Dovala v. Tim

Filing 44

Order: Respondent's Motion to Stay Judgment Pending Appeal (Doc. No. 39 ) is GRANTED as set forth herein. The Court takes Petitioner's Motion for Bond (Doc. No. 41 ) under advisement and refers this matter to Pretrial Services for an investigation and recommendation in relation to the appropriate conditions, if any, for Petitioner's release. An evidentiary hearing will be scheduled once the Court receives a report from Pretrial Services. Signed by Judge Pamela A. Barker on 12/30/2020. (S,SR)

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO

Melissa Dovala,

Case No. 1:16cv2511
Petitioner,

-vs-

JUDGE PAMELA A. BARKER

Teri Baldauf, Warden,

ORDER
Respondent

This matter is before the Court on Respondent Teri Baldauf’s Motion to Stay Judgment
Granting Writ Conditioned upon New Trial. (Doc. No. 39.) Also pending is Petitioner Melissa
Dovala’s Motion to Set Appellate Bond, which was recently filed on December 3, 2020. (Doc. No.
41.) For the following reasons, Respondent’s Motion to Stay Judgment Pending Appeal (Doc. No.
39) is GRANTED as set forth herein. The Court takes Petitioner’s Motion for Bond (Doc. No. 41)
under advisement and refers this matter to Pretrial Services for an investigation and recommendation
in relation to the appropriate conditions, if any, for Petitioner’s release.
I.

Background
On October 19, 2020, this Court issued a Memorandum Opinion & Order and Judgment Entry

in which it conditionally granted a Writ of Habeas Corpus to Petitioner Melissa Dovala pursuant to
28 U.S.C. § 2254 on the basis of ineffective assistance of trial counsel. (Doc. Nos. 33, 34.) Therein,
the Court ordered that “[u]nless a new trial is scheduled within 120 days, Dovala must be
unconditionally released.” (Id.) By this Court’s calculations, the 120-day deadline expires on
February 16, 2021.

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On November 17, 2020, Respondent filed a Notice of Appeal to the Sixth Circuit Court of
Appeals. (Doc. No. 38.) The next day, Respondent filed a Motion to Stay this Court’s Order
conditionally granting the Writ and ordering a new trial. (Doc. No. 39.)
On December 3, 2020, Dovala responded by filing a Motion to Set Appellate Bond. (Doc.
No. 41.) Therein, Dovala indicates that she does not oppose Respondent’s request that the Court stay
the deadline for scheduling a new trial but asks the Court to “set a bond to allow her to be at liberty
during the pendency of the Warden’s appeal of this Court’s granting of her petition for habeas
corpus.” (Id. at pp. 1, 6.) Respondent filed a Brief in Opposition to Dovala’s Motion for Bond on
December 17, 2020. (Doc. No. 42.) Dovala did not file a Reply Brief in support of her Motion.
II.

Legal Standard
Although this matter is pending before the Sixth Circuit, this Court retains jurisdiction to enter

