Opinion ID: 2166584
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: DNA Profiling.

Text: Shearon's third assigned error relates to the legality of his sentencing, a matter that may be raised for the first time on appeal. State v. Austin, 503 N.W.2d 604, 607 (Iowa 1993). Shearon contends the court erred when it required him to submit to DNA profiling pursuant to Iowa Code section 901.5(8A)(a). Our review is for the correction of errors at law. State v. Cooley, 587 N.W.2d 752, 754 (Iowa 1998). It is true, as Shearon contends, that subparagraph (a) of section 901.5(8A) only requires the court to order DNA profiling upon a defendant's conviction of certain offenses listed in section 13.10 such as murder, kidnapping, burglary (first degree) and sex abuse. Lascivious acts, the crime for which Shearon was convicted, is not among the listed offenses triggering this provision. Nor is Shearon's crime among those the legislature authorized the attorney general, in consultation with the division of criminal investigation, to incorporate by rule. See Iowa Code § 13.10; Iowa Admin. Code r. 61-8.2(13) (1999). However another subsection under section 901.5(8A) authorizes the sentence imposed on Shearon ifas in the case before usthe court finds DNA profiling factually appropriate. The statute states: Notwithstanding section 13.10, the court may order the defendant to provide a physical specimen to be submitted for DNA profiling if appropriate. In determining the appropriateness of ordering DNA profiling, the court shall consider the deterrent effect of DNA profiling, the likelihood of repeated offenses by the defendant, and the seriousness of the offense. Iowa Code § 901.5(8A)(b). Our review of the sentencing record reveals that the court's decision to impose DNA profiling rested on Shearon's juvenile record, including a troublesome tendency to use violence to get his way. This history, combined with the seriousness of Shearon's current offense, justified the court's determination that DNA profiling was an appropriate condition of Shearon's probation. The court merely referred to the wrong Code subsection at sentencing. A sentence is not illegal unless it is not authorized by statute. Tindell v. State, 629 N.W.2d 357, 359 (Iowa 2001). Plainly Shearon's sentence was authorized by statute. No error warranting reversal, or even remand for resentencing, has been shown. AFFIRMED.