Opinion ID: 1158063
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The District Court properly considered the Wolfe sentencing objectives.

Text: Appellant first argues that the district court abused its discretion because its oral ruling addressed only two of the four Wolfe factors, retribution and deterrence; overlooked were the two goals of rehabilitation and the protection of society. Our review of the record discloses that the district court did in fact identify and address all four of the Wolfe objectives. Stating the obvious, the court first noted that society needs to be protected from people who are capable of committing murder. The court next addressed rehabilitation, noting that it was concerned about the testimony of appellant's witness, Dr. Richard V. Smith, a psychologist. Dr. Smith testified that appellant's rehabilitation, though possible, would not occur until he forthrightly admitted the truth about the murder, but, added that appellant had not yet done so in the seven years since the murder. Following a discussion of specific deterrence, the court found that appellant, if ever released from prison, constituted a danger to society. As to general deterrence, the court noted that a life sentence would send a message to others in this community and this State that taking the life of another results in grave consequences. In addressing the question of a proper penalty, the court stated that appellant deserved to be severely punished due to the serious nature of the crime. The court further noted that a life sentence would not be unduly harsh given that the legislature has authorized death as the only alternative. The court's sentencing remarks concluded on the note that all four of these sentencing objectives feather together into the sentence to be given by the Court, with the primary consideration being the good order and protection of society. In sum, the court identified and considered the applicable criteria at the sentencing hearing. It follows therefore that Appellant's claimed error in that regard is not supported by the record.