Opinion ID: 2631908
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: State v. Sanford

Text: Kinnick Sanford was found guilty of second degree robbery, a class B felony, and of first degree escape. The statutory maximum sentence for class B felonies is 10 years' imprisonment. RCW 9A.20.021(1)(b). Sanford had previously been convicted of assault with a firearm in California, equivalent to a charge of assault with a deadly weapon in the state of Washington, and of attempted first degree murder and first degree robbery. However, the information did not allege that Sanford had been previously found guilty of most serious offenses. Following trial, the State alleged Sanford had prior convictions for most serious offenses under the POAA. The State filed a persistent offender memorandum describing current and prior convictions. The sentencing court found the State had proved, by preponderance of the evidence, the existence of two prior convictions and imposed a sentence of life without possibility of parole. This was affirmed by the Court of Appeals. State v. Sanford, 101 Wash.App. 1044, 2000 WL 987047 (2000). Sanford challenges his sentence on the grounds it exceeds the statutory maximum and the State failed to plead and prove the prior convictions to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt.