Opinion ID: 2638049
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Constitutionality of Hard 50

Text: Next, Jones contends the hard 50 sentencing scheme is unconstitutional under Apprendi v. New Jersey, 530 U.S. 466, 120 S.Ct. 2348, 147 L.Ed.2d 435 (2000). Jones takes issue with the fact that, under the Kansas scheme, a jury does not determine the facts that increase the penalty beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant's contention has no merit. Jones' arguments have been repeatedly rejected by this court, most recently in State v. Reed, 282 Kan. 272, 144 P.3d 677 (2006); State v. Kirtdoll, 281 Kan. 1138, 136 P.3d 417 (2006); and State v. Lawrence, 281 Kan. 1081, 135 P.3d 1211 (2006). Jones cites no new case law and offers no new arguments. There is no reason to stray from Kansas precedent. Jones' sentencing scheme argument fails.