Court Opinion

ID: 9578633
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 21:46:57.897379+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:29:04.889786
License: Public Domain

ANDERSON, Judge
(dissenting):
I respectfully dissent as to the majority’s reversal of Eric Brouwer’s sentence. The majority concludes the trial court, in passing sentence, improperly considered the fact that Brouwer exercised his right to a jury trial. I disagree. I would AFFIRM Brouwer’s sentence.
I. SENTENCING CONSIDERATIONS
A. Goals and Objectives of Sentencing
The goals of sentencing are to reflect the seriousness of the offense, promote respect for the law, provide appropriate punishment, deter criminal conduct, protect the public from *389the defendant’s criminal conduct, and provide the defendant with needed care or treatment. See United States v. Gomez-Villa, 59 F.3d 1199 (11th Cir.1995)(citing 18 U.S.C.A. § 3558(a)(2), the Federal Sentencing Guidelines). Punishment serves several purposes: retribution, rehabilitation, deterrence, and prevention. 24 C.J.S. Criminal Law § 1460 (1989). See also Merritt v. Commonwealth, 32 Va.App. 506, 528 S.E.2d 743 (2000)(finding sentencing decision is a quest for a sentence that best effectuates criminal justice system’s goals of deterrence, incapacitation, retribution and rehabilitation). In imposing sentence, the court should consider the various goals of punishment. 24 C.J.S. Criminal Law § 1460.
It is the responsibility of the trial judge to determine the priority and relationship of sentencing objectives in any particular case. Id. The primary criterion in sentencing is good order and protection of the public and society, and all other factors must be subservient to that end. Id.
Retribution is an appropriate objective of the sentencing process. Id. In a criminal prosecution, punishment of the offender is recognized as a proper motivation for a sentencing trial judge. State v. Fletcher, 322 S.C. 256, 471 S.E.2d 702 (Ct.App.1996). Another legitimate interest at sentencing is the defendant’s prospect for rehabilitation and restoration to a useful place in society. State v. Tucker, 324 S.C. 155, 478 S.E.2d 260 (1996). See also 24 C.J.S. Criminal Law § 1460 (rehabilitation is considered to be one purpose of sentencing).
Generally, deterrence, both of the accused and of others, is a legitimate objective of a sentence. 24 C.J.S. Criminal Law § 1460. While deterrence may have to be considered in conjunction with other sentencing objectives, deterrent purposes may sometimes be emphasized over rehabilitative ones. Id. Penal laws are adopted and enforced for the preservation of peace and good order of the state by making a violator suffer for his wrong to society and to serve as an example to deter others who may desire to do likewise. Wilborn v. Saunders, 170 Va. 153, 195 S.E. 723 (1938). Community condemnation or reaffirmation of societal norms for purposes of maintaining respect for those norms is an appropriate sentencing objective, as is development of respect for the law, and moral reinforcement. 24 C.J.S. Criminal Law § 1460.
*390At sentencing, a judge has an obligation to consider information material to punishment. Hayden v. State, 283 S.C. 121, 322 S.E.2d 14 (1984). See also Commonwealth v. Longval, 378 Mass. 246, 390 N.E.2d 1117 (1979)(when imposing a sentence, the judge can consider a wide variety of factors, such as defendant’s character, background and prior record). A sentencing judge may appropriately conduct an inquiry broad in scope, largely unlimited as to either the kind of information he may consider, or the source from which it may come. United States v. Tucker, 404 U.S. 443, 92 S.Ct. 589, 30 L.Ed.2d 592 (1972); Hayden, 283 S.C. at 123, 322 S.E.2d at 15; State v. Franklin, 267 S.C. 240, 226 S.E.2d 896 (1976). In determining a proper sentence, a defendant’s history, character, and rehabilitative potential, along with the seriousness of the offense, the need to protect society, and the need for deterrence and punishment, must be equally weighed. People v. Hernandez, 319 Ill.App.3d 520, 253 Ill.Dec. 550, 745 N.E.2d 673 (2001).
B. Sentence Imposed Upon a Co-Defendant
The sentence imposed upon a co-defendant for the same offense and upon others for similar offenses are among a wide variety of factors which may be considered in determining a proper punishment. State v. Brewington, 267 S.C. 97, 226 S.E.2d 249 (1976). There is no requirement of law that defendants charged with similar offenses be given the same punishment. State v. Garris, 265 N.C. 711, 144 S.E.2d 901 (1965).