a stay or set bail, pursuant to Fed. R. App. P. 23(c). Miller v. Stovall, 641 F.Supp.2d 657, 661 (E.D.
Mich. 2009). The Supreme Court holds that the same standards governing stays of civil judgments
apply to the release of habeas petitioners pending appeal. Hilton v. Braunskill, 481 U.S. 770, 776
(1987).
The traditional factors to review when determining whether to stay an order pending appeal
are: (1) whether the stay applicant has made a strong showing that he is likely to succeed on the
merits; (2) whether the applicant will be irreparably injured absent a stay; (3) whether issuance of the
stay will substantially injure the other parties interested in the proceeding; and (4) where the public
interest lies. Id. See also Workman v. Tate, 958 F.2d 164, 166 (6th Cir.1992); Miller, 641 F.Supp.2d
at 661. In addition to these factors, the court should consider factors more directly germane to bail
consideration, i.e., the possibility of flight, possible danger to the public, and the state’s interest in
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continuing custody and rehabilitation pending the case’s final determination. Id. at 777. See also
Workman, 958 F.2d at 166; Newman v. Metrish, 300 Fed. Appx. 342, 344 (6th Cir. 2008).
“Since the traditional stay factors contemplate individualized judgments in each case, the
formula cannot be reduced to a set of rigid rules.” Hilton, 481 U.S. at 777. The Supreme Court
offered the following guidance to lower courts in evaluating the Hilton factors:
The balance may depend to a large extent upon determination of the State's prospects
of success in its appeal. Where the State establishes that it has a strong likelihood of
success on appeal, or where, failing that, it can nonetheless demonstrate a substantial
case on the merits, continued custody is permissible if the second and fourth factors
in the traditional stay analysis militate against release. Cf. McSurely v. McClellan, 225
U.S. App. D.C. 67, 75, 697 F.2d 309, 317 (1982); O'Bryan v. Estelle, 691 F.2d 706,
708 (CA5 1982), cert. denied, 465 U.S. 1013, 104 S.Ct. 1015, 79 L.Ed.2d 245 (1984);
Ruiz v. Estelle, 650 F.2d 555, 565–566 (CA5 1981). Where the State's showing on the
merits falls below this level, the preference for release should control.
Hilton, 481 U.S. at 777–78 (citations omitted). Finally, the Supreme Court also explained that “[t]he
State's interest in continuing custody and rehabilitation pending a final determination of the case on
appeal is also a factor to be considered; it will be strongest where the remaining portion of the
sentence to be served is long, and weakest where there is little of the sentence remaining to be served.”
Id. at 777.
III.

Analysis
Respondent states that the purpose of her Motion to Stay is to allow the State to seek appellate

review of this Court’s decision granting habeas relief in the Sixth Circuit and, if necessary, the United
States Supreme Court. (Doc. No. 39.) Respondent argues that the Hilton factors weigh in her favor,
arguing in particular that there is a strong likelihood that the State will succeed on the merits on
appeal. (Id. at pp. 3-7.) Respondent further asserts that the State will be irreparably injured if a stay
is not granted “because it is unlikely that the Respondent’s appeal would be briefed and decided
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before this Court’s 120-day deadline” for scheduling the matter for a new trial. (Id. at p. 7.) Finally,
Respondent argues the public interest lies in favor of a stay because Dovala was convicted of a violent
felony and the State therefore has a strong interest in continuing her custody and rehabilitation. (Id.
at p. 8.)
Dovala filed a Motion to Set Appellate Bond in response to Respondent’s Motion. (Doc. No.
41.) Therein, Dovala states that “Respondent’s Motion to Stay is not challenged here as courts have
not normally questioned that a Respondent has a substantial interest in avoiding a re-trial of Petitioner
prior to a ruling on her appeal.” (Id. at p. 6.) Dovala explains that “the idea is not to prevent the
Warden from pursuing an appeal but, under these circumstances, to avoid Melissa’s serving
additional and a possibly undeserved extended term of incarceration” pending the outcome of appeal.
(Id.)
Thus, Dovala does not present any argument regarding the Hilton factors with respect to
Respondent’s request for a stay of the 120-day deadline for scheduling a new trial. She does,
however, argue that the Hilton factors weigh in her favor with respect to her request that she be
released on bond pending the outcome of Respondent’s appeal. (Id.) In this regard, Dovala argues
that Respondent has not made a strong showing of likelihood of success on appeal, asserting that the
state court ruling at issue herein was “clearly inconsistent with firmly established United States
Supreme Court precedent.” (Id. at p. 7.) Dovala further maintains that the remaining Hilton factors
also weigh in her favor in light of the fact that she has no previous criminal record; is a model prisoner
with no disciplinary infractions; has already served her minimum sentence of 15 years; and has
developed a strong support system which will provide her emotional and financial support if released.
(Id. at pp. 7-8.) Lastly, Dovala suggests that she will be substantially injured if this Court does not
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release her on bond because the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (“ODRC”) has
already once rescheduled her November 2020 parole hearing due to “the present uncertainty of her
legal status.” (Id. at p. 5.)
Respondent opposes Dovala’s request for release on bond. (Doc. No. 42.) Respondent
reiterates her argument that the State has a strong likelihood of success on the merits and that the
State’s ability to appeal will be irreparably injured if a stay is not granted. (Id. at pp. 2-7.) With
respect to the remaining Hilton factors, Respondent argues that these factors weigh against release.
Specifically, Respondent asserts that Dovala will not be substantially injured if denied release because
she “is scheduled to go before the parole board for a release consideration hearing in March of 2021.”
(Id. at p. 8.) Respondent also emphasizes the State’s interest in continued custody and rehabilitation,
noting that the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office has submitted a statement to the Ohio Adult
Parole Authority opposing Dovala’s parole. (Id. at p. 9.) Finally, Respondent argues that, pursuant
to 18 U.S.C. § 3771(a) & (b)(2), the victim’s representatives (i.e., Riley Smath’s parents) have a right
to be heard on the issue of Dovala’s potential release before any decision is made. (Id. at pp. 9-10.)
The Court will first address the parties’ arguments regarding Respondent’s likelihood of
success on the merits and will then turn its attention to the remaining Hilton factors, below.
A.

