State v. Malachi Howard Eastridge

STRINGER, Judge.

The State seeks review of the downward departure sentence the trial court imposed after finding that Malachi Howard Eas-tridge violated his probation. The State argues that the court erred in imposing a downward departure sentence without providing a valid basis for departure. We agree that one of the court’s stated bases for departure was without merit. Because we are unable to conclude that the court meant to depart downward on the second basis, we reverse and remand for reconsideration.

In the underlying cases, Eastridge pleaded guilty to four counts of armed kidnapping…