C. Guilty Pleas
The State has a legitimate interest in encouraging the entry of guilty pleas. Corbitt v. New Jersey, 439 U.S. 212, 99 S.Ct. 492, 58 L.Ed.2d 466 (1978); Gajdos v. State, 462 N.E.2d 1017 (Ind.1984). A defendant who enters a guilty plea has extended a substantial benefit to the State and deserves to have a substantial benefit extended to him in return. Gajdos, 462 N.E.2d at 1025.
The United States Supreme Court has held a State may encourage a guilty plea by offering substantial benefits in return for the plea. Corbitt, 439 U.S. at 219, 99 S.Ct. at 497, 58 L.Ed.2d at 474. The plea may obtain for the defendant not *391only the possibility or certainty of a lesser penalty than the sentence that could be imposed after a trial and a verdict of guilty but also of a lesser penalty than that required to be imposed after a guilty verdict by a jury. Id. at 219-20, 99 S.Ct. at 497-98, 58 L.Ed.2d at 474-75.
For those who plead guilty, that fact itself is a constitutionally permissible consideration in sentencing, a consideration that is not present when one is found guilty by a jury. Id. at 223-24, 99 S.Ct. at 500, 58 L.Ed.2d at 477. See also Commonwealth v. Johnson, 27 Mass.App.Ct. 746, 543 N.E.2d 22 (1989)(willingness to admit guilt may be a proper factor justifying more lenient sentencing). It cannot be said that defendants found guilty by a jury are penalized for exercising the right to a jury trial any more than defendants who plead guilty are penalized because they give up the chance of acquittal at trial. Corbitt, 439 U.S. at 226, 99-S.Ct. at 501, 58 L.Ed.2d at 478. In each instance, the defendant faces a multitude of possible outcomes and freely makes his choice. Id. Equal protection does not free those who made a bad assessment of risks or a bad choice from the consequences of their decision. Id. The Supreme Court has unequivocally recognized the constitutional propriety of extending leniency in exchange for a plea of guilty and of not extending leniency to those who have not demonstrated those attributes on which leniency is based. Id. at 224, 99 S.Ct. at 500, 58 L.Ed.2d at 477. See United States v. Jansen, 475 F.2d 312 (7th Cir.), cert. denied, 414 U.S. 826, 94 S.Ct. 130, 38 L.Ed.2d 59 (1973)(policy of leniency following guilty plea properly held by trial court to be inapplicable to situation where defendant puts government to its proof in full trial).
Guilty pleas are recognized as a significant step toward rehabilitation. Hooten v. State, 212 Ga.App. 770, 442 S.E.2d 836 (1994). A genuine admission of guilt may properly result in a lighter sentence than would be appropriate for an intransigent and unrepentant malefactor. United States v. Stockwell, 472 F.2d 1186 (9th Cir.1973). See also Hooten, 442 S.E.2d at 840 (plea of guilty can be, and frequently is, considered in sentencing). The defendant who opts to go to trial rather than negotiating a plea runs the risk of a harsher sentence than he would have received by pleading guilty. United States v. Quejada-Zurique, 708 F.2d 857 (1st Cir.*3921983). While confronting a defendant with the risk of more severe punishment clearly may have a discouraging effect on the defendant’s assertion of his trial rights, the imposition of these difficult choices is an inevitable-and permissible-attribute of any legitimate system which tolerates and encourages the negotiation of pleas. Bordenkircher v. Hayes, 434 U.S. 357, 98 S.Ct. 663, 54 L.Ed.2d 604 (1978).
There are numerous factors that a defendant must weigh in a case before he decides to insist on his right to a trial. State v. Williams, 337 N.W.2d 387 (Minn.1983). The risk that the evidence adduced at trial will have an impact on the sentence the trial court imposes is a risk the defendant must be deemed to have accepted. Id. A trial judge may impose a greater sentence upon a defendant after the judge has heard the evidence at trial than he might have imposed in conjunction with a guilty plea. West v. State, 241 Ga.App. 877, 528 S.E.2d 287 (2000).
