Richardson v. State

OPINION

CRONE, Judge.

Ryan Richardson received a fifteen-year sentence after pleading guilty to rape 1 and sexual misconduct with a minor. 2 The vie tim of these two class B felonies was his fifteen-year-old niece. On appeal, he challenges his sentence. Specifically, Richardson asserts that the court began its analysis from an incorrect starting point, abused its discretion by improperly weighing his guilty plea and his lack of serious criminal history, and ordered an inappropriate sentence. We affirm.

Indiana trial courts are required to enter sentencing statements whenever imposing a sentence…