State v. Richardson

(Filed Nov. 18, 2003)

In this proceeding the majority determined that a sentence of 30 years imposed upon Raymond Richardson for the crime of kidnapping “shock[s] the conscience and is constitutionally impermissible[.]” In view of the fact that the kidnapping was incidental to underlying crimes and the victim’s plea of mercy for Mr. Richardson, I reluctantly concur in the majority’s determination that the sentence was excessive.1 However, the ma*415jority’s decision to remand this case for the circuit court to impose a specific punishment of 10 years, lacks precedent in this State. For the reasons…