The relevant sentencing information available to the judge after a plea will usually be considerably less than that available after a trial. Alabama v. Smith, 490 U.S. 794, 109 S.Ct. 2201, 104 L.Ed.2d 865 (1989). In the course of the proof at trial, the judge may gather a fuller appreciation of the nature and extent of the crimes charged. Id. The defendant’s conduct during trial may give the judge insights into his moral character and suitability for rehabilitation. Id. On the other hand, many factors favor relative leniency for those who acknowledge their guilt-often expressing remorse-and thus help conserve scarce judicial and prosecutorial resources for those cases that merit the scrutiny afforded by a trial. See Brady v. United States, 397 U.S. 742, 90 S.Ct. 1463, 25 L.Ed.2d 747 (1970). Many guilty pleas are motivated, at least in part, by the hope or assurance of a lesser penalty than might be imposed if there were a guilty verdict after a trial. Id.
D. Disparity of Sentences When Co-Defendant Pleads Guilty and Defendant Exercises Right to Stand Trial
When one defendant proceeds to trial and his accomplice pleads guilty, the sentences need not be identical. Gajdos v. State, 462 N.E.2d 1017 (Ind.1984). A sentence imposed on a *393co-defendant who pleaded guilty does not provide a valid basis of comparison to a sentence imposed after a trial. People v. Taylor, 318 Ill.App.3d 464, 252 Ill.Dec. 107, 742 N.E.2d 357 (2000); People v. Nutall, 312 Ill.App.3d 620, 245 Ill.Dec. 515, 728 N.E.2d 597 (2000). Dispositional concessions are properly granted to defendants who plead guilty since the public interest in the effective administration of criminal justice is served. Taylor, 252 Ill.Dec. 107, 742 N.E.2d at 368; Nutall, 245 Ill.Dec. 515, 728 N.E.2d at 610. See also People v. Milton, 182 Ill.App.3d 1082, 131 Ill.Dec. 671, 538 N.E.2d 1227 (1989)(hold-ing it is proper for a trial court to grant leniency in sentencing a defendant who by his plea ensured prompt and certain application of correctional measures to him, acknowledged his guilt and showed a willingness to assume responsibility for his conduct).
A criminal defendant has no constitutional right to be given a sentence equal in duration to that of his or her co-defendants. United States v. Smith, 839 F.2d 175 (3rd Cir.1988). The sentence received by one joint defendant is irrelevant on the trial of another. Johnson v. State, 246 Ga. 126, 269 S.E.2d 18 (1980).
Disparity between a sentence imposed on a defendant who pleads guilty and on another who is convicted after trial is not, standing alone, enough to establish that the latter has been punished for exercising his constitutional right to stand trial. United States v. Wilson, 506 F.2d 1252 (7th Cir.1974). See also People v. Hernandez, 319 Ill.App.3d 520, 253 Ill.Dec. 550, 745 N.E.2d 673 (2001)(disparity between sentence given to defendant convicted in jury trial and another imposed upon defendant who pled guilty, without more, does not mandate reduction in sentence). The defendant has merely shown that he received a harsher sentence than a co-defendant who pleaded guilty. United States v. Harris, 761 F.2d 394 (7th Cir.1985). Without more, the defendant has failed to demonstrate any constitutional violation. Id. Although a heavier sentence for one who has been convicted after trial and a lighter sentence for one who pleads guilty are in a sense two sides of the same coin, it is within proper bounds for the court to preserve some leeway so that it is able to extend leniency in consideration of the cooperation and at least superficial peni *394tence evidence by one who pleads guilty. Wilson, 506 F.2d at 1259-60.
As a general rule, so long as a sentence is within the statutory maximum, the court will not exercise its supervisory powers to inquire into the propriety of a sentence, even when that sentence creates a disparity with the sentences of co-defendants. United States v. Rauhoff, 525 F.2d 1170 (7th Cir.1975)(citing Hill v. United States, 368 U.S. 424, 82 S.Ct. 468, 7 L.Ed.2d 417 (1962)). One exception to this rule exists where a trial judge has attempted to punish a defendant for the exercise of his Sixth Amendment right to a trial by jury. Id.
