Opinion ID: 1759329
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: effect of amendment of sentence

Text: Assuming arguendo the contract at issue were valid, should this Court simply amend Lanier's sentence to life imprisonment by deleting the without parole provision as suggested by Lanier, the effect would be to hold the State to the contract while allowing Lanier to shirk his contractual duty. The State has already carried out its end of the bargain by not pursuing the death penalty for Lanier. Now that Lanier has obtained this benefit, he seeks to be excused from his promise to forego any right to parole. By granting Lanier the relief he requests, this Court would be aiding him in manipulation of the criminal justice system. However, the contract is void, affording neither party any legally enforceable rights. By merely deleting the without parole provision from Lanier's sentence, this Court would bring Lanier's sentence within the parameters of § 99-19-101. However, since the sentencing agreement between Lanier and the State is void as against public policy, the sentence imposed pursuant to such agreement is invalid and void. Consequently, it is not subject to amendment.