State v. Snipes
Snipes
Citation
2025 Ohio 2317
Court
Ohio Court of Appeals
Decided
June 30, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Importance
45%
Practice Areas
Case Summary
[Cite as State v. Snipes, 2025-Ohio-2317.] IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO SIXTH APPELLATE DISTRICT LUCAS COUNTY State of Ohio Court of Appeals No. L-24-1293 Appellee Trial Court No. CR02024-1513 v. Andre Snipes DECISION AND JUDGMENT Appellant Decided: June 30, 2025 ***** David A. Reams, for appellant. Julia R. Bates, Prosecutor and Randy L. Meyer, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, for appellee. ***** SULEK, P.J. This is an appeal from a judgment of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas sentencing appellant, Andre Snipes, to an indefinite prison sentence of five to six years for felonious assault with a firearm specification. This judgment entry is not an opinion of the court. See S.Ct.R.Rep.Op. 3.1; App.R. 11.1(E); 6th Dist. Loc.App.R. 18. On April 4, 2024, the Lucas County Grand Jury indicted Snipes on one count of felonious assault, R.C. 2903.11(A)(2), (D), with a firearm specification, R.C. 2941.145(A). A jury found Snipes guilty of the charge and specification and on October 31, 2024, noting the requirement that the trial court “impose a minimum term on the underlying charge,” the court sentenced him to an indefinite two to three years of imprisonment for felonious assault, to be served consecutive to the mandatory three-year term for the firearm specification. This appeal followed. Snipes raises the following two assignments of error: I. Did the trial court error in sentencing appellant to 2 years in prison on the felonious assault offense? II. Did the trial court error in failing to consider a community control sanction instead of prison for the felonious assault offense? Pursuant to App.R. 11.1(E), the court now renders its decision. Snipes’ assignments of error similarly claim that the trial court erred by failing to consider imposing community control in lieu of a minimum prison term. In State v. Logan, 2025- Ohio-1772, the Supreme Court of Ohio held that “R.C. 2929.13(F)(8) requires a trial court to impose a prison sentence on an offender convicted of a felony offense that has a corresponding firearm specification.” Id. at ¶ 25. Accordingly, the trial court did not err by imposing a prison sentence as to Snipes’ felonious assault conviction. 2. Snipes’ first and second assignments of error are not well-taken and the judgment of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed. Snipes is ordered to pay the costs of this appeal pursuant to App.R. 24. Judgment affirmed. A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to App.R. 27. See, also, 6th Dist.Loc.App.R. 4. Thomas J. Osowik, J. JUDGE Gene A. Zmuda, J. JUDGE Charles E. Sulek, P.J. CONCUR. JUDGE 3.
Case Details
Case Details
Legal case information
Status
Decided
Date Decided
June 30, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Court Type
federal
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Case Summary
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Case Overview
Case Name: State v. Snipes
Citation: 2025 Ohio 2317
Court: Ohio Court of Appeals, Sixth Appellate District
Date Decided: June 30, 2025
Jurisdiction: Lucas County, Ohio
In State v. Snipes, the Ohio Court of Appeals addressed the appeal of Andre Snipes, who was sentenced to an indefinite prison term of five to six years for felonious assault with a firearm specification. The case arose from an indictment by the Lucas County Grand Jury on April 4, 2024, leading to a jury conviction.
Key Legal Issues
Snipes raised two primary assignments of error in his appeal:
- Did the trial court err in sentencing appellant to 2 years in prison on the felonious assault offense?
- Did the trial court err in failing to consider a community control sanction instead of prison for the felonious assault offense?
Court's Decision
The Ohio Court of Appeals affirmed the judgment of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, concluding that the trial court did not err in its sentencing decision. The court emphasized that the law mandates a prison sentence for felony offenses with firearm specifications.
Legal Reasoning
The court referenced State v. Logan, 2025-Ohio-1772, where it was established that under R.C. 2929.13(F)(8), a trial court is required to impose a prison sentence for offenders convicted of felony offenses that include a firearm specification. This precedent was pivotal in affirming the trial court's decision in Snipes' case.
Key Holdings
- The trial court's imposition of a prison sentence for felonious assault was upheld.
- The court found that the trial court correctly followed statutory requirements regarding firearm specifications.
- Snipes' arguments for community control sanctions were rejected based on established legal precedents.
Precedents and Citations
- State v. Snipes, 2025 Ohio 2317
- State v. Logan, 2025-Ohio-1772
Practical Implications
This ruling reinforces the legal principle that individuals convicted of felonious assault with a firearm specification face mandatory prison sentences. It clarifies the limitations on trial courts regarding the imposition of community control sanctions in such cases. Legal practitioners should note this case as a significant reference point when dealing with similar felony charges involving firearm specifications in Ohio.
The decision also highlights the importance of understanding statutory requirements when advising clients on potential sentencing outcomes. The court's adherence to precedent ensures consistency in the application of the law, which is crucial for both defense and prosecution strategies in future cases involving firearm specifications.
Overall, State v. Snipes serves as a critical reminder of the legal landscape surrounding felonious assault and firearm specifications in Ohio, emphasizing the judiciary's commitment to upholding statutory mandates.
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Case Details
Legal case information
Status
Decided
Date Decided
June 30, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Court Type
federal
Legal Significance
Case importance metrics
Metadata
Additional information
Quick Actions
Case management tools