Court Opinion

ID: 9532229
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 04:19:24.319833+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:28:42.470157
License: Public Domain

Guy, J.
(concurring in the dissent) — I concur with Justice Madsen that trial courts must articulate reasons for the length of an exceptional sentence imposed. Inherent in the exercise of discretion is a reasoned decision on why use of that power is appropriate. The dissent would require the sentencing judge to state his or her reason for imposing an exceptional sentence. I agree, for without such a statement we are unable to determine whether the power was abused. Since a sentencing judge does not decide to apply an exceptional sentence without thinking about what sentence is appropriate, it is not a burden on the judge to provide on the record his or her thinking as to the appropriateness of the sentence.
Justice Madsen’s discussion of the purpose of the SRA and the need for an appellate court to review the written basis for imposing an exceptional sentence is clear and well stated. I do not concur with the dissent in the discussion of proportionality or the doubling rule.
I join with Justice Madsen in concluding that the sentences of Defendants Ritchie and Hamrick are clearly excessive and should be remanded for resentencing. In the case of Defendant Scott, before an evaluation under abuse of discretion standards can be made, the record must contain the reasons for the sentence imposed.