No. 13-05-186-CR.
November 30, 2006. Do Not Publish
On appeal from the 135th District Court of Victoria County, Texas.
Before Chief Justice VALDEZ and Justices RODRIGUEZ and CASTILLO.
Memorandum Opinion by Justice CASTILLO
A jury convicted appellant, Fred Charles Valdez, of capital murder. The trial court assessed punishment at life imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Institutional Division. By four points of error, Valdez appeals. We affirm.
Tex. Pen. Code Ann. § 19.03(a)(8) (Vernon Supp. 2006). In three counts, the indictment charged Valdez with capital murder, murder, and serious bodily injury of a child under six years old. Forensic testimony showed the ten-month-old child died of trauma to her head and brain.
I. POINTS OF ERROR
In his first point of error, Valdez maintains that the trial court erred in denying pretrial and mid-trial motions for continuance. In his second and third points of error, Valdez contends defense counsel was ineffective in failing to timely make and prevail on a Batson challenge, and he was harmed by the State's improper striking of minorities from the jury panel. In his fourth point of error, Valdez maintains that the trial court erred in limiting the cross-examination of the medical examiner, Dr. Elizabeth Peacock, concerning the status of her medical license in 2004. II. PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
On December 3, 2003, Valdez was arrested for the murder of a ten-month-old child. On December 16, 2003, the trial court appointed defense counsel. On February 26, 2004, the indictment was filed. After numerous continuances, the parties agreed to a January 25, 2005 jury trial setting. III. DENIAL OF MOTIONS FOR CONTINUANCE
By his first point of error, Valdez asserts that the trial court erred by denying his motions for continuance because he was prejudiced by the untimely (1) disclosure of videotapes that contained new evidence of a pre-existing injury to the child, and (2) designation of the medical expert, Dr. Elizabeth Peacock, who performed the autopsy and completed the autopsy report. The State responds that the trial court did not err because the complained-of videotapes were available to Valdez in the district attorney's "open file" at all times before trial and the State voluntarily disclosed the medical expert absent Valdez's article 39.14 motion. See Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Ann. art. 39.14 (Vernon Supp. 2006) (addressing pretrial discovery). A. Standard of Review
Continuances in criminal cases are governed by article 29 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. See Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Ann. art. 29 (Vernon 2006). A criminal action may be continued for sufficient cause shown on written motion. See id. art. 29.03. The granting or denying of a motion for continuance is reviewed for abuse of discretion. Janecka v. State, 937 S.W.2d 456, 468 (Tex.Crim.App. 1996) (en banc); Heiselbetz v. State, 906 S.W.2d 500, 511 (Tex.Crim.App. 1995) (en banc); Cooks v. State, 844 S.W.2d 697, 725 (Tex.Crim.App. 1992). An abuse of discretion occurs when the trial court acts arbitrarily or unreasonably, without reference to guiding rules or principles. Montgomery v. State, 810 S.W.2d 372, 380 (Tex.Crim.App. 1990) (en banc). A motion for continuance filed during trial is governed by article 29.13, which provides: A continuance or postponement may be granted on the motion of the State or defendant after the trial has begun, when it is made to appear to the satisfaction of the court that by some unexpected occurrence since the trial began, which no reasonable diligence could have anticipated, the applicant is so taken by surprise that a fair trial cannot be had. Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Ann. art. 29.13 (Vernon 2006). Under the standard of article 29.13, it must appear to the satisfaction of the trial court that "a fair trial cannot be had" before a continuance or postponement is warranted. Id.; Barney v. State, 698 S.W.2d 114, 126-27 (Tex.Crim.App. 1985). A motion for continuance sought on grounds of surprise is addressed to the sound discretion of the trial court. Barney, 698 S.W.2d at 127. Consequently, we will not sustain the issue unless an abuse of discretion is shown. Id. An oral motion for continuance presents nothing for review. Dewberry v. State, 4 S.W.3d 735, 755 (Tex.Crim.App. 1999) (en banc). An exception does exist, however, where circumstances surrounding the trial court's denial of the oral motion amount to a denial of due process. O'Rarden v. State, 777 S.W.2d 455, 459-60 (Tex.App.