Reid v. State, 490 A.2d 1289 (Md. 1985)

Cases | Reid v. State, 490 A.2d 1289 (Md. 1985) | 2018

The defendant was convicted of first-degree rape, first-degree sexual offense, and robbery with a dangerous and deadly weapon after entering the victim’s home, threatening her with a knife, binding and gagging her, and raping her. He was sentenced to life in prison and two consecutive sentences totaling 30 years in prison. On appeal, the defendant argued that the State’s victim impact statement violated section 124 because the only victim input allowed is through the Victim Impact Statement submitted by the Division of Parole and Probation, and the State may only submit a statement as to victim impact if a presentence investigation is specifically not ordered. The intermediate court upheld the sentence, considering the statute to establish the minimum standard for information to be obtained from a victim, and not the maximum. The Court of Appeals held that there is no evidence in the statutory language or the legislative history showing an intent to limit the victim’s role to the single Victim Impact Statement of the presentence investigation. The judgments were affirmed.