Opinion ID: 2630520
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Opting Out of Life Without Parole

Text: ¶ 106 During sentencing, Arguelles opted to remove life without possibility of parole as a sentencing option, leaving death or life with the possibility of parole as the two sentencing options. The trial court thus felt the need to examine the possibility of Arguelles's future criminal behavior. According to the court assistant, Arguelles was punished by the court for exercising his right to limit his sentencing options. He argues that Arguelles should not be punished for opting to use his statutory right to waive the sentencing option of life without the possibility of parole. The State argues that the court assistant has failed to show that Arguelles was in fact prejudiced. ¶ 107 The trial court did not cite Arguelles's decision to opt out of life without the possibility of parole as an aggravating factor. The trial court stated that absent the option of incarcerating Arguelles without the possibility of parole, the court must take into account the possible future threat to society should he ever be freed. The court referred to the reign of horror and terror engaged in by Mr. Arguelles in his three years of freedom and expressed concern that if Arguelles were ever free again, more horror and terror would ensue. ¶ 108 The probability of future violence by a defendant is a legitimate aggravating factor to consider in sentencing. Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-207(2)(a)(iv). First, it applies only to a subclass of murderers. Not all murderers are considered a future threat to society if released. Additionally, being a threat if released is not unconstitutionally vague inasmuch as it serves to guide sentencers in their duty. Thus, it is not unconstitutional to consider potential for violence as an aggravating factor.