-Dallas 1989, pet. ref'd). Where a motion is based on equitable grounds such as inadequate preparation time, we will not overturn the trial court's decision unless a clear abuse of discretion is shown. Coleman v. State, 481 S.W.2d 872, 873 (Tex.Crim.App. 1972) (holding no abuse of discretion where appellant had one month to prepare); see Guye v. State, 501 S.W.2d 675, 675-76 (Tex.Crim.App. 1973) (upholding denial of continuance where counsel had three weeks to prepare); Munoz v. State, 24 S.W.3d 427, 431 (Tex.App.-Corpus Christi 2000, no pet.). We review the entire record to determine if the continuance should have been granted. See Kopanski v. State, 713 S.W.2d 188, 189-90 (Tex.App.-Corpus Christi 1986, no pet.). In determining whether a trial court erred in overruling a motion for continuance, we examine the record of the proceedings to determine if appellant was ably represented by counsel throughout the trial. Jimenez v. State, 717 S.W.2d 1, 2 (Tex.Crim.App. 1986). B. The Record
On August 26, 2004, the trial court granted the defense's motion to employ an investigator. On that same date, the parties agreed to the January 25, 2005 jury trial setting. Before adjourning the hearing, the trial court requested the defense to notify the trial court of the need for any pretrial hearings. On October 1, 2004, the parties acknowledged the January 25, 2005 trial date and either a January 10 or 11, 2005 setting for pretrial announcements. On January 21, 2005, the defense filed a motion for continuance asserting, generally, that additional time was necessary to prepare Valdez's defense. At a pretrial hearing convened on January 25, 2005, the defense for the first time announced not ready for trial and requested additional time to prepare because (1) two weeks before trial the defense received eight videotapes that provided evidence of injury to the child that occurred approximately three weeks before the fatal injuries, and (2) one week before trial the defense received notice of a previously undesignated medical expert, the medical examiner Dr. Peacock. The prosecutor responded that no discovery motion was filed but the State's file contained the complained-of information and was at all times available to the defense. Noting that the case was pending for thirteen months, the trial court denied the motion for continuance but ordered the parties to approach the bench if during trial the State intended or attempted to introduce videotape and medical expert testimony. The trial court set January 31, 2005 for jury selection and authorized the defense to re-urge a motion for continuance prior to jury selection if necessary. The trial court also authorized the defense to hire a medical expert, if necessary, during the week before trial. The defense did not re-urge a motion for continuance prior to jury selection. Rather, after the jury was empaneled and sworn, the defense made a motion in limine requesting the relief the trial court had already ordered, namely, that the parties approach the bench before the State introduced videotape or medical expert testimony. Asserting untimely notice of forensic and photograph evidence, the defense announced that a continuance might be necessary during trial for purposes of finalizing arrangements with a defense medical expert. Next, the defense re-urged the pretrial motion for continuance, claiming among other concerns that additional time was needed to prepare for trial because of the recently disclosed videotapes and Dr. Peacock as a testifying expert. The prosecutor responded that, on May 13, 2004, the State voluntarily disclosed its entire file, including medical records containing the forensic evidence and identity of all experts, photographs, and videotapes. The prosecutor further responded that the defense had unlimited access to the file and all evidence since then. The prosecutor argued that, absent a discovery motion, the defense could not claim surprise. The trial court ruled as follows: (1) it denied the defense's request, if any, to exclude any expert witness; (2) after taking judicial notice of its file, it denied the motion for continuance; (3) it granted the discovery request for access to photographs; and (4) it granted the motion in limine to address (a) Dr. Peacock's qualifications to testify on grounds that her professional license lapsed, and (b) other evidentiary matters that might arise at trial. Mid-trial and before Dr. Peacock testified, the defense again requested a continuance to prepare a defense on grounds of the untimely disclosure of the autopsy photographs and of Dr. Peacock as a testifying expert. The defense further argued prejudice based on insufficient time to prepare, with the assistance and guidance of a medical expert, to effectively cross-examine Dr. Peacock. The trial court denied the motion. C. Continuance Analysis
