Opinion ID: 1913753
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Improper Mandatory Life Sentence

Text: Stetter was convicted of manslaughter in the first-degree, a Class 1 Felony. He pled guilty to being a habitual offender, admitting that on July 23, 1980, he was convicted of distribution of marijuana, a Class 6 Felony and on December 2, 1988, he was convicted of driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, third-offense, a Class 6 Felony. [1] The trial court applied SDCL 22-7-7, changing the Class 1 Felony to a Class B Felony and thereby enhancing Stetter's sentence to mandatory life imprisonment. [2] Stetter filed a Motion to Correct an Illegal Sentence. His motion was denied. Stetter argues that the trial court erred in focusing solely on SDCL 22-7-7 and refusing to consider SDCL ch. 22-7 in pari materia. He claims that the trial court's application of this enhancement statute penalized him for having only two prior felony convictions. According to Stetter, if he would have had three or more prior felonies, one or more of which was for a crime of violence, his sentence could not have been enhanced under SDCL 22-7-8 beyond the sentence for a Class 1 Felony. This would have permitted a maximum sentence of life imprisonment at the discretion of the trial court. In contrast, SDCL 22-7-7 required enhancement to mandatory life imprisonment for only two prior felonies. The State argues that Stetter was convicted of two prior felonies, not three, and therefore only SDCL 22-7-7 is relevant and applicable. According to the State, the trial court was required to follow 22-7-7 because its terms are clear and unambiguous. SDCL 22-7-7 provides in part: When a defendant has been convicted of one or two prior felonies under the laws of this state or any other state or the United States, in addition to the principal felony, the sentence for the principal felony shall be enhanced by changing the class of the principal felony to the next class which is more severe. SDCL 22-7-8.1 provides: If a defendant has been convicted of three or more felonies in addition to the principal felony and none of the prior felony convictions was for a crime of violence as defined in subdivision (9) of § 22-1-2, the sentence for the principal felony shall be enhanced by two levels. A defendant sentenced under this section is eligible for consideration for parole pursuant to § 24-15-5. And SDCL 22-7-8 provides: If a defendant has been convicted of three or more felonies in addition to the principal felony and one or more of the prior felony convictions was for a crime of violence as defined in subdivision (9) of § 22-1-2, the sentence for the principal felony shall be enhanced to the sentence for a Class 1 felony. It is evident that the legislature intended to enact a comprehensive enhancement scheme. It is not evident, however, that the scheme is inconsistent. If a defendant has been convicted of one or two prior felonies, his sentence for the principal felony is enhanced one level. SDCL 22-7-7. If a defendant has been convicted of three or more prior felonies, his sentence for the principal felony is enhanced two levels. SDCL 22-7-8.1. If a defendant, however, has been convicted of three or more prior felonies, one or more of which was for a crime of violence, his sentence for the principal felony is enhanced to the sentence for a Class 1 Felony, regardless of the classification of the principal felony. SDCL 22-7-8. Stetter was convicted of a very serious crimea Class 1 Felony. By virtue of his two prior felony convictions, it was enhanced to a Class B Felony, which provides for mandatory life imprisonment. In view of the classification of the principal felony, this appears to be the intention of the legislature under this statutory scheme. While the statutes may produce results which appear inconsistent under this particular fact situation, Stetter has not shown that the legislative intent was not followed. [W]hen a statute is clear and unambiguous it is improper for courts to attempt to go behind the express terms of the provision so as to legislate that which the words of the statute do not themselves provide. See Peterson v. Heitkamp, 442 N.W.2d 219, 221 (N.D.1989); Haider v. Montgomery, 423 N.W.2d 494, 495 (N.D.1988). In other words, the letter of a clear and unambiguous statute cannot be disregarded under the pretext of pursuing its spirit, because the legislative intent is presumed clear from the face of the statute. Haider, 423 N.W.2d at 495. See also § 1-02-05, N.D.C.C. Schaefer v. North Dakota Workers Comp. Bureau, 462 N.W.2d 179, 182 (N.D.1990). See also State v. Fryer, 496 N.W.2d 54, 55 (S.D.1993) (`This Court will not enlarge a statute beyond its face where the statutory terms are clear and unambiguous in meaning.'). Stetter's actions and convictions come within SDCL 22-7-7 and he has not shown otherwise. [3]