IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF IDAHO
Docket No. 37688
STATE OF IDAHO, ) 2011 Opinion No. 42
)
Plaintiff-Respondent, ) Filed: July 19, 2011
)
v. ) Stephen W. Kenyon, Clerk
)
RONALD W. ROLLINS, JR., )
)
Defendant-Appellant. )
)
Appeal from the District Court of the First Judicial District, State of Idaho,
Kootenai County. Hon. Benjamin R. Simpson, District Judge.
Judgment of conviction and sentence for grand theft, affirmed.
Molly J. Huskey, State Appellate Public Defender; Spencer J. Hahn, Deputy
Appellate Public Defender, Boise, for appellant.
Hon. Lawrence G. Wasden, Attorney General; Kenneth K. Jorgensen, Deputy
Attorney General, Boise, for respondent.
________________________________________________
GRATTON, Chief Judge
Ronald W. Rollins, Jr. appeals his sentence imposed upon a guilty plea to grand theft,
Idaho Code § 18-2403(1). Rollins argues that the district court erred by failing to order a
psychological evaluation before sentencing and abused its discretion by imposing an excessive
sentence. We affirm.
I.
FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
Rollins entered a welding business with a key that had been entrusted to him by the
business owner’s sister. He took two pieces of welding machinery valued at approximately
$7,750 to a pawn shop and received $600. Rollins spent the money on drugs. Pursuant to a plea
agreement, Rollins pled guilty to grand theft and was released directly to a voluntary drug
rehabilitation program. After entry of the guilty plea, the district court inquired about the need
for an I.C. § 19-2524 evaluation, which allows courts to “order the defendant to undergo a
1
substance abuse assessment and/or a mental health examination.” I.C. § 19-2524(1). Rollins’
attorney replied that the drug rehabilitation program would provide an evaluation that would
assist the court in sentencing and a separate evaluation would not be necessary.
The presentence investigation report (PSI) summarized Rollins’ history of misdemeanor
crimes: possession of alcohol by a minor; driving without privileges; failure to purchase a
license; battery; two instances of petit theft; unlawful sale of prescription drugs; and two
probation violations. Rollins also had charges of grand theft and forgery dismissed. As it related
to investigating Rollins’ mental condition, the investigator reported that two attempts had been
made to involuntarily commit Rollins’ mother, but both proceedings had been dropped. Rollins’
ex-girlfriend at the time of the investigation told the investigator that Rollins was a pathological
liar, had stolen from her, had caused her severe financial difficulties, and possibly had mental
health problems similar to his mother’s. Rollins stated to the investigator that he “would like a
mental health evaluation.” Relating to his drug addiction, Rollins told the investigator that he
had been addicted to pain medication for approximately eight years and that he desires to stop
using drugs. The investigator concluded that Rollins’ criminal problems were attempts to
support his drug habit and that he needed a controlled environment to address his addictions,
thinking, and behavior. The investigator did not recommend that the court obtain a
psychological evaluation for sentencing purposes.
At sentencing, Rollins requested a withheld judgment. The court imposed a unified
sentence of five years with two years determinate and suspended the sentence, placing Rollins on
supervised probation. Rollins appeals.
II.
DISCUSSION
Rollins claims the sentencing court erred by failing to order a psychological evaluation,
and abused its discretion by imposing an excessive sentence.
A. Psychological Evaluation
Rollins argues the district court erred by failing to order a psychological evaluation prior
to sentencing. Rollins contends that he requested an evaluation through the PSI. Alternatively,
he asserts that the district court erred by failing to sua sponte order a psychological evaluation
prior to sentencing.
2
In the PSI, the investigator wrote: “The defendant stated he has never had mental health
counseling, never considered or attempted suicide, but reports that he feels anxiety and
depression and would like a mental health evaluation. He stated that his mother has mental
health issues with anxiety and depression.” (Emphasis added.) On appeal, Rollins characterizes
this statement as a request for a psychological evaluation. The State asserts that the reference
was in relation to treatment, not sentencing, and, moreover, does not constitute a motion or other
proper request for a presentence psychological evaluation.
