Opinion ID: 2027581
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: aggravating factors: specificity requirement

Text: The State has questioned whether the sentencing order adequately specifies aggravating factors to warrant imposition of an enhanced sentence and consecutive terms. The trial judge based his sentencing order upon the following aggravating circumstances: (1) In addition to the criminal history established at the habitual offender hearing, the pre-sentence report indicated a history of additional and separate criminal activity. (2) Imposition of a reduced sentence would depreciate the seriousness of the offenses committed. (3) In the past defendant received short terms of confinement as well as short periods of probation for some serious offenses. These dispositions have not deterred defendant from participating in criminal activity. Therefore, a long term commitment to a penal facility is the only means of rehabilitative treatment for defendant. (4) The injuries which were inflicted upon at least two of the victims of the present crimes were serious. The trial judge did not merely tract the statutory criteria but provided instead a specific and individualized statement of aggraviating circumstances in accordance with Ind. Code § 35-38-1-7.