Opinion ID: 2258875
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The maximum periods of incarceration and final sentences

Text: Although the court acknowledged the necessity of applying the three-step Hewey procedure and correctly arrived at basic periods of incarceration, the record discloses that the court insufficiently distinguished between the maximum periods of incarceration and the final sentences. The court was well aware of certain mitigating circumstances present in this case. The court, however, only mentioned those mitigating circumstances in determining the final sentences, i.e., what portion of the sentences to suspend. The court must address and separately impose maximum periods of incarceration for each offense. In doing so, the court is required to consider the mitigating as well as the aggravating circumstances particular to the defendant. State v. Hewey, 622 A.2d at 1154. Insistence in following this procedure will make review of sentences by this Court more meaningful and should result in sentences that are more uniform. [8] The record demonstrates that the court was aware of the Hewey procedure and was fully cognizant of the circumstances attendant to this defendant. Further, the court properly considered those circumstances, including the need to protect the public, in arriving at the final sentences and imposing lengthy periods of probation. Although the court may have considered the mitigating circumstances prior to arriving at the final sentences, the record does not reveal that the court did so, and `the defendant is entitled to a decision from us based on the record.' State v. Pelletier, 534 A.2d 970, 972 (Me.1987) (quoting State v. Gribbin, 360 A.2d 517, 518 (Me.1976)). Missing from an otherwise careful, thoughtful, and well reasoned sentencing was the separate consideration of appropriate maximum periods of incarceration. The integrity and legitimacy of legal rules necessarily depends on their observance and endorsement by our courts. The failure to articulate separate maximum periods of incarceration with full consideration of both the aggravating and mitigating circumstances requires that we vacate the sentences and remand the matter for resentencing. The entry is: Judgments affirmed. Sentences vacated. Remanded for resentencing in accordance with the opinion herein. All concurring.