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                                                                     SUSAN L.-CARLSON
      IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE


     In the Matter of the Personal Restraint of                         No. 94175-1


    STEVEN LOUIS CANHA,                                                  En Banc


                   Petitioner.
                                                             Piled      SEP 2 8 211




           WIGGINS, J.—\Ne must determine whether four criminal convictions from other

    states are sufficiently comparable to Washington crimes that they should be included in

    a defendant's criminal history for sentencing purposes. Steven Canha filed a timely

    personal restraint petition in which he seeks to be resentenced. He claims that the trial

    court incorrectly included four out-of-state convictions in his offender score—one from

    California and three from Oregon. The trial court failed to perform a comparability

    analysis of these out-of-state convictions to see if they were comparable to Washington

    crimes as required by ROW 9.94A.525(3). We engage in a comparability analysis,

    conclude that three of Canha's four foreign convictions are comparable to Washington

    offenses, and remand the case to the superior court to resentence Canha accordingly.


                                               FACTS

           A jury found Canha guilty of two counts of assault in the second degree and two

    counts of unlawful possession of a firearm in the first degree. At the sentencing hearing, the

    superior court calculated Canha's offender score by using four out-of-state criminal
In re Pars. Restraint of Canha (Steven Louis), No. 94175-1


convictions, one from California and three from Oregon. However, the court failed to perform

a comparability analysis of these out-of-state convictions to see whether they were
sufficiently comparable to any Washington offenses. The superior court sentenced Canha
to serve 154 months.

       Canha appealed his conviction to the Court of Appeals, which rejected Canha's
claims of failure to suppress evidence, ineffective assistance of counsel, double jeopardy

violation, and speedy trial violation. State v. Canha, noted at 159 Wn. App. 1044(2011); see

U.S. Const, amends. V, VI. This court denied review. State v. Canha, 171 Wn.2d 1023, 257

P.3d 663 (2011). The United States Supreme Court also denied certiorari. Canha v.

Washington, 565 U.S. 1067, 132 S. Ct. 776, 181 L. Ed. 2d 498 (2011).

       After his direct appeal, Canha filed a timely personal restraint petition, which the Court

of Appeals denied as frivolous. That same year, Canha filed a Superior Court Criminal Rule
(CrR) 7.8 motion to modify his judgment and sentence. Canha argued for the first time that

his offender score was miscalculated by counting the four out-of-state convictions. Benton

County Superior Court transferred his motion to the Court of Appeals to be considered as a

personal restraint petition. Judging the petition to be untimely, frivolous, and successive, the

Court of Appeals dismissed it.

       Canha filed a motion with this court to modify the Court of Appeals ruling dismissing

his petition. Under RCW 10.73.090, a petitioner may file a collateral challenge within one

year after a judgment becomes final (except in circumstances not present here). Canha filed

his CrR 7.8 motion less than one year after the United States Supreme Court denied

certiorari for his direct appeal, which is when Canha's judgment became final. Thus, we
In re Pars. Restraint ofCanha (Steven Louis), No. 94175-1


concluded that Canha's petition was timely.^ As a result, we granted Canha's motion to

modify and remanded the petition to the Court of Appeals "to review on the merits."
       In yet another procedural barrier to consideration on the merits, Canha's petition was
successive, meaning that he had filed a prior unsuccessful personal restraint petition. RCW

10.73.140 prohibits the Court of Appeals from hearing successive petitions absent good

cause. In effect, we directed the Court of Appeals to review this case and consider the merits

despite the usual rule that the Court of Appeals cannot consider a successive petition. The

Court of Appeals wrote a recommended disposition and transferred the case back to this

court so that a final judgment could be issued. We accepted review of Canha's petition.

                                     STANDARD OF REVIEW


       To obtain relief, Canha "must show either that he... was actually and substantially

prejudiced by constitutional error or that his . . . trial suffered from a fundamental defect
of a nonconstitutional nature that inherently resulted in a complete miscarriage of

justice." In re Pars. Restraint of Finstad, 177 Wn.2d 501, 506, 301 P.3d 450 (2013).

