Opinion ID: 884759
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: issues

Text: ¶ 18 Did the District Court err in correcting the written judgment by nunc pro tunc order to conform with its oral pronouncement of sentence at Lane's sentencing hearing? ¶ 19 At the sentencing hearing, the District Court clearly imposed a condition of ineligibility for parole until Lane had completed both phases of sexual offender treatment at prison. However, the written judgment made this condition a recommendation. Over a year later, this conflict between the oral pronouncement of sentence and the written judgment was called to the District Court's attention. By entry of a nunc pro tunc order, the District Court stated that its written judgment was in error and corrected it to conform to the oral pronouncement. ¶ 20 Lane, relying on precedent established by this Court in State v. Enfinger (1986), 222 Mont. 438, 722 P.2d 1170, argues that the written version is the final, valid judgment that can not be amended by means of a nunc pro tunc order. Moreover, Lane contends that the District Court's amendment of the sentence in the written judgment and commitment constituted double jeopardy and violated his constitutional and statutory rights to be present at any sentencing proceeding and be represented by counsel. Furthermore, Lane argues, the entry of the nunc pro tunc order violated his right to due process. ¶ 21 The State counters that it is within the District Court's inherent power to correct an error in the record at any time by entry of a nunc pro tunc order. The State also asserts that the District Court has authority under § 46-18-117, MCA, to correct an erroneous sentence at any time. However, the State, ignoring the precedent established by Enfinger, states that the oral sentence, not the written judgment, controls. The State cites other jurisdictions for this proposition, but fails to offer any reason why this Court should overrule Enfinger and its progeny and hold that the oral pronouncement of sentence should constitute the final, valid judgment.