Valdez essentially argues he was prejudiced on grounds of surprise by the denial of his pretrial and trial motions for continuance. See Tex. R. App. P. 38.1(e). 1. Pre-trial Motion
The record shows that, after numerous continuances spanning a thirteen-month period, the parties agreed to a January 25, 2005 setting but trial began a week later. Meanwhile, since May 14, 2004, the State voluntarily provided the defense unlimited access to its file including the videotapes, photographs, and medical records identifying medical experts. Thus, the State disclosed all evidence and potential witnesses to be called from May 13, 2004 (approximately five months after defense counsel was appointed) up to and including the October 2004 pretrial hearing and the January 2005 trial date. Further, the trial court entered an order that counsel approach the bench regarding the evidence which concerned the defense and, thus, allowed Valdez the opportunity to review and object to the evidence, if necessary, before its admission. Moreover, during the culpability and penalty phases of the trial, defense counsel participated fully, cross-examined every State witness, and objected to the admission of evidence. The record does not affirmatively establish that the defense did not have adequate time to prepare for trial during the thirteen-month time the case was on the trial court's docket. Coleman, 481 S.W.2d at 873. Thus, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying the pretrial motion for continuance. Janecka, 937 S.W.2d at 468. 2. Trial Motions
As to Valdez's motions for continuance argued after the jury was impaneled and before Dr. Peacock testified, the defense did not seek a continuance on grounds of the late disclosure of the videotapes, a complaint he raises on appeal. Valdez does not dispute that he had sufficient opportunity to discover the identity of the medical examiner. Rather, Valdez asserts that he was prejudiced by the untimely disclosure of Dr. Peacock's identity. However, approximately five months before trial, the trial court granted the defense's motion to employ an investigator and, thus, provided Valdez a resource to discover the complained-of identity. We conclude that Valdez had access to the identity of the medical examiner, Dr. Peacock, and had sufficient opportunity to discover any exculpatory information within her knowledge. There has been no showing, by bill of exception or motion for new trial, that the witness was in any way unavailable for investigation purposes or that Valdez was precluded from presenting any exculpatory information from the witness. Thus, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying Valdez's continuance motions urged during trial. See Janecka, 937 S.W.2d at 468; Barney, 698 S.W.2d at 127. C. Harm Analysis
Every case must be reviewed on its own facts. Jimenez, 717 S.W.2d at 2. In the matter of a continuance abuse of discretion and, thus, harm is evaluated by examining the record of the proceedings to determine if appellant was ably represented by counsel throughout the trial. Id. (citing Harris v. State, 516 S.W2d 931 (Tex.Crim.App. 1975); Compton v. State, 500 S.W.2d 131 (Tex.Crim.App. 1973); Gray v. State, 477 S.W.2d 635 (Tex.Crim.App. 1972); Day v. State, 57 S.W.2d 581 (Tex.Crim.App. 1933); Webb v. State, 40 S.W. 989 (Tex.Crim.App. 1897)). In this appeal, we have reviewed the record to assess defense counsel's representation in connection with his first point of error (continuance claim) and his ineffective assistance of counsel claim in his second point of error ( Brady claim). We discuss the latter in the section below. As to the effectiveness of counsel in connection with his continuance claim, the record shows that defense counsel actively represented Valdez during the culpability and punishment phases of the trial. See Jimenez, 717 S.W.2d at 2. We cannot discern from this record any deficiencies due to inadequate time to prepare a defense. Id. Defense counsel elicited responses from Dr. Peacock as to alternative theories, ostensibly favorable to the defense, involving a death of a child with the same or similar symptoms prior to death. Thus, even assuming error, we conclude that Valdez has shown neither surprise nor reversible error. See Tex. R. App. P. 44.2(b); Jimenez, 717 S.W.2d at 2. We overrule Valdez's first point of error. IV. BATSON CHALLENGE
By his second point of error, Valdez asserts that trial counsel was ineffective by not timely raising and prevailing on his Batson challenge. See Batson v. Kentucky, 476 U.S. 79, 89 (1986). By his third point of error, he asserts denial of due process and harm based on the State's improper striking of all minorities from the jury panel. The State responds that, although the Batson challenge was untimely, Valdez was neither denied effective assistance of counsel nor harmed because the trial court ruled on the merits of his Batson claim. We turn first to the Batson claim. A. Standard of Review 1. Batson v. Kentucky
