650 N.W.2d 305
Nos. 21993, 21999Supreme Court of South Dakota.Considered On Briefs On April 22, 2002.
Opinion Filed August 7, 2002.
Appeal From The Circuit Court Of The Second Judicial Circuit Minnehaha County, South Dakota. The Honorable Peter H. Lieberman Judge.
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MARK BARNETT, Attorney General, MICHELE K. BENNETT, Assistant Attorney General, Pierre, South Dakota, Attorneys for plaintiff and appellee.
GARY CONKLIN, Rapid City, South Dakota, Attorney for defendant and appellant Richard LaPlante.
STEVEN BINGER, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, RANDALL D.B. TIGUE, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Attorneys for defendant and appellant Carolyn LaPlante.
ZINTER, Justice.
[¶ 1.] Carolyn and Richard LaPlante (Carolyn, Richard, or LaPlantes) appeal from their convictions of maintaining a place for the purpose of using, keeping, or selling controlled substances in violation of SDCL 22-42-10.[1] LaPlantes’ convictions arose out of their three sons’ involvement in drug activity in the family home. Carolyn and Richard raise a number of issues on appeal. We address their challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence to support their convictions, and the introduction of marijuana and firearm evidence. We affirm.
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
[¶ 2.] At all times material to this case, Richard and Carolyn lived in a split-level home in Sioux Falls. Their three sons (Jesse, age 21; Tyler, age 19; and Jared, age 17) also resided in the home. The boys’ bedrooms were on the lower level, LaPlantes’ bedroom was on the upper level, and there was an open stairway between the two. The lower level also contained a number of common areas including a television room (hereinafter referred to as Jesse’s television room), a furnace room, a storage room, and a family room.
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walk by two or all three of the boys’ rooms.
[¶ 4.] The evidence reflects that the LaPlante family problem with drugs started as early as 1994. In 1994 and 1996 Jesse was arrested on drug charges. Carolyn was called to the police station following the 1996 arrest. The police told Carolyn that Jesse had been using methamphetamine. Having worked as a school district drug prevention advisor, Carolyn was aware that methamphetamine was an extremely addictive drug. [¶ 5.] Obviously concerned, Carolyn arranged for Jesse to attend drug treatment. Although Jesse completed the treatment program, he did not complete the recommended aftercare. Instead, Jesse started private counseling and was placed on an antidepressant. As a result of this and other conduct, Richard acknowledged that “we always kept a little bit more of an eye on Jess.” [¶ 6.] The drug problems continued in 1998, when the Sioux Falls police received numerous calls from neighbors complaining about short-term traffic at LaPlantes’ home. The police officers subsequently monitored the home. During the monitoring, they observed a man leave. The officers searched him and discovered marijuana on his person. [¶ 7.] As a result of these events, two police officers conducted what they described as a “knock and talk” at LaPlantes’ home. During that visit, the officers specifically informed Richard and Carolyn of the numerous calls the police had received about the short-term traffic. They also informed Richard and Carolyn that the police suspected that drugs were being sold from the home. Although the officers asked for permission to search the home, LaPlantes declined to give their consent. Before leaving, the officers told the LaPlantes that if drugs were being sold from their house, they could face civil and criminal penalties. [¶ 8.] In early 2000, the police began receiving information that ultimately led to a search of LaPlantes’ home. The affidavit in support of the search warrant reveals that a confidential informant alleged that he had purchased ecstasy (a controlled substance) from another informant who had purchased the ecstasy from Jesse at LaPlantes’ home. Another informant disclosed that she had sold Jesse a gram and Jesse’s brother 1/8th ounce of cocaine in LaPlantes’ home. [¶ 9.] As a result of this information, the police obtained and executed a search warrant. All of the officers who entered the home testified that they smelled the odor of burning marijuana. Although no burning marijuana was discovered,[2] controlled drug paraphernalia (including methamphetamine and cocaine residue) were found in plain view in the lower level. Controlled drugs, controlled drug paraphernalia, marijuana, marijuana paraphernalia, and other items used in the drug trade were also found concealed in the boys’ bedrooms, the furnace room, and Jesse’s television room. [¶ 10.] The evidence that was removed from the lower level of the home included:Exhibit 2, Glock handgun
Exhibit 3, Three Glock magazine rounds
Exhibit 4, Holster and bullets
Exhibit 5, Pipes and residue
Exhibit 6, Address book and Rolodex
Exhibit 7, Leather bong
Exhibit 9, Spoons with residue of cocaine or methamphetamine
Exhibit 10, Tin with needles
