, Shane Hoffman and Christine Long, and

two officers with the Plain City Police Department, Officer Joshua Hertzinger and Officer

Aaron Howard. The Deans did not present any witnesses or introduce any testimony in

their defense. The following is a summary of the relevant testimony and evidence presented

at trial.

Summary of Jury Trial Testimony and Evidence

{¶ 17} On Monday, January 25, 2021, Officer Aaron Howard was dispatched the

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Plain City Public Library located at 305 West Main Street, Plain City, Madison County, Ohio

to investigate an alleged trespassing in progress. Once there, Officer Howard came in

contact with Mrs. Dean and other library staff who were all a "visibly upset" and arguing

about Mrs. Dean refusing to leave the library for, among other reasons, her repeated refusal

to wear a mask in violation of the library's mask policy then in effect.3 After some coaxing,

the record indicates Mrs. Dean did eventually leave the property. Upon Mrs. Dean's exit

from the library, Officer Howard instructed Mrs. Dean that, per the library staff's request,

she was "not to come to the property or she could be charged with criminal trespassing."

Officer Howard also instructed Mrs. Dean that she was not to return to the library until she

received "further notice from the library."

{¶ 18} Approximately two months later, on Sunday, March 14, 2021, Shane Hoffman,

who is employed as the Plain City Public Library's technology service manager, took a break

from work to eat his dinner outside in his car parked in the library's back parking lot. While

there, Hoffman saw "a couple people," who Hoffman later identified as the Deans, "come

around the edge of the building." Upon seeing this, Hoffman looked up and watched as the

Deans "just sort of stopped for a second" and stood near the back corner of the library

building. Hoffman then watched as Mrs. Dean "walked across in front" of his car and "then

back across" in front of him as he remained seated in his car eating his dinner. When asked

if he expected to see anybody at the library that day given that the library is closed on

Sundays, Hoffman testified that he was caught off guard when he saw the Deans at the

library because he was "under the impression that [Mrs. Dean] was not to be on the library

property anymore."

3. The record indicates this was not the first time that Mrs. Dean had caused a scene at the library or been argumentative with library staff. The record instead indicates that Mrs. Dean's unruly behavior had been a continual issue for the library and its staff.

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{¶ 19} Once Hoffman had finished eating, and seeing that the Deans were no longer

on the library's property, Hoffman went back inside the library and sent an e-mail to his

boss, Christine Long. In this e-mail, Hoffman notified Long that he had just seen the Deans

on the library's property acting suspicious while walking around the library building. Upon

receiving Hoffman's e-mail the next morning, Monday, March 15, 2021, Long, who is

employed as the Plain City Public Library's director, reviewed the video footage of the

incident captured by the library's security cameras to see "what might be going on" given

"some prior interactions" and "prior incidents" that the library had with the Deans.

Explaining what she saw on that video footage, Long testified that she initially saw the

Deans enter onto library's property and approach the library's curbside pick-up box located

next to the library's primary parking lot.

{¶ 20} Continuing, Long testified that she then saw the Deans kneel in front of the

pick-up box "and it looked like they were doing something to the box." Long then testified:

And at first it looked like they had left. They paused back at the front of the building and then walked up the sidewalk along the side of the building. And then in the video you can see them come around the building. It looked like Mr. Dean paused at one of the traffic signs at the back of the parking lot and placed something. Mrs. Dean walked down the sidewalk at the back side of the building and passed the back, went out of the camera view, turned around and then went back in the other direction.

{¶ 21} After reviewing the video footage taken from the library's security cameras,

Long went outside to check the library's curbside pick-up box and traffic sign to "see what

was going on." Long testified that she did this because, although it is impossible to see

exactly what the Deans were doing to the pick-up box and traffic sign, "it did look

suspicious." Once outside, Long discovered that a "bumper sticker" had been stuck inside

the pick-up box next to a placard notifying library patrons not to leave materials in the box

overnight. Long found another "bumper sticker" had been stuck to the back of the traffic

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sign. Long then photographed and removed, or attempted to remove, the stickers that she

found stuck to the pick-up box and traffic sign. The sticker that had been stuck to the pick-

up box came off easily due to its slick, glossy painted surface. The sticker placed on the

traffic sign, however, "would not come off" and is, in fact, "still there."

{¶ 22} Following Long's discovery of the two stickers, Long alerted the Plain City

Police Department of what she had found. Long also notified the police that "we were sure

who had put them there based on some staff members that had had prior interactions with"

the Deans at the library. A subsequent police investigation conducted by Officer Joshua

Hertzinger resulted in the Deans being charged with both criminal mischief and criminal

trespass for their conduct of entering onto the library's property and defacing the library's

property. The Deans were then served with the summons and complaint at their home by

Officer Hertzinger. While being served, the record indicates Officer Hertzinger told both Mr.

Dean and Mrs. Dean not to return to the library. Unlike Mrs. Dean who had already been

told by Officer Howard not to be on the library's property, there is nothing in the record to

indicate Mr. Dean was ever told by police or library staff that he could not be on the library's

property prior to the charges being filed in this case.

The Jury's Verdicts and the Deans' Sentences

{¶ 23} Following closing arguments from all parties, and after deliberating for just

over 20 minutes, the jury returned to the courtroom and issued its verdict finding the Deans

guilty of both criminal mischief and criminal trespass offenses. Once the jury exited from

the courtroom, the matter then proceeded to sentencing. For the criminal mischief charges,

Deans both received 60 days in jail, with 58 of those days suspended, a $250 fine, 20 hours

of community service, and one year of probation. For the criminal trespass charges, the

Deans both received 30 days jail all suspended, no fine, and one year of probation.

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The Deans' Appeal

{¶ 24} On August 13, 2021, the Deans filed notices of appeal from their respective

convictions. This court sua sponte consolidated the Deans' appeals on August 30, 2021.

Oral argument on the Deans' consolidated appeal took place before this court on June 6,

2022. The Deans' appeal now properly before this court for decision, the Deans have raised

six assignments of error for this court's review.

Assignment of Error No. 1:

{¶ 25} THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN IT OVERRULED APPELLANTS' PRE-

TRIAL MOTION TO DISMISS ON SPEEDY TRIAL GROUNDS.

{¶ 26} In their first assignment of error, the Deans argue the trial court erred by

denying their motions to dismiss on speedy trial grounds. We disagree.

{¶ 27} "Review of a speedy-trial claim involves a mixed question of law and fact."

State v. Long,

,

. When applying this mixed

standard of review, this court must first defer to the trial court's factual findings if those

findings are supported by competent, credible evidence. State v. Watkins, 12th Dist. Preble

No. CA2020-03-005,

. Competent evidence is admissible evidence for

the purpose of proving a relevant fact. State v. Rodandello, 12th Dist. Preble No. CA2022-

01-001,

, citing Zimmerman v. Bowe, 6th Dist. Lucas No. L-18-1200,

, ¶ 13 and In re Meeks, 11th Dist. Lake No. 95-L-050,

, *13-14 (Sep. 29, 1995). "Credible evidence means evidence found worthy of

being believed." In re A.T., 12th Dist. Butler Nos. CA2018-06-115 and CA2018-06-116,

. This court must then "independently review whether the trial court

correctly applied the law to the facts of the case." State v. Thacker, 12th Dist. Warren No.

CA2019-06-058,

. A de novo standard of review therefore applies to

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the trial court's application of the law to the facts. State v. North, 12th Dist. Butler No.

CA2016-06-119,

. De novo means this court will afford no deference

to the trial court's decision. State v. Burnside,

,

, ¶ 8.

{¶ 28} "The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed by the Sixth and Fourteenth

Amendments to the United States Constitution and by Article I, Section 10, Ohio

Constitution." State v. Jones, 12th Dist. Butler Nos. CA2019-01-006 and CA2019-01-008

, citing State v. Taylor,

,

. "To

preserve this right, the Ohio General Assembly enacted the speedy trial statutes found in

R.C. 2945.71 through 2945.73."

citing State v. Miller, 12th Dist. Warren No CA2009-

01-008,

, ¶ 8. Because the Deans were charged with third-and-fourth-

degree misdemeanors, it is R.C. 2945.71(B)(1) that applies to this case. Pursuant to that

statute, a person facing criminal charges for a third-or-fourth-degree misdemeanor must be

brought to trial within 45 days after the person's arrest or the service of summons. The time

limit set forth in R.C. 2945.71(B)(1) must be strictly enforced. State v. Wood, 5th Dist.

Fairfield No. 2020 CA 00023,

. The language found in R.C. 2945.72,

however, "provides a number of events and circumstances that will toll the running of a

defendant's speedy-trial time." State v. Martin,

,

,

citing State v. Ramey,

,

. This includes the events

and circumstances set forth under R.C. 2945.72(E).

{¶ 29} R.C. 2945.72(E) provides that the time a defendant must be brought to trial

may be extended by any delay necessitated by the defendant's own motion. State v.

Murphy, 12th Dist. Clinton No. CA2006-02-005,

. This includes, for

example, a defendant's demand for discovery or a bill of particulars. State v. Brown,

,

. This also includes such things as a defendant's

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motion to reduce bond, a motion for disclosure of the identity of the confidential informant,

or a motion to disclose grand jury proceedings. State v. Nelson, 12th Dist. Clinton No.

CA2007-11-046,

. This is in addition to a defendant's motion to

dismiss. State v. Feasal, 12th Dist. Fayette No. CA2005-12-034,

.

The state need not prove that a defendant's motion causes a delay in order for speedy-trial

time to be tolled pursuant to R.C. 2945.72(E). State v. Johnson, 12th Dist. Butler No.

CA2011-09-169,

. This is because "[i]t is the filing of the motion itself,

the timing of which the defense can control, that provides the state with an extension." State

v. Sanchez,

,

, ¶ 26. This law "implicitly recognizes that

when a motion is filed by a defendant, there is a 'period of delay necessitated' – at the very

least, for a reasonable time until the motion is responded to and ruled upon."

{¶ 30} "A court reviewing a speedy trial issue must calculate the number of days

attributable to either party and determine whether the defendant was brought to trial within

the statutorily prescribed time limits." State v. March, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2015-08-070,

, citing State v. Riley,

,

(12th Dist.). This requires the computation of a "try-by-date." State v. McCaleb, 12th Dist.

Warren No. CA2016-12-103,

. As noted above, because the Deans

were charged with third-and-fourth-degree misdemeanors in this case, R.C. 2945.71(B)(1)

required the state to bring the Deans to trial within 45 days after their arrest or the service

of summons. Both Deans were served with their respective summonses on March 20,

2021. "The actual date of service, however, does not count against the state for purposes

of determining whether a defendant's right to a speedy trial has been violated." State v.

Espinoza-Soriano, 6th Dist. Erie No. E-18-067,

, citing State v. Kist,

,

(11th Dist.). Therefore, because the actual

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date of service does not count towards a speedy-trial calculation, this court must instead

count 45 days from March 21, 2021, the day after the Deans were served with summons,

to determine the Deans' try-by-date in this case.

{¶ 31} There are 45 days between March 21, 2021 and May 5, 2021, thus rendering

May 5, 2021 as the Deans' try-by-date. The Deans were not tried until July 29, 2021. There

are 85 days between May 5, 2021 and July 29, 2021. Therefore, rather than within 45 days

after the service of their respective summonses as required by R.C. 2945.71(B)(1), the

Deans were instead tried on the 130th day after service of their summonses was complete.

Within those 130 days, however, the Deans filed a multitude of overlapping motions,

"notices," and "entries" with the trial court. This included the Deans filing separate, albeit

identical, motions seeking to withdraw their earlier not guilty pleas, demands for discovery,

motions to compel, motions to subpoena the trial court judge presiding over respective their

cases, and numerous motions to dismiss. This also included the Deans each filing two

notices with the trial court requesting they be provided with ADA accommodations.

{¶ 32} Taking this all into account, this court has found just 22 days had lapsed

without any applicable tolling related to Mr. Dean, whereas only 12 days had lapsed without

any applicable tolling regarding Mrs. Dean. Therefore, although the Deans were not tried

until the 130th day after the service of their respective summonses was complete, because

the vast majority of those 130 days were tolled under R.C. 2945.72(E), the Deans were

tried well within the necessary 45-day time limitation and their right to a speedy trial was not

violated, either statutorily or constitutionally. Accordingly, because Mr. Dean and Mrs. Dean

were both tried prior to the 45-day time limitation set forth in R.C. R.C. 2945.71(B)(1)

expired, the trial court did not err by denying the Deans' motions to dismiss on speedy trial

grounds. The Deans' first assignment of error lacks merit and is overruled.