II. JUDGE’S DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY AS TO SENTENCING
A trial judge is allowed broad discretion in sentencing within statutory limits. Brooks v. State, 325 S.C. 269, 481 S.E.2d 712 (1997); Garrett v. State, 320 S.C. 353, 465 S.E.2d 349 (1995). See also State v. Franklin, 267 S.C. 240, 226 S.E.2d 896 (1976)(trial judge is given wide discretion in determining what sentence should be imposed). A senténce is not excessive if it is within statutory limitations and there are no facts supporting an allegation of prejudice against a defendant. Brooks, 325 S.C. at 272, 481 S.E.2d at 713. Absent partiality, prejudice, oppression, or corrupt motive, this Court lacks jurisdiction to disturb a sentence that is within the limit prescribed by statute. Stockton v. Leeke, 269 S.C. 459, 237 S.E.2d 896 (1977); Franklin, 267 S.C. at 246, 226 S.E.2d at 898. See also Garrett, 320 S.C. at 356, 465 S.E.2d at 350 (“ ‘It is well settled in this State that this Court has no jurisdiction to disturb, because of alleged excessiveness, a sentence which is within the limits prescribed by statute unless: (a) the statute itself violates the constitutional injunction, Article I, Sec. 19, against cruel and unusual punishment, or (b) the sentence is the result of partiality, prejudice or pressure or corrupt motive.’ ”); State v. Bolin, 209 S.C. 108, 39 S.E.2d 197 (1946)(length of prison sentence rests in sound discretion of trial court unless partiality, prejudice, oppression or corrupt motive is shown).
*395The role of appellate courts in reviewing sentences is to determine: (1) whether the exercise of discretion by the sentencing court was based upon findings of fact grounded in competent, reasonably credible evidence; (2) whether the sentencing court applied the correct legal principles in exercising its discretion; and (3) whether the application of the facts to the law was such a clear error of judgment that it shocks the conscience. State v. Megargel, 143 N.J. 484, 673 A.2d 259 (1996). There is a strong public policy against interference with a trial court’s sentencing discretion. See State v. Echols, 175 Wis.2d 653, 499 N.W.2d 631 (1993).
The trial court has broad discretionary powers in imposing a sentence because it is generally in a better position than the reviewing court to determine the appropriate sentence by weighing such factors as the defendant’s credibility, demeanor, general moral character, mentality, social environment, habits, and age. People v. Hernandez, 319 Ill.App.3d 520, 253 Ill.Dec. 550, 745 N.E.2d 673 (2001). Consequently, the reviewing court must not substitute its judgment for that of the trial court merely because it would have weighed these factors differently. People v. Stacey, 193 Ill.2d 203, 250 Ill.Dec. 4, 737 N.E.2d 626 (2000).
III. EXERCISE OF RIGHT TO JURY TRIAL
A trial court may not impose a greater sentence on a defendant because the defendant exercised his constitutional right to stand trial rather than plead guilty. See Alabama v. Smith, 490 U.S. 794, 109 S.Ct. 2201, 104 L.Ed.2d 865 (1989). Article III, Section 2, Clause 3 and the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, along with Article I, Section 14 of the South Carolina Constitution, grant every criminal defendant the absolute right to plead not guilty and to be tried by a jury.
IV. LAW/ANALYSIS
After the jury announced the verdict, Brouwer’s attorney and the trial judge engaged in the following colloquy regarding sentencing of Brouwer:
[Defense Counsel]: I think that pursuant to Davis v. State, that other than some showing other than the fact that she *396chose to enter a guilty plea and he chose to go to trial, that it would be appropriate for the court to give this defendant the same sentence, a proportionate sentence, as Ms. Kaplan received— We would ask that the court take that into consideration....
[The Court]: [Defense counsel], let me respond to your reference to the Davis case____ And you are talking about where the trial judge made a reference to the fact that because he exercised his right to a jury trial, now he has to impose a certain sentence.
What I indicated to you in chambers was simply what I indicate to anyone who is there. The court wishes to say that we are not going to have that involved, then let them' do it and we will put it on the record in this case, and I welcome the 'instruction, because I see-I distinguish that Davis case from what I said, because I never said to you that if he exercises his right to a jury trial, I would punish him more severely. I said to you, as I recall, and I think I said, because I say it just about every time I talk to someone, I’m a judge that gives serious consideration for someone admitting their guilt. I think that’s important. It was told to me when I first started practicing law years ago by Judge Clarence Singletary, who was the judge in my circuit, that I believe that that’s the first step towards rehabilitation.____
... [T]here is no way in rhyme or reason for us to ever give a sentence for someone pleading guilty the same sentence for a jury trial. Then we have ignored the fact that a person has admitted their guilt.
