Opinion ID: 1945475
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Illegal Sentence/Conflict of Law.

Text: Wade also argues that imposition of the special sentence is an illegal sentence as it conflicts with and violates the maximum period of confinement and length of probation provisions of Iowa Code sections 907.7 and 907.11. The district court ruled the special sentence provisions of section 903B.2 were illegal and unconstitutional under the laws applicable to this case for the reasons set forth in the defendant's objections. An illegal sentence is one which is not authorized by statute. Tindell v. State, 629 N.W.2d 357, 359 (Iowa 2001). Here, the special sentence would be imposed pursuant to section 903B.2 and is specifically authorized by that statute. Wade argues that imposition of the special sentence conflicts with and violates the Iowa Code sections regarding sentencing for misdemeanors and should therefore be declared unconstitutional. Compare Iowa Code § 903B.2 (A person convicted of a misdemeanor or a class D felony offense under chapter 709, section 726.2, or section 728.12 shall also be sentenced, in addition to any other punishment provided by law, to a special sentence committing the person into the custody of the director of the Iowa department of corrections for a period of ten years, with eligibility for parole as provided in chapter 906.), with id. § 903.1(1)(b) (For a serious misdemeanor, there shall be a fine of at least three hundred fifteen dollars but not to exceed one thousand eight hundred seventy-five dollars. In addition, the court may also order imprisonment not to exceed one year.). We do not see any constitutional implications. The sole issue is whether there is an impermissible conflict between sections 903B.2 and 903.1(1)( b ). We find this argument to be simply disingenuous. Wade was convicted of a serious misdemeanor. Section 903.1 provides the sentences for misdemeanors and provides different penalties for each class of misdemeanor. In the introductory section of the statute, however, it states that the court shall determine the sentence under this section, if a person is convicted of a serious misdemeanor and a specific penalty is not provided for.  Iowa Code § 903.1 (emphasis added). Under section 907.7, the length of probation for a misdemeanor shall not exceed two years. Pursuant to section 906.15, a person released on parole shall be discharged when the person's term of parole equals the period of imprisonment specified in the person's sentence.... The district court found: There is no way to reconcile the provisions of section 906.15 with section 903B.2. The maximum period of incarceration for a serious misdemeanor is one year which would require discharge from parole after a maximum of one year. Section 903B.2 provides for a parole of ten years. Where a general statutory provision conflicts with a special provision, and the conflict is irreconcilable, the special ... provision prevails as an exception to the general provision. Iowa Code § 4.7. Section 903.1(1)( b ) is specifically limited to those circumstances where a specific penalty is not provided for. The specific provisions of section 903B.2 prevail over the more general provisions of section 903.1(1)( b ). The district court erred in finding section 903B.2 imposes an illegal sentence.