Townes v. State

Eric Townes v. State of Maryland, No. 1228, Sept. Term, 2023. Opinion filed on February 3, 2025, by Wells, C.J. CRIMINAL LAW – SENTENCING – IMPERMISSIBLE CONSIDERATION One ground for appellate review of criminal sentences is to determine whether the sentencing judge was motivated by ill-will, prejudice, or other impermissible considerations. An impermissible consideration is a criminal defendant’s decision to plead not guilty and proceed to trial. A criminal defendant is entitled to resentencing if a reasonable person could infer the sentencing judge might have been motivated by the…