Likelihood of Success on the Merits

As noted above, the first factor a court must consider in determining whether to stay an order
granting a habeas petition is whether the respondent has made a strong showing that it is likely to
succeed on the merits, or at the very least has demonstrated “a substantial case on the merits.” Hilton,
481 U.S. at 778.

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Here, Respondent argues that “an affirmance in the Sixth Circuit of the district court’s
decision is by no means a certainty.” (Doc. No. 42 at p. 2.) Specifically, Respondent maintains that
the State has a strong likelihood of success on the merits because this Court erred when it failed to
apply AEDPA deference in evaluating the prejudice prong of the test for ineffective assistance of
counsel under Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984). Respondent further asserts that “this
Court also did not explain why it considered the issue of prejudice de novo and did not accord double
deference to the appellate court’s March 31, 2016 decision.” (Id. at p. 4.)
Respondent is incorrect. In its October 19, 2020 Memorandum Opinion & Order, this Court
applied AEDPA deference to the state court’s analysis of the deficient performance prong of the
Strickland test but then explained that, under prevailing Sixth Circuit precedent, review of the
performance prong was de novo. Specifically, the Court stated as follows:
Here, having concluded that [trial counsel] Burge’s performance was not deficient, the
state appellate court did not reach the issue of prejudice. [fn omitted] The Sixth Circuit
has explained that ‘[w]hen a state court relied only on one Strickland prong to
adjudicate an ineffective assistance of counsel claim, AEDPA deference does not
apply to review of the Strickland prong not relied upon by the state court’ Rayner v.
Mills, 685 F.3d 631, 638 (6th Cir. 2012); see also Moss v. Olson, 699 Fed. Appx 477,
481–82 (6th Cir. 2017) (explaining why this split standard still applies by reconciling
Harrington, 562 U.S. at 99, with Rompilla v. Beard, 545 U.S. 374 (2005)). See also
Smith v. Cook, 956 F.3d 377, 392 (6th Cir. 2020); Phillips v. Hoffner, 755 Fed. Appx.
481, 491 (6th Cir. 2018). Accordingly, this Court considers the issue of prejudice de
novo.
(Doc. No. 33 at pp. 44-45.) Notably, although Respondent argues that reviewing the prejudice prong
de novo under these circumstances contravenes the Supreme Court’s decision in Harrington v.
Richter (Doc. No. 42 at p. 4), the Sixth Circuit expressly considered and rejected this very argument
in Rayner v. Mills, 685 F.3d 631, 638 (6th Cir. 2012). Specifically, in Rayner, the Sixth Circuit
explained as follows:
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Harrington does not specifically address the scenario where, as here, a state court's
decision discusses one prong but not the other. We, and other circuits, have addressed
that scenario in post-Harrington decisions. In at least two published opinions—one of
which was decided en banc—where the state court adjudicated only one prong, we
have continued to rely on Wiggins and have reviewed the remaining prong de novo.
Davis v. Lafler, 658 F.3d 525, 537 (6th Cir.2011) (en banc); Rice v. White, 660 F.3d
242, 251 (6th Cir.2011); see also Brown v. McKee, 460 Fed. Appx. 567, 580 (6th
Cir.2012); Davis, 658 F.3d at 541 (Martin, J., concurring in part and dissenting in
part). These decisions did not examine the interplay between Wiggins and Harrington
nor specifically address the argument that tension may exist between the cases.
However, an Eleventh Circuit opinion and a one-judge opinion in the Seventh Circuit
have undertaken this analysis and both concluded that Harrington did not disturb
Wiggins. Ferrell v. Hall, 640 F.3d 1199, 1224–27 (11th Cir.2011); Sussman v.
