Judge's Bombshell Ruling Rocks Criminal Court Nashville: "Exceptional Sentence"

Webthe existence of an aggravating factor may support an exceptional sentence.

Webthe facts admitted in his plea, standing alone, supported a maximum.

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Webon direct appeal, the court of criminal appeals affirmed the defendants'.

Webgenerally, the court cannot reduce mandatory enhancements:

Webwhile many of the factors that a judge may consider in imposing an exceptional.

Judge's Bombshell Ruling Rocks Criminal Court Nashville: "Exceptional Sentence" 5

Webthe trial court merged the murder convictions and imposed consecutive sentences of life.

Judge's Bombshell Ruling Rocks Criminal Court Nashville: "Exceptional Sentence" 6

Webboth in his motion for new trial and on appeal to the court of criminal.

Judge's Bombshell Ruling Rocks Criminal Court Nashville: "Exceptional Sentence" 7

Webthe supreme court concluded that the defendant’s constitutional rights had been violated because the judge had imposed a sentence greater than the maximum he could have imposed under state law without the challenged factual finding.

Judge's Bombshell Ruling Rocks Criminal Court Nashville: "Exceptional Sentence" 8

Webif you've been convicted at trial or you've taken a plea agreement in a felony criminal.