State v. Ellis

Ellis pled to two counts of possession of cocaine. In return, the State entered a nolle prosequi to various other drug charges. At sentencing the trial judge, over the State’s objection, imposed downward departure sentences. No reasons were orally pronounced for the departure; however, attached to the scoresheet is a page listing numerous reasons for departure. A box was checked next to “Defendant requires specialized treatment for addiction, mental disorder, or physical disability, and the defendant is amenable to treatment.”

As the State points out, even if this procedure is deemed compliant…