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Assignment of Error No. 2:

{¶ 33} THE COURT COMMITTED PLAIN ERROR IN DENYING DEFENDANTS-

APPELLANTS REQUESTED ACCOMMODATIONS AND A COORDINATOR UNDER

TITLE II OF THE ADA AND CFR.

{¶ 34} In their second assignment of error, the Deans argue the trial court committed

plain error by denying their requests for reasonable ADA accommodations. The Deans also

argue the trial court committed plain error by denying them access to an ADA coordinator

to assist them at trial. However, as the record indicates, the Deans were provided with

multiple opportunities to disclose to the trial court any accommodations that would assist

them throughout the underlying proceedings. But, for reasons unknown, the Deans chose

not to elaborate on their circumstances or to even identify their needs for the trial court to

consider in the days, weeks, and months leading up to their trial. However, although the

Deans refused to cooperate with the trial court by answering the most basic of questions

regarding their purported disabilities, the trial court was nevertheless receptive to the

specific requests made by the Deans during trial.

{¶ 35} For instance, when Mr. Dean requested the trial court judge speak slower, the

judge responded positively and stated, "Sure. I'll slow down. No problem. Thank you."

The same was true as it relates to Mrs. Dean's request that the trial court speak more loudly.

The trial court also allowed the Deans with additional restroom breaks and permitted Mr.

Dean, at his discretion, to stand up to stretch his legs during trial. The trial court judge, in

fact, specifically stated that he did not "have any issues" and could not "think of why that

would be a problem" for Mr. Dean to stand up during trial to stretch his legs so long as he

"stay[ed] right there and just kind of stretch[ed] out." This is all to say that, despite the

Deans' claims, the record indicates that each accommodation that the Deans specifically

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requested of the trial court was granted by the trial court judge without any hesitation.

{¶ 36} In so holding, we note that the Deans were clearly prepared and capable of

sufficiently representing themselves at trial without the need for an ADA coordinator being

present to assist them. This is evidenced by the fact that the Deans were able to conduct,

quite competently, voir dire of the jury pool, as well as present coherent, organized, and

effective opening statements and closing arguments. The Deans were also able to cross-

examine witnesses, introduce exhibits, and, for the most part, raise necessary and

appropriate objections during the state's direct examination of its witnesses. We also note

that there is nothing in the record to indicate the Deans were in any way hindered by the

lack of any reasonable ADA accommodations that were not provided to them. The same is

true as it relates to the absence of an ADA coordinator at trial. Far from it. The record

instead indicates that the trial court went to great lengths to ensure that the Deans received

a fair trial based upon evidence presented by the state.

{¶ 37} Therefore, although the Deans claim they were prejudiced by the lack of

reasonable ADA accommodations, and by not having an ADA coordinator present to assist

them at trial, we can find nothing in the record to indicate the Deans were subjected to a

clear miscarriage of justice, nor have the Deans demonstrated plain error in this case. "An

error does not rise to the level of a plain error unless, but for the error, the outcome of the

trial would have been different." State v. Cooperstein, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2018-09-

117,

. "The burden of demonstrating plain error is on the party

asserting it." State v. Davis,

,

. The Deans have

fallen well short of satisfying that burden. Accordingly, finding no merit to the Deans' claims

that the trial court committed plain error by denying their requests for reasonable ADA

accommodations, or by denying them access to an ADA coordinator to assist them at trial,

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the Deans' second assignment of error lacks merit and is overruled.

Assignment of Error No. 3:

{¶ 38} THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN FAILING TO HOLD A HEARING ON

DEFENDANTS-APPELLANTS SUBPOENA AND PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE'S MOTION TO

QUASH SUBPOENA.

{¶ 39} In their third assignment of error, the Deans argue the trial court erred by

granting the state's motion to quash their subpoena issued to the judge presiding over their

cases. We disagree. We do so because the records the Deans were seeking to obtain

from the judge, i.e., records concerning ADA accommodations and the existence of an ADA

coordinator, had little, if any, probative value in this matter when considering the criminal

charges they faced. There is also nothing in the record to suggest the information the

Deans sought from the judge through subpoena could not be obtained from other sources.

Because litigants may improperly attempt to disqualify a particular judge by subpoenaing

the judge presiding over their case, the law strenuously guards against "judge shopping."

That was, in essence, what the Deans were doing here.

{¶ 40} Under these circumstances, we must find the Deans' subpoena to be without

merit. We also find the outcome of the Deans' trial would not have been different had the

trial court conducted a more explicit hearing on the state's motion to quash, nor would it

have made a difference if the trial court had focused its attention upon the state's motion

when the Deans appeared before the trial court to discuss their other various, overlapping

motions. Therefore, finding no merit to the Deans' claims that the trial court erred by

granting the state's motion to quash their subpoena issued to the judge presiding over their

cases, the Deans' third assignment of error lacks merit and is overruled.

Assignment of Error No. 4:

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{¶ 41} THE TRIAL COURT JUDGE COMMITTED PLAIN ERROR IN FAILING TO

RECUSE ITSELF DESPITE BEING NOTIFIED THAT DEFENDANT-APPELLANTS FILED

A FEDERAL CIVIL LAWSUIT AGAINST HIM FOR VIOLATIONS OF TITLE II ADA.

{¶ 42} In their fourth assignment of error, the Deans argue the trial court judge erred

by failing to recuse himself after they notified the judge that they had filed a federal lawsuit

and grievance against him. However, as noted above, the Ohio Supreme Court reviewed

Mr. Dean's request to have the trial court judge disqualified and found no basis had been

established to order the disqualification of the trial court judge from presiding over his case.

In re Disqualification of Schooley,

,

. In so holding, the

Ohio Supreme Court specifically stated that, "the mere fact that a federal lawsuit and

grievance are pending against [the trial court judge] does not mean that he must be

disqualified from Mr. Dean's criminal case." Id. at ¶ 4. Given the similarity of the cases, the

same would certainly hold true for Mrs. Dean's case. Therefore, because the Ohio Supreme

Court has already addressed this issue in overruling Mr. Deans' affidavit of disqualification

upon finding no basis had been established to order the disqualification of the trial court

judge from presiding over his case, the Deans fourth assignment of error lacks merit and is

overruled.

