STATE OF NEBRASKA V. ARTWIONE D. MANN

Lincoln, NE - Criminal defense attorney represented Artwione D. Mann with a possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) with intent to distribute charge.

Mann was initially charged by information with possession of a controlled substance

(methamphetamine) with intent to distribute, a Class II felony, and possession of drug

paraphernalia, an infraction. Pursuant to a plea agreement, an amended information was filed

charging Mann with attempted possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) with

intent to distribute, a Class IIA felony, and he pled no contest. In exchange for the plea, the State

agreed to recommend a sentence of probation.- 2 -

Prior to accepting his plea, the court reviewed the plea agreement with Mann and told him

it was not bound by any sentencing recommendation. The court also explained the charge against

him and the possible penalties, as well as the rights he was waiving by pleading no contest. Mann

indicated he understood everything that was explained to him. Mann also indicated that he had

enough time to speak with his attorney, he had told his attorney everything he knew about the case,

he was satisfied with this attorney's work, and he believed his attorney was competent. Mann also

stated that other than the plea agreement, no threats or promises had been made to get him to plead

and that he was entering his plea freely and voluntarily.

A factual basis was given by the State as follows:

That on September 26th of 2019, Officer Maloley was on duty for the Beatrice

Police Department when he was called to assist Deputy Chavez of the Gage County

Sheriff's Office to work an accident in the 100 block of South Sixth Street in Beatrice,

Gage County, Nebraska.

Officer Maloley made contact with the defendant, Artwione Mann, in the back seat

of a vehicle that was owned by Dalton Strictland. During contact with Artwione Mann, he

did grant permission to search his person, and in his left inside shorts pocket, Officer

Maloley located a baggie and a scale inside his sock. That bag contained a white crystal

substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine weighing approximately 1 gram.

Artwione Mann was read his Miranda rights and agreed to speak with Officer

Maloley without an attorney present. He advised Officer Maloley that he would be getting

a . . . ride from Melissa Schmidt-Goertzen, [and] her boyfriend, Dalton Strictland, to deliver

methamphetamine to another male.

That methamphetamine was ultimately tested by the Nebraska State Patrol Crime

Lab where it did confirm it was methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. All

these events occurred in Gage County, in Nebraska.

The court subsequently accepted Mann's plea and found there were sufficient facts to find

him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The court told Mann he needed to meet with the probation

office to complete a presentence investigation, psychological evaluation, and substance abuse

evaluation. It also reiterated that it was not bound by the State's sentencing recommendation.

A sentencing hearing followed. At the start of the hearing, Mann's counsel stated that Mann

wanted to withdraw his plea. Counsel admitted that no formal motion had been made. The court

overruled the motion and subsequently sentenced Mann to a term of 3 to 5 years' imprisonment.

ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR

Mann assigns that the trial court erred in imposing an excessive sentence and that he was

denied effective assistance of counsel in the following ways: (1) trial counsel was ineffective in

failing to adequately meet with him, failing to adequately review discovery materials, failing to

provide him with discovery materials, and failing to investigate his defense; (2) trial counsel was

ineffective in failing to file and articulate a proper motion to withdraw plea; (3) trial counsel was

ineffective in promising him that if he pled guilty he would be sentenced to probation; and (4) trial

counsel was ineffective in failing to correct the trial court at sentencing when it stated that Mann

had been sentenced to prison twice before.- 3 -

STANDARD OF REVIEW

An appellate court will not disturb a sentence imposed within the statutory limits absent an

abuse of discretion by the trial court. State v. Blaha, 303 Neb. 415, 929 N.W.2d 494 (2019). An

abuse of discretion occurs when a trial court's decision is based upon reasons that are untenable or

unreasonable or if its action is clearly against justice or conscience, reason, and evidence. Id.

Whether a claim of ineffective assistance of trial counsel may be determined on direct

appeal is a question of law. Id. In reviewing claims of ineffective assistance of counsel on direct

appeal, an appellate court decides only whether the undisputed facts contained within the record

are sufficient to conclusively determine whether counsel did or did not provide effective assistance

and whether the defendant was or was not prejudiced by counsel's alleged deficient performance.

