Temple of Justice

Synopsis: Does the state have to prove to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt the fact that a defendant was on community placement at the time the defendant committed a crime?

Synopsis: Did the trial court err by sentencing the defendant for second degree attempted murder rather than first degree assault and by including his juvenile adjudications in his offender score?

Synopsis: Can the State introduce evidence in support of a defendant’s prior convictions if it failed to do so at his initial sentencing?

Synopsis: Whether an “additional criminal history” clause in a plea agreement precluded the defendant from challenging his guilty plea where a higher than anticipated sentence resulted from a mutual mistake as to the defendant’s criminal history. Whether the trial court is required to verbally confirm that the defendant understands certain elements of the plea.

Facts:  Respondent Frank Mendoza was convicted of robbery and unlawful imprisonment in the Superior Court for Grays Harbor County and was sentenced on the basis of a statement prepared by the prosecution that summarized Mendoza’s previous criminal record, Read more…

Synopsis: Can “unranked” crimes be considered during sentencing? Also, what is the proper remedy for a mistake in the documentation of a sentence?

Synopsis: Whether confinement on a misdemeanor probation violation interrupts the five-year “wash-out” period on a prior class C felony conviction.