Assignment of Error No. 5:

{¶ 43} THE JURY ERRED TO THE PREJUDICE OF DEFENDANTS-APPELLANTS

BY FINDING THEM GUILTY OF THE CHARGES WITHOUT SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE.

{¶ 44} In their fifth assignment of error, the Deans argue the state presented

insufficient evidence to support the jury's verdict finding them guilty of criminal trespass in

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violation of R.C. 2911.21(A)(2).4 For the following reasons, we disagree as it relates to Mrs.

Dean's criminal trespass conviction, but agree as it relates to Mr. Dean's criminal trespass

conviction. Therefore, while we affirm Mrs. Dean's criminal trespass conviction in Case No.

CRB2100235B, Mr. Dean's criminal trespass conviction in Case No. CRB2100236B is

reversed and vacated.

Sufficient Evidence Standard

{¶ 45} "A claim challenging the sufficiency of the evidence invokes a due process

concern and raises the question whether the evidence is legally sufficient to support the

jury verdict as a matter of law." State v. Clinton,

,

, citing State v. Thompkins,

, (1997); State v. Grinstead,

,

, ¶ 10 (12th Dist.). "When reviewing the sufficiency of

the evidence underlying a criminal conviction, an appellate court examines the evidence in

order to determine whether such evidence, if believed, would convince the average mind of

the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt." State v. Intihar, 12th Dist. Warren No.

CA2015-05-046,

. "The relevant inquiry is 'whether, after viewing the

evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have

found the essential elements of the crime proven beyond a reasonable doubt.'" State v.

Roper, 12th Dist. Clermont No. CA2021-05-019,

, quoting State v.

Jenks,

(1991), paragraph two of the syllabus. This test "requires a

determination as to whether the state has met its burden of production at trial." State v.

Boles, 12th Dist. Brown No. CA2012-06-012,

.

4. The Deans did not challenge their convictions for criminal mischief as part of their appeal. By not appealing their criminal mischief convictions, the Deans have effectively conceded that there was sufficient evidence to support their convictions for criminal mischief in violation of R.C. 2909.07(A)(1)(a). The trial court's two judgments convicting the Deans of criminal mischief in Case Nos. CRB2100235A and CRB2100236A are therefore affirmed.

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Criminal Trespass in Violation of R.C. 2911.21(A)(2)

{¶ 46} The Deans were convicted of criminal trespass in violation of R.C.

2911.21(A)(2). Pursuant to that statute, a criminal trespass occurs when one, "without

privilege to do so," knowingly enters or remains on the land or premises of another, "the

use of which is lawfully restricted to certain persons, purposes, modes, or hours, when the

offender knows the offender is in violation of any such restriction or is reckless in that

regard." "[T]his subsection covers situations where the land or premises involved are

subject to rules on access or use, and the offender knows or has reasonable cause to

believe he is in violation of such rules." State v. McMechan,

(12th

Dist. 1988); State v. Kilgore, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 17880,

,

*7 (June 16, 2000).

{¶ 47} "Privilege is the distinguishing characteristic between unlawful trespass and

lawful presence on the land or premises of another." State v. Roland, 12th Dist. Butler No.

CA2012-05-104,

. R.C. 2901.01(A)(12) defines the term "privilege"

to mean "an immunity, license, or right conferred by law, bestowed by express or implied

grant, arising out of status, position, office, or relationship, or growing out of necessity."

"'Where no privilege exists, entry constitutes trespass.'" State v. Hardcastle, 12th Dist.

Butler No. CA2020-04-053,

, quoting State v. Lyons,

(1985). "It is generally recognized that 'a person has a privilege to enter and be

upon the public areas of public property.'" In re B.J.M., 11th Dist. Lake No. 2017-L-007,

, quoting Cleveland v. Dickerson, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga Nos. 101782

and 101783,

.

{¶ 48} The General Assembly, however, has made it clear that "a trespass is not

excused simply because the property involved is publicly owned." State v. Staley, 1st Dist.

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Hamilton Nos. C-200270 thru C-200272,

, citing R.C. 2911.21(B) ("It

is no defense to a charge under this section that the land or premises involved was owned,

controlled, or in custody of a public agency"). It is therefore "well-established that a trespass

can occur on public land." State v. Collins, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA98-01-007,

, *3-*4 (Sept. 28, 1998), citing Adderley v. Florida,

,

(1966). This would include, for instance, property belonging to a public library. See,

e.g., State v. Parks, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2015CA00108,

; and State v. Cahill,

10th Dist. Franklin No. 90AP-404,

(Dec. 31, 1990).

Mrs. Dean's Criminal Trespass Conviction

{¶ 49} Based upon our review of the record, we find the state presented sufficient

evidence to support Mrs. Dean's conviction for criminal trespass in violation of R.C.

2911.12(A)(2). Mrs. Dean, after being told by police not to return to the library following an

incident where she became unruly with library staff for, among other things, not wearing a

mask in violation of the library's mask policy then in effect, was seen on video footage taken

from the library's security cameras entering onto the library's property, kneeling down in

front of the library's curbside pick-up box, and walking down the sidewalk that separates

the library building from the library's back parking lot. This video footage, which is part of

the record on appeal, was played for the jury at trial and admitted as evidence at the

conclusion of the state's case-in-chief. Therefore, while Mrs. Dean may dislike the jury's

verdict, the jury's verdict finding her guilty of criminal trespass was nevertheless supported

by sufficient evidence. The evidence presented by the state was, in fact, overwhelming

proof of Mrs. Dean's guilt. Accordingly, finding the state presented more than enough

evidence to support Mrs. Dean's criminal trespass conviction, the Deans' arguments related

to Mrs. Dean's conviction for criminal trespass in violation of R.C. 2911.21(A)(2) lack merit.

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Mr. Dean's Criminal Trespass Conviction

{¶ 50} The same is not true as it relates to Mr. Dean's criminal trespass conviction.

