Opinion ID: 2333029
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 12

Heading: Instruction on Sentences

Text: The trial judge did not commit reversible error by instructing the jury on the law as it relates to consecutive versus concurrent sentences. During discussion on this issue, the parties agreed that it would be proper to instruct the jury that any sentence imposed for the robbery and the PFO would run concurrent with Neal's life sentence for murder. Thus, any error was waived by Neal. In any event, the instruction did not mislead the jury regarding its role in the sentencing process. The law in Kentucky is that a term of years merges with a life sentence. Cf. Yarnell v. Commonwealth, Ky., 833 S.W.2d 834 (1992). The information given was a correct statement of the law. There was no error. The decision of the jury and the judgment of conviction are affirmed. LAMBERT, C.J., COOPER, GRAVES and JOHNSTONE, JJ., concur. KELLER, J., concurs by separate opinion and is joined by STUMBO, J., as to the analysis of Part IX, but would reverse the judgment for the reasons stated in her separate dissenting opinion.