Now, I don’t think a person needs to be punished because of their jury trial, because that’s a Constitutional Right. And I, as a trial judge, have never, nor will I ever, punish someone for exercising their right to a jury trial. I think that is something valuable. I take it very seriously as this---- But one of the factors that I will always consider, ... is consider someone who admits their guilt.
*397So the sentence of the court-and the court will take into consideration that it is his first offense in imposing this sentence and give him a chance, to some extent. But the sentence is that you be committed to the Department of Corrections for a term of four years, provided upon the service of six months, the balance is suspended, and I’m going to place you on probation for a period of three years.
(Emphasis added).
Relying upon State v. Hazel, 317 S.C. 368, 453 S.E.2d 879 (1995), and Davis v. State, 336 S.C. 329, 520 S.E.2d 801 (1999), the majority concludes the trial court’s sentencing determination for Brouwer was improper and requires reversal. The majority’s reliance upon these cases is misplaced.
In State v. Hazel, the trial judge gave the following response to the defendant’s request for sentencing under, the Youthful Offender Act (YOA): “Well, it’s one thing, if he’d pled guilty, I’d have considered that; but taking into consideration the age and where he was and the time it was, the sentence of the court is you be confined to the State Board of Corrections for a period of fifteen years and pay a fine of twenty-five thousand dollars.” Hazel, 317 S.C. at 369, 453 S.E.2d at 879. The Supreme Court found the trial judge relied heavily on Hazel’s exercise of his right to a jury trial as weighing against sentencing under the YOA. The Hazel Court observed that courts have long adhered to the principle forbidding a trial court from improperly considering the defendant’s exercise of his constitutional right to a jury trial as an influential factor in determining the appropriate sentence. The Court concluded the trial judge abused his discretion by considering the fact that Hazel exercised his right to a jury trial.
In Davis v. State, after the trial court sentenced the defendant, defense counsel moved to have the sentence reduced. The following discussion occurred between the trial court and defense counsel:
[Defense Counsel]: It’s for reduction, your honor. Your honor, as you know Mr. Adams couldn’t be here today and he — as Mr. Davis — he’s the one who represented Mr. Davis at trial and throughout the period since Mr. Davis was sent to us by the clerk of court. Mr. Adams has asked me to *398make this motion on Mr. Davis’ behalf for a reduction in the sentence. There was no plea bargain offered. Mr. Adams, I understand, made several attempts to negotiate a plea and law enforcement refused. This is the reason that this case went to trial- in the first place. There were two drug dealers who did plead guilty during the time that your honor has been here with us this past couple of weeks and they have received lower sentences. I think one got seven years, J.J. J.J. got seven years and Dubois got eighteen months and I believe both of those were negotiated pleas....
[State]: May it please the court, your honor? Cory Fleming from our office prosecuted the case at trial. I’m familiar with the case. One reason an offer was never extended in the case was the only discussion that Mr. Adams ever had with my office was for some type of probationary sentence and our office didn’t agree to that, and it’s accurate in regard to John Paul Thompson and Thomas Jefferson Dubois as to the sentences that they received.
[Defense Counsel]: Mr. Davis has no prior drug convictions. I mean, he does have a record, but he has no drug convictions.
[Court]: Yes, ma'am, but he didn’t plead guilty. Those other two people, they pled guilty. They admitted what they had done and to me that’s the first step towards rehabilitation is admitting that you did something wrong and you’re pleading guilty and when a fellow wants a trial which he’s entitled to as a matter of law — and that’s fine. [Defense Counsel]: I believe that when Mr. Adams discussed it with Mr. Branham that Mr. Branham stated the fact that they wanted to hang him high.
[Court]: Well, the jury found him guilty and I sentenced him and I’m not going to change my sentence. Thank you very much.
Davis, 336 S.C. at 332, 520 S.E.2d at 802.
Davis argued relief should be granted because his trial counsel failed to object when the trial judge, after sentencing Davis, indicated he considered Davis’ decision to have a jury trial as a factor in sentencing. The Supreme Court agreed and determined:
*399In the above colloquy, defense counsel argued to the trial court that similarly situated defendants had received lower sentences than [Davis]. In response to this argument, the trial judge unequivocally stated that the other defendants had, in fact, pled guilty. The trial judge further expressed his preference for guilty pleas by explaining that such admissions of responsibility were the first steps toward rehabilitation. We find these statements clearly revealed that the trial judge, in sentencing [Davis], improperly considered [Davis’] decision to proceed with a jury trial. See Hazel, supra.