We apply a "clearly erroneous" standard of review to a trial court's ruling on a Batson claim. Gibson v. State, 144 S.W.3d 530, 534 (Tex.Crim.App. 2004). Because the trial court is in a unique position to determine whether the State exercised peremptory challenges for race-neutral reasons, we accord great deference to the trial court's determinations as to credibility and demeanor in connection with a Batson inquiry. See id. (citing Jasper v. State, 61 S.W.3d 413, 421-22 (Tex.Crim.App. 2001)); Johnson v. State, 68 S.W.3d 644, 649 (Tex.Crim.App. 2002). A Batson challenge generally gives rise to a three-step process: (1) the defendant must make a prima facie case that a venire member was peremptorily excluded on the basis of race; (2) once a prima face case is made, the prosecution must tender race-neutral reasons for the peremptory strike; and (3) if race-neutral reasons are tendered, the defendant must prove purposeful race-based discrimination. See Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Ann. art. 35.261(a) (Vernon 2006); Simpson v. State, 119 S.W.3d 262, 268 (Tex.Crim.App. 2003); Johnson, 68 S.W.3d at 649. The burden of persuasion remains with the defendant at all times. See Simpson, 119 S.W.3d at 268. Unless a discriminatory intent is inherent in the prosecutor's explanation, the reason offered will be deemed race-neutral. Id. 2. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
To prevail on a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, Valdez must establish that defense counsel's performance fell below an objective standard of reasonableness and that there is a "reasonable probability" the result of the proceeding would have been different but for counsel's deficient performance. See Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 693-94 (1984). "A reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome." Id. at 694. The purpose of this two-pronged test is to assess whether counsel's conduct so compromised the proper functioning of the adversarial process that the trial cannot be said to have produced a reliable result. See Thompson v. State, 9 S.W.3d 808, 812-13 (Tex.Crim.App. 1999) (citing McFarland v. State, 845 S.W.2d 824, 843 (Tex.Crim.App. 1992)). Valdez has the burden to show by a preponderance of the evidence that defense counsel's performance was deficient, falling below the prevailing professional norms, and that the deficiency prejudiced Valdez. Thompson, 9 S.W.3d at 812-13. Absent an opportunity for trial counsel to explain his actions, we should not find ineffective assistance unless the challenged conduct was "so outrageous that no competent attorney would have engaged in it." Goodspeed v. State, 187 S.W.3d 390, 392 (Tex.Crim.App. 2005) (quoting Garcia v. State, 57 S.W.3d 436, 440 (Tex.Crim.App. 2001)). B. The Record
Once the jury was selected and empaneled, defense counsel raised his Batson challenge, arguing that the prosecutor impermissibly exercised peremptory challenges against all five Hispanics on the venire. Finding the motion untimely ostensibly because the jury was empaneled, the trial court overruled the challenge but, for "purposes of the record," requested the State to respond. The prosecutor proffered race-neutral reasons for its strikes against all five Hispanics on the panel. The defense replied that the State had not disclosed criminal history of any venireperson and the prosecutor's question with respect to the veracity of law enforcement was invidiously calculated to eliminate minorities from the panel because minorities would be less trusting of law enforcement than non-minorities. C. Batson Analysis
The trial court overruled the Batson claim as untimely but allowed the parties to develop a record on the claim. Defense counsel demonstrated that all minorities were stricken. The prosecutor proffered that, in each instance of striking a minority panelist, (1) there was a non-racial reason to strike, (2) in some instances, defense counsel eliminated the panelist for the same non-racial reason as the State and, (3) in other instances, the State struck non-minorities for the same reasons. On appeal, Valdez asserts that the prosecutor's reasons regarding eliminating two of the five minority panel members were contrary to the facts in the record. Even assuming the proffered reasons are incorrect, the defense must still prove they were a pretext for invidious race-based discrimination. See Johnson, 68 S.W.3d at 649 (stating that it is insufficient to show that the prosecutor's proffered explanation is incorrect). Valdez's failure to offer any real rebuttal to a proffered race-neutral explanation is fatal to his Batson claim. See id. We conclude that the Batson challenge is not supported by the record. See Gibson, 144 S.W.3d at 534; Simpson, 119 S.W.3d at 268; Johnson, 68 S.W.3d at 649. Further, Valdez has not demonstrated harm. See Tex. R. App. P. 44.2(b). We overrule Valdez's fourth point of error. We turn to the question of ineffective assistance of counsel in connection with the failure of his Batson claim. D. Ineffectiveness Analysis