While a presentence investigator may recommend a psychological evaluation, Idaho
Criminal Rule 32(d), the sentencing court is charged with deciding whether to order an
evaluation. I.C. § 19-2522; I.C.R. 32(d). Idaho Criminal Rule 47 states:
An application to the court for an order shall be by motion. A motion
other than one made during a trial or hearing shall be in writing unless the court
permits it to be made orally. It shall state the grounds upon which the motion is
made and shall set forth the relief or order sought. It may be supported by
affidavit. Any written order entered shall be on a separate document.
Rollins, who was represented by counsel, did not file a motion with the district court requesting a
psychological evaluation. This Court will not consider the statement Rollins made to the
investigator as a motion, or any other request directed to the district court. Thus, Rollins’
argument on appeal that the district court erred by failing to grant his request for a psychological
evaluation is without merit.
Rollins alternatively argues--for the first time on appeal--that the district court should
have sua sponte ordered a psychological evaluation. This issue presents the question of appellate
review of a district court’s failure to order a psychological evaluation when no request for, or
objection to, the lack of such evaluation was made. We have held that a claim that the district
court should have sua sponte ordered a psychological evaluation will be reviewed upon a
showing of a manifest disregard of I.C.R. 32. Cf. State v. Jones, 132 Idaho 439, 442, 974 P.2d
85, 88 (Ct. App. 1999) (“Where a defendant fails to request a psychological evaluation or object
to the PSI on the ground that an evaluation has not been performed, a defendant must
demonstrate that by failing to order a psychological evaluation the court ‘manifestly disregarded
the provisions of I.C.R. 32.’”). A question arises regarding the status or appropriate use of the
“manifest disregard” standard in light of the comprehensive fundamental error analysis set out in
State v. Perry, 150 Idaho 209, 245 P.3d 961 (2010). As set forth below, Rollins can satisfy
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neither the manifest disregard nor the fundamental error standard and, therefore, we need not
decide, in this case, whether the manifest disregard standard has continued vitality in light of
Perry. We believe the question will be presented in a future matter and we will require briefing
of the parties on the issue at that time. However, we take this opportunity to provide a brief
review of the manifest disregard standard and its potential intersection with the fundamental
error standards re-articulated in Perry.
The manifest disregard of Rule 32 standard can be traced to State v. Toohill, 103 Idaho
565, 566-67, 650 P.2d 707, 708-09 (Ct. App. 1982). There, Toohill argued that his PSI was
inadequate because the report did not provide a full analysis of his psychological condition or set
forth a plan of rehabilitation. Toohill did not raise this objection before the sentencing court, and
this Court sought to resolve whether Toohill could raise the claim for the first time on appeal.
We acknowledged the general rule that issues must be first raised at the trial level to be
considered on appeal, but also recognized the exception for fundamental error. “‘Fundamental
error’ denotes a denial of due process.” Id. at 566, 650 P.2d at 708. The Court expressly noted
that the fundamental error doctrine had not been expanded to sentencing. However, the Toohill
Court recognized that PSIs have a significant bearing on sentencing decisions and appellate
review of the sentence. The Idaho Supreme Court had enacted Rule 32 to regulate PSIs, and the
rule directs the investigator, as appropriate, to recommend that the court obtain a psychological
examination or plan for rehabilitation. This Court concluded it would review an appellate claim
of “manifest disregard” of the rule, despite the lack of objection below. Id. The Court noted,
however, that it would not review a contention, made for the first time on appeal, that
compliance with the rule was simply inadequate, that the report should have developed a
particular point further, or that certain information was incomplete or inaccurate. Id. at 566-67,
650 P.2d at 708-709.
Following Toohill, this Court used the phrase “manifest disregard” in cases involving
sentencing issues. In State v. Sensenig, 110 Idaho 83, 86, 714 P.2d 52, 55 (Ct. App. 1985), the
Court considered whether the defendant, who had not objected below, could demonstrate
“‘disregard’ for Rule 32” by inclusion of hearsay statements in the PSI. In State v. Morgan, 109
Idaho 1040, 1043, 712 P.2d 741, 744 (Ct. App. 1985), the Court was asked to review a claim that
the district court relied on information outside the record, contrary to State v. Moore, 93 Idaho
14, 17, 454 P.2d 51, 54 (1969). We stated that “[b]y parity of reasoning, we hold today that
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manifest disregard of the Moore requirements also may be examined despite the lack of an
objection.” Morgan, 109 Idaho at 1043, 712 P.2d at 744.
Rule 32, as its title and introductory sentence make clear, governs presentence
investigation reports. Specific to psychological information, the presentence investigator should
include in the PSI “a complete summary of the presentence investigator’s view of the
psychological factors surrounding the commission of the crime or regarding the defendant
individually which the investigator discovers.” I.C.R. 32(b)(10). “Where appropriate, the
analysis should also include a specific recommendation regarding a psychological examination
and a plan of rehabilitation.” I.C.R. 32(b)(10). “The presentence investigator may recommend a
psychological evaluation, but the decision as to whether to order a psychological evaluation is to
be made by the sentencing judge.” I.C.R. 32(d).
Idaho Code § 19-2522 sets forth the standards governing, for sentencing purposes, when
psychological evaluations are to be ordered, the contents of the evaluation, and procedures
governing evaluations. It states, in part:
If there is reason to believe the mental condition of the defendant will be a
significant factor at sentencing and for good cause shown, the court shall appoint
at least one (1) psychiatrist or licensed psychologist to examine and report upon
the mental condition of the defendant.
I.C. § 19-2522(1). Of course, in cases where the defendant requested the court to order a
psychological evaluation which was denied or where the defendant objected to the absence of
such report, the claim of error has been appropriately reviewed as a violation of I.C. § 19-2522,
without reliance on the manifest disregard of Rule 32 standard. See State v. Coonts, 137 Idaho
150, 152-53, 44 P.3d 1205, 1207-08 (Ct. App. 2002); State v. Whipple, 134 Idaho 498, 506,
5 P.3d 478, 486 (Ct. App. 2000); State v. McFarland, 125 Idaho 876, 878-79, 876 P.2d 158, 160-
61 (Ct. App. 1994).
Idaho Code § 19-2522 was enacted in 1982, the same year Toohill was decided.
However, Toohill did not mention the statute, perhaps because it was enacted after the sentencing
in Toohill. As noted in Toohill, the Court stated that it would review the PSI itself for manifest
disregard of the information, including psychological information, required to be included in the
PSI by Rule 32. Toohill did not specifically address the need to order a psychological
evaluation. Idaho Code § 19-2522, not Rule 32, governs whether a psychological evaluation
must be ordered. Nonetheless, subsequent to the enactment of I.C. § 19-2522, in cases where the
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defendant has neither requested a psychological evaluation nor objected to its absence, we have
reviewed a claim of error, raised for the first time on appeal, under the manifest disregard
standard. In State v. Wolfe, 124 Idaho 724, 726, 864 P.2d 170, 172 (Ct. App. 1993), the Court
stated it would review a claim--raised for the first time on appeal--that the district court should
have ordered a psychological evaluation for “manifest disregard for I.C.R. 32” and cited to
Toohill, 103 Idaho at 566, 650 P.2d at 708. See also State v. Schultz, 149 Idaho 285, 287, 233
P.3d 732, 734 (Ct. App. 2010); State v. Jockumsen, 148 Idaho 817, 822, 229 P.3d 1179, 1184
(Ct. App. 2010); State v. Durham, 146 Idaho 364, 366, 195 P.3d 723, 725 (Ct. App. 2008); State
v. Collins, 144 Idaho 408, 409, 162 P.3d 787, 788 (Ct. App. 2007); State v. Adams, 137 Idaho
275, 277-78, 47 P.3d 778, 780-81 (Ct. App. 2002); State v. Craner, 137 Idaho 188, 189, 45 P.3d
844, 845 (Ct. App. 2002); State v. Jones, 132 Idaho 439, 442, 974 P.2d 85, 88 (Ct. App. 1999).
Most of these cases have analyzed the standards of I.C. § 19-2522 to determine whether error
occurred, but have retained the manifest disregard of Rule 32 standard to explain that the
unobjected to error is reviewable. But see Wolfe, 124 Idaho at 726, 864 P.2d at 172; State v.
Viehweg, 127 Idaho 87, 91, 896 P.2d 995, 999 (Ct. App. 1995) (not citing to I.C. § 19-2522
despite reviewing whether the court erred in not ordering a psychological evaluation).
