The Appellate Group

State v. Corry

State v. Corry, 2024 UT App 142 (Luthy, J.)

Criminal Law

Defendant pleaded guilty to four counts of forcible sexual abuse. Adult Probation and Parole recommended a prison sentence even though official guidelines recommended 210 days in jail. The court imposed a prison sentence. Defendant raised multiple claims appealing his sentence and filed a rule 23B motion claiming ineffective assistance during sentencing. The Utah Court of Appeals affirmed, holding:

  • Defendant did not object to specific alleged inaccuracies in the presentence report. The district court did not plainly err, and counsel did not render ineffective assistance regarding aggravating factors. 
  • The district court did not abuse its discretion in sentencing Defendant to prison. The rule 23B motion is denied. 
  • Practice tip: A defendant must identify specific alleged inaccuracies in a presentence report. A defendant may not rely on the statutory protections by claiming generally that the report is inaccurate. 

Read the full court opinion