Id.

ANALYSIS

Excessive Sentence.

Mann first assigns that the trial court imposed an excessive sentence. Mann was convicted

of attempted possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) with intent to distribute, a

Class IIA felony punishable by a maximum of 20 years' imprisonment and no minimum. See, Neb.

Rev. Stat. § 28-416(1)(a) (Cum. Supp. 2020); Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-201 (Cum. Supp. 2020); Neb.

Rev. Stat. § 28-105 (Cum. Supp. 2020). Mann was sentenced to a term of 3 to 5 years'

imprisonment. His sentence is within the statutory limits and, therefore, will not be disturbed

absent an abuse of discretion. See State v. Blaha, supra.

Mann acknowledges that the sentence is within the statutory limits but argues that the court

ignored many of the relevant factors which should have been considered and should have

sentenced him to probation. He argues that the court failed to consider that he accepted some

responsibility for the offense, he struggled with addiction and mental health issues, and had limited

education and difficulty finding employment.

It is within the discretion of the trial court whether to impose probation or incarceration,

and an appellate court will uphold the trial court's decision denying probation absent an abuse of

discretion. See State v. Wills, 285 Neb. 260, 826 N.W.2d 581 (2013).

When imposing a sentence, a sentencing judge should consider the defendant's (1) age, (2)

mentality, (3) education and experience, (4) social and cultural background, (5) past criminal

record or record of law-abiding conduct, and (6) motivation for the offense, as well as (7) the

nature of the offense and (8) the violence involved in the commission of the crime. State v. Chairez,

302 Neb. 731, 924 N.W.2d 725 (2019). The appropriateness of a sentence is necessarily a

subjective judgment and includes the sentencing judge's observation of the defendant's demeanor

and attitude and all the facts and circumstances surrounding the defendant's life. Id.

At the sentencing hearing, the trial court stated that it took the above-mentioned factors

into account in determining the sentence. The court noted that it had given Mann 3 months to meet

with probation for the presentence investigation and he had failed to do so. It also noted that Mann

admitted to law enforcement that at the time of his arrest he was getting a ride to deliver

methamphetamine. The court further stated that Mann's criminal history included a couple assault

convictions; he had been sentenced to two terms of probation as an adult, both of which were - 4 -

revoked and he was resentenced to jail; and he had been sentenced to multiple terms of

incarceration in county jails and two terms of incarceration in the Nebraska Department of

Corrections. The court concluded that based on the lack of information available due to Mann's

failure to meet with probation, and his past criminal record, it did not find him to be a suitable

candidate for probation.

Mann was first charged with a crime, criminal mischief, in 2002 when he was 12 years'

old. He has a lengthy juvenile record, including multiple charges of assault and multiple terms of

probation, all of which he completed. He also has a lengthy criminal history as an adult, resulting

in probation, fines, restitution, revoked license, and incarceration.

Mann claims the court failed to take into account his limited education and difficulty

finding employment, but at the plea hearing Mann told the court he had graduated high school and

had taken some college classes. He was also employed at that time.

Based on the record before us, the trial court took the appropriate factors into consideration

when sentencing Mann and there is no indication it considered any inappropriate or improper

factors. The court had limited information to consider given that Mann failed to meet with

probation for the presentence investigation. Accordingly, it cannot be said that the trial court

abused its discretion or that the sentence imposed was excessive.

Ineffective Assistance of Counsel Claims.

Mann next assigns that his trial counsel provided ineffective assistance. Mann has different

counsel on direct appeal than he did at trial. When a defendant's counsel is different from his or

her counsel on direct appeal, the defendant must raise on direct appeal any issue of trial counsel's

ineffective performance which is known to the defendant or is apparent from the record. State v.

Blaha, 303 Neb. 415, 929 N.W.2d 494 (2019).

Generally, to prevail on a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel under Strickland v.

Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 104 S. Ct. 2052, 80 L. Ed. 2d 674 (1984), the defendant must show

that his or her counsel's performance was deficient and that this deficient performance actually

prejudiced the defendant's defense. State v. Mrza, 302 Neb. 931, 926 N.W.2d 79 (2019). To show

that counsel's performance was deficient, a defendant must show that counsel's performance did

not equal that of a lawyer with ordinary training and skill in criminal law. Id. In a plea context,

whether an attorney's representation was deficient depends on whether counsel's advice was

within the range of competence demanded of attorneys in criminal cases. State v. Blaha, supra.

When a conviction is based upon a guilty or no contest plea, the prejudice requirement for an

ineffective assistance of counsel claim is satisfied if the defendant shows a reasonable probability

that but for the errors of counsel, the defendant would have insisted on going to trial rather than

pleading guilty. Id. The two prongs of the ineffective assistance of counsel test under Strickland

may be addressed in either order. State v. Blaha, supra.

Whether a claim of ineffective assistance of trial counsel can be determined on direct

appeal depends upon the sufficiency of the record to address the claim to determine whether a

defense counsel's performance was deficient and whether the defendant was prejudiced by the

alleged deficient performance. State v. Theisen, 306 Neb. 591, 946 N.W.2d 677 (2020). The record

is sufficient if it establishes either that trial counsel's performance was not deficient, that the - 5 -

appellant will not be able to establish prejudice, or that trial counsel's actions could not be justified

as a part of any plausible trial strategy. Id.

Mann assigns four instances of ineffective assistance of counsel: (1) trial counsel was

ineffective in failing to adequately meet with him, failing to adequately review discovery materials,

failing to provide him with discovery materials, and failing to investigate his defense; (2) trial

counsel was ineffective in failing to file and articulate a proper motion to withdraw plea; (3) trial

counsel was ineffective in promising him that if he pled guilty he would be sentenced to probation;

(4) trial counsel was ineffective in failing to correct the trial court at sentencing when it stated he

had been sentenced to prison twice before.

First, Mann assigns that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to adequately meet with

him, review and provide discovery materials, and investigate his defense. Mann suggests that the

record is insufficient on direct appeal to address this claim and he raises it only to preserve it. We

disagree. At the plea hearing, Mann indicated that he had enough time to speak with his attorney,

he had told his attorney everything he knew about the case, he was satisfied with his attorney's

work, and he believed his attorney was competent. Accordingly, we conclude that the record is

sufficient to review this claim on direct appeal and that Mann cannot show that counsel's

performance was deficient. This claim of ineffective assistance of counsel fails.

Second, Mann assigns that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to file and articulate

a proper motion to withdraw plea. At the start of the sentencing hearing, Mann's counsel informed

the court by oral motion that Mann wanted to withdraw his no contest plea. Counsel noted that no

formal motion had been made. She told the court that Mann wanted to withdraw his plea because

he felt the charge was excessive and he was "concerned about sentencing” since he failed to meet

with probation. The court denied the motion, noting that it was not properly presented before the

court, but also because the court had a lengthy colloquy with Mann at the plea hearing and Mann

indicated he understood what was explained to him and still wanted to enter the plea. The court

further stated that the issues he raised were issues for appeal rather than a motion to withdraw plea.

After the entry of a plea of guilty or no contest, but before sentencing, a court, in its

discretion, may allow a defendant to withdraw his or her plea for any fair and just reason, provided

that the prosecution has not been or would not be substantially prejudiced by its reliance on the

plea entered. State v. Kearns, 29 Neb. App. 648, 956 N.W.2d 739 (2021). The burden is on the

defendant to establish by clear and convincing evidence the grounds for withdrawal of a plea. Id.

Mann argues that "[t]rial counsel did not competently articulate a proper basis for the court

to consider allowing [him] to withdraw his plea.” Brief for appellant at 18. He contends that

counsel should have argued that "because [he] had changed his mind his plea was not knowingly,

voluntarily and intelligently made.” Id. at 20. He also states that counsel should have filed a written

motion to withdraw his plea prior to the sentencing hearing. He contends that had counsel

competently argued and properly filed the motion, the court would have allowed Mann to withdraw

his plea.

