Opinion ID: 1043968
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: First Denton Factor

Text: The first Denton factor requires a Blockburger analysis of the statutory offenses. This analysis entails a comparison of the statutory elements of the offenses in the abstract. Denton, 938 S.W.2d at 381. The first Denton factor is problematic on its face because it begins with the second step of the Blockburger testa comparison of the statutory elements. It omits the threshold step of the Blockburger testwhether the multiple convictions arise from the same act or transaction. [33] Despite this omission, application of the first Denton factor is straightforward, requiring only a comparison of the statutory elements. The problem with the first Denton factor arises not from its own application, but rather from its application in relation to the second factorthe Duchac factor.