While Valdez concedes that the failure to timely advance a Batson challenge does not meet the criteria to prove ineffective assistance of counsel, he maintains that ineffectiveness of counsel is demonstrated by defense counsel's failure to prove pretext, the third element in the Batson construct. See Simpson, 119 S.W.3d at 268; Johnson, 68 S.W.3d at 649. Valdez argues that, had defense counsel provided effective assistance, he would have prevailed because the record plainly shows invidious race-based peremptory strikes were applied to purposely eliminate all five Hispanics in the thirty-two member venire. The State counters that, because no Batson error occurred, Valdez was not denied effective assistance of counsel. We have already concluded that, on this record, Batson was not offended. To establish ineffective assistance based on the failure to prevail in the Batson proceeding, Valdez must demonstrate that the trial court would have erred in overruling the claim made during trial. See Vaughn v. State, 931 S.W.2d 564, 566 (Tex.Crim.App. 1996). After hearing the prosecutor's reasons for its strikes and defense counsel's arguments, the trial court stated that it had already ruled and merely allowed the parties to perfect a bill. Implicit in the trial court's adherence to its decision to overrule the Batson claim as untimely is its denial of the claim on the merits. See Gutierrez v. State, 36 S.W.3d 509, 511 (Tex.Crim.App. 2001) (requiring the reviewing court to consider whether a ruling is implicit). In this context, we further conclude that the record shows the trial court considered the genuineness of the prosecutor's asserted non-racial motives as well as the argument of defense counsel. The trial court's implicit denial of the Batson challenge is supported by the record and is not clearly erroneous. Gibson, 144 S.W.3d at 534. Because we accord great deference to the trial court's determinations as to credibility and demeanor in connection with a Batson inquiry, defense counsel's burden to prove pretext in the analytical construct was high. See id. at 534; Johnson, 68 S.W.3d at 649. The term "pretext" involves solely a question of fact; there is no issue of law. See Gibson, 144 S.W.3d at 534. Thus, the trial court was in the unique position to view, and hear the reasons of, the prosecutor as related to the venirepersons's answers in connection with the complained-of peremptory challenges. See id. We cannot substitute our judgment for that of the trial court. Id. Thus, although defense counsel did not persuade the trial court that the prosecutor's proffered reasons for his peremptory strikes were mere pretext and racially motivated, we conclude that defense counsel's conduct did not so compromise the proper functioning of the adversarial process that the trial failed to produce a reliable result, Thompson, 9 S.W.3d at 812-13, or that his performance fell below an objective standard of reasonableness. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 693-94. We conclude that Valdez was not denied effective assistance of counsel as to his Batson claim. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 693-94; Goodspeed, 187 S.W.3d at 392. We overrule Valdez' s second point of error. V. LIMITATION AND DENIAL OF CROSS-EXAMINATION
By his fourth point of error, Valdez asserts the trial court abused its discretion when it limited cross-examination of Dr. Peacock, the medical examiner, concerning the lapse of her medical license in 2004. He further asserts the ruling denied his right to cross-examine the witness because at the crux of his inquiry was the medical examiner's qualifications to perform the autopsy and render an opinion as to the cause of death. In a sub-point, Valdez advances harmful error. He argues that, had the trial court permitted this line of cross-examination, the jury could have completely disbelieved the testimony of Dr. Peacock and decided that the results of the autopsy were not valid. Thus, he maintains he was prejudiced. The State responds that, because Dr. Peacock performed the autopsy in this case while licensed, cross-examination was properly limited. A. Applicable Law
