Opinion ID: 879993
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: use of dismissed charge in sentencing

Text: Finally, it is alleged that the District Court improperly relied upon an aggravated assault conviction which had been dismissed following Wirtala's successful completion of the period of deferred imposition of sentence. We agree that the reference to the dismissed charge in the judgment was improper. See State v. Gladue (Mont. 1984), 679 P.2d 1256, 41 St.Rep. 249. However, we find the error to be harmless. The record demonstrates that Wirtala engaged in a course of conduct which resulted in the premeditated murder of Maurice Dannels. In addition, his criminal history, which includes an armed robbery conviction, demonstrates a continuing disregard for the rights and personal safety of others. The aggravated assault conviction pales in comparison to his other crimes. In light of the facts surrounding the homicide at issue and Wirtala's violent history, we find it inconceivable that the inclusion of the aggravated assault conviction resulted in material prejudice or substantially interfered with his rights. The judgment of the District Court is affirmed. TURNAGE, C.J., and HARRISON, McDONOUGH, WEBER, HUNT and GULBRANDSON, JJ., concur.