Our research to date indicates that the Idaho Supreme Court has not applied the manifest
disregard standard generally or specifically to psychological evaluations. The only case in which
the Court has referenced the manifest disregard standard is State v. Wersland, 125 Idaho 499,
501, 873 P.2d 144, 146 (1994). In Wersland the defendant was charged with vehicular
manslaughter incident to an accident involving a death, as well as injury to two passengers.
Wersland objected to the inclusion in the PSI of statements by the two passengers and their
parents, claiming that they were not victims under I.C. § 19-5306. The Idaho Supreme Court
stated:
Our standard of review on this issue is whether the district court acted with
manifest disregard for I.C.R. 32 by permitting the inclusion of the statements of
the girls and their parents in the presentence report. We must determine whether
these statements were beyond the scope of I.C.R. 32 and whether the court abused
its discretion by relying upon this information at sentencing.
Id. The Wersland Court cited no authority for its reference to the manifest disregard standard,
particularly in the context, as in that case, where objection had been made.
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Against this backdrop, the question posed is the continued vitality of the manifest
disregard standard of review for unobjected to error in light of Perry. In Perry, the Idaho
Supreme Court engaged in an extensive and comprehensive analysis of harmless error and
fundamental error doctrines “[i]n order to establish a clear standard going forward.” The Court
stated:
We take this opportunity to clarify the standards employed by Idaho
appellate courts in analyzing alleged trial errors for harmless error or fundamental
error, so as to: (1) provide guidance to our Appellate Courts applying the
doctrine; (2) promote judicial fairness and equal application of law by eliminating
unnecessary ambiguities; (3) reinforce the judicial preference for
contemporaneous objections before the trial court.
Perry, 150 Idaho at 220, 245 P.3d at 972.
The Perry Court first noted that “[m]ultiple statements of law pertaining to the
fundamental error doctrine have caused confusion.” Id. at 221, 245 P.3d at 971. In specific
regard to fundamental error, the Court stated:
Idaho’s previous articulation of fundamental error failed to provide appellate
courts with a structured inquiry likely to lend itself to equal application.
Therefore, after careful and considered analysis, we hold that in cases of
unobjected to fundamental error: (1) the defendant must demonstrate that one or
more of the defendant’s unwaived constitutional rights were violated; (2) the error
must be clear or obvious, without the need for any additional information not
contained in the appellate record, including information as to whether the failure
to object was a tactical decision; and (3) the defendant must demonstrate that the
error affected the defendant’s substantial rights, meaning (in most instances) that
it must have affected the outcome of the trial proceedings. . . . Placing the burden
of demonstrating harm on the defendant will encourage the making of timely
objections that could result in the error being prevented or the harm being
alleviated.
Id. at 226, 245 P.3d at 978 (footnote omitted).
Since the issue we have raised involves unobjected to error in sentencing, the threshold
question is whether fundamental error and, hence, Perry applies to sentencing issues. In Toohill,
this Court’s legal analysis was rather brief:
As a general rule, issues must be raised in a trial court in order to be
considered on appeal. E.g., State v. Holt, 102 Idaho 44, 625 P.2d 398 (1981);
State v. Sharp, 101 Idaho 498, 616 P.2d 1034 (1980). A limited exception to this
rule applies to criminal cases where “fundamental error” is shown. State v.
Garcia, 100 Idaho 108, 594 P.2d 146 (1979). “Fundamental error” denotes a
denial of due process. Ordinarily, it refers to error which results in failure to
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afford the accused a fair trial. See, e.g., State v. LePage, 102 Idaho 387, 630 P.2d
674 (1981); State v. Baker, 103 Idaho 43, 644 P.2d 365 (Ct. App. 1982).
We have not been cited, nor has our research disclosed, any case where the
Idaho Supreme Court has extended the “fundamental error” doctrine beyond the
adjudication of guilt, to the sentencing process. Rather, the Supreme Court--
without discussing “fundamental error”--has declined to review assertions that
pre-sentence reports were inadequate, where no objections had been made at the
trial court level. E.g., State v. Thacker, 98 Idaho 369, 564 P.2d 1278 (1977); State
v. Wallace, 98 Idaho 318, 563 P.2d 42 (1977).
