State of Maine v. Brian Nichols

[¶ 1] Brian Nichols appeals from the sentence imposed on him following a judgment of conviction entered in the trial court (Clifford, J.) after he pleaded guilty to the intentional or knowing murder of his wife. See 17-A M.R.S. § 201(1)(A) (2012). Nichols challenges the sentencing court’s application of the first step of the sentencing analysis required by 17-A M.R.S. § 1252-C(1) (2012), arguing that the court failed to (1) adequately compare his conduct to prior comparable cases in setting the basic period of incarceration, and (2) accurately place his conduct on a continuum of seriousness…