Opinion ID: 1348084
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: W.R.CR.P. 32(c)(1)

Text: While the above issue is dispositive of this case, we feel compelled to address Detheridge's claim that he was denied due process by the unreasonable delay in sentencing. W.R.Cr.P. 32(c)(1) provides, in part: Sentence shall be imposed without unnecessary delay, but the court may, when there is a factor important to the sentencing determination that is not then capable of being resolved, postpone the imposition of sentence for a reasonable time until the factor is capable of being resolved. In Yates, 792 P.2d at 191, addressing the predecessor of W.R.Cr.P. 32(c)(1), we unequivocally stated that one year is a reasonable period of time to require the imposition of sentence, and that delay in excess of one year is presumptively unreasonable. A court may not pronounce sentence on a defendant after the expiration of such time, unless the record clearly establishes those facts and circumstances that excuse the delay, thus making later imposition of the sentence reasonable. The State must bear the burden of establishing those facts and circumstances. Yates, 792 P.2d at 191. We explained that this rule is meant to prevent the possibility that a greater punishment than is deserved will be imposed because of subsequent conduct that results in a violation of the probation. In this case, the district court stated the following reason for the delay: Well, the reason for the delay, from the Court's point of view, is that it was my understanding that Mr. Detheridge was remaining away from the young lady in question and that that was a state of affairs that everybody was pleased with. And I thought that having sentencing pending would have an effect in that regard. I think that was a good reason for the delay, and still think it is. And for all I know, it's had the intended effect. It may be that Mr. Detheridge wouldn't have any trouble in any case, of course I don't know that, but as I indicated earlier, that's been my chief concern in the matter. We disagree with the State that Detheridge's capability to stay away from his victim was an issue not capable of being resolved. This is precisely the condition of his one year probation, imposed after Detheridge had already complied with this same condition for a year. Clearly, had he made any attempt to contact this woman, the district court would have imposed a harsher penalty. In other words, Detheridge served two terms of probation for the same offense. This is precisely the reasoning which renders such delay unreasonable. Having failed to show that the delay was reasonable, the district court was foreclosed from imposing sentence over one calendar year from the time guilt was established.