State v. Pennington

The State of Washington challenges the trial court's reasons for imposing an exceptional sentence under the Sentencing Reform Act of 1981 (SRA). It claims that a drug or alcohol problem, in and of itself, does not supply a justification to declare an exceptional sentence. We agree. We reverse and remand for sentencing within the standard range unless the trial court can find other reasons to impose an exceptional sentence.

Facts

On July 5, 1987, defendant, Ronald Ray Pennington, robbed a gas station attendant at knife point. Subsequently, he was apprehended and confessed that he purchased drugs…