Opinion ID: 1591751
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Sentencing Principles

Text: We begin our analysis by reviewing the familiar principles that govern criminal sentencing under Tennessee law. In imposing a sentence, the trial court must first determine the applicable punishment range based on the severity of the offense and the defendant's prior convictions, if any. See Tenn.Code Ann. § 40-35-112 (1997 & Supp.2001). The sentencing classifications and the ranges of punishment are established by the legislature. Id.; see also State v. Poole, 945 S.W.2d 93, 95 (Tenn.1997). After determining the applicable range of punishment, the court must consider the following: the evidence, if any, received at the trial and the sentencing hearing; the pre-sentence report; the principles of sentencing and arguments as to sentencing alternatives; the nature and characteristics of the criminal conduct involved; the evidence and information regarding statutory enhancement and mitigating factors; and any statement made by the defendant in his own behalf. See Tenn.Code Ann. § 40-35-210(b) (1997 & Supp.2001). Where there are enhancement factors, but no mitigating factors, in the record for a class B, C, D, or E felony, the trial court may increase the sentence above the minimum within the applicable range. Id. § 40-35-210(d). Where there are both enhancement and mitigating factors in the record for a class B, C, D, or E felony, the trial court must begin with the minimum sentence within the range, increase the sentence within the range as appropriate for the enhancement factors, and reduce the sentence within the range as appropriate for the mitigating factors. Id. § 40-35-210(e). The determination of whether an enhancement factor is applicable must be undertaken on a case-by-case basis. State v. Winfield, 23 S.W.3d 279, 283 (Tenn.2000). By statute, an enhancement factor must be appropriate for the offense and not an essential element of the offense. Tenn.Code Ann. § 40-35-114 (1997 & Supp.2001). These limitations are intended to exclude enhancement factors that are not relevant to the offense or that are based on facts used in proving the offense. See Poole, 945 S.W.2d at 95; State v. Jones, 883 S.W.2d 597, 601 (Tenn.1994). On appeal, we must review the length, range, or manner of service of a sentence de novo with a presumption that the determinations made by the trial court were correct. Tenn.Code Ann. § 40-35-401(d) (1997). To facilitate appellate review, the trial court `must place on the record its reasons for arriving at the final sentencing decision, identify the mitigating and enhancement factors found, state the specific facts supporting each enhancement factor found, and articulate how the mitigating and enhancement factors have been evaluated and balanced in determining the sentence.' Poole, 945 S.W.2d at 96 (quoting State v. Jones, 883 S.W.2d 597, 601 (Tenn.1994)). If the trial court has failed to comply with the statutory principles of sentencing, our review is de novo without a presumption of correctness. Id.