State of Connecticut v. 387716 (2013)

MEMORANDUM OF DECISION

The petitioner is Jacques Louis.   He was convicted by a jury of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery in the 1st Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery in the 2nd Degree.   His total effective sentence was twelve years to serve suspended after the service of six years.   It is from this sentence the petitioner seeks review.

The facts are as follows.   On December 28, 2011 the petitioner was one of four individuals who robbed a laundromat in Bridgeport.   Guns were displayed in this robbery.

The petitioner claims his sentence is inappropriate and disproportionate pursuant to Practice Book § 43–28.   The petitioner argues his sentence was greater than the other three defendants.   Defendant addressed the panel and denied his involvement in the robbery.

The state argues the petitioner is in this country illegally.   He has a felony conviction from New Jersey.   The state argues the mandatory minimum is five years and the sentence was only one year above that.

Pursuant to Connecticut Practice Book § 43–23 et seq., the Sentence Review Division is limited in the scope of its review.   The Division is to determine whether the sentence imposed “should be modified because it is inappropriate or disproportionate in the light of the nature of the offense, the character of the offender, the protection of the public interest and the deterrent, rehabilitative, isolative and denunciatory purposes for which the sentence was intended.”   The Division is without authority to modify sentences except in accordance with the provisions of Connecticut Practice Book § 43–23 et seq. and Connecticut General Statute § 51–194 et seq.

The Division finds there is nothing inappropriate or disproportionate about the sentence imposed by the trial court in this case.   The petitioner, along with three others, conspired to rob a laundromat.   Guns were displayed in this robbery.   The petitioner has a prior felony record.

In reviewing the record as a whole, the Division finds that the sentencing court's actions were in accordance with the parameters of Connecticut Practice Book § 43–23.   The Sentence is Affirmed.

Brian T. Fischer, Judge

Joan K. Alexander, Judge

Arthur C. Hadden, Judge

Fischer, J., Alexander, J., and Hadden, J. participated in this decision.

Fischer, Brian T., Alexander, Joan K., Hadden, Arthur C., Js.