Jenkins, 642 F.3d 532, 534 (7th Cir.2011) (Ripple, J.). Fifth and Ninth Circuit cases
have, like our own, continued to follow Wiggins or Rompilla without discussion. Salts
v. Epps, 676 F.3d 468, 480 n. 46 (5th Cir.2012); Detrich v. Ryan, 677 F.3d 958, 983
(9th Cir.2012); Williams v. Cavazos, 646 F.3d 626, 637 n. 6 (9th Cir.2011), cert.
granted on other grounds, ––– U.S. ––––, 132 S.Ct. 1088, 181 L.Ed.2d 806 (2012).
We see no reason to stray from the standard of review observed by our en banc Sixth
Circuit in Davis v. Lafler and the other four circuits to encounter this issue: When a
state court relied only on one Strickland prong to adjudicate an ineffective
assistance of counsel claim, AEDPA deference does not apply to review of the
Strickland prong not relied upon by the state court. The unadjudicated prong is
reviewed de novo. A fuller examination supports this standard.
Let us begin with the Harrington situation, a state court decision without explanation.
A summary holding rejecting an ineffective assistance claim necessarily reveals that
the state court relied on at least one Strickland prong but gives no indication as to
whether the holding was based on deficiency or prejudice or both. In such situations,
it makes sense under Harrington for a habeas court to review both prongs pursuant to
AEDPA to assure proper deference to the unspoken holding(s) actually relied upon by
the state court. See also Harrington, 131 S.Ct. at 785 (dismissing the “pure
speculation” that the state court members “may not have agreed on the reasons for
denying his petition”). This contrasts with the situation in Wiggins in which the state
court rendered a conclusion only on the deficiency prong. Because a petitioner must
satisfy both Strickland prongs in order to prevail, a court's dismissal of an ineffective
assistance claim based solely on one prong says nothing about what the court thought
about the other prong. It would be inappropriate to presume the state court not only
had a finding in mind as to the unexplained prong but that this finding was against the
petitioner. See Childers, 642 F.3d at 986 (“Conversely [to Harrington], Wiggins and
Rompilla were cases where the Court was not left to speculate as to what the state
court had, and had not, adjudicated.”). Thus, in the situation where the state court
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adjudication relies upon only one prong, deference has no proper role in reviewing the
remaining prong.
Review of Harrington supports our conclusion. In that decision, the Supreme Court
expressly limited application of its holding to cases in which the state court's decision
“is unaccompanied by an explanation.” Sussman, 642 F.3d at 534 (quoting
Harrington, 131 S.Ct. at 784). Moreover, “the Supreme Court in Harrington did not
disturb its approach in Wiggins” and “[w]e certainly cannot assume that the Court
overruled sub silentio its holding in Wiggins—a precedent so important to the daily
work of the lower federal courts,” id., which the Supreme Court cited in Harrington
“without the slightest hint of disapproval,” Childers, 642 F.3d at 986–87, and has
continued to rely upon in other decisions, e.g., Cullen v. Pinholster, ––– U.S. ––––,
131 S.Ct. 1388, 1410, 179 L.Ed.2d 557 (2011) (citing Rompilla, 545 U.S. at 390, 125
S.Ct. 2456).
Thus, we do not find Harrington and the Supreme Court's earlier decisions to be in
conflict. The principle that “§ 2254(d) applies when a ‘claim,’ not a component of
one, has been adjudicated,” Harrington, 131 S.Ct. at 784, does not necessarily mean
that each “component” must itself be reviewed under the § 2254(d) standard in every
situation. After all, both Wiggins and Rompilla recognized that the AEDPA standard
applies to the “claim” of ineffective assistance of counsel before evaluating an