Canha does not argue constitutional error, but claims that his offender score was



"I At oral argument, the State argued that Canha's personal restraint petition was not timely. Wash.
Supreme Court oral argument, in re Pars. Restraint of Canha, No. 94175-1 (May 25, 2017), at 23
min., 16 sec. to 23 min., 32 sec., audio recording by T\AN, Washington State's Public Affairs Network,
http://www.tvw.org. However, we previously and clearly concluded that It was timely. Under our law
of the case doctrine, "once there is an appellate court ruling, its holding must be followed In all of the
subsequent stages of the same litigation." State v. Schwab, 163 Wn.2d 664, 672, 185 P.3d 1151
(2008); see also Humphrey Indus., Ltd. v. day Street Assocs., 176 Wn.2d 662, 669-70, 295 P.3d
231 (2013)(concluding that '"the parties, the trial court, and this court are bound by the holdings of
[this] court on a prior appeal'" (alteration in original)(quoting Greene v. Rothschild, 68 Wn.2d 1, 10,
414 P.2d 1013 (1966))). Thus, the fact that Canha's petition was timely became the law of the case,
unless the State proved that "justice would best be served" by reconsideration of the issue. RAP
2.5(c)(2). Here, justice would not best be served by allowing Canha's sentence, based on an
incorrect offender score, to stand. Thus, we decline to reconsider our previous holding that Canha's
petition was timely.
In re Pars. Restraint of Canha (Steven Louis), No. 94175-1


miscalculated. "[A] sentence that is based upon an incorrect offender score is a

fundamental defect that inherently results in a miscarriage of justice." in re Pars.

Restraint of Goodwin, 146 Wn.2d 861, 868, 50 P.3d 618 (2002). And when a trial court

has entered an erroneous sentence, "the defendant is entitled to be resentenced." Id. at

869.



                                         ANALYSIS

       The superior court failed to conduct a comparability analysis of Canha's four out-

of-state convictions before including them in his offender score. However, the parties

make two important concessions in this regard. First, Canha concedes that his Oregon

conviction for criminal mischief is comparable to Washington's malicious mischief in the

second degree. Wash. Supreme Court oral argument. No. 94175-1 (May 25, 2017), at 1

min., 36 sec. to 1 min., 48 sec., audio recording by TVW, Washington State's Public

Affairs Network, http://www.tvw.org. Therefore, it was properly included in his offender

score. Second, the State concedes that Canha's Oregon conviction for hindering

prosecution is not comparable to a Washington offense, id. at 19 min., 45 sec. to 20

min., 2 sec. As a result, Canha's Oregon conviction for hindering prosecution should not

have been included in his offender score.

       Thus, we perform a comparability analysis only for Canha's remaining out-of-state

convictions—voluntary manslaughter under California law and felon in possession of a

firearm under Oregon law. We conclude that these convictions are factually comparable

to Washington offenses and were properly included in Canha's offender score.
In re Pars. Restraint ofCanha (Steven Louis), No. 94175-1

       However, since Canha's Oregon conviction for hindering prosecution is not

comparable to a Washington offense and should not have been included in Canha's
offender score, we remand to the superior court to resentence Canha accordingly. We

need not reach Canha's ineffective assistance of counsel claim for the hindering

prosecution conviction, and, since Canha fails to show prejudice, we conclude that his
remaining ineffective assistance of counsel claims lack merit.

  1.   Calculating Offender Scores Using Out-of-State Convictions

       The Sentencing Reform Act of 1981 (SRA)"created a grid of sentencing ranges

which vary by the defendant's offender score and the seriousness level of the crime."
State V. Wiley, 124 Wn.2d 679, 682, 880 P.2d 983(1994); RCW 9.94A.510. The statute
calculates a defendant's offender score based on criminal history. Wiley, 124 Wn.2d at

683; see also RCW 9.94A.525. If a defendant has out-of-state convictions, the SRA

directs that those offenses be classified by determining comparable Washington

offenses. Wiley, 124 Wn.2d at 683; see also RCW 9.94A.525(3).

       To compare offenses, we use a two-part test, in re Pers. Restraint ofiavery, 154
Wn.2d 249, 255, 111 P.3d 837 (2005). First, the court analyzes legal comparability by

comparing the elements of the out-of-state offense to the most comparable Washington
offense. State v. Moriey, 134 Wn.2d 588,605-06, 952 P.2d 167(1998). When the crimes'

elements are not the same, the offenses are not legally comparable, id. at 606. If the

crimes are legally comparable, our analysis ends here and the crime is included in the

offender score.