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[¶ 11.] This evidence was found in the following specific locations: Jesse’s bedroom and Jesse’s television room contained various items of marijuana smoking paraphernalia and various items associated with controlled substances, including spoons, a snorting device, a plastic dish, razor blades with a powdery substance, syringes, and approximately 8.4 grams of methamphetamine. One spoon was in plain view under a coffee table. A syringe was also found in plain view behind a chair. The spoons, plastic dish, and syringes tested positive for either cocaine or methamphetamine. Officer Mundt testified that additional syringes were observed in plain view in a wastebasket, but they were not seized and entered into evidence as exhibits.[3] [¶ 12.] The following exhibits were found in Tyler’s room: a safe containing a notebook that listed names and dollar amounts (“owe sheets”), an assault rifle, a SIG-Sauer handgun and ammunition, a bulletproof vest, a quarter pound of marijuana, a triple beam scale, and various marijuana pipes. The Glock handgun was found loaded under Tyler’s bed pillow. [¶ 13.] The following exhibits were found in Jared’s room: a small scale, case, marijuana seeds and residue in bags. The police also found another scale and a “one-hitter” with marijuana residue on Jared’s person. [¶ 14.] After the search, Sergeant Mundt interviewed Richard and Carolyn. Although there is a dispute concerning the conversation, Sergeant Mundt testified that Richard admitted that he knew that there were drugs in the house.[4] Mundt testified that Richard said he had told the boys “to get it out.” Richard, however, also said, “they’re my boys, what can I do?” [¶ 15.] On April 2, 2001, a jury found Richard and Carolyn guilty of violatingExhibit 11, Tool organizer with 8.4 grams of methamphetamine
Exhibit 12, Suspected methamphetamine
Exhibit 13, Baggies, pipe and needle
Exhibit 14, Gun safe
Exhibit 15, Olympic Arms AR15 rifle
Exhibit 16, Clip with bullets
Exhibit 17, SIG-Sauer handgun
Exhibit 20, One-fourth pound of marijuana
Exhibit 21, Triple beam scale
Exhibit 22, Ammunition
Exhibit 23, Notebooks and receipts (“owe sheets”)
Exhibit 25, Bulletproof vest
Exhibit 26, Baggies, foil, scale, and pipes
Exhibit 27, Glock handgun
Exhibit 28, Magazine and bullets
Exhibit 29, A “one-hitter” found on Jared
Exhibit 31, Hemostats, pipes, and razor blades
Exhibit 32, Spoon with residue of cocaine or methamphetamine
Exhibit 33, Photocopied pages from the book Secrets of Methamphetamine Manufacture: Including Recipes for MDA, Ecstasy, and Other Psychedelic Amphetamines (a book discussing the “clandestine” manufacture of controlled substances)
Exhibit 34, Triple beam scale and bong
Exhibit 35, Baby wipes container and syringes
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SDCL 22-42-10. LaPlantes were sentenced to four years in the state penitentiary. Their sentences were suspended on a number of conditions. One condition was that they keep their home free of marijuana and controlled substances for four years.
[¶ 16.] We address the following issues:(1) Whether there was sufficient evidence for a jury to find that LaPlantes knew of the use, storage, or sale of controlled substances in their home, and whether they knowingly maintained a place where controlled substances were used, kept or sold.
(2) Whether the trial court should have admitted the firearms and marijuana evidence.
DECISION
[¶ 17.] (1) Whether there was sufficient evidence for a jury tofind that LaPlantes knew of the use, storage, or sale of controlledsubstances in their home, and whether they knowingly maintained a placewhere controlled substances were used, kept or sold.
(a) Sufficiency of the Marijuana Evidence.
[¶ 20.] LaPlantes first argue that the evidence of marijuana use, storage, and sale in the home was insufficient to sustain a finding of guilt. LaPlantes’ argument is premised on the fact that marijuana is not a “controlled substance” within the meaning of SDCL 22-42-10.
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controlled drug evidence included cocaine, methamphetamine, related paraphernalia, and other items used in the controlled drug trade (such as guns, scales, syringes, and drug sales records).
(b) Sufficiency of the Controlled Substances Evidence.
[¶ 22.] LaPlantes next argue that “apart from the marijuana evidence,” the only other evidence was a “limited amount” of controlled substances for Jesse’s personal use. LaPlantes argue that a small amount of a controlled substance, which is only intended for personal use, is insufficient to sustain a conviction for maintaining a house for the use, storage, or sale of controlled substances. LaPlantes point out that other jurisdictions with similar statutes have held that mere possession of limited amounts of controlled substances for personal use is insufficient to support a conviction. See Barnes v. State, 339 S.E.2d 229, 234 (Ga 1986). See also United States v. Verners, 53 F.3d 291, 296 (10th Cir 1995); State v. Ceglowski, 12 P.3d 160, 163 (Wash.Ct.App. 2000); People v. Vera, 82 Cal.Rptr.2d 128, 129-130 (Cal.Ct.App. 4th 1999); Meeks v. State, 872 P.2d 936, 938 (Okla. Cr. 1994); Howard v. State, 815 P.2d 679, 683 (Okla. Cr. 1991).
