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NMI high court affirms man’s 20-year sentence for robbery
On May 8, 2020, the Supreme Court issued its opinion in Commonwealth v. Martin, affirming Martin’s 20-year sentence for robbery.
In 2017, Martin disguised himself, entered a poker establishment, and stole $500 by threatening a cashier with a hammer. Martin pleaded guilty to robbery and requested for a sentence of time served, which was approximately seven months and 20 days at the time of sentencing, and to be deported to Palau. Martin challenged his sentence, arguing that the trial court (1) did not properly weigh his sentencing factors; (2) impermissibly restricted parole eligibility; and (3) automatically imposed the maximum sentence for theft, robbery, and burglary cases.
The Supreme Court affirmed Martin’s sentence, finding that the trial court properly assessed his individual characteristics. The trial court balanced mitigating factors such as Martin’s demonstrated remorse and acceptance of responsibility against aggravating factors such as his lengthy criminal record, repeat offender status, and escalating violent endeavors with dangerous weapons. The Supreme Court determined that the trial court sufficiently justified parole restriction by explaining Martin’s previous seven-year sentence failed to rehabilitate and deter him from committing the current crime. It also found that the trial court did not automatically impose maximum sentences for theft, robbery, and burglary cases. Because the trial court properly individualized Martin’s sentence, the Supreme Court concluded it did not abuse its discretion.
The high court’s full opinion is available at https://cnmilaw.org/pdf/supreme/2020-MP-10.pdf. For further information, contact the Supreme Court at 236-9800. (PR)
