Opinion ID: 879188
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: adequacy of the reasons for the sentence

Text: Finally, appellant contends his sentence is illegal because the trial judge failed to set forth his reasons for choosing to incarcerate defendant for 15 days. The sentencing judge is required to state his reasons for imposing incarceration on a defendant, even if the sentence is within the statutory limits for the offense. State v. Stumpf (1980), 187 Mont. 225, 609 P.2d 298. The trial judge has met this requirement. The following rationale was provided for the sentence: Defendant's history of alcohol and driving offenses. This statement, especially when coupled with the presentence report provided by defendant's probation officer, is sufficient to inform a reviewing court and the Sentence Review Board as to why the sentence was imposed. Stumpf, 187 Mont. at 226, 227, 609 P.2d at 299. No more is required. The sentence is affirmed. Affirmed on all counts. TURNAGE, C.J., and HARRISON, SHEEHY, HUNT, GULBRANDSON and WEBER, JJ., concur.