Opinion ID: 518484
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Sentences imposed on other criminals in the same jurisdiction

Text: 37 We next consider Solem 's second factor, whether Alford's punishment is excessive relative to other crimes in the same jurisdiction. In Solem, life without possibility of parole was generally imposed for crimes more serious than the petitioner's offenses. Id., at 298-99, 103 S.Ct. at 3013-14. 38 In Washington, at the time of Alford's offense, capital punishment and life without possibility of parole were harsher punishments than Alford's, and were imposed for first degree murder after consideration of aggravating and mitigating factors. R.C.W. 9A.32.040 (West 1988) (amended 1981). On a first offense, life imprisonment was imposed for first degree murder if aggravating circumstances were absent. Id. However, life imprisonment for habitual offenders was not unique to violent felons, but applied also to persons twice previously convicted of fraud, intent to defraud, or petit larceny. R.C.W. 9.92.090. 10 39 Since the life imprisonment sentence for habitual criminals was not limited to more serious offenders than Alford, his punishment was not excessive relative to other criminals in the same jurisdiction. 40