Opinion ID: 1834104
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Appealability of NDRCrimP 35(b) Denials

Text: Gunwall moved for a reduction of his sentence under Rule 35, NDRCrimP. The first subsection of that rule deals with correction of an illegal sentence; the second subsection permits reduction of a sentence. We have said that reduction of a sentence under Rule 35(b) is not a right but an application for leniency, and is a matter left to the sound discretion of the trial court. See, State v. Jefferson Park Books, Inc., 314 N.W.2d 73, 76 (N.D.1981) (concluding that a defendant's right to a reduction of sentence is not a substantial right as contemplated by NDCC section 29-28-06 which controls a defendant's right to appeal). Because a Rule 35(b) motion does not deal with a substantial right, denial of such a motion is not appealable. [1] Id. Correction of an illegal sentence under Rule 35(a), on the other hand, does involve a substantial right, and an order denying a motion brought under Rule 35(a) is appealable by a criminal defendant. State v. Nace, 371 N.W.2d 129, 131 (N.D.1985). At the trial court level Gunwall moved for reduction of his sentence under Rule 35(b). No mention was made by his counsel below, [2] in either brief or oral argument, that Gunwall's sentence may have been illegal, and no reference was made to Rule 35(a). It is only on appeal to this Court that Gunwall suggests for the first time that his sentence was based on an impermissible factor, and is therefore subject to correction under Rule 35(a). See NDRCrimP 35(a) and 35(b). Arguments raised for the first time on appeal will not be considered by this Court. McNamara v. N.D. Dept. of Transp., 500 N.W.2d 585 (N.D.1993). Gunwall's motion below was a Rule 35(b) motion for reduction of sentence. Denial of a Rule 35(b) motion is not appealable. That portion of Gunwall's appeal is therefore dismissed.