That is to say, although the state presented sufficient evidence to support Mrs. Dean's

conviction for criminal trespass in violation of R.C. 2911.21(A)(2), the state did not present

sufficient evidence to support Mr. Dean's conviction. This is because Mr. Dean, unlike his

wife, Mrs. Dean, was never warned by police not to return to the library after having

previously being removed from the library's property due to his unruly behavior. See State

v. Kalman, 4th Dist. Athens No. 16CA9,

(appellant's conviction

for criminal trespass in violation of R.C. 2911.21[A][2] was supported by sufficient evidence

where appellant entered a "clearly marked restricted area" on the grounds of a county

courthouse to place a sticker on a directory affixed to the outside of the courthouse after

appellant had twice been given notice that he was banned from the courthouse and the

courthouse premises); see also State v. Craft, 4th Dist. Athens 97 CA 53,

, *21-*22 (May 14, 1998) (appellant's conviction for criminal trespass in violation

of R.C. 2911.21[A][2] was supported by sufficient evidence where appellant had previously

been told by university police not to enter onto the university's property prior to him being

found asleep on campus grounds).

{¶ 51} Despite what the dissent may argue, the fact that Mr. Dean was later charged

and convicted of criminal mischief for placing a sticker on a traffic sign located on the

library's property makes no difference to whether Mr. Dean could also be found guilty of

committing a criminal trespass. Such holding complies with the Ohio Supreme Court's

decision in State v. Barksdale,

(1983). In Barksdale, the defendant was

indicted on one count of breaking and entering in violation of R.C. 2911.13(B). Pursuant to

that statute, "[n]o person shall trespass on the land or premises of another, with purpose to

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commit a felony." "[T]he commission of a 'trespass' is a sine qua non of the offense of

breaking and entering." (Emphasis deleted.)

. The defendant's alleged trespass

in Barksdale occurred when the defendant entered onto a car lot that was open to the public.

The defendant, however, had not been given permission to enter the cars on the lot or to

remove items from the cars parked on the lot.

The jury found the defendant guilty of

breaking and entering and the defendant appealed.

{¶ 52} On appeal, the Second District Court of Appeals found the state had failed to

prove an essential element of the crime of breaking and entering, i.e., a trespass. The Ohio

Supreme Court affirmed the Second District's decision. In so holding, the Ohio Supreme

Court examined the "privilege" that was extended to the defendant by the owner of the car

lot, noting that:

Neither party to the herein cause disputes the fact that the automobile dealer's tacit invitation extended the general public to visit the proprietor's lot to view the vehicles thereon was a grant of privilege. What is controverted, however, is whether a party who entered the lot with the purpose not of shopping for automobiles but of committing a felony, relinquished such privilege.

.

{¶ 53} The Ohio Supreme Court then went on to state, in pertinent part, the following:

This court is convinced that were we to find that appellee, by virtue of his felonious intent, lost his right to enter the lot, a dramatic and completely unfounded change would be wrought in our system of justice. Literally thousands of criminal defendants, heretofore chargeable with only one offense, would suddenly find themselves answerable for a second, with no concomitant benefit accruing to society for whose protection the criminal statutes replete with their penalties exist. Without regard to the nature of their crimes, defendants would incur liability for breaking and entering whenever they stepped onto premises – whether stores, offices or even their own friends' and relatives' homes – with the intention of committing a felony. Though we certainly do not wish to reward criminals for exploiting the innocently extended invitations of merchants,

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shopkeepers and gracious hosts, neither do we care to penalize criminals indiscriminately for acts for which the General Assembly clearly intended no punishment.

{¶ 54} The Ohio Supreme Court then set forth the following example:

The treatment that would be accorded a shoplifter, if appellant's construction of R.C. 2911.13(B) were to become the law, best exemplifies the potential oppressiveness of such an interpretation of the breaking and entering statute. Traditionally, theft and larceny statutes have been relied on to prosecute shoplifters. Under the regime which appellant envisions, however, a shoplifter would also be liable for breaking and entering, his felonious purpose – shoplifting – having vitiated his privilege to enter the store, a privilege enjoyed by the general public. The General Assembly clearly did not intend such a radical and unwarranted extension of the breaking and entering statute.

{¶ 55} In this case, given the evidence presented by the state, there can be little

doubt that Mr. Dean entered onto the library's property to commit a crime by placing a sticker

(or stickers) on the library's curbside pick-up box and traffic sign. However, pursuant to the

Ohio Supreme Court's decision in Barksdale, the fact that Mr. Dean entered onto the

library's property with the intent to commit a crime does not automatically render Mr. Dean's

entry onto the property a criminal trespass. Rather, under the facts of this case, Mr. Dean's

entry onto the library's property was akin to the Ohio Supreme Court's shoplifter example

set forth above in Barksdale. See also State v. Cooper,

, 2006-Ohio-

4004, ¶ 14 (2d Dist.) (appellant's "commission of a criminal offense once inside [a store

appellant was privileged to enter because it was open to the public at the time appellant

entered] cannot convert [appellant's] lawful entry into the store to an unlawful trespass. For

example, a shoplifter who enters a store lawfully is a thief, not a burglar").

{¶ 56} This is all to say that, under these facts, while Mr. Dean's conduct while on

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the library's property was criminally mischievous, something which Mr. Dean does not

dispute in this appeal, Mr. Dean's conduct was not also criminally trespassory. see, e.g.,

State v. Pillow, 2d Dist. Greene No. 07CA095,

("because Defendant's

entry into the drive-thru was privileged, his commission of a theft offense once inside cannot

convert his privileged entry into an unlawful trespass"). To hold otherwise would be in direct

conflict with the Ohio Supreme Court's decision in Barksdale and function as an

enhancement to every criminal offense occurring on property, either public or private, not

otherwise owned by the defendant. See, e.g., State v. Whitfield, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No.

71650,

, *7 (Oct. 16, 1997) ("this court cannot accept the state's

argument that appellant's otherwise lawful entry [into a public park] became unlawful upon

his commission of a felony offense").

