Opinion ID: 2227408
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 20

Heading: Was the Sentence Excessive?

Text: Appellant actually raises two issues regarding his sentence. First, he claims that the 110-year sentence is disproportionate, excessive, and cruel and unusual in violation of the eighth amendment and the Indiana Bill of Rights. He bases his argument on the lenient treatment of the others involved in the cocaine buys, Reynolds and the Kolbs. As a matter of eighth amendment law, McCollum's claim plainly fails. Solem v. Helm, 463 U.S. 277, 103 S.Ct. 3001, 77 L.Ed.2d 637 (1983). In reviewing whether a sentence violates the Indiana constitution this Court examines the nature and gravity of the present felony and the nature of the prior offenses. Taylor v. State (1987), Ind., 511 N.E.2d 1036. Appellant was convicted of four class A felonies, two conspiracy to deal cocaine convictions and two convictions for dealing cocaine. These are serious offenses. Class A felony convictions carry a presumptive sentence of thirty years. Up to twenty years can be added for aggravating circumstances and up to ten years may be subtracted for mitigating circumstances. Ind. Code § 35-50-2-4 (West 1986). Appellant had a long criminal record which included burglary, felony battery, assault and battery on a police officer, and check forgery. Considering the gravity of the present felonies and the nature of the prior offenses, the sentence imposed was not unconstitutional. That others who cooperated with the police as part of a plea agreement received better treatment is irrelevant. Second, appellant claims that the record does not indicate that the trial judge received or considered a presentence report or mitigating circumstances. He also claims that the record does not sufficiently demonstrate that aggravating and mitigating circumstances were balanced. Deciding whether a presumptive sentence will be enhanced because of aggravating circumstances and whether terms will be served concurrently or consecutively is within the discretion of the trial court. Parrish v. State (1987), Ind., 515 N.E.2d 516, 521. A trial court may enhance a sentence or impose consecutive terms or both. When it does, however, the record must show the sentence was based on consideration of the facts of the specific crime, aggravating and mitigating circumstances, and the relation of the sentence to the objectives to be served by that sentence. Id. There is no constitutional or statutory prohibition against using the same factors to both enhance a sentence and impose consecutive sentences. Id.; Bish v. State (1981), Ind., 421 N.E.2d 608. Although appellant claims that the court failed to consider mitigating factors which clearly existed, he fails to identify those factors. Moreover, the transcript of the sentencing hearing shows that a presentence report was submitted and considered by the court. Additionally, the court received and read letters on appellant's behalf. This is a sufficient indication that mitigating circumstances, if any existed, were considered. A sentencing judge is not obliged to explain why he has chosen not to make a finding of mitigation. See Beatty v. State, 567 N.E.2d 1134 at 1137. The trial court did find the following aggravating circumstances: that appellant had a long history of crime and drug use, that there was a likelihood that the crime would reoccur, that appellant was in need of correctional treatment, and that there was some history of violence. The trial court did not abuse its discretion by enhancing the presumptive sentences and ordering consecutive terms. The judgment of the trial court is affirmed. DeBRULER, GIVAN, DICKSON and KRAHULIK, JJ., concur.