Toohill, 103 Idaho at 566, 650 P.2d at 708. In the analysis which followed, this Court made
clear that, consistent with the cited Idaho Supreme Court cases, it would not review claims that
the PSI was simply inadequate. However, noting the integrity of the courts and the reputation of
the judicial process, this Court indicated that in cases where the rule regarding PSIs was
manifestly disregarded, review was appropriate. Id. On one hand, Toohill could arguably be
read as applying fundamental error to the sentencing process--which had not been previously
done--and articulating the egregiousness of the rule violation--manifest disregard--necessary for
reversal on that basis. 1 On the other hand, Toohill could arguably be read as adopting a standard
for review of unobjected to error specific to the sentencing process, distinct and independent
from the standard of fundamental error applicable in the adjudication of guilt stage. 2 Thus, it
may be debated whether Toohill extended the fundamental error doctrine to the sentencing
process or, rather, articulated a separate standard of review, applicable to issues arising after the
trial stage.
As noted above, the Idaho Supreme Court has never actually applied the manifest
disregard standard (but has not overruled the Idaho Court of Appeals’ application of the standard
in many cases). In Perry, the Court did not reference the manifest disregard standard for
unobjected to error. The Perry Court made no reference to manifest disregard as one of the
“multiple” articulations of fundamental error. Indeed, the Perry Court’s fundamental error
analysis referred, on several occasions, to “trial error,” the lack of “objection at trial,” and “error
1
This argument may be supported by the Court’s specific reference to the fundamental
error doctrine and deference to the Supreme Court’s refusal to apply fundamental error to simple
inadequacies in a PSI.
2
This argument may be supported the Court’s failure to specifically note that it was
extending the fundamental error doctrine to the sentencing process.
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[which] occurred at trial.” Thus, Perry does not expressly state that the Court intended its re-
articulation of the fundamental error doctrine to apply to review of unobjected to error occurring
after the determination of guilt.
Upon review, we note that the Idaho Supreme Court has applied fundamental error to
issues arising subsequent to the determination of guilt stage. Subsequent to Perry, in State v.
Longest, 149 Idaho 782, 241 P.3d 955 (2010), the Court took up a claim of fundamental error
regarding a claim of breach of a plea agreement as to sentencing recommendations. While the
Court ultimately determined that Longest had not satisfied the three prongs of Perry to establish
fundamental error, the Court did not suggest that the Perry fundamental error analysis was
inapplicable to the sentencing process. In Longest, the unobjected to error allegedly occurred
after the initial sentencing at a rider review hearing. Id. at 784, 241 P.3d at 957. Prior to Perry,
in State v. Jafek, 141 Idaho 71, 74, 106, P.3d 397, 401 (2005), the Idaho Supreme Court applied
fundamental error to review a claimed breach of plea agreement at sentencing. Fundamental
error was applied to review a claimed due process violation by imposition of a greater sentence
upon resentencing in State v. Robbins, 123 Idaho 527, 530, 850 P.2d 176, 179 (1993). This
Court has also applied fundamental error, both before and after Perry, to issues arising at
sentencing. In State v. Prelwitz, 132 Idaho 191, 193, 968 P.2d 1100, 1102 (Ct. App. 1998), we
applied fundamental error to a probation violation based upon a non-existent term of the
probation. In State v. Reid, ___ Idaho ___, ___ P.3d ___ (Ct. App. 2011), because Reid had not
objected to information considered by the district court at sentencing, we turned to a fundamental
error analysis, but found no error. In State v. Gomez, ___ Idaho ___, ___ P.3d ___ (Ct. App.
2011), this Court applied a fundamental error analysis to a claimed breach of plea agreement at
sentencing. Thus, fundamental error has been applied to claimed error occurring after the trial
stage, although, as noted, we have applied the manifest disregard standard specific to
psychological information and evaluations for sentencing.
The Perry Court set forth the standard for application of the fundamental error doctrine as
follows:
If the alleged error was not followed by a contemporaneous objection, it
shall only be reviewed by an appellate court under Idaho’s fundamental error
doctrine. Such review includes a three-prong inquiry wherein the defendant bears
the burden of persuading the appellate court that the alleged error: (1) violates
one or more of the defendant’s unwaived constitutional rights; (2) plainly exists
(without the need for any additional information not contained in the appellate
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record, including information as to whether the failure to object was a tactical
decision); and (3) was not harmless. If the defendant persuades the appellate
court that the complained of error satisfies this three-prong inquiry, then the
appellate court shall vacate and remand.
