Opinion ID: 1690699
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: third assigned error

Text: In his final assignment of error, Vance claims that the sentences imposed are excessive. False imprisonment is a Class IV felony, punishable by a maximum of 5 years' imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, or both. Use of a firearm in commission of a felony is a Class III felony, punishable by 1 to 20 years' imprisonment, a $25,000 fine, or both. Neb.Rev.Stat. § 28-1205(3) (Reissue 1989) requires that sentences imposed for use of a firearm be consecutive to any other sentence imposed. Vance was sentenced to consecutive terms of 1½ to 3 years for each of the false imprisonment felonies and 1½ to 4 years for each of the use of a firearm felonies, for a total of 6 to 14 years' imprisonment. All of those sentences are within the statutory limits. A sentence imposed within the statutory limits will not be disturbed on appeal absent an abuse of discretion. State v. Partee, 240 Neb. 473, 482 N.W.2d 272 (1992). Vance argues that his sentences were in error because he received more severe sentences than did Schumacher for the same offenses. Schumacher received 1 to 2 years on each false imprisonment conviction and 1 year on each use of a firearm conviction. Schumacher was also sentenced on the sexual assault conviction. [T]he mere fact that a defendant's sentence differs from those which have been imposed on coperpetrators in the same court does not, in and of itself, make the defendant's sentence an abuse of discretion; each defendant's life, character, and previous conduct may be considered in determining the propriety of the sentence. State v. Boppre, 234 Neb. 922, 965, 453 N.W.2d 406, 435-36 (1990). The trial court found that Vance's criminal record was absolutely deplorable. A review of Vance's presentence investigation reflects that he has an extensive juvenile record. When he was old enough to be charged as an adult, he was fined and jailed for numerous law violations, both traffic offenses and misdemeanors. He had previously been convicted of robbery. The probation officer who compiled Vance's presentence investigation concluded: Based upon the defendant's prior arrest record as well as the serious nature of the current offense, it is the opinion of this officer that the only appropriate recommendation is incarceration. It appears society must be protected from Mr. Vance. The probation officer also reported: The defendant did not admit any involvement in any wrongdoing regarding the convictions. Vance told the probation officer that he felt he was set up by his acquaintances so they could keep $1,000 he gave them for drugs. When we consider the seriousness of the crimes the jury found Vance committed, the terroristic character of the crimes, and the fact that Vance used a gun in the commission of his crimes, any sentences less than those imposed would depreciate the seriousness of Vance's offenses and create disrespect for the law. It cannot be said the trial court abused its discretion in imposing the sentences that it did. The sentences imposed upon Vance were appropriate and are affirmed. The defendant's third assignment of error is without merit. AFFIRMED.