Court Opinion

ID: 9503786
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-06 19:49:04.20486+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:03:44.135106
License: Public Domain

CAVANAGH, J.
{concurring in part and dissenting in pari). I agree that points should only be assessed for offense variable 10 (OV 10), MCL 777.40, when the offender has exploited a vulnerable victim. However, unlike the majority, I would apply this rule to the facts of this case. “[T]he proper interpretation and application of the legislative sentencing guidelines ... are legal questions that this Court reviews de novo.” People v Morson, 471 Mich 248, 255; 685 NW2d 203 (2004) (emphasis added). Now that we have clarified the proper interpretation of OV 10, I would review the record in this case to determine whether there was evidence that defendant exploited a vulnerable victim. Our determination of this issue is not only authorized, but prudent. We have the same record evidence before us that the trial court will have on remand; moreover, our application of the proper interpretation would serve as useful guidance for the bench and bar.
If this Court were to determine that defendant did not exploit a vulnerable victim, it would be unnecessary to reach the matter of how to assess points for predatory conduct. Thus, I join the majority’s opinion, except for the parts entitled “Predatory Conduct Defined” and “Conclusion.”