Court Opinion

ID: 9664553
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 00:21:13.509684+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:15:07.206916
License: Public Domain

SCHLEGEL, Presiding Judge
(specially concurring).
I agree with the conclusion reached by the majority in all respects. I write only to suggest that the sentence of Michelle Perkins, while legally unassailable, may not be designed to achieve the maximum benefits suggested by Iowa Code section 901.5, when it states, in relevant part:
The court shall determine which [sentencing options are] authorized by law for the offense, and of the authorized sentences, which of them or which combination of them, in the discretion of the court, will provide maximum opportunity for the rehabilitation of the defendant, and for the protection of the community from further offenses by the defendant and others....
(Emphasis added.)
From the record it appears there was a claim that Perkins was addicted to certain drugs or alcohol or both. Treatment for those addictions will be essential if there is any chance of her rehabilitation and for the protection of the community from further offenses by her. I hasten to add that such treatment may not succeed in her case; however, I believe we should try. I believe it makes sense, both financially and in the interest of society’s desire to avoid recidivism, to attempt treatment before resort is had to the far more expensive process of imprisonment. Such imprisonment is always simpler and available.
Following her incarceration, Perkins will return to the community. We should hope that she will be a better citizen when she does. Perhaps incarceration will have that effect. The sentencing court was within its discretion to believe that to be the case. Studies seem to suggest the contrary. I would prefer to see valuable resources used in a more productive way.