Davis, 336 S.C. at 333, 520 S.E.2d at 803.
State v. Hazel and Davis v. State are distinguishable from the case at bar. In the instant case, unlike Hazel and Davis, the trial judge expressly stated that Brouwer’s exercise of his right to a trial did not affect the sentence imposed by the judge.
By proceeding to trial, Brouwer must be deemed to have accepted the risk that he could receive a sentence longer than he would have received by pleading guilty or than that received by Kaplan. See State v. Williams, 337 N.W.2d 387 (Minn.1983)(explaming that there are numerous factors that defendants must weigh before deciding to go to trial and that defendants who so choose are deemed to have accepted the risk of a longer sentence).
The judge’s remarks in the case sub judice reflect a permissible extension of leniency towards the co-defendant, Kaplan, for taking a “first step towards rehabilitation,” rather than an impermissible increase in Brouwer’s sentence for exercising his right to trial. While an accused’s punishment should not be increased due to his exercise of his right to a trial, it is not forbidden to extend a proper degree of leniency in return for guilty pleas, and to "withhold leniency from those pleading not guilty. 24 C. J.S. Criminal Law § 1474 (1989)(citing Corbitt v. New Jersey, 439 U.S. 212, 99 S.Ct. 492, 58 L.Ed.2d 466 (1978)).
The judge utilized the guilty plea in determining Kaplan’s sentence by being lenient on her but not in determining what sentence to impose on Brouwer. Brouwer is not being punished for going to trial. However, Kaplan is properly being rewarded for admitting her guilt and pleading guilty. The *400judge referred to Kaplan’s guilty plea only to point out that remorse arid admission was a first and important step toward rehabilitation. The judge was articulating the rationale for Kaplan’s-not Brouwer’s-sentence. A show of lenience to those who exhibit • contrition by admitting guilt does not carry a. corollary that the judge indulges a policy of penalizing those who elect to stand trial. United States v. Araujo, 539 F.2d 287 (2d Cir.1976); United States v. Thompson, 476 F.2d 1196 (7th Cir.1973).
In sentencing Brouwer, the judge stated: “I have to assume that Brouwer found nothing wrong with [his conduct].” It is clear the potential for rehabilitation was a factor the judge considered when determining the sentence in this case. Rehabilitation is a proper sentencing consideration. See People v. Speed, 129 Ill.App.3d 348, 84 Ill.Dec. 612, 472 N.E.2d 572, 573 (1984)(“[I]t is ... well established that the court may consider the lack of a penitent spirit in determining the appropriate sentence to be imposed upon a defendant, since this is a factor which may have a bearing on the defendant’s potential for rehabilitation.”).
The majority places a “judicial strait jacket” on a Circuit Judge in the sentencing procedure. A truthful, straightforward disavowal by the Circuit Judge of any consideration of the exercise of the constitutional right of jury trial by a defendant is disregarded and absolutely ignored. Effectually, this case will implement “muted silence” in all sentencing activities. “Pass the sentence and move on” becomes the guideline.
In reviewing the entire sentencing procedure with exactitude, I come to the inescapable conclusion that factually and legally there is no evidence that the Circuit Judge used or considered in any manner the exercise of Brouwer’s jury trial right when sentencing Brouwer. To the contrary, the evidentiary record demonstrates with remarkable clarity a pristine and salubrious sentencing procedure in the instant case. I reject the notion that the discussion in the record inter sese court, counsel, and defendant reveals any indicia of sentencing irregularity.
The policy articulated by the majority is infected with expository deficiency. Indubitably, appellate courts should *401not become “shrinking violets” in the exercise of appellate review, but appellate entities are restricted to constitutional parameters in reviewing sentencing procedures used by a Circuit Judge.
Here, the judge did not abuse his discretion in sentencing Brouwer. The dissemination of obscene material is a serious crime. A person convicted of violating § 16-15-305(A) is guilty of a felony. S.C.Code Ann. § 16-15-305(H) (Supp. 2000). The maximum sentence is five years in prison or a fine of $10,000, or both. Brouwer was found guilty of this offense. The judge imposed a sentence on Brouwer which was less than the maximum sentence provided by the statute. Brouwer’s sentence was well within the statutory limits.
Accordingly, I would AFFIRM the sentence of Brouwer.