State v. Garnica

After Marco Garnica pleaded guilty to two counts of third degree rape, the sentencing court, citing five aggravating factors including domestic violence, gave consecutive sentences despite deciding the crimes comprised the same criminal conduct. Mr. Garnica appealed his exceptional sentence. We decide as an issue of first impression that a minor nonresident sister-in-law is not a “family member” for exceptional sentencing purposes, but we affirm because the four other aggravating factors are valid.

FACTS

Marco Garnica challenges his consecutive sentence imposed under exceptional circumstances.…