{¶ 57} In reaching this decision, we find it necessary to note, just like my respected

colleague in his dissenting opinion set forth below, that the Ohio Supreme Court has twice

narrowed its holding in Barksdale, first in State v. Lyons,

(1985), and

then again in State v. Steffen,

(1987). However, upon review, the facts

and circumstances in Lyons and Steffen that led the Ohio Supreme Court to narrow its

holding in Barksdale are not present here. In Lyons, for instance, the facts established that

no one was privileged to enter onto the subject property without tendering the necessary

fee, thus rendering entrance onto the property conditioned upon proper payment. Whereas

in Steffen, the Ohio Supreme Court determined that "the defendant's privilege to remain in

the home as an invitee [after he was permitted into by the victim to demonstrate a cleaning

product that he was selling door-to-door] terminated the moment he commenced his assault

upon the victim." State v. Russ, 12th Dist. Clermont No. CA99-07-074,

, *9-*10 (June 26, 2000), citing

. In so doing, the Ohio Supreme

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Court "stressed the importance of the inviolability of private homes and distinguished

between [crimes] committed against property and persons."

{¶ 58} Unlike the factual scenarios presented in Lyons and Steffen, this case

presents the very same situation that the Ohio Supreme Court expressed its concern in

Barksdale, i.e., unnecessarily subjecting a defendant to unexpected second liability merely

by stepping onto someone else's property with the intention of committing a crime thereon.

As a result, when applying the Ohio Supreme Court's holding in Barksdale to the case at

bar, we believe Mr. Dean should not have been found guilty of criminal trespass in this case.

This holds true even though the library never gave anyone, including Mr. Dean, permission

to enter onto its property to deface its curbside pick-up box or traffic sign. This is because,

even when permission to enter the property is not explicitly given, this "does not vitiate the

tacit invitation that has been extended to the public to enter the premises." State v.

Vukelich, 9th Dist. Summit Nos. 12578 and 12628,

, *6 (Apr. 8,

1987). Therefore, because this court is bound by and constrained to follow the decisions

of the Ohio Supreme Court, see State v. Rogers, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2019-11-194,

, this court must apply the holding in Barksdale to the case at bar and

reverse Mr. Dean's criminal trespass conviction.

{¶ 59} For these reasons, and finding merit to Mr. Dean's arguments raised herein

challenging his conviction for criminal trespass in violation of R.C. 2911.21(A)(2), the Dean's

fifth assignment of error is sustained as it relates to Mr. Dean's criminal trespass conviction

only. In all other respects, the Deans' fifth assignment of error is overruled.

Assignment of Error No. 6:

{¶ 60} THE JURY ERRED TO THE PREJUDICE OF DEFENDANTS-APPELLANTS

BY FINDING THEM GUILTY OF CHARGES AGAINST THE WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE.

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{¶ 61} In their sixth assignment of error, the Deans argue their criminal trespass

convictions were against the manifest weight of the evidence. Given our holding above

finding the state presented insufficient evidence to support the jury's verdict finding Mr.

Dean guilty of criminal trespass, any discussion of whether Mr. Dean's criminal trespass

conviction was against the manifest weight of the evidence has now been rendered moot.

We will therefore limit our analysis to Mrs. Dean's criminal trespass conviction only.

Manifest Weight of the Evidence Standard

{¶ 62} A manifest weight of the evidence challenge examines the "inclination of the

greater amount of credible evidence, offered at a trial, to support one side of the issue rather

than the other." State v. Barnett, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2011-09-177,

, ¶

14. When determining whether a conviction is against the manifest weight of the evidence,

an appellate court "must look at the entire record, weigh the evidence and all reasonable

inferences, consider the credibility of the witnesses, and determine whether in resolving the

conflicts in the evidence, the trier of fact clearly lost its way and created such a manifest

miscarriage of justice that the conviction must be reversed and a new trial ordered." State

v. Morgan, 12th Dist. Butler Nos. CA2013-08-146 and CA2013-08-147,

. But, even then, the determination of witness credibility is primarily for the trier of fact to

decide at trial. State v. Baker, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2019-08-146,

,

citing State v. DeHass,

(1967), paragraph one of the syllabus. This court

"will overturn a conviction due to the manifest weight of the evidence only in extraordinary

circumstances when the evidence presented at trial weighs heavily in favor of acquittal."

State v. Kaufhold, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2019-09-148,

, citing State

v. Blair, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2014-01-023,

, ¶ 43.

Mrs. Dean's Criminal Trespass Conviction

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{¶ 63} Based on our review of the record, we find Mrs. Deans' conviction for criminal

trespass in violation of R.C. 2911.21(A)(2) was also not against the manifest weight of the

evidence. As noted above, after being told by police not to return to the library following an

incident where she became unruly with library staff for, among other things, not wearing a

mask in violation of library mask policy then in effect, Mrs. Dean was seen on video footage

taken from the library's security cameras entering onto the library's property, kneeling down

in front of the library's curbside pick-up box, and walking down the sidewalk that separates

the library building from the library's back parking lot. This video footage, which is part of

the record on appeal, was played for the jury at trial and admitted as evidence at the

conclusion of the state's case-in-chief. Mrs. Dean did not present any conflicting evidence

for the jury to consider in her defense. Mrs. Dean, in fact, does not dispute that the video

footage captured by the library's security cameras is of her and her husband, Mr. Dean.

Therefore, while Mrs. Dean may dislike the jury's verdict, the jury's verdict finding her guilty

of criminal trespass in violation of R.C. 2911.12(A)(2) was not against the manifest weight

of the evidence. Accordingly, finding no merit to any of Mrs. Dean's arguments raised

herein, the Deans' sixth assignment of error lacks merit and is overruled.

{¶ 64} Judgments in Case Nos. CRB2100235A, CRB2100235B. and CRB2100236A

are affirmed and the judgment in Case No. CRB2100236B is reversed and vacated.

HENDRICKSON, J., concurs.

PIPER, P.J., concurs in part and dissents in part.

PIPER, P.J., concurring in part and dissenting in part.

{¶ 65} I concur with my respected colleagues in all the assignment of errors

presented for review except I do not concur that Samuel Dean's conviction, as determined

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by a jury, was insufficiently supported by evidence nor do I find his challenge to the weight

of the evidence is moot. I therefore dissent in part because Samuel Dean was

unquestionably guilty of criminal trespass and the record reveals it was sufficiently

established. My friends in the majority find Samuel Dean possessed a privilege to be on

the library property even though the evidence indisputably demonstrated his only purpose

in being there was to commit a crime. Our majority holding finds the state can only prove

the absence of privilege if the accused has received a warning beforehand not to be

present. The totality of factual circumstances, not a warning, determine when an absence

of privilege exists; circumstances do not always require a prior warning.

