Opinion ID: 1252842
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Possibility of rehabilitation

Text: ¶ 25 In his sentencing memorandum, the defendant asserts capability of rehabilitation within the limits of a life sentence in prison, citing the mitigating factor ability to be rehabilitated, as outlined in State v. Rossi, 154 Ariz. 245, 249, 741 P.2d 1223, 1227 (1987). The defendant argues the trial court should have found potential for rehabilitation as a significant mitigating circumstance. ¶ 26 We agree that Arizona recognizes the potential for rehabilitation as a mitigating factor. See id., 154 Ariz. at 249, 741 P.2d at 1227; State v. Schad, 163 Ariz. 411, 421, 788 P.2d 1162, 1172 (1989). There appears no clear test under Arizona law as to how a defendant might demonstrate ability to be rehabilitated. In cases in which this court has substantively discussed the rehabilitation factor, defendants have offered evidence of potential for rehabilitation in the form of expert testimony. See Rossi, 154 Ariz. at 249, 741 P.2d at 1227; State v. Jones, 185 Ariz. 471, 491, 917 P.2d 200, 220 (1996); State v. Stokley, 182 Ariz. 505, 524, 898 P.2d 454, 473 (1995); State v. King, 180 Ariz. 268, 284, 883 P.2d 1024, 1040 (1994). None was offered here. Defendant's own testimony is not sufficient. See State v. Medrano, 185 Ariz. 192, 194, 914 P.2d 225, 227 (1996)(Because of the obvious motive to fabricate, ... self-serving testimony is subject to skepticism and may be deemed insufficient to establish mitigation.). Judge Hancock considered defendant's testimony on the potential for rehabilitation and found it to be insufficient to carry the burden of proof. We, too, have considered the defendant's testimony and find no reason to disturb Judge Hancock's finding. The defendant thus fails to establish the factor by a preponderance of the evidence.