Opinion ID: 1984141
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: sentence received

Text: Jacques stated that the sentence he received violated the Rhode Island and United States Constitutions. Jacques received a (twelve) 12 year prison sentence: four (4) years to serve and eight (8) years were suspended with probation. The sentence included counseling, and ordered Jacques to pay $100.00 into the Victims Indemnity Fund. Jacques contends that the record contained no evidence of violent force or penile penetration to justify the above sentence. However, in State v. Jacques, the court held: [w]e note that the type of penetration is unimportant under the sexual-assault statute. The fact that only digital penetration occurred does not lessen Kathy's fear and humiliation. Under the sexual-assault statute, every male and female has an interest in bodily integrity. That integrity is violated regardless of the type or length of time of the penetration. (Emphasis added) ... The sexual assault was completed once Jacques's fingers penetrated into Kathy's vagina. Id. In State v. Crescenzo, 114 R.I. 242, 332 A.2d 421 (1975), the defendant received a two year sentence for embezzlement and appealed. The court stated that, only in an exceptional case, and with extreme reluctance will it interfere with the sentencing power of a trial justice. The court wrote that it will review an allegedly excessive sentence only when the record unswervingly leads to the conclusion that there is not any justification for the imposition of a sentence that is grossly disparate from sentences generally imposed for similar offenses. Id. at 263, 332 A.2d at 433. The court, noting that the defendant in Crescenzo, was a first time offender nevertheless wrote: ... we cannot say as a rule of law that any prison sentence for a first offender is per se excessive. Id. at 263, 332 A.2d at 433. The court held that individuals attacking sentences as excessive have the burden of establishing, on the appellate level, the complete absence of any justification for the sentence. Id. at 265, 332 A.2d at 434. The court affirmed Crescenzo's sentence and denied the appeal. In the case at bar, Jacques has failed to show that the sentence he received by the trial court was excessive or that any serious disparity exists between the sentence imposed upon Jacques and any other sentence by a trial justice for a similar conviction. The Supreme Court in State v. Jacques, 536 A.2d at 538, held that Jacques violated the sexual assault statute even though he did not commit penile penetration or use violent force. Jacques has failed to meet his burden to demonstrate the complete absence of any justification for the sentence. Crescenzo, 114 R.I. at 263-265, 332 A.2d at 433-434. As a result of this Court's findings on this issue, the petitioner's request to reduce the sentence is denied.