Opinion ID: 2645949
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Alaska’s Sentencing And Parole Framework

Text: Alaska’s statutory sentencing framework aims to ensure “the elimination of unjustified disparity and the attainment of reasonable uniformity in sentences.”10 First-degree murder carries mandatory terms of 20 years minimum and 99 years maximum, and sentencing courts may impose a sentence within that range.11 Sentencing courts must consider the factors set out in AS 12.55.005 when imposing sentences.12 7 State, Dep’t of Corr. v. Heisey, 271 P.3d 1082, 1085 (Alaska 2012) (quoting Ruckle v. Anchorage Sch. Dist., 85 P.3d 1030, 1034 (Alaska 2004)). 8 Id. at 1086 (citing Shehata v. Salvation Army, 225 P.3d 1106, 1114 (Alaska 2010)). 9 Ward v. State, Dep’t of Pub. Safety, 288 P.3d 94, 98 (Alaska 2012) (quoting Bartley v. State, Dep’t of Admin., Teachers’ Ret. Bd., 110 P.3d 1254, 1258 (Alaska 2005)). 10 AS 12.55.005. 11 AS 12.55.125(a). 12 These factors incorporate the criteria we outlined in State v. Chaney, 477 P.2d 441, 444 (Alaska 1970). See Nell v. State, 642 P.2d 1361, 1369 (Alaska App. 1982) (“The Chaney criteria have essentially been incorporated into the criminal code as AS 12.55.005.”). The enumerated factors in AS 12.55.005 are: (1) the seriousness of the defendant’s present offense (continued...) -4- 6856 With murder convictions, sentencing courts may, but are not required to, increase or decrease a sentence based on findings of statutory aggravating or mitigating factors.13 Finally, “maximum sentences generally should not be imposed without some foundation for characterizing a defendant as the worst type of offender.”14 A prisoner is eligible for discretionary-parole consideration after serving (1) “one-third of the active term of imprisonment imposed,”15 or (2) a longer time period 12 (...continued) in relation to other offenses; (2) the prior criminal history of the defendant and the likelihood of rehabilitation; (3) the need to confine the defendant to prevent further harm to the public; (4) the circumstances of the offense and the extent to which the offense harmed the victim or endangered the public safety or order; (5) the effect of the sentence to be imposed in deterring the defendant or other members of society from future criminal conduct; (6) the effect of the sentence to be imposed as a community condemnation of the criminal act and as a reaffirmation of societal norms; and (7) the restoration of the victim and the community. 13 AS 12.55.155; see Allen v. State, 56 P.3d 683, 684 (Alaska App. 2002) (approving use of factors by analogy in murder sentencing). 14 State v. Wortham, 537 P.2d 1117, 1120 (Alaska 1975) (citation and quotation marks omitted) (cited in State v. Graybill, 695 P.2d 725, 728 (Alaska 1985); Baker v. State, 182 P.3d 655, 658 (Alaska App. 2008)). 15 See AS 33.16.090(b)(1). -5- 6856 the sentencing court sets as part of the sentence.16 When a prisoner becomes eligible for discretionary parole, it may be granted by the Parole Board under the standards set out in AS 33.16.100.17