Opinion ID: 2386209
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Maine's Attempted Murder Sentencing Scheme

Text: [¶ 15] Because Burdick challenges the propriety of his sentence on the attempted murder charge, we begin our analysis with a brief explanation of the sentencing scheme contained in the attempted murder statute, 17-A M.R.S.A. § 152(4). Ordinarily, the maximum allowable sentence for a crime pursuant to Maine's criminal code is governed by 17-A M.R.S.A. § 1252 (1983 & Supp. 2000). Pursuant to that statute, crimes are categorized into five classes, ranging from A through E, and a maximum term of imprisonment of a definite period of days, months, or years is set for each of those classes. Id. [10] [¶ 16] The maximum allowable sentence for attempted murder at the time of Burdick's sentencing, however, was not governed by section 1252 but by 17-A M.R.S.A. § 152(4), as amended by P.L. 1995, ch. 422, § 1 (effective Sept. 29, 1995). Before the 1995 amendments, the crime of attempted murder was treated as a Class A crime, thus punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed forty years. 17-A M.R.S.A. §§ 152, 1252(2)(A) (1983). The 1995 amendments increased the ordinary maximum term of imprisonment for attempted murder to a definite period of imprisonment of any term of years.  17-A M.R.S.A. § 152(4) (Supp.2000) (emphasis added). [¶ 17] The 1995 amendments also added two provisions to the attempted murder statute that may reduce or enhance that maximum term of imprisonment. L.D. 200 (117th Legis. 1995). If the sentencing court finds that the defendant acted under the influence of extreme anger or extreme fear brought about by adequate provocation, the maximum term of imprisonment is reduced to 40 years, the same as that for a Class A crime. Id.; 17-A M.R.S.A. § 1252(2)(A). If, however, the court finds the presence of one or more of the specified aggravating circumstances, the court has the option of imposing the special penalty provision of life imprisonment. 17-A M.R.S.A. § 152(4)(A)-(G); L.D. 200 (117th Legis. 1995) (citing State v. Shortsleeves, 580 A.2d 145, 149-50 (Me.1990)). Among those aggravating circumstances is the finding that [t]he attempted murder was committed against a law enforcement officer ... acting in the performance of that officer's duties. 17-A M.R.S.A. § 152(4)(F). [¶ 18] Thus, absent special findings by the sentencing court, the basic statutory maximum sentence for attempted murder is a definite period of imprisonment of any term of years. Id. § 152(4). From that term of years, the statute permits a downward or upward adjustment in the maximum sentence depending on the court's finding of certain factual circumstances. Id. The statute does not require that the aggravating circumstances be submitted to a jury as part of the defendant's charge and proved beyond a reasonable doubt, nor are the aggravating circumstances included in the elements of the crimes as described in subsection 1 of section 152. See id. § 152(1).