Opinion ID: 2508272
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Did the District Court Abuse Its Discretion when Denying the Defendant's Motion for a Reduction in His Sentence?

Text: On September 2, 2003, the Defendant filed a motion under Rule 35 of the Idaho Criminal Rules to reduce his sentence to five years fixed in the custody of the Idaho Board of Correction. Such motion to reduce an otherwise lawful sentence is a plea for leniency. State v. Strand, 137 Idaho 457, 50 P.3d 472 (2002). The decision of whether to grant a plea for leniency is in the sound discretion of the sentencing court and is reviewed for an abuse of discretion. Id. If the initial sentence was not excessive when imposed, the appellant must show on appeal that it is excessive in light of new or additional information subsequently presented to the sentencing court in support of the motion to reduce the sentence. Id. On appeal we examine the record before us, including evidence presented in connection with the motion, to determine whether the trial court abused its discretion in failing to grant the leniency requested. Id. The Defendant supported his motion for a sentence reduction with the assertion that his lack of fluency in English prevented him from participating in meaningful rehabilitation programs while incarcerated. According to the Defendant, he had only four years of education in Iraq and cannot read or write either English or Arabic. Rehabilitation is only one factor that the court considers when sentencing a criminal defendant. The court must also consider the protection of society, deterrence of the defendant and others, and punishment or retribution for committing the crime. State v. Strand, 137 Idaho 457, 50 P.3d 472 (2002). The Defendant has failed to show that the district court abused its discretion in denying his motion for a sentence reduction.