       Second, if the offenses are not legally comparable, the court analyzes factual

comparability. Lavery, 154 Wn.2d at 255-57. Offenses are factually comparable when
In re Pars. Restraint of Canha (Steven Louis), No. 94175-1


the defendant's conduct would have violated a Washington statute. Morley, 134 Wn.2d

at 606 ("The key inquiry is under what Washington statute could the defendant have

been convicted if he or she had committed the same acts in Washington.'"(quoting State

V. McCorkie, 88 Wn. App. 485, 495, 945 P.2d 736 (1997), aff'd, 137 Wn.2d 490, 973

P.2d 461 (1991))). To comply with Apprendi,^ the court may rely only on facts that were

admitted, stipulated, or proved to the fact finder beyond a reasonable doubt. Lavery, 154

Wn.2d at 255; see also State v. Olsen, 180 Wn.2d 468, 473-74, 325 P.3d 187 (2014).

Any other "[f]acts or allegations contained in the record, if not directly related to the

elements of the charged crime, may not have been sufficiently proven in the trial."

Morley, 134 Wn.2d at 606.

       Here, the trial court calculated Canha's offender score using four out-of-state

convictions but it failed to perform a comparability analysis.^ This court could either

remand to the superior court for a comparability analysis, see State v. Thiefault, 160

Wn.2d 409,420, 158 P.3d 580(2007), or perform the comparability analysis and remand

to the superior court for resentencing if necessary. See Lavery, 154 Wn.2d at 255-58.

Here, we choose to perform the comparability analysis and remand for resentencing.




2 Apprendi v. New Jersey, 530 U.S. 466, 120 8. Ct. 2348, 147 L. Ed. 2d 435 (2000).

® Canha did not affirmatively acknowledge at sentencing that his foreign convictions were properly
included in his offender score. He merely failed to object to their inclusion. Therefore, he did not
waive his right to challenge whether his offender score was miscalculated. See State v. Ross, 152
Wn.2d 220, 231-33, 95 P.3d 1225 (2004).
In re Pars. Restraint ofCanha (Steven Louis), No. 94175-1


 II.      California Voluntary Manslaughter

          Canha's conviction for voluntary manslaughter in California is not legally

comparable to Washington's second degree murder statute, but it is factually

comparable. Consequently, it was appropriately included in Canha's offender score.

       A. Legal Comparability

          In 1991, Canha pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in California. The

California manslaughter statute provides that a person is guilty of manslaughter in three

instances:


                 Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice.
          It is of three kinds:

                (a) Voluntary—upon a sudden quarrel or heat of passion.

                (b) Involuntary—in the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting
         to a felony; or in the commission of a lawful act which might produce death,
          in an unlawful manner, or without due caution and circumspection. This
         subdivision shall not apply to acts committed in the driving of a vehicle.

                (c) Vehicular. . . .

Cal. Penal Code § 192(a)-(c)(West 1988). The killing must be without malice, which is

defined by statute:

                 (4) The words "malice" and "maliciously" import a wish to vex, annoy,
          or injure another person, or an intent to do a wrongful act, established either
          by proof or presumption of law.

Cal. Penal Code § 7(4)(West 1988).

          In 1991, there were three possible comparable offenses in Washington:

manslaughter in the first degree, manslaughter in the second degree, and murder in the

second degree. However, none of these offenses is legally comparable to California's

manslaughter statute because none has the same alternative means as manslaughter.
In re Pars. Restraint of Canha (Steven Louis), No. 94175-1


   1. Washington Manslaughter in the First Degree

      The first possible comparable offense in Washington is first degree manslaughter.

Washington manslaughter in the first degree requires a reckless killing or the unlawful

killing of an unborn child:

             (1) A person is guilty of manslaughter in the first degree when:

             (a) He recklessly causes the death of another person; or

               (b) He intentionally and unlawfully kills an unborn quick child by
       inflicting any injury upon the mother of such child.

Former RCW 9A.32.060(1975). Washington defined "reckless" as a conscious disregard

of substantial risk:

       RECKLESSNESS. A person is reckless or acts recklessly when he knows
       of and disregards a substantial risk that a wrongful act may occur and his
       disregard of such substantial risk is a gross deviation from conduct that a
       reasonable man would exercise in the same situation.

Former RCW 9A.08.010(1)(c)(1975).

