February 2024 Update from the Courts: Pending Issues Related to Resentencing

By Cindy Arends Elsberry | Resentencing Resource Attorney

There are several cases with important issues related to resentencing pending in the Washington Supreme Court.

When resentencing a person pursuant to Monschke, what sentence can the trial court impose?

In State v. Carter, No. 101777-4, and State v. Reite, No. 101859-2, the Court will decide what sentences are available when trial courts resentence individuals for aggravated first degree murder pursuant to In re Monschke. Trial courts resentenced both Mr. Carter and Ms. Reite to determinate sentences. Many individuals with resentencing cases impacted by Monschke are being continued in the trial courts awaiting this decision. (Oral argument 9/4/23).

When resentencing a person pursuant to Monschke, can a trial court resentence a person on the additional counts in the same case, for crimes other than aggravated murder in the first degree? 

In State v. Carter, No. 101777-4, the Court will decide if at a resentencing hearing pursuant to Inre Monschke, the trial court can resentence a person on additional counts as well as the aggravated first degree murder conviction. (Oral argument 9/4/23).

Is resentencing available for a person who was 18 or older at the time of the offense, before scientific evidence existed demonstrating that adolescents may be less culpable due to differences in brain development? 

In In re PRP Frazier, No. 102295-6, the court will consider whether scientific understanding ofbrain development is “newly discovered evidence” that justifies resentencing outside the one-year time limit for post-conviction collateral relief? A trial court sentenced Mr. Frazier in 1989 to an exceptional sentence above the standard range based on the court’s conclusion that Mr. Frazier’s young age at the time of offense, two weeks past his 18th birthday, made him more dangerous. (Oral argument is not set as of 2.15.24).

At resentencing hearings, should trial courts conduct a full resentencing hearing (de novo) and consider other issues, such the mitigating qualities of youth at the time of offense?

In State v. Vasquez, No. 102045-7, the Court will consider the scope of resentencing hearings.  Must trial courts conduct full resentencing hearings unless an appellate court restricts the scope? Mr. Vasquez argues that the trial court can consider other sentencing issues beyond the change in score due to Blake at his resentencing hearing, including the mitigating qualities of his youth at the time of offense. (Oral argument 2.15.24).

Can courts impose weapons enhancements concurrently?

In State v. Kelly, No. 102003-3, (consolidated with 102003-1), the Court will consider whether the trial court had discretion to run multiple weapons enhancements concurrently at a resentencing hearing. Mr. Kelly was resentenced pursuant to State v. Blake. At the resentencing hearing, the trial court reduced his sentence by 60 months by running two firearm enhancements concurrently instead of consecutively. (Oral argument 2.15.24).

What if the standard range does not change after Blake invalidates convictions previously included in the calculation of the offender score?

In State v. Kelly, No. 102003-3 (consolidated with 102003-1), the Court will consider whether a person must be resentenced where the standard range does not change after removing Blakeconvictions from calculation of the offender score. At a resentencing hearing on a case from 2006, Mr. Kelly’s offender score went down by two points, but because his offender score remained the same at 9+, his standard range did not change. The trial court resentenced him and reduced the original sentence by 60 months by ordering that two firearm enhancements run concurrently with each other. (Oral argument 2.15.24).

Can a person ask for resentencing based on changes in the law without breaching a plea agreement?  If a breach of the plea agreement occurs, can the person withdraw their guilty plea?

In State v. Harris, No. 102311-1, the Court will consider whether a person who was 17-years-oldat the time of an offense can seek resentencing pursuant to State v. Houston-Sconiers without breaching the plea agreement.  If asking for resentencing does breach a plea agreement, can the defendant move to withdraw his guilty plea? (Oral argument is not set as of 2.15.24).

Can a person move to withdraw their guilty pleas to remaining counts when one or more counts is invalid pursuant to State v. Blake?

In two cases, State v. Willyard, No. 102325-1, 102326-0, and State v. Olsen, No. 102131, the Court will consider whether a person who pleaded guilty to multiple offenses under a single plea agreement can withdraw their plea to all offenses if one offense, possession of a controlled substance, was invalidated pursuant to State v. Blake. (Oral argument is not set as of 2.15.24).