Over 3 months after Mann entered his plea to the reduced charge, Mann decided he felt he

had been overcharged and was worried that his failure to meet with probation for the presentence

investigation was going to negatively affect his sentence. Mann's questioning his decision to

accept the plea agreement and regretting his failure to meet with probation does not equate to a

finding that his plea was not knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently made. The record supports - 6 -

that Mann knew what the charge was against him, as well as the possible penalties, and that he

knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently pled no contest. Although the court found that the motion

to withdraw was not properly presented, it also found that it had fully explained to Mann at the

plea hearing the consequences of entering into the plea agreement and Mann indicated he

understood and wanted to enter a no contest plea. Mann did not present a fair and just reason to

permit withdrawal of the plea, even if counsel had properly presented the motion. Accordingly,

the record demonstrates that Mann cannot show that he was prejudiced by counsel's performance

in regard to the motion to withdraw his plea. This claim of ineffective assistance of counsel fails.

Third, Mann assigns that his trial counsel was ineffective in promising him that if he

accepted the plea agreement and pled guilty the court would sentence him to probation. He claims

that had trial counsel properly explained to him that the court was not bound by any sentencing

recommendation and the sentence was up to the court's discretion, he would not have entered into

the agreement.

However, the record shows that Mann was made aware that the court was not required to

impose any recommended sentence. Prior to accepting his plea, the court informed Mann that it

was not bound by any sentencing recommendation. In addition, at the end of the plea hearing the

court again stated that it was not bound by the State's sentencing recommendation. Therefore,

Mann knew the court was not bound to follow the recommended sentence and that there was no

guarantee that he would be sentenced to probation. Accordingly, even if counsel had promised him

he would be sentenced to probation, he cannot show that he was prejudiced by counsel's actions

because the court informed him otherwise. Mann's third ineffective assistance of counsel claim

fails.

Fourth, Mann assigns that trial counsel was ineffective for failing to correct the trial court

at sentencing when the court stated Mann had been sentenced to prison twice before. When the

court was explaining why it was imposing incarceration rather than probation, it stated: "Your

prior criminal history includes two terms of probation, both of which were revoked. You have been

sentenced to multiple terms of incarceration in county jails and two terms of incarceration in the

Nebraska Department of Corrections.” Mann contends that this statement was false because he has

only been under the supervision of the Department of Corrections one time, and that the

misconception played a factor in the court's sentencing decision. Mann claims that he informed

his trial counsel that the court was incorrect and asked her to correct it, but trial counsel refused to

correct the court.

Even if the court was mistaken about Mann being sentenced to prison twice before, and

counsel failed to correct the court, Mann cannot show that he was prejudiced by counsel's failure

to act. In determining that Mann was not a candidate for probation the court did not rely solely on

Mann's past prison time. The court also noted that Mann's criminal history included assault

convictions; he had been sentenced to probation twice before and both times his probation was

revoked; and he had been previously sentenced to multiple terms of incarceration in county jails.

Further, the court stated that Mann had failed to meet with probation for the presentence

investigation, and that Mann admitted to law enforcement that at the time of his arrest he was

getting a ride to deliver methamphetamine. The court concluded that based on the lack of

information available due to Mann's failure to meet with probation, and his past criminal record,

it did not find him to be a suitable candidate for probation. Therefore, we conclude that Mann - 7 -

cannot show that had his counsel corrected the court about the number of times he had been in

prison, the court would have sentenced him to probation rather than incarceration. Because the

record demonstrates Mann was not prejudiced by this alleged omission by Mann's counsel

governing his prior incarceration history, this claim of ineffective assistance of counsel fails.

We conclude that the district court did not abuse its discretion in sentencing Mann to 3 to 5 years’ imprisonment. We also conclude that the record is sufficient to resolve Mann’s claims of ineffective assistance of counsel on direct appeal and that all such claims fail. Accordingly, Mann’s convictions and sentences are affirmed