Court Opinion

ID: 9772792
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-29 17:30:12.647428+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:31:48.520160
License: Public Domain

BAKER, Judge,
concurring in part and dissenting in part.
I agree with the majority’s determination that the trial court properly exercised its discretion in granting Russell’s motion for a belated appeal. However, I part ways with the decision to affirm the trial court’s imposition of consecutive sentences in this instance.
I am in no way suggesting that the seriousness of these offenses be depreciated, and I certainly acknowledge the severity of the injuries that C.W.R. sustained. However, the uncontroverted evidence shows that Russell has no prior criminal history, he decided to plead guilty to the offenses and showed genuine remorse and sorrow for his actions. Tr. p. 55. The record also demonstrates that Russell suffered from mental and emotional problems and sought mental health treatment several months prior to these incidents. Moreover, the trial court noted that Russell’s risk of reoffending is very low. Tr. p. 30, 34. For all of these reasons, I would direct the trial court to order the sentences to run concurrently with each other.