{¶ 66} Generally, an individual upon publicly controlled property has a privilege

founded upon an implied grant of authority due to their status as a member of the public.

Where the state does not allege the accused was engaged in any criminal activity while on

public property there is a failure of proof to sustain a conviction for criminal trespass. State

v. Newell,

(1st Dist. 1994). However, here, not only did the state

establish Samuel Dean entered upon the property to commit criminal mischief, but even

Samuel Dean does not challenge the evidence of his only intent being to commit criminal

mischief. When the evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that entering upon public

property was solely to engage in criminal conduct, the jury rightly determined the

circumstances negated any privilege to be there.

PRIVILEGE IS DETERMINED BY CIRCUMSTANCES

{¶ 67} Where no privilege exists, a defendant's presence constitutes trespass. State

v. Lyons,

(1985) (referring to the criminal trespass statute,

R.C.2911.21[A]). In Lyons, the Ohio Supreme Court explained that while the public could

pay a fee to park in the parking lot thereby possessing a privilege to be there, the defendant

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had "no intention to pay the fee," constituting a petty theft at best, denying him a privilege

to be present in the lot.

The defendant had no intent to pay the lot parking fee as his

only reason for being there was to commit a crime, even though the lot was implicitly open

to the public.

at syllabus. With Lyons' sole intent in entering the property being criminal

in nature and with no lawful purpose, the tacit invitation generally offered to the public was

inapplicable to him. In other words, in circumstances where privilege to be present is non-

existent, there is no requirement that the person must have received a prior warning. An

individual knows his criminal intent to visit crime upon the property of another revokes any

implied privilege to frequent the property.

Notably, it is not a defense to criminal trespass

that the land or premise is available for public use or controlled or operated by a public

entity. R.C. 2911.21(B).5

{¶ 68} Privilege is "an immunity, license, or right conferred by law, bestowed by

express or implied grant, arising out of status, position, office, or relationship, or growing

out of necessity." State v. Hardcastle, 12th Dist. Butler No. 2020-04-053,

, quoting R.C. 2901.01(A)(12). A prior warning is not the only circumstance that can

neutralize an implied privilege. If one is terminated from an office and returns at night and

it is established the sole intent is to commit a crime, the terminated person doesn't need to

be warned when terminated that their return will be unauthorized. Privilege does not

assume unlawful criminal conduct is invited where no lawful intent, or acceptable purpose,

for which the property is open to the public is to be served. "Privilege is the distinguishing

characteristic between unlawful trespass and lawful presence * * *."

There is no privilege

to enter or remain on land of another when the presence of the accused is only to fulfill the

5. The codification of criminal trespass was obviously derived from common law trespass in order to protect property—even public property. In Lyons, law enforcement observed a vehicle being broken into, which resulted in a trespass even though the parking lot was open to the public. Id. at 205.

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intent to commit a criminal offense. The state bears the burden of proving to the jury a

privilege is nonexistent and that a criminal intent is present. State v. Schils, 12th Dist.

Clermont No. 2019-08-067,

; State v. Dailey, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga

No.89289,

, citing State v. Swartz, 5th Dist. Morrow No. CA-608,

, (Jan. 1, 1983) (expressly holding criminal intent as a necessary

element of criminal trespass).

CRIMINAL INTENTION NEGATES PRIVILEGE

{¶ 69} Where circumstantial evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates the only intent

in entering the land or premises was to commit a criminal offense, an accused's claim of

innocence by way of possessing privilege is disingenuous. Here, Samuel Dean presented

no testimony, or evidence, of an innocent or lawful purpose.

{¶ 70} Privilege embraces the concept of implied permission, which necessarily can

only arise from a totality of the circumstances. The law does not presume a public entity

impliedly consents to being the victim of crime. Proof of privilege being absent does not

always require proof of a specific denial of permission, and to insinuate such is misguided.

"No requirement exists that 'no trespassing' signs be posted on property, or that the person

in control or possession of property notify everyone in the world that they are not welcome

to come onto the property." State v. Janson, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-080906, 2009-Ohio-

3256, ¶ 16. In rare and specific circumstances, as present here, a jury could reasonably

conclude that one who enters upon public property to commit a crime does so without

privilege; a jury's verdict for both criminal trespass and criminal mischief can survive a

challenge to both the sufficiency and the weight of the evidence. State v. Callihan, 7th Dist.

Noble No. 210485,

. Upon appellate review when considering the

sufficiency of the evidence, it must be viewed in the light most favorable to the state. State

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v. Lilly,

, 103 (1999) (where it was reasonable for the jury to find the

defendant was without permission to be present despite his claims to the contrary).

{¶ 71} Even on property open to the public the privilege to enter evades the individual

who enters with only criminal intent. The Tenth District Court of Appeals determined that

the jury was free to infer the defendant's privilege to enter a school had been revoked, and

his presence in the school constituted a trespass. While in the parking lot immediately

beforehand, the defendant shot a firearm in the direction of his estranged girlfriend and

entered the school to find her with malicious intent; his entrance in the school was a

trespass. State v. Thompson, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 97APA04-489,

, at *12 (Nov. 10, 1997) (explaining that even though a public facility "permission to be

any place can be terminated with the commission of a crime").

{¶ 72} Even assuming an initial lawful entry, one whose conduct comprises a

criminal offense is aware that their initial privilege has been terminated and that to remain

on the land or premises constitutes a trespass without privilege. State v. Steffen,

(1987); State v. Seymore, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2021-09-113, 2022-Ohio-

2180, ¶ 23 (the parties were arguing about an alleged infidelity and while appellant was

initially permitted to enter the premises, his privilege was revoked the moment he committed

a crime upon his former girlfriend). Other circumstances have resulted in the privilege

forfeited, rendering the defendant a trespasser, the very moment an offense was

perpetrated upon a victim. State v. Wisecup, 12th Dist. Clermont No. CA2004-02-014,

. Similarly, a defendant's effort to steal from a secretary's office in

the church rectory terminated his privilege to be present in the rectory. State v. Zylko, 8th

Dist. Cuyahoga No. 89949,

. Importantly, Zylko suggests there is no

societal interest or logical reason to distinguish between a felony of violence and a

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misdemeanor crime; regardless of the degree of the offense, entrance upon land of another

with criminal intent, public or not, is uninvited, unauthorized, and unwelcomed, and is to be

provided no sanctuary by an unwritten construct of an implied privilege. 6

{¶ 73} To find Samuel Dean guilty of criminal trespass upon public property, the jury

was required to unanimously find from the factual circumstances that no privilege existed.

