On January 12, 2000, the defendant was sentenced to thirty (30) years in the Montana State Prison, with fifteen (15) years suspended.
On August 24, 2000, the defendant’s application for review of that sentence was heard by the Sentence Review Division of the Montana Supreme Court.
The defendant was present and was represented by Larry Mansch. The state was represented by Geoffrey Mahar.
Before hearing the application, the defendant was advised that the Sentence Review Division has the authority not only to reduce the sentence or affirm it, but also increase it. The defendant was further advised that there is no appeal from a decision of the Sentence Review Division. The defendant acknowledged that he understood this and stated that he wished to proceed.
Rule 17 of the Rules of the Sentence Review Division of the Supreme Court of Montana provides that "the sentence imposed by the District Court is presumed correct, and the sentence will not be reduced or increased unless it is deemed clearly inadequate or excessive." (§46-18-904(3), MCA).
The Division finds that the reasons advanced for modification are insufficient to hold that the sentence imposed by the District Court is inadequate or excessive.
Done in open Court this 24th day of August, 2000. DATED this 11th day of September, 2000.Therefore, it is the unanimous decision of the Sentence Review Division that the sentence shall be affirmed.
Acting Chairwoman, Hon. Marge Johnson, Member, Hon. David Cybulski, Alt. Member, Hon. John Whelan.