Perry, 150 Idaho at 228, 245 P.3d at 980. A defendant cannot obtain review unless the error was
fundamental. If the error is fundamental then reversal is mandatory. Id. The defendant must
demonstrate that “the alleged error . . . violates one or more of the defendant’s unwaived
constitutional rights.” Id. Where the asserted error relates to a violation of a rule or statute,
instead of an infringement upon a constitutional right, the fundamental error doctrine may not be
invoked. Id. at 228, 245 P.3d at 980. In Perry, the Court stated that “Idaho has limited appellate
review of unobjected-to error to cases wherein the defendant has alleged the violation of a
constitutionally protected right.” Id. at 226, 245 P.3d at 978. Further, the Court stated that “in
Idaho a trial error that does not violate one or more of the defendant’s constitutionally protected
rights is not subject to reversal under the fundamental error doctrine.” Id. The defendant must
also demonstrate that the error was plain. For an error to plainly exist, there must, of course, be a
demonstration of error. In addition, there must be no need for additional information outside the
appellate record. Id. at 228, 245 P.3d at 980. Requiring error to be “plain” is “synonymous with
‘clear’ or, equivalently, ‘obvious.’” Id. at 225, 245 P.3d at 977 (quoting United States v. Olano,
507 U.S. 725, 734 (1993)). Further, for the error to be plain there must not be a question as to
whether the failure to object was a tactical decision. Perry, 150 Idaho at 228, 245 P.3d at 980.
Finally, under the third prong of fundamental error, the defendant has the burden of proving that
the error “was not harmless.” The Perry Court included considerable discussion of the “three-
prong threshold inquiry” devised by the United States Supreme Court and applied in Olano. In
discussing the third prong from Olano, the Perry Court stated:
Third, the error must affect substantial rights, meaning (in most instances)
that it must have affected the outcome of the trial court proceedings. This third
prong is equivalent to the analysis applied in Chapman harmless error review,
with one important difference. In harmless error review the burden of persuasion
is on the State to demonstrate that the constitutional violation did not affect the
outcome of the case. In plain error review the burden is upon the defendant to
demonstrate that the error did affect the outcome.
Perry, 150 Idaho at 225, 245 P.3d at 977 (emphasis in original) (citation omitted).
10
As noted, our purpose here is not to (and we do not) disavow or reaffirm the manifest
disregard standard as it has been applied. Nor have we endeavored to analyze the application of
Perry specific to psychological evaluations for sentencing. We have set forth the above brief
overview in anticipation of the potential need to specifically determine the issue, upon briefing
of counsel, in a subsequent matter.
In this case, regardless of whether we base our review upon the three-prong Perry inquiry
or the manifest disregard standard, Rollins’ claim fails. A prerequisite to any review is the
demonstration of error, which Rollins has failed to do. Rollins only points to information in the
PSI of unconfirmed indications that his mother experienced mental health issues, that his ex-
girlfriend suspected Rollins could have similar mental health issues, and that he told the
investigator he would like a psychological evaluation. The State correctly asserts that the
available mental health information amounts to nothing more than self-reported accounts of
anxiety and depression with a statement from his ex-girlfriend that Rollins may benefit from
mental health counseling. 3 Despite the identified references to mental health, the overall focus
of the PSI was on Rollins’ addiction to pain medication, which began in 2002. The investigator
did not recommend a psychological evaluation, but did recommend a drug addiction treatment
program, which Rollins was enrolled in when the investigator spoke with him. Rollins’
argument to the sentencing court was focused on seeking a sentence that would aid him in curing
his drug addiction. The district court recognized the drug addiction issue when the court
inquired as to the need for an evaluation under I.C. § 19-2524. 4 The record does not reveal
actions by Rollins that would indicate he had a mental condition or provide substantial evidence
of mental illness. Rollins has failed to demonstrate error.
3
In Adams, 137 Idaho at 278, 47 P.3d at 781, we stated that personal views of family
members, standing alone, are insufficient to demonstrate a mental condition.