Circumstantial evidence can negate the existence of an implied privilege. The law surely

finds it unacceptable that one who, by design, enters public property with the sole intent of

damaging, defacing, or destroying that property enters the land with an implied privilege.

Here, the jury found the state met its burden of proof in establishing Dean committed

criminal trespass.

{¶ 74} Samuel Dean had no license or right, nor any status giving rise to an implied

grant, to enter upon library property so he could commit the offense of criminal mischief.

He went to the library on Sunday when it was closed with full awareness his sole purpose

was to commit the crime of criminal mischief. With no evidence of a reasonable inference

he was there for a legitimate purpose, his intended criminal mischief made his entrance

upon the property an unlawful trespass. Samuel Dean's criminal interest was purely his

own and he possessed no tacit invitation to facilitate inappropriate, or unlawful, business.

Accordingly, the jury followed the instructions of law and determined him guilty of criminal

6. The allied-offense statute, R.C. 2941.25, concerns the merger of convictions arising from the same conduct and animus. Offenses coincidentally committed in public would be merged into a more serious offense. The majority expresses concern that Samuel Dean would be subject to "unexpected second liability," yet the jury found Dean went to the property and trespassed with criminal intent thus his liability cannot have been unexpected. Furthermore, second liability would be negated with the use of merger. While the convictions for criminal trespass and criminal mischief herein may have merged for sentencing purposes, such was not raised before the trial court nor argued on appeal. See Seymore,

(where privilege evaded the defendant due to his criminal conduct, yet the offenses were allied offenses of similar import, required to be merged). Separate offenses however may be eligible to be expunged. R.C.2953.31(A)(1)(b).

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trespass as well as criminal mischief.7

BARKSDALE

{¶ 75} The majority's decision relies heavily on its conformity with an Ohio Supreme

court case, State v. Barksdale,

(1983), which dealt with a burglary charge.

The court looked to other state courts because "the instant cause asks us to traverse * * *

virtually unexplored legal terrain."

. It concurred with sister courts interpreting the

laws of their state from that time period because the court found itself with a case of first

impression.

{¶ 76} In Barksdale the court's concern seemed to involve the extended invitations

of merchants, shopkeepers, and gracious host to business invitees or licensees.

There

was not even remote discussion of the state's need to prove the absence of privilege by

demonstrating a previous warning to the would-be offender intending a crime upon public

property when entering. The Supreme Court subsequent to Barksdale decided Lyons,

which is much closer to our facts sub judice and therefore offers better guidance.

{¶ 77} The Court in Barksdale became concerned with a hypothetical it created: a

shoplifter could be simultaneously charged for a theft offense and also charged with criminal

trespass.

While there was no acknowledgement the two offenses, if charged, would be

merged, the court suggested the General Assembly's legislative intent supported the court's

outcome of nullifying the criminal trespass. No explanation for how the court arrived at the

General Assembly's intent was given. There was, however, reference to R.C.2901.04(A)

reminding the reader that defining penalties and offenses shall be strictly construed against

the state yet no explanation as to how the circumstances did or did not create a privilege.

7. Neither Samuel nor Julie challenge the sufficiency of the evidence or weight of the evidence pertaining to their convictions for criminal mischief.

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. The present issue does not involve defining an offense; our issue today is what

factual circumstances are necessary to determine the absence of privilege. 8 And despite

the majority's insistence, Barksdale is not the "same situation" we have here.

{¶ 78} Reliance upon a case dispensing a hypothetical is not strong support. In the

end Barksdale provides little illumination to the facts at hand and any light it does shed is

opaque. Interestingly, neither Samuel Dean's brief, nor argument, employed reference or

reliance upon Barksdale. The arguments made, and decided in Barksdale, were different

than those before us today.9

CONCLUSION

{¶ 79} The majority decision decides the state did not prove, as a matter of law, that

Samuel Dean committed the act of criminal trespass despite the factual circumstances

revealing that he had no implied privilege to enter upon library property to fulfill his mission

of criminal intent. My concern is that the evidence was not viewed by the majority in the

light most favorable to the state as the law requires us to do. Instead, the majority nullifies

Dean's conviction finding that if in a public place an accused must receive a warning

beforehand. This finding applies, even if it is proved beyond a reasonable doubt the

trespass is one with criminal intent. I must respectfully disagree.

{¶ 80} Certainly, under normal circumstances a member of the public possesses an

implied grant to be on public property, giving them the privilege to be there. However, my

colleagues determine that in a unique factual situation as we have here, the implied privilege

8. Additionally, the justices dissenting in Barksdale suggest the majority too narrowly interprets the statutes it employs.

(Holmes, J. dissenting opinion).

9. The hypothetical in Barksdale appears to influence the majority's concern for liability regarding a second charge. However, "privilege" was not meant to nullify a second charge and the imposed requirement of a "warning" should not be used to nullify a second charge. A second penalty is negated with the General Assembly's creation of merger. R.C 2941.25.

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can only be negated by telling the accused he cannot come onto the property to commit his

intended crime. While I respect my colleagues' concerns for situations other than what we

have here, and for punishment attached to a second offense arising from the same animus,

I find their interpretation of the law unworkable in circumstances where the designed

entrance upon public land is only intended to fulfill criminal conduct. When the trespass is

with demonstrative criminal intent, if proved beyond a reasonable doubt, as it was here, the

trespass must never be considered privileged.

{¶ 81} While I agree with my colleagues in overruling the first four assignments of

error, I would also overrule both the fifth and sixth assignments of error and affirm Samuel

Dean's conviction for criminal trespass as the evidence was both sufficient and proved by

the weight of evidence beyond a reasonable doubt.

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