Opinion ID: 1168196
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Reliance on Disputed Information in the Presentence Investigation Report

Text: In his final issue, Clouse argues that the sentencing court erred in failing to indicate whether his admission of the armed robberies in Cody and Powell and the probation officer's impression of Clouse's lack of remorse for the convenience store crimes either were accurate or would be used in determining sentence. He asks this court to apply the provisions of F.R. Cr.P. 32(c)(3)(D), which require a federal sentencing court to make a written record of its findings of accuracy of disputed presentence investigation report information or of its determination that no finding is necessary because it will not consider the disputed information for sentencing purposes. What this court said in Christy, 731 P.2d at 1206, applies here: We are guided, and the sentencing process is controlled by, Rule 33, W.R.Cr.P. (Similar to Rule 32, F.R.Cr.P., except that the 1983 amendments have not been adopted in Wyoming. ) (Emphasis added). The provisions of the federal counterpart are part of the 1983 amendments not adopted in Wyoming. It is not the practice of this court to adopt, amend or disregard rules by opinion changes. Nor does Clouse's argument persuade us to adopt and apply them now. We are satisfied that the provisions of W.R.Cr.P. 33 as presently constituted serve well. Our rule addresses both the sentencing court's need to have all available information with which to make an intelligent evaluation and informed decision in the proper exercise of discretion, and the convicted individual's need to exercise the right of allocution and to deny, dispute, or disprove presentence investigation data. Christy, 731 P.2d at 1207-08. Our standard of review continues to be: A sentence will not be disturbed because of sentencing procedures unless the defendant can show an abuse of discretion, procedural conduct prejudicial to him, and circumstances which manifest inherent unfairness and injustice, or conduct which offends the public sense of fair play. Coletti v. State, 769 P.2d 361, 363 (Wyo. 1989). Since Clouse has failed to show any of these elements, this court will not disturb his sentence. Affirmed in all respects. URBIGKIT, J., filed a specially concurring opinion.