4
The district court inquired about the need for an I.C. § 19-2524(1) evaluation which
includes “substance abuse assessment and/or mental health examination.” Rollins’ counsel
stated that such an evaluation was not necessary, indicating that the drug rehabilitation program
would provide the necessary evaluation. Any error by the district court was, thus, invited by
Rollins affirmatively declining an evaluation which could have included a mental health
examination. The doctrine of invited error applies to estop a party from asserting an error when
his or her own conduct induces the commission of the error. Thomson v. Olsen, 147 Idaho 99,
106, 205 P.3d 1235, 1242 (2009). One may not complain of errors one has consented to or
acquiesced in. Id. In short, invited errors are not reversible. Id.
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B. Sentencing
Rollins argues that because of mitigating factors, the sentencing court abused its
discretion by imposing an excessive sentence and not granting a withheld judgment. An
appellate review of a sentence is based on an abuse of discretion standard. State v. Burdett, 134
Idaho 271, 276, 1 P.3d 299, 304 (Ct. App. 2000). Where a sentence is not illegal, the appellant
has the burden to show that it is unreasonable, and thus a clear abuse of discretion. State v.
Brown, 121 Idaho 385, 393, 825 P.2d 482, 490 (1992). A sentence may represent such an abuse
of discretion if it is shown to be unreasonable upon the facts of the case. State v. Nice, 103 Idaho
89, 90, 645 P.2d 323, 324 (1982). A sentence of confinement is reasonable if it appears at the
time of sentencing that confinement is necessary “to accomplish the primary objective of
protecting society and to achieve any or all of the related goals of deterrence, rehabilitation or
retribution applicable to a given case.” Toohill, 103 Idaho at 568, 650 P.2d at 710. Where an
appellant contends that the sentencing court imposed an excessively harsh sentence, we conduct
an independent review of the record, having regard for the nature of the offense, the character of
the offender, and the protection of the public interest. State v. Reinke, 103 Idaho 771, 772, 653
P.2d 1183, 1184 (Ct. App. 1982). When reviewing the length of a sentence, we consider the
defendant’s entire sentence. State v. Oliver, 144 Idaho 722, 726, 170 P.3d 387, 391 (2007).
After a person has been convicted of a crime, a district court may, in its discretion,
withhold judgment. I.C. § 19-2601(3); State v. Geier, 109 Idaho 963, 965, 712 P.2d 664, 666
(Ct. App. 1985); State v. Edghill, 134 Idaho 218, 219, 999 P.2d 255, 256 (Ct. App. 2000).
“[T]he legislature intended the courts to have maximum flexibility to fashion the sentence most
appropriate to the individual defendant.” Geier, 109 Idaho at 965, 712 P.2d at 666 (quoting State
v. Wagenius, 99 Idaho 273, 279, 581 P.2d 319, 325 (1978)). If the defendant claims the
sentencing court erred in failing to order a withheld judgment, the defendant must demonstrate
the decision was an abuse of discretion. Edghill, 134 Idaho at 220, 999 P.2d at 257. When a
trial court’s discretionary decision is reviewed on appeal, the appellate court conducts a multi-
tiered inquiry to determine: (1) whether the lower court correctly perceived the issue as one of
discretion; (2) whether the lower court acted within the boundaries of such discretion and
consistently with any legal standards applicable to the specific choices before it; and (3) whether
the lower court reached its decision by an exercise of reason. State v. Hedger, 115 Idaho 598,
600, 768 P.2d 1331, 1333 (1989).
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Rollins argues the sentencing court abused its discretion in failing to grant a withheld
judgment. Rollins points to his drug addition, remorse, work history, and lack of prior felonies
in his record. The court recognized it had the discretion to grant a withheld judgment, but
determined that a withheld judgment would be inappropriate based on the nature of the crime,
the breach of trust, and Rollins’ prior criminal record. The court imposed a unified five-year
sentence with two years determinate and suspended the sentence, placing Rollins on supervised
probation. This Court has reviewed the record and concludes that Rollins has failed to
demonstrate the sentencing court abused its discretion by imposing the sentence and refusing to
grant a withheld judgment.
III.
CONCLUSION
Rollins failed to demonstrate sentencing error reviewable by this Court. The district
court did not abuse its discretion by imposing sentence and refusing to grant a withheld
judgment. Rollins’ judgment of conviction and sentence are affirmed.
Judge LANSING and Judge MELANSON CONCUR.
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