       Washington's first degree manslaughter is not legally comparable to California's

manslaughter statute. The California statute does not require a reckless killing, nor does

it criminalize the intentional killing of an unborn child. See Cal. Penal Code § 192(West

1988). We must look elsewhere for a legally comparable Washington offense.

   2. Washington Manslaughter in the Second Degree

       Another    possible    comparable     Washington      offense   is   second   degree

manslaughter. Washington manslaughter in the second degree requires a killing as a

result of criminal negligence:

      (1) A person is guilty of manslaughter in the second degree when, with
      criminal negligence, he causes the death of another person.

             (2) Manslaughter in the second degree is a Class C felony.
In re Pars. Restraint ofCanha (Steven Louis), No. 94175-1


Former RCW 9A.32.070 (1975). A person is criminally negligent when he or she fails to

be aware of a substantial risk and to exercise the requisite care of a reasonable person:

      A person is criminally negligent or acts with criminal negligence when he
      fails to be aware of a substantial risk that a wrongful act may occur and his
      failure to be aware of such substantial risk constitutes a gross deviation from
      the standard of care that a reasonable man would exercise in the same
      situation.

Former RCW 9A.08.010(1)(d)(1975).

       Washington second degree manslaughter is not comparable to California

voluntary manslaughter. California voluntary manslaughter is broader, criminalizing

behavior like vehicular manslaughter, not only killings resulting from criminal negligence.

See Cal. Penal Code § 192 (West 1988). Consequently, we must examine another

statute to find legal comparability.

   3. Washington Murder in the Second Degree

      The final potentially comparable Washington offense is second degree murder.

The Washington crime requires killing someone without premeditation or during the

course of a felony:

             (1) A person is guilty of murder in the second degree when:

             (a) With intent to cause the death of another person but without
       premeditation, he causes the death of such person or of a third person; or

             (b) He commit or attempts to commit any felony.. . and, in the course
      of and in furtherance of such crime or in immediate flight therefrom, he, or
      another participant, causes the death of a person other than one of the
      participants . . . .

Former RCW 9A.32.050 (1975).

      Washington second degree murder is not legally comparable to California

voluntary manslaughter. California does not criminalize felony murder in its
In re Pars. Restraint ofCanha (Steven Louis), No. 94175-1


manslaughter statute. See Cal. Penal Code § 192 (West 1988)(criminalizing killings

committed during unlawful activity not amounting to a felony). Nor does the Washington

statute encompass involuntary manslaughter since Washington's statute requires an

intent to kill. See former ROW 9A.32.050(1)(a). Since none of these Washington statutes

has the same alternative means as the California manslaughter statute—voluntary,

involuntary, and vehicular—they are not legally comparable. Thus, we move to the

factual comparability analysis.

    B. Factual Comparability

       California initially charged Canha with murder. Instead of proceeding to trial on

the murder charge, Canha pleaded guilty to the lesser included offense of voluntary

manslaughter. See People v. Barton, 12 Cal. 4th 186, 199, 906 P.2d 531, 47 Cal. Rptr.

2d 569(1995)(holding that manslaughter is a lesser included offense of murder).'* Canha

admitted that he committed voluntary manslaughter. Therefore, we must discern what

the elements of California voluntary manslaughter are and whether Canha's conduct of

committing voluntary manslaughter would have violated a Washington statute.

       When we compare statutes, we apply the law existing at the time of the conviction.

See Lavery, 154 Wn.2d at 255 (stating that "the elements of the out of state crime must

be compared to the elements of a Washington criminal statute in effect when the foreign

crime was committed'(emphasis added)); see also Moriey, 134 Wn.2d at 606 (same).

Voluntary manslaughter required a killing to be done "without malice . . . upon a sudden



'' This court may look to and rely on other state case law interpreting foreign statutes. See, e.g.,
Oisen, 180 Wn.2d at 478-79 (examining and quoting California case law to aid in interpreting
California law).


                                                10
In re Pars. Restraint ofCanha (Steven Louis), No. 94175-1


quarrel or heat of passion." Cal. Penal Code § 192(a)(West 1988). At the time of

Canha's conviction in 1991 and until 2000, California required a specific intent to kill for

a voluntary manslaughter conviction. See, e.g., People v. Lee, 20 Cal. 4th 47, 59, 971

P.2d 1001,82 Cal. Rptr. 2d 625(1999)(discussing when "an intentional killing is reduced

to voluntary manslaughter"); People v. Hawkins, 10 Cal. 4th 920, 958, 897 P.2d 574, 42

Cal. Rptr. 2d 636(1995)(stating that "voluntary manslaughter presupposes an intent to

kill"), abrogated by People v. Lasko, 23 Cal. 4th 101, 999 P.2d 666 (2000); People v.

Brubaker, 53 Cal. 2d 37, 44, 346 P.2d 8(1959)("Voluntary manslaughter is a willful act,

characterized by the presence of an intent to kill, engendered by sufficient provocation

and by the absence of premeditation, deliberation and (by presumption of law) malice

aforethought." (emphasis omitted)), abrogated by Lasko, 23 Cal. 4th 101.® Thus, when

Canha pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in 1991, he pleaded guilty to an

intentional killing done in the heat of passion.® See Olsen, 180 Wn.2d at 478-79


® See also People v. Breverman, 19 Cal. 4th 142, 153, 960 P.2d 1094, 77 Cal. Rptr. 2d 870(1998)
(describing that '"[a] defendant who commits an intentional and unlawful killing but who lacks malice
is guilty of.. . voluntary manslaughter'" (alteration in original) (citations omitted)(quoting Barton, 12
Cal. 4th at 199)); Barton, 12 Cal. 4th at 199 (specifying that "an intentional and unlawful killing"
without malice is voluntary manslaughter); People v. Ray, 14 Cal. 3d 20, 28, 533 P.2d 1017, 120
Cal. Rptr. 377(1975)("If because of diminished capacity the perpetrator is unable to entertain malice
but nevertheless is found to be able to form the intent to kill the crime is voluntary manslaughter."),
abrogated by Lasko, 23 Cal. 4th 101; People v. Graham, 71 Cal. 2d 303, 315, 455 P.2d 153, 78 Cal.
Rptr. 217 (1969) (stating that voluntary manslaughter "is a homicide which may be intentional,
voluntary, deliberate, premeditated, and unprovoked"); People v. Valentine, 28 Cal. 2d 121, 130-31,
169 P.2d 1 (1946)(acknowledging that the existence of a specific intent to kill exists in voluntary
manslaughter).

® In 2000, the California Supreme Court overruled its case law holding that voluntary manslaughter
required an intent to kill. Lasko, 23 Cal. 4th 101. Now, a defendant may be convicted of voluntary
manslaughter when he or she has either an '"intent to kill or a conscious disregard for life.'" People
V. Bryant, 56 Cal. 4th 959, 968, 301 P.3d 1136, 157 Cal. Rptr. 3d 522(2013). However, as discussed
supra, we apply the law existing at the time of Canha's conviction. And when Canha pleaded guilty
to voluntary manslaughter in 1991, an intent to kill was a necessary element of the offense under
California law. See Hawkins, 10 Cal. 4th at 958-59 (stating that "voluntary manslaughter


                                                   11
In re Pars. Restraint ofCanha (Steven Louis), No. 94175-1


("Moreover, '[a] guilty plea "admits every element of the crime charged.'"" (alteration in

original)(quoting People v. Wallace, 33 Cal. 4th 738, 749, 93 P.3d 1037, 16 Cal. Rptr.

3d 96 (2004))(quoting People v. Thomas, 41 Cal. 3d 837, 844 n.6, 718 P.2d 94, 226

Cal. Rptr. 107 (1986))).

       An intentional killing in California, when done in the heat of passion, may be

reduced from murder to manslaughter. Lee, 20 Cal. 4th at 59 (concluding that "an

intentional killing is reduced to voluntary manslaughter... when the defendant acts upon

a sudden quarrel or heat of passion on sufficient provocation"). Similarly, in Washington,

heat of passion negates premeditation, justifying a charge of second degree murder.

State V. Frederick, 20 Wn. App. 175, 182, 579 P.2d 390 (1978). Thus, of the possible

comparable Washington statutes discussed above, murder in the second degree is

closest to California voluntary manslaughter. Washington second degree murder

requires an "intent to cause the death of another person but without premeditation."

Former RCW 9A.32.050(1)(a).

