Court Opinion

ID: 9534649
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 04:41:43.971612+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:30:55.148624
License: Public Domain

Munson, J.
(dissenting) — I respectfully dissent.
In imposing any exceptional sentence, the duration oftentimes exceeds the standard range for a greater crime for which the defendant was not charged or for which he was charged, but acquitted. To impose a sentence for one crime that might interact with the sentencing grid score for a higher seriousness level, in and of itself, is not an abuse of discretion.
*798As the sentencing court explained, the factors which justify the exceptional sentence also justify the duration of the exceptional sentence. State v. Dyer, 61 Wn. App. 685, 689, 811 P.2d 975, review denied, 117 Wn.2d 1029 (1991). The victim was vulnerable, there were multiple injuries, the injuries were severe, and the defendant abused his position of trust. These factors are supported by the record, and there is a reasonable connection between these factors and the duration of the sentence. State v. Chadderton, 119 Wn.2d 390, 832 P.2d 481 (1992).
It is apparent the jury was unable to find that Mr. Elsberry intended to inflict great bodily harm upon this victim. However, assault in the second degree is proved by evidence of an intentional assault with reckless infliction of substantial bodily harm. RCW 9A.36.021(1)(a). A person acts recklessly "when he knows of and disregards a substantial risk that a wrongful act may occur and his disregard of such substantial risk is a gross deviation from conduct that a reasonable man would exercise in the same situation." RCW 9A.08.010(1)(c).
The medical testimony here indicated that Anthony must have hit his head on a hard object to cause his brain damage. This is more than the run-of-the-mill assault in the second degree. The result of this defendant's conduct upon the 2-year-old victim, while short of death, will have lifelong effects on his ability to lead a normal life. He will be restricted to a wheelchair. No one argues an exceptional sentence is not warranted; only the duration is in issue.
Applying the abuse of discretion standard to the unique factual circumstances of this case, the exceptional sentence was not clearly excessive.