Opinion ID: 1158453
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: whether the district court abused its discretion in imposing sentence

Text: Book argues that the sentence imposed by the district court was excessive and unreasonable considering the facts and circumstances of the case. If a sentence is illegal, there is no reason to pursue an analysis as to its reasonableness, and therefore determining the legality of the sentence is the first step in our review. State v. Broadhead, 120 Idaho 141, 144, 814 P.2d 401, 404 (1991). We treat the fixed portion of a sentence as the term of confinement for purposes of appellate review. State v. Matteson, 123 Idaho 622, 626, 851 P.2d 336, 340 (1993) (citing State v. Kysar, 116 Idaho 992, 783 P.2d 859 (1989)). In the present case, the trial court imposed a sentence of ten years fixed. As this is within the parameters of not less than ten years up to a maximum of life required under I.C. § 18-4004, the sentence is not illegal. Since the sentence is not illegal, Book has the burden of proving that it is unreasonable. Broadhead at 145, 814 P.2d at 405. When reviewing the reasonableness of a sentence, this Court determines whether the trial court abused its discretion. Broadhead at 144-45, 814 P.2d at 404-5. When imposing sentence in a criminal proceeding, the trial court applies the following four criteria: (1) the protection of society; (2) deterrence to the defendant and others; (3) the possibility of rehabilitation; (4) punishment or retribution. Broadhead at 146, 814 P.2d at 406. The general objectives in our review of a trial court's sentencing are: (1) to correct the sentence which is excessive in length, having regard to the nature of the offense, the character of the offender, and the protection of the public interest; (2) to facilitate the rehabilitation of the offender by affording him an opportunity to assert grievances he may have regarding his sentence; (3) to promote respect for law by correcting abuses of the sentencing power and by increasing the fairness of the sentencing process; and (4) to promote the development and application of criteria for sentencing which are both rational and just. State v. Brown, 121 Idaho 385, 393, 825 P.2d 482, 490 (1992). Applying these standards to Book's case, we find that the trial court did not abuse its discretion when imposing sentence. The record reflects that the trial court discussed at length the factors reviewed in determining Book's sentence. The court took into account Book's age, his childhood, substance abuse, and current lifestyle of searching for instant gratification. The trial court also considered the protection of society, deterrence to the defendant and others, punishment, and rehabilitation. Given the seriousness of the crime and Book's background, we find that the trial court was justified in imposing a minimum fixed period of confinement of ten years with an indeterminate period of life in prison. Book asks that we apply a proportionality analysis comparing Jeannie's sentence to his. He sets forth this argument attempting to show that his sentence is excessive and unreasonable in light of Jeannie's. Book's assertion is that his sentence should be less than Jeannie's because her actions in pulling the trigger were more culpable than any of his actions. This Court has stated that a disparity in sentences between co-defendants does not constitute excessiveness of sentence as to any particular defendant. State v. Seifart, 100 Idaho 321, 597 P.2d 44 (1979); see also State v. Pena, 121 Idaho 1032, 829 P.2d 1381 (Ct.App.1992). Contrary to the trial court's assertion that a proportionality analysis is required in all felony cases, we have stated that this analysis is applicable only in cases involving the death penalty or allegations of cruel and unusual punishment. State v. Matteson, 123 Idaho 622, 626, 851 P.2d 336, 340 (1993). Thus, Book's argument that we should engage in a proportionality analysis is without merit. Based upon Book's background and the nature of the offense, we find no abuse of discretion in the sentence imposed.