Before the law's passage people convicted of attempted murder, a class B felony, would receive the mandatory 25-year sentence, but would be eligible for parole in as little as four years, Mullin said. Now, those convicted of attempted murder will have to serve a minimum of 21 years in prison. It insures the safety of innocent citizens from harm by a demonstrably violent, dangerous criminal for many more years.
Citizens have a right to that protection.
That case is being appealed. The public defender's office in Sioux City wasn't surprised with the governor's signing of the law, said Todd Hensley, assistant public defender. He noted his office was more concerned about how second-degree robbery, which is a class C felony, was included on the original list. Meanwhile, Branstad's comments echoed the prosecutor's.