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61 Haw. 1

State v. Mersberg

Hawaii Supreme Court

Decided May 7, 1979

Hawaii Supreme Court · decided 1979-05-07

Cited by 2 later decisions — most recently June 1992

2 state decisions

Key passage — most relied on by later courts

“in order to forestall any claims that the court failed to [consider all possible alternative sentences, including the provisions of the young adult defendants statute], the trial court would be well advised to state clearly on the record that these alternatives were considered. Such a record would be especially helpful and relevant when a young adult defendant is sentenced upon his conviction of a crime.”

quoted by 1 later decision, including State v. Lau

Relies on State v. Martin

Good law ✅— No negative treatment on recordhow we know

Decided 1979-05-07

View the full empirical analysis of this case →

Per Curiam.

¶1The Court has reviewed the record in this case and has considered the issues and arguments raised by the parties. Based upon the facts and circumstances of this case and upon applicable law, the Court concludes that there is no reversible error.

Renee M.L. Yuen, Deputy Públic Defender (Edmund K. U. Fee, Deputy Public Defender, with her on the briefs) for defendant-appellant.Albert H. Esposito, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (Keith L. Walker, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, on the brief) for plaintiff-appellee.
A trial judge in the disposition of any matter before him, particularly in the sentencing process, should always consider all of the possible alternatives available. . . . (Emphasis added.)

¶2State v. Martin, 56 Haw. 292, 294, 535 P.2d 127, 128 (1975).

¶3In the instant case we are satisfied that the trial court did consider all possible alternative sentences, including the provisions of HRS § 706-667. However, in order to forestall any claims that the court failed to do so, the trial court would be well advised to state clearly on the record that these alternatives were considered. Such a record, would be especially helpful and relevant when a young adult defendant is sentenced upon his conviction of a crime."

¶4Affirmed.

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