Court Opinion

ID: 9710384
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 04:08:32.804319+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:22:56.395948
License: Public Domain

Mr. JUSTICE JONES, dissenting: In reducing the sentence imposed in this case the majority has substituted its discretion for that of the trial court. Such action is contrary to the repeated admonitions of the supreme court and accordingly I respectfully dissent. The supreme court has on numerous occasions told this court that imposition of a sentence upon a convicted defendant is a function that lies within the sound discretion of the trial court and we as a court of review are not to intrude into the process unless there has been an abuse of that discretion by the trial court. People v. Perruquet, 68 Ill. 2d 149, 368 N.E.2d 882; People v. Rege, 64 Ill. 2d 473, 356 N.E.2d 537; People v. Butler, 64 Ill. 2d 485, 356 N.E.2d 330; People ex rel. Ward v. Moran, 54 Ill. 2d 552, 301 N.E.2d 300; People v. Kurtz, 37 Ill. 2d 103, 224 N.E.2d 817. Particular directness is contained in the Perruquet decision: “Our rule 615(b) (4) grants reviewing courts the power to reduce the sentence imposed by the trial court. (58 Ill. 2d R. 615(b)(4).) The rule itself does not address the scope of this power or the circumstances under which it should be exercised. However, our decisions have firmly established that the imposition of a sentence is a matter of judicial discretion and that, absent an abuse of this discretion, the sentence of the trial court may not be altered upon review. [Citations.] And this test has been applied in numerous appellate court opinions. [Citations.] The defendant contends, however, that a reviewing court may reduce a sentence absent a finding of an abuse of discretion. This contention is clearly incorrect under the previously cited decisions of this court which have interpreted Rule 615(b). To whatever extent the appellate opinion implicitly holds that an abuse of sentencing discretion need not be shown in order for a reviewing court to alter a sentence, that opinion is erroneous. We have frequently stated that the trial judge is normally in a better position to determine the punishment to be imposed than the courts of review. [Citations.] A reasoned judgment as to the proper sentence to be imposed must be based upon the particular circumstances of each individual case. [Citation.] Such a judgment depends upon many factors, including the defendant’s credibility, demeanor, general moral character, mentality, social environment, habits, and age. [Citation.] The trial judge, in the course of the trial and the sentencing hearing, has an opportunity to consider these factors ‘which is superior to that afforded by the cold record in this court.’ [Citation.] We continue to find that the trial court is normally the proper forum in which a suitable sentence is to be determined and the trial judge’s decisions in regard to sentencing are entitled to great deference and weight. We therefore reaffirm our long-standing rule that absent an abuse of discretion by the trial court a sentence may not be altered upon review.” (Emphasis added.) People v. Perruquet, 68 Ill. 2d 149, 153-54, 368 N.E.2d 882, 883-84. In People v. Heflin, 71 Ill. 2d 525, 545, 376 N.E.2d 1367,1376-77, the supreme court drew the following limitations for review of sentences which defines the breadth of discretion possessed by the trial court in imposing sentence: “This court will not disturb a sentence imposed by the trial court unless it clearly appears that the penalty constitutes a great departure from the fundamental law and its spirit and purpose. (People v. Taylor (1965), 33 Ill. 2d 417, 211 N.E.2d 673.) In this State, the spirit and purpose of the law are upheld when a sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense and gives adequate consideration to the rehabilitative potential of the defendant. See Ill. Const. 1970, art. I, sec. 11.” The record in this case shows that the trial court gave consideration to all the factors that would have a bearing on the proper sentence to be imposed upon defendant. The court’s comments at the sentencing hearing, incorporated in the majority opinion, clearly shows this, and negates the assertion that the court considered arrests not followed by conviction. The court noted that defendant’s prior record of driving violations included a serious charge of reckless driving. Speaking to the charge in this case the court took note of the fact that the offense was the open, flagrant use of marijuana in public with an attendant consequence that others might be encouraged to participate with him. After considering the trial court’s remarks it is plain to me that the sentence imposed resulted from the defendant’s open disdain for law and the effect of his conduct to others. To the trial court, as to me, this has a great bearing on the nature and circumstances of the offense and the character and history of the defendant. (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1975, ch. 38, par. 1005 — 6—1.) The sentence imposed was only one-third of the maximum that could have been imposed and is thus a further reflection of the fact that the trial court did exercise discretion and give proper consideration to all the factors that bore on the sentence. I find no basis in this record for a finding that the trial court abused its discretion and would therefore affirm.