Opinion ID: 2244987
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: A Sentencing Problem

Text: Finally, we note an error of sufficient importance that we address it sua sponte. The trial judge sentenced Jones to sixty-five years for committing murder, apparently applying Indiana Code § 35-50-2-3 as amended by the Act of May 10, 1995, Pub.L. No. 148-1995, § 4, 1995 Ind.Acts 3068, 3069 (increasing the fixed term for one who commits murder from fifty to fifty-five years) (effective July 1, 1995). However, while Jones was sentenced on December 16, 1996, he committed the crime on June 16, 1995. It is a well established rule of our criminal jurisprudence that the law which applies is that law which is in effect at the time the crime is committed. Smith v. State, 675 N.E.2d 693, 695 (Ind.1996). On June 16, 1995, the effective version of section 35-50-2-3 was the version promulgated by the Act of March 15, 1994, Pub.L. No. 158-1994, § 5, 1994 Ind.Acts 1849, 1853, which stated that [a] person who commits murder shall be imprisoned for a fixed term of forty (40) years, with not more than twenty (20) years added for aggravating circumstances.... See Smith, 675 N.E.2d at 696. Accordingly, the trial court erred in sentencing Jones to sixty-five years, five years more than was permissible under the sentencing statute effective on the date Jones committed the crime.