The Iowa Supreme Court has overturned the sentencing of Christopher Hidlebaugh, who was serving prison time after failing to meet a financial obligation under a plea agreement. According to documents, Hidlebaugh violated Iowa’s sex offender registration requirement after living with a friend in Perry without updating his address. Under a plea agreement, he would have received a deferred sentence if he bought a home before the sentencing hearing. He was given 15 years in prison after failing to do so. The Iowa Supreme Court found the court could not sentence him for failing to meet a financial obligation and that the deal violates equal protection and due process.The Iowa Supreme Court ordered the case remanded for a resentencing.
ADEL, Iowa —
The Iowa Supreme Court has overturned the sentencing of Christopher Hidlebaugh, who was serving prison time after failing to meet a financial obligation under a plea agreement.
According to documents, Hidlebaugh violated Iowa’s sex offender registration requirement after living with a friend in Perry without updating his address.
Under a plea agreement, he would have received a deferred sentence if he bought a home before the sentencing hearