Opinion ID: 2185376
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: excessiveness of the sentence

Text: Finally, the defendant argues that the trial court erred in denying the defendant's request for probation and imposing a sentence of imprisonment. Delivery of marijuana is a Class III felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison, a $25,000 fine, or both. Neb.Rev.Stat. §§ 28-416(1)(a) and (2)(b), 28-405(c)(10) [Schedule I], and 28-105(1) (Reissue 1989). Cf. Neb.Rev.Stat. §§ 28-416(2)(a) and 28-401(16) and (35)(a) (Reissue 1989). In this case the trial court sentenced the defendant to 1 year in prison, with credit for 8 days spent in the county jail. A sentence imposed within the statutory limits will not be disturbed on appeal absent an abuse of discretion by the sentencing court. State v. Schumacher, 240 Neb. 184, 480 N.W.2d 716 (1992). Similarly, whether the sentence imposed is probation or incarceration is a matter within the discretion of the trial court, and a judgment denying probation will be upheld unless the trial court abuses its discretion. State v. Tuttle, 238 Neb. 827, 472 N.W.2d 712 (1991). In denying the defendant's request for probation in this case, the trial court considered the defendant's refusal to take responsibility for his acts, as exhibited by a letter addressed to the court in which the defendant states that the voice on the tape identified at trial as his was in fact Barber's. The court also noted the defendant's long history of drug and alcohol abuse and his refusal to cooperate with and ultimate discharge from an inpatient drug and alcohol abuse treatment program in December 1989. Though this is the defendant's first brush with the criminal justice system, the sentence imposed is the statutory minimum, and we cannot say the trial court abused its discretion in denying the defendant's request for probation. Accordingly, the judgment and sentence of the trial court are affirmed. AFFIRMED.