State v. Cyphers

Citations

• 2026 Ohio 2200

Syllabus

Appellant, a juvenile who was bound over for prosecution as an adult, pleaded guilty to murder and the attached firearm specification. The plea followed the trial court's denial of appellant's request for funds to be evaluated by an expert on battered child syndrome. Appellant's plea was knowing, intelligent, and voluntary. His claim that the plea was not knowing and intelligent is belied by forensic evaluations demonstrating his capability to understand his charges and waive his Miranda rights, as well as by the transcript of the plea hearing. Assuming that the trial court erred in denying the expert funding request, appellant's plea was also voluntary and not coerced. Appellant retained the right to appeal the trial court's decision, and the trial court did not engage in overbearing conduct that would have clouded appellant's decision to plead. Trial counsel did not provide ineffective assistance of counsel. Judgment affirmed.