Opinion ID: 2162655
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Was the defendant's juvenile record barred from consideration by the court at the time of sentencing?

Text: There is a clear distinction between what is admissible as evidence in a trial and what may be considered as part of a presentence investigation made after a judgment of guilt has been entered. The disposition of any child's case in the juvenile court is not admissible as evidence against the child in a trial. However, the very purpose of a presentence report is to give as complete as possible a history and background of the convicted defendant in order that the sentencing court may fairly decide the appropriate disposition of the case. This court has upheld a trial court's use in a presentence report of information that numerous complaints charging that the convicted defendant had obtained property through fraudulent representations had been recently made by various persons. [5] Of such complaints, and their materiality to the sentencing alternatives, this court said, These complaints are evidence of a pattern of behavior which, in turn, is an index of the defendant's character, a critical factor in the sentencing, also saying as to presentence examinations, Typically, such reports contain pertinent information relating to the defendant's personality, social circumstances, and his prior criminal record (if any). [6] At the time of sentencing, prior involvements of a defendant with juvenile authorities are properly before the court, not as part of a prior criminal record, but as evidence . . . of a pattern of behavior which, in turn, is an index of the defendant's character . . . . [7]