State v. Crawley

All forms of first degree murder carry a statutorily-mandated life sentence. See Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 2-201(b) (2002, 2012 Repl. Vol., 2016 Supp.). 1 Although a life sentence must be imposed, the sentencing court retains the discretion to suspend any portion of it so long as the suspended portion carries with it a period of probation. Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 6-222 (2001, 2008 Repl. Vol., 2016 Supp.); 2 Cathcart v. State, 397 Md. 320, 327, 916 A.2d 1008 (2007). The absence of a period of probation has the effect of removing the portion of the life sentence that has been suspended,…