Tag: sentencing

No Appeal for the Imposition of Adult Sentences on Juveniles Who Violate Terms of Conditional Release

In the Matter of J.S.P., No. 118,790 (Kan. Ct. App. Mar. 15, 2019). Issue: Does a court have jurisdiction over a juvenile offender’s appeal from the revocation of a juvenile sentence and the imposition of an extended juvenile …

Eligibility for Postconviction DNA Testing Not Determined by Sentence Imposed

State v. LaPointe, No. 113,580 (Kan. Feb. 15, 2019) Issue: Some offenders qualify for postconviction DNA testing if they are similarly situated to those convicted of first-degree murder and rape. LaPointe was convicted of aggravated robbery but—because of …

Correcting an Illegal Sentence Includes Determining Concurrent vs. Consecutive Sentencing

State v. Jamerson, No. 115,629 (Kan. Jan. 25, 2019) Issue: On a motion to correct an illegal sentence, does the resentencing court have the authority to modify the duration and concurrent nature of the legal portions of the …

Prosecutorial Error May Occur During Sentencing Proceedings

State v. Wilson, No. 114,567 (Kan. Dec. 14, 2018) Issue: Under the 14th Amendment, a criminal defendant has a due process right to a fair trial. Can a prosecutor’s error, made outside the jury trial context, violate this due process right? Answer: Yes, prosecutorial …

Courts Don’t Have to Explain Denials of Downward Departures

State v. Powell, No. 115,457 (Kan. Aug. 24, 2018). Issue: Jessica’s law imposes specific sentences for sex crimes against minors. The court may lessen the sentence if it finds substantial and compelling reasons to do so. However, it cannot …