(c) LaPlantes’ Knowledge of Controlled Substance Use, Storage, or Sale.
[¶ 25.] We have held that despite the absence of the word “knowingly” in SDCL 22-42-10, “knowledge is an essential element of the offense.” State v. Stone, 467 N.W.2d 905, 906-7 (S.D. 1991). LaPlantes argue that they lacked that requisite knowledge of controlled substance use, storage, or sale.
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drug treatment, and that he did not complete aftercare. Jesse’s behavior after treatment was of sufficient concern to both parents that LaPlantes “always kept a little bit more of an eye on Jess.” Richard also testified that in the fall of 1997 or 1998, he discovered a bong in the family room that belonged to Jesse.
[¶ 27.] Both Carolyn and Richard were also advised at the “knock and talk” in 1998 that the police believed ongoing drug sales were being conducted in the home. Moreover, Sergeant Mundt testified that when the house was searched, Richard admitted that he knew his sons had drugs in the home. Although LaPlantes dispute this testimony, the other evidence of ongoing controlled drug activity found throughout the common areas and bedrooms in the lower level of the home belie Richard’s denial. [¶ 28.] In addition to the foregoing, LaPlantes’ knowledge of controlled drug activity could have been circumstantially inferred from Tyler’s purchase of the safe and assault rifle, and Jesse’s purchase of a Glock handgun, all at a time when their employment would not have supported such purchases. The testimony revealed that Tyler’s safe cost approximately $800 and his assault rifle cost approximately $1200. Further testimony revealed that, although Jesse was unemployed, he purchased the Glock handgun for $500. Carolyn knew of their purchases, and even recorded the serial number of Jesse’s Glock handgun on her computer records. [¶ 29.] Most importantly, one cannot overlook the obvious indicia of drug activity throughout the lower level of the home. This was a split-level home with an open stairway. Jesse’s room could be seen from the front door and Carolyn testified that she could sit at the kitchen table and see who was coming and going. When the police executed the warrant, an overwhelming smell of burning marijuana permeated the residence. This pervasive odor would clearly suggest to parents with this history that illegal drug activity was occurring. Moreover, the entire family was often in and out of the lower level. Carolyn kept her school supplies in the lower level, and she would go downstairs to get the laundry. Richard often watched television and movies in the family room on the lower level. The sum of this evidence, together with the reasonable inferences therefrom, could have convinced a jury that LaPlantes had knowledge of ongoing controlled drug use, storage, and sale in the lower level of the home. [¶ 30.] LaPlantes discount this evidence of knowledge by arguing that it was only circumstantial in nature. The State may, however, prove all elements of an offense through circumstantial evidence. State v. Holzer, 2000 SD 75, ¶ 15, 611 N.W.2d 647, 651. Knowledge involves the actor’s state of mind, and “[an] actor’s `state of mind’ at the time of the offense may . . . be determined from his acts, conduct and inferences which are fairly deducible from the circumstances surrounding the offense.” Id. Therefore, contrary to LaPlantes’ assertions, “the jury, as the exclusive judge of facts, credibility of the witnesses, and the weight to be given the evidence,” could have inferred “knowledge and intent from the acts, words, and conduct of” LaPlantes. Id. at ¶ 16, 611 N.W.2d at 652. [¶ 31.] LaPlantes also argue that the circumstantial evidence of knowledge failed to exclude every reasonable hypothesis of innocence. Consequently, LaPlantes argue that the State’s circumstantial evidence was insufficient under State v. Esslinger, 357 N.W.2d 525 (S.D. 1984). I Esslinger we noted that a conviction based entirely on circumstantial evidence mustPage 313
exclude every reasonable hypothesis of innocence.
“[T]o warrant conviction upon circumstantial evidence alone, such facts and circumstances must be shown as are consistent with each other and with guilt of the party charged, and such as cannot by any reasonable theory be true and the party charged be innocent.” This rule does not mean the evidence must be such as to exclude every possible hypothesis of innocence. Rather, it requires only the exclusion of [a] reasonable hypothesis of innocence.
Id. at 530-31 (internal citations omitted) (emphasis added).
