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State of Iowa
v.
Sharon Kay Collins
Appellee
State of Iowa
Appellant
Sharon Kay Collins
Attorney for the Appellee
Joseph D. Ferrentino, Assistant Attorney General
Attorney for the Appellant
Vidhya K. Reddy, Assistant Appellate Defender
Court of Appeals
Court of Appeals Opinion
Opinion Number:
Date Published:
Summary
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Boone County, Stephen A. Owen, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Buller, J., and Mullins, S.J. Opinion by Mullins, S.J. (11 pages)
Sharon Collins appeals her convictions on two counts of child endangerment and the sentences imposed. As to the convictions, she argues the evidence was insufficient to support one of the alternative theories for guilt. In relation to this challenge, she argues the savings statute for general verdicts—Iowa Code section 814.28 (2021)—is unconstitutional, and she is therefore entitled to a new trial. As to the sentences, Sharon argues the “court impermissibly considered the [presentence investigation report’s] references to [her] difficulties with problem solving and decision-making as aggravating rather than mitigating factors.” OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the convictions as supported by substantial evidence. As a result, we need not address the challenge to the constitutionality of Iowa Code section 814.28. Finding no abuse of discretion in sentencing, we affirm the sentences imposed.