Opinion ID: 2116540
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 60

Heading: 6. Jurisdiction and Double Jeopardy

Text: On February 21, 1996, Lotter was sentenced to a term of not less than 100 months' nor more than 300 months' imprisonment for his burglary conviction and to a term of not less than 100 months' nor more than 300 months' imprisonment for each use of a weapon conviction. On February 29, the court set aside the burglary and use of a weapon sentences as in excess of the limits as prescribed by law and resentenced Lotter to not less than 80 months' nor more than 20 years' imprisonment for the burglary conviction and to not less than 80 months' nor more than 20 years' imprisonment for each use of a weapon conviction. Lotter argues that the district court lacked jurisdiction to modify the sentences and that the Double Jeopardy Clause of the Fifth Amendment prohibits imposing a sentence for both felony murder and the underlying felony offense, citing State v. McHenry, 250 Neb. 614, 550 N.W.2d 364 (1996). Lotter asserts that because the trial court lacked jurisdiction to modify the sentences imposed on February 21, and because the sentences then imposed were outside the authority of the trial court to enter, the cause must be remanded by this court for another sentencing determination in that regard. In State v. McHenry, supra , this court held that the underlying felony merges into a felony murder conviction and cannot be punished separately, barring a clear indication by the Legislature that independent punishments were intended. We also held that vacating the sentence for the underlying felony cures the double jeopardy violation. As to the burglary conviction, the State concedes that Lotter is entitled to the vacation of his sentence. Accordingly, we conclude that Lotter's burglary sentence must be vacated. The remaining question is whether the district court had jurisdiction to modify the sentences imposed on February 21, 1996. This court has stated: [W]hen a valid sentence has been put into execution the trial court cannot modify, amend, or revise it in any way, either during or after the term or session of court at which the sentence was imposed. Any attempt to do so is of no effect and the original sentence remains in force. (Emphasis supplied.) State v. Brewer, 190 Neb. 667, 676-77, 212 N.W.2d 90, 95 (1973). See, also, State v. Christiansen, 217 Neb. 740, 351 N.W.2d 67 (1984). However, the sentences imposed in the instant case on February 21 were not valid sentences. Rather, they were invalid in that the maximum period of incarceration specified exceeded that which is authorized by statute. See Neb.Rev.Stat. § 28-105 (Reissue 1995). When a sentence imposed is unauthorized under law, it is void, and a void sentence is no sentence. State v. Wilcox, 239 Neb. 882, 479 N.W.2d 134 (1992). In other words, the trial court did not impose any sentences in the instant case until February 29. See State v. Gaston, 191 Neb. 121, 214 N.W.2d 376 (1974) (distinguishing State v. Brewer, supra ).