[¶ 32.] More recently, however, we discarded this concept and held that in circumstantial evidence cases, the “reasonable hypothesis of innocence” instruction is no longer necessary. State v. Webster, 2001 SD 141, ¶¶ 11-12, 637 N.W.2d 392, 396. Rather, we held that our settled law on reasonable doubt suffices to determine if circumstantial evidence is sufficient to prove the elements of an offense. Id. We noted that circumstantial and direct evidence have equal weight, and circumstantial evidence can be more reliable than direct evidence. Id. at ¶ 13, 637 N.W.2d at 396. To the extent that Esslinger suggests otherwise, it has been overruled by Webster.[5] [¶ 33.] LaPlantes finally argue that the boys’ use of this home precludes a finding of Richard’s and Carolyn’s drug knowledge under the authority of Franklin v. State, 962 S.W.2d 370, 373 (Ark.Ct.App. 1998). In Franklin, the Arkansas court reversed a conviction for maintaining a drug premises. In that case the defendant shared a house with another occupant. The police found cocaine under the carpet in a bedroom and under a doghouse in the backyard. However, that defendant did not use the bedroom involved, and he was asleep in a different room when the police found the cocaine. Furthermore, that defendant was afraid of the dogs. Finally, the Arkansas Court noted that no drugs were found in plain view or in the common areas of the house. Id. at 373. In contrast, the drugs in this case were found throughout the lower level, including a common area. There was also other direct and circumstantial evidence of the LaPlantes’ knowledge of the ongoing drug activities in the lower level. Therefore, Franklin is inapposite. [¶ 34.] (2) Whether the trial court should have admitted thefirearms and marijuana evidence. [¶ 35.] LaPlantes argue that the firearms and marijuana evidence was irrelevant. “`Relevant evidence’ means evidence having any tendency to make the existence of any fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action more probable or less probable than it would be without the evidence.” SDCL 19-12-1 (Rule 401). We review the admissibility of evidence under the abuse of discretion standard. State v. Bunger, 2001 SD 116, ¶ 7, 633 N.W.2d 606, 608. Marijuana Evidence
[¶ 36.] The trial court admitted the marijuana evidence because the court concluded that it was probative of LaPlantes’ knowledge of controlled drug use, presence, or sale in this home. The trial court noted that even though marijuana is not a controlled drug, the presence of marijuana made it more probable that other drugs might be present. The trial court stated:
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Clearly, if you find marijuana, which is one kind of drug, it is more likely you will find other kinds of drugs and the brief submitted by the defense itself states that where there were controlled substances, 51% of the time marijuana was also found. . . . Relevant evidence is like a brick in a house, [it is also] not a touchdown, but moving the ball forward a few yards.
We agree.
[¶ 37.] The evidence of marijuana possession, use, and sale in this home made it more probable, rather than less probable, that LaPlantes knew other drugs were also involved. LaPlantes’ own statistical evidence demonstrated that more than half of the drug cases they referenced involve both marijuana and controlled substances.[6] We agree that the evidence of marijuana in the LaPlante home was simply one “brick” in a circumstantial case that made it more probable that LaPlantes had knowledge of controlled substance presence, use and sale. [¶ 38.] LaPlantes, however, contend that other courts have found marijuana evidence irrelevant. See State v. Larson, 512 N.W.2d 732 (S.D. 1994), Turner v. United States, 396 U.S. 398, 90 S.Ct. 642, 24 L.Ed.2d 610 (1970), and Leary v. United States, 395 U.S. 6, 89 S.Ct. 1532, 23 L.Ed.2d 57 (1969). LaPlantes’ reliance on these cases is misplaced Larson involved a murder where marijuana was obviously irrelevant to the charge. Larson, 512 N.W.2d at 737. Both Turner and Leary are inapposite because they involved statutory presumptions, rather than the evidentiary challenge of relevancy. Unlike Turner and Leary, the State made no claim here that marijuana “presumptively” established knowledge of controlled substances. Instead, the marijuana evidence was only used as one circumstantial “brick” to suggest it was more probable that LaPlantes had knowledge of controlled drug activity in the lower level of their home. The marijuana evidence was properly admitted. Firearms Evidence
[¶ 39.] The evidence in this case involved a number of firearms (including an assault rifle, two pistols, ammunition, and a bulletproof vest) together with controlled drugs, drug paraphernalia, and drug records found within a safe. Moreover, one of the pistols was found loaded and hidden under a bed pillow. As the courts in United States v. Rhodes, 229 F.3d 659, 661 (7th Cir 2000), and United States v. Meirovitz, 918 F.2d 1376, 1379 (8th Cir 2000), point out, such caches of weapons and ammunition may be indicative of the drug trade. Because drug trade activities were at issue in this case, the firearm evidence was relevant.[7]
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