We review the trial court's ruling limiting cross examination for an abuse of discretion. Carroll v. State, 916 S.W.2d 494, 498 (Tex.Crim.App. 1996); see also Crenshaw v. State, 125 S.W.3d 651, 654-55 (Tex.App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 2003, pet. ref'd); Montgomery, 810 S.W.2d at 379. Error in excluding cross-examination testimony is constitutional error. Shelby v. State, 819 S.W.2d 544, 546 (Tex.Crim.App. 1991) (en banc). A violation of the confrontation clause remains subject to harmless error analysis. Id. (citing Delaware v. Van Arsdall, 475 U.S. 673, 684 (1986)). The test for harm in excluded testimony encompasses three steps: (1) we suppose the damaging potential of the cross-examination was fully realized; (2) we review the error in connection with the following factors, (a) the importance of the witness's testimony in the prosecution's case, (b) whether the testimony was cumulative, (c) the presence or absence of evidence corroborating or contradicting the testimony of the witness on material points, (d) the extent of cross-examination otherwise permitted and (e) the overall strength of the prosecution's case; and (3) we determine whether the error was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. See Shelby, 819 S.W.2d at 547. The focus of the confrontation clause is on individual witnesses, and so we do not focus on the outcome of the entire trial when making the initial determination of whether constitutional error was committed. Cooper v. State, 95 S.W.3d 488, 492 (Tex.App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 2002, pet ref'd). With these principles in mind, we review the record evidence to decide whether Valdez has shown harm. B. Harm Analysis
Valdez sought to examine the 2004 suspension of Dr. Peacock's medical license. The State objected. Because the issue is dispositive, we turn to Valdez's claim of prejudice. See Tex. R. App. P. 47.1. For that analysis, we begin with Valdez's undisputed contention that Dr. Peacock's license was suspended in 2004. Documents in evidence show that the child died on October 31, 2003 and Dr. Peacock performed the autopsy on November 1, 2003. Out of the jury's presence, the defense requested to cross-examine Dr. Peacock with respect to performing autopsies when her medical license lapsed. The trial court allowed the defense to perfect a bill of the testimony. See Tex. R. App. P. 33.2; Tex. R. Evid. 103(a)(2), (b). Dr. Peacock testified that she performed autopsies for eleven weeks with an expired medical license. The trial court subsequently granted the State's oral motion in limine requiring a bench conference before the defense advanced questions as to the lapsed medical license. Valdez adduced no evidence in his bill to show that the status of Dr. Peacock's license in 2004 had any relevance to the facts or validity of Dr. Peacock's testimony. The defense did not object to Dr. Peacock's testimony before the jury. The defense did not object to admission of the autopsy report in evidence. The autopsy report shows that Dr. Peacock performed the autopsy on November 1, 2003. The defense did not request a bench conference on the question of eliciting testimony from Dr. Peacock as to the status of her license, an opportunity the trial court granted pretrial and at the beginning of trial. Valdez was otherwise allowed a full opportunity to cross-examine Dr. Peacock and defense counsel seized that opportunity and participated fully. The record does not reveal evidence having any tendency to make the existence of any fact that was of consequence to the determination of the action more probable or less probable than it would be without the evidence. See Tex. R. Evid. 401. Moreover, the State had a strong evidentiary case, and the testimony of Dr. Peacock as to the cause of the child's death was corroborated by a large amount of other forensic evidence. Further, while Valdez complains that he was denied cross-examination as to an expired medical license in 2004, Dr. Peacock performed the autopsy in 2003. The autopsy report was admitted without objection. During trial, Valdez cross-examined Dr. Peacock fully regarding the autopsy. As the State posits, the record shows that Dr. Peacock was licensed when she performed the autopsy and compiled the autopsy report. Thus, on these facts, even if the trial court abused its discretion in limiting and denying cross-examination, Valdez has not demonstrated harm. See Tex. R. App. P. 44.2(a); Shelby, 819 S.W.2d at 546. We overrule Valdez's fourth point of error. VI. CONCLUSION
Having overruled Valdez's four points of error, we affirm the judgment. Memorandum Opinion delivered and filed