Opinion ID: 2453630
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Hard 50 Sentencing Scheme

Text: Hernandez argues that the hard 50 sentencing scheme is unconstitutional because a jury does not find the facts that increase the term of parole ineligibility beyond a reasonable doubt. This court has repeatedly upheld the hard 50 sentencing scheme against constitutional challenges of this nature. See, e.g., State v. Ellmaker, 289 Kan. 1132, Syl. ¶ 11, 221 P.3d 1105 (2009); State v. Horn, 278 Kan. 24, 44, 91 P.3d 517 (2004); State v. Washington, 275 Kan. 644, 680, 68 P.3d 134 (2003). Again, we see no new arguments that persuade us to alter our analysis.