Changes to Existing Law

Presumptive sentence of probation or fully suspended penitentiary sentence--Departure for aggravating circumstances. The sentencing court shall sentence an offender a person convicted of a Class 5 or Class 6 felony, except those convicted under §§ 22-11A-2.1, 22-14-15, 22-18-1, 22-18- 1.05, 22-18-26, 22-18-29, 22-19A-1, 22-19A-2, 22-19A-3, 22-19A-7, 22-19A-16, 22- 22A-2, 22-22A-4, 22-24A-3, 22-22-24.3, subdivision 22-23-2(2), 22-24-1.2, 22-24B-2, 22-24B-12, 22-24B-12.1, 22-24B-23, 22-30A-46, 22-42-7, subdivision 24-2-14(1), 32- 34-5, and any person ineligible for probation under § 23A-27-12, to a term of probation. If the offender person is under the supervision of the Department of Corrections, the court shall order a fully suspended penitentiary sentence pursuant to § 23A-27-18.4. The sentencing court may impose a sentence other than probation or a fully suspended penitentiary sentence if the court finds aggravating circumstances exist that pose a significant risk to the public and require a departure from presumptive probation under this section. For the purposes of this section, it is also an aggravating circumstance if the court determines the person failed to cooperate with law enforcement in an ongoing investigation. If a departure is made, the judge shall state on the record at the time of sentencing the aggravating circumstances and the same shall be stated in the dispositional order. Neither this section nor its application may be the basis for establishing a constitutionally protected liberty, property, or due process interest. 23