unreviewed prong de novo. 539 U.S. at 519–20, 123 S.Ct. 2527, 545 U.S. at 380, 125
S.Ct. 2456; see also Porter, 130 S.Ct. at 452. The Wiggins and Rompilla line of cases
work together with Harrington to ensure application of AEDPA to an entire
ineffective assistance claim. In doing so, they mandate AEDPA deference to both
prongs when the state court decision summarily dismisses the claim without
explanation; when a state court decision relies only on one prong, the cases
mandate AEDPA deference to that prong and de novo consideration of the
unadjudicated prong. This is a “straightforward approach” that allows those
Supreme Court decisions to “co-exist comfortably.” Childers, 642 F.3d at 986. We
hold this to be the proper framework and affirm the district court's denial of Rayner's
habeas petition for the reasons provided below.
Rayner, 685 F.3d at 637-639 (emphasis added) (footnotes omitted). As recently as April 2020, the
Sixth Circuit reaffirmed in a published decision that, where a state appellate court addresses only one
of the Strickland prongs, “this court's caselaw requires” that a court review the remaining prong de
novo. Smith v. Cook, 956 F.3d 377, 392 (6th Cir. 2020). Indeed, in Smith, the Sixth Circuit observed
that “Rayner purported to distinguish Richter, see 685 F.3d at 638, and its ‘peculiar rule’ remains the
law of our circuit.” Id.at fn 2 (citing Hodges v. Colson, 727 F.3d 517, 537 & n.5 (6th Cir. 2013)).
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While Respondent may disagree with the Sixth Circuit’s “peculiar rule” in Rayner, it is
binding precedent in this Circuit and this Court is bound to follow it. The Court further notes that,
contrary to Respondent’s assertion that this Court “failed to explain” why it considered the issue of
prejudice de novo, this Court expressly discussed this issue and cited both Rayner and Smith in its
October 19, 2020 Memorandum Opinion & Order. (Doc. No. 33 at pp. 44-45.) Lastly, the Court
notes that, after addressing the issue of prejudice de novo, the Court further found as follows: “Even
if the Court were to apply AEDPA deference to the state trial court’s finding of prejudice, however,
the Court would nonetheless find (for all of the reasons set forth above) that the state court’s decision
was an unreasonable application of Strickland.” (Id. at fn 17.) Thus, for all the reasons set forth
above, the Court is not persuaded that Respondent has a strong likelihood of success on the merits
with respect to this particular issue.
Respondent next argues that the State has a strong likelihood of success on the merits because
this Court erroneously relied on Sixth Circuit precedent (rather than United States Supreme Court
precedent) in finding that the state appellate court unreasonably concluded that trial counsel was not
ineffective under Strickland. For the following reasons, the Court disagrees.
In support of its grant of habeas relief, this Court expressly stated that “the well-established
federal law used for assessing ineffective assistance of counsel claims is the framework set forth in
Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984).” (Doc. No. 33 at p. 22.) The Court further
acknowledged the very high level of deference that is accorded to state court decisions regarding
Strickland under § 2254(d). In particular, the Court noted that a federal habeas court’s review is
“’doubly deferential’ because AEDPA provides deference to the state court, which in turn is expected
to give considerable deference to trial counsel’s decisions.” (Id. at p. 23.) After carefully reviewing
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the state appellate court’s decision, the Court concluded that “the state appellate court’s determination
that Burge’s performance was not deficient is an unreasonable application of Strickland.” (Id. at p.
44.)