       Canha claims that his voluntary manslaughter offense cannot be comparable to

second degree murder because voluntary manslaughter does not require the specific

intent to kill someone, while second degree murder does. But, as discussed above, at

the time of Canha's conviction, voluntary manslaughter in California did require an intent

to kill and Canha necessarily pleaded guilty to such an intent. See Hawkins, 10 Cal. 4th




presupposes an intent to kill" and that '"[vjoiuntary manslaughter Is a willful act, characterized by the
presence of an Intent to kill'" (quoting Brubaker, 53 Cal. 2d at 44)), abrogated by Lasko, 23 Cal. 4th
101. Thus, the fact that California no longer requires an Intent to kill for a conviction of voluntary
manslaughter Is of no consequence to Canha, who necessarily pleaded guilty to an Intentional killing
In 1991. See Olsen, 180 Wn.2d at 478-79.


                                                  12
In re Pars. Restraint ofCanha (Steven Louis), No. 94175-1


at 958 ("Defendant's argument is based on the premise that malice aforethought and

intent to kill describe identical mental states.. . . But that premise is fallacious. It has

been long held that voluntary manslaughter presupposes an intent to kill, but that, in

spite of that intent, certain statutorily defined mitigating circumstances negate the

element of malice aforethought."). Therefore, both the California statute and the

Washington statute required a specific intent to kill and also required that the killing be

done in the heat of passion or without premeditation. As a result, Canha pleaded guilty

to an intentional killing done in the heat of passion or without premeditation. See Oisen,

180 Wn.2d at 478 (relying on California law to conclude that'"[a] guilty plea admits every

element of the crime charged'" (internal quotation marks omitted)(quoting Wallace, 33

Cal. 4th at 749)). Therefore, his voluntary manslaughter conviction is factually

comparable to second degree murder; Canha's conduct of committing voluntary

manslaughter would have violated Washington's second degree murder statute. Thus,

the voluntary manslaughter conviction was properly included in Canha's offender score.

III.   Oregon Felon in Possession of a Firearm

       Canha's conviction for felon in possession of a firearm in Oregon is factually

comparable to Washington's first degree unlawful possession of a firearm. Therefore, it

was appropriately included in Canha's offender score.

   A. Legal Comparability

       Oregon convicted Canha as a felon in possession of a firearm. A person could be

convicted under the Oregon statute if he or she had possession of a firearm after

previously being convicted of a felony:




                                            13
In re Pars. Restraint ofCanha (Steven Louis), No. 94175-1


      Any person who has been convicted of a felony under the law of this state
      or any other state, or who has been convicted of a felony under the laws of
      the Government of the United States, who owns or has in the person's
      possession or under the person's custody or control any firearm, commits
      the crime of felon in possession of a firearm.

Former Or. Rev. Stat. § 166.270(1)(2001)(emphasis added).

      The comparable Washington statute at the time was first degree unlawful

possession of a firearm. In contrast to the Oregon statute, an individual could be

convicted in Washington only if he or she had been previously convicted of a serious

offense:


      A person, whether an adult or juvenile, is guilty of the crime of unlawful
      possession of a firearm in the first degree, if the person owns, has in his or
      her possession, or has in his or her control any firearm after having
      previously been convicted in this state or elsewhere of any serious offense
      as defined in this chapter.

Former RCW 9.41.040(1)(a)(1997)(emphasis added). A serious offense in Washington

was defined by statute:

      "Serious offense" means any of the following felonies or a felony attempt to
      commit any of the following felonies, as now existing or hereafter amended:
         (a)Any crime of violence; [or]

         (o) Any felony offense in effect at any time prior to June 6, 1996, that is
      comparable to a serious offense, or any federal or out-of-state conviction for
      an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as a
      serious offense.

Former RCW 9.41.010(12)(1997).

      Oregon's statute is broader than Washington's statute. Oregon requires that a

person be convicted of a felony, while Washington requires that a person be convicted

of a serious offense. Compare former Or. Rev. Stat.§ 166.270(1999), w/f/? former RCW

9.41.040(1 )(a). The definition of a "serious offense" does not encompass all felonies;



                                            14
In re Pars. Restraint of Canha (Steven Louis), No. 94175-1


therefore, it is possible for a person to have been convicted of a felony without committing

a serious offense in Washington. Since the Oregon statute is broader, it is not legally

comparable to the Washington statute. See Morley, 134 Wn.2d at 606. Because the

Oregon statute is not legally comparable, we must determine whether Canha's

conviction was factually comparable to the Washington statute.

