State v. Bendzula

OPINION

CRIPPEN, Judge. *

Appellant State of Minnesota disputes the trial court’s downward durational departure from state sentencing guidelines, contending that the court acted beyond its authority under the sentencing guidelines. Giving deference required for the trial court’s exercise of discretion in assessing the particular circumstances, of this case, we affirm.

FACTS

In 1999, Hennepin County authorities arrested an immigrant friend of respondent Randy Bendzula for selling cocaine. The seller was told that he could avoid deportation by cooperating with the police and implicating those who…