Thus, this Court appropriately acknowledged and applied United States Supreme Court

precedent in determining that Dovala was entitled to habeas relief.
It is true that, as part of its analysis, this Court considered and cited the Sixth Circuit’s
published decision in Richey v. Bradshaw, 498 F.3d 344 (6th Cir. 2007), as well as other several other
decisions in which the Sixth Circuit granted habeas relief on the basis that trial counsel failed to
conduct a reasonable investigation regarding potential expert testimony. (Doc. No. 33 at pp. 33-34)
(citing Couch v. Booker, 632 F.3d 241 (6th Cir. 2011) and Dendel v. Washington, 647 Fed. Appx.
612 (6th Cir. 2016)). However, the Court did not find that the state court decision in Dovala’s
underlying criminal case was an unreasonable application of Richey, Couch, and/or Dendel. Rather,
this Court expressly found that the state court’s decision was an unreasonable application of the
Supreme Court’s decision in Strickland, supra. The Court merely pointed to Richey, Couch and
Dendel as examples of cases where, under very similar circumstances, the Sixth Circuit applied
AEDPA deference and found that the state courts had unreasonably applied Strickland, supra.
In any event, the Court did not exceed AEDPA’s strict limitation on the source of clearly
established federal law by looking to Richey, Couch, and Dendel in the course of its analysis. As
noted above, in each of those decisions, the Sixth Circuit expressly found that the state courts had
considered the petitioners’ ineffective assistance claims on the merits, applied AEDPA deference,
and concluded that the state courts’ determinations were unreasonable applications of Strickland.
Thus, this Sixth Circuit precedent “already accounts for AEDPA’s severe limitation on the source of
clearly established federal law, and … a federal court does not bypass AEDPA’s limit on the source
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of that law by considering” Circuit cases that grant or affirm relief under AEDPA. Pouncy v. Palmer,
168 F.Supp.3d 954, 964 (E.D. Mich. 2016).
In light of the above, the Court is not persuaded that Respondent has a strong likelihood of
success on the merits on appeal. Nonetheless, the Court recognizes the very steep climb that habeas
petitioners face in obtaining relief under the AEDPA. The Court also acknowledges that the Sixth
Circuit may disagree with this Court's analysis of Dovala’s ineffective assistance claims.
Accordingly, while Respondent may not have shown a strong likelihood of success on the merits, the
Court finds that Respondent has at least demonstrated that it has a substantial case on the merits.
B.

Remaining Hilton factors

The remaining Hilton factors are whether the applicant will be irreparably injured absent a
stay, whether issuance of the stay will substantially injure other parties interested in the proceeding,
and the public interest. Hilton, 481 U.S. at 777.
Here, the parties’ arguments regarding stay vs. release on bond are somewhat muddled. With
regard to the issue of whether this Court should stay its Judgment (and the deadline set forth therein
for scheduling a new trial), Dovala does not argue that the Hilton factors weigh against a stay. Indeed,
Dovala acknowledges that Respondent has “a substantial interest in avoiding a re-trial of Petitioner
prior to a ruling on her appeal.” (Doc. No. 41 at p. 6.) Moreover, and notably, Dovala does not argue
either that she would be injured by a stay of this Court’s Judgment pending appeal, or that a stay is
contrary to the public interest. See Doc. No. 41. As noted above, Respondent argues that each of the
Hilton factors weigh heavily in favor of staying the Court’s Judgment (in particular its 120-day new
trial deadline) pending appeal. (Doc. No. 39.)

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The parties do disagree, however, regarding the application of the remaining Hilton factors in
the context of Dovala’s request to be released on bond. As noted supra, Dovala argues that these
factors weigh heavily in favor of release because she (1) has no previous criminal record; (2) has been
a model prisoner with no disciplinary infractions; (3) has already served her minimum sentence of 15
years; and (4) has developed a strong support system which will provide her with emotional and
financial support if released. (Doc. No. 41 at pp. 7-8.) She also argues that she is not a flight risk,
noting that she “remained on bond during the entire thirteen months of pretrial proceedings and was
never alleged to have committed any violations of her release, or failed to appear in court for any
required appearance, including her jury trial.” (Id. at pp. 4-5.) Dovala further asserts that, if released,
she will live with (and care for) her 80 year old father and, further, that she “has life-long friends who
will be there to provide her with love and support if she is released.” (Id. at p. 3, 4.) Lastly, Dovala
suggests that she will be substantially injured if this Court does not release her on bond because the
ODRC has already once rescheduled her November 2020 parole hearing due to “the present
uncertainty of her legal status.” (Id. at p. 5.)
Respondent argues that the remaining Hilton factors weigh against release because (1) Dovala
was convicted of a violent felony; (2) the state courts have repeatedly upheld her conviction and
sentence; (3) the remaining portion of her sentence (15 years to life) is substantial; and (4) she “is
scheduled” to go before the parole board for a hearing in March 2021. (Doc. No. 42.) Respondent
further asserts that, under 18 U.S.C. § 3771(a) & (b)(2), this Court may not release Dovala without
first providing Riley Smath’s parents with an opportunity to be heard. (Id.)