    B. Factual Comparability

       To be convicted under the Washington statute for first degree unlawful possession

of a firearm, Canha must have(1) had a firearm in his possession or control and (2) been

previously convicted of a serious offense. Former ROW 9.41.040(1 )(a) (2000). Since

Canha's conviction meets both these requirements, we conclude that the offense is

factually comparable.

        Oregon charged and convicted Canha of "unlawfully and knowingly hav[ing] in

[his] possession a firearm." This satisfies the Washington statute's first requirement that

Canha have a firearm in his possession or control.

        Canha pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in California in 1991. Killing

someone satisfies the definition of a "serious offense" since it is a '"[cjrime of violence.'"^



^ At trial in 2008, Canha stipulated that he had "previously been convicted of a serious offense." Now,
Canha argues that he was not previously convicted of a serious offense. Under the doctrine of judicial
estoppel, we generally "'precluded a party from asserting one position in a court proceeding and later
seeking an advantage by taking a clearly inconsistent position.'" Miller v. Campbell, 164 Wn.2d 529,
539, 192 P.3d 352 (2008)(quoting Arkison v. Ethan Allen, Inc., 160 Wn.2d 535, 538, 160 P.3d 13
(2007)). We need not reach this issue, however, because we resolve the issue under the factual
comparability analysis.

Canha also asserts that his trial counsel "was defective for not ascertaining if the voluntary
manslaughter conviction was comparable to a serious offense in Washington." Since the voluntary
manslaughter conviction was comparable to a serious offense in Washington, this failure by trial
counsel did not prejudice Canha.


                                                  15
In re Pars. Restraint ofCanha (Steven Louis), No. 94175-1


Former RCW 9.41.010(12). Consequently, the Washington statute's second requirement

that Canha was previously convicted of a serious offense is met.

       Because Canha had possession of a firearm and had previously been convicted

of a serious offense, his conviction in Oregon for felon in possession of a firearm is

factually comparable to a Washington felony offense. Thus, it was properly included in

his offender score.


IV.    Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

      Canha claims that his trial counsel and appellate counsel on direct appeal were

ineffective for failing to raise these comparability issues. Because the State concedes

that Canha's hindering prosecution conviction is not comparable to a Washington

offense, we need not reach Canha's ineffective assistance of counsel claim for that

conviction. We conclude that the remaining claims of ineffective assistance of counsel

lack merit.


      To prevail on his ineffective assistance of counsel claims, Canha must show (1)

that counsel performed deficiently and (2) that counsels' deficient performance was

prejudicial. State v. Grier, 171 Wn.2d 17, 32-33, 246 P.3d 1260 (2011). To show

prejudice, a defendant must show that '"there is a reasonable probability that, but for

counsel's deficient performance, the outcome of the proceedings would have been

different.'" Id. at 34 (quoting State v. Kyllo, 166 Wn.2d 856, 862, 215 P.3d 177 (2009)).

       Here, the State concedes that the inclusion of the Oregon hindering prosecution

conviction in Canha's offender score was erroneous. Consequently, we remand for

resentencing to correct Canha's offender score on this point. Thus, we need not reach

the question of whether counsel was ineffective for failing to raise the comparability


                                             16
In re Pers. Restraint ofCanha (Steven Louis), No. 94175-1


analysis issue for this conviction because the result would be the same. Because

Canha's three other foreign convictions were properly included in his offender score,

Canha cannot show that counsels' failures to raise the comparability analysis issues for

these convictions prejudiced him. Since Canha cannot show prejudice, his remaining

claims for ineffective assistance of counsel lack merit.

                                      CONCLUSION


       In conclusion, three of Canha's four out-of-state convictions were properly

included in Canha's offender score. Canha's conviction for California voluntary

manslaughter is factually comparable to Washington's second degree murder. Canha's

Oregon conviction for felon in possession of a firearm is factually comparable to

Washington's first degree unlawful possession of a firearm. Canha concedes that his

Oregon conviction for first degree criminal mischief is comparable to Washington's

second degree malicious mischief. But, the State concedes that Canha's Oregon

conviction for hindering prosecution is not comparable to a Washington offense. As a

result, it was erroneously included in Canha's offender score. Therefore, Canha is

entitled to be resentenced. We remand to the trial court to resentence Canha accordingly

and for other proceedings consistent with this opinion, if any.




                                             17
In re Pars. Restraint of Canha (Steven Louis), No. 94175-1




      WE CONCUR.




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