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Dovala did not file a Reply Brief in support of her Motion for Bond, thus the Court does not
have the benefit of any further information or briefing from Dovala with respect to the issues raised
in Respondent’s Brief in Opposition.
While federal courts typically consider the issues of stay and release jointly, the Court feels
constrained, under the particular circumstances presented herein, to address these issues separately.
Specifically, the 120-day deadline set forth in this Court’s October 19, 2020 decision for scheduling
a new trial is fast approaching, and Dovala does not challenge Respondent’s Motion to Stay to the
extent it seeks a stay of this deadline pending appeal. (Doc. No. 41 at p. 6.) Moreover, while the
Court is preliminarily inclined to find that the Hilton factors weigh in favor of granting Dovala release
on bond, the Court concludes that it does not have sufficient information and evidence before it
regarding the second, third, and fourth Hilton factors to make this determination, particularly in light
of Dovala’s failure to file a Reply Brief in support of her Motion.
Thus, in light of the time constraints presented, the Court proceeds as follows. For the
following reasons, Respondent’s Motion to Stay Judgment (Doc. No. 39) is granted and the 120deadline set forth in this Court’s October 19, 2020 decision for scheduling a new trial is hereby stayed.
The Court agrees with Respondent that, if the State is required to schedule a new trial for Dovala
within 120 days of this Court’s October 19, 2020 decision, Respondent's appeal might be rendered
moot. Moreover, while the Court does not agree that Respondent has a strong likelihood of success
on the merits, the Court acknowledges that the Sixth Circuit may disagree with the Court’s analysis
of Dovala’s ineffective assistance of counsel claim. Thus, it could be a waste of judicial resources for
the State to schedule (and potentially proceed with) Dovala’s new trial while the appeal of this Court's
order is pending before the Sixth Circuit. Lastly, Dovala does not oppose Respondent’s Motion or
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otherwise argue that she will be substantially injured by a stay pending appeal. Accordingly,
Respondent’s Motion to Stay Judgment (Doc. No. 39) is granted as set forth above.
The Court requires additional information and evidence to resolve Dovala’s Motion for Bond
(Doc. No. 41) and, therefore, takes this Motion under advisement. This matter is referred to Pretrial
Services for an investigation and recommendation in relation to the appropriate conditions, if any, for
Dovala’s release. See, e.g., Marion v. Woods, 2015 WL 5895916 (E.D. Mich. Oct. 9, 2015) (citing
Newman, 300 Fed. Appx. at 343-344.) Once the Court receives a report from Pretrial Services, the
Court will set a hearing at which the parties will be expected to introduce evidence and argument in
support of their positions with respect to Dovala’s potential release on bond. In particular, the parties
shall be prepared to present information and evidence regarding (1) the specific reasons why Dovala’s
November 2020 parole hearing was rescheduled to March 2021; and (2) whether or not the instant
habeas proceedings may result in any further postponements of her parole hearing. In addition, at the
upcoming hearing, the victim’s representatives will be afforded an opportunity to speak regarding the
issue of Dovala’s potential release, if they so choose, in accordance with 18 U.S.C. § 3771(a) &
(b)(2).

IV.

Conclusion
Accordingly, Respondent’s Motion to Stay Judgment Pending Appeal (Doc. No. 39) is

GRANTED as set forth herein. The Court takes Petitioner’s Motion for Bond (Doc. No. 41) under
advisement and refers this matter to Pretrial Services for an investigation and recommendation in
14

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relation to the appropriate conditions, if any, for Petitioner’s release. An evidentiary hearing will be
scheduled once the Court receives a report from Pretrial Services.
IT IS SO ORDERED.

s/Pamela A. Barker
PAMELA A. BARKER
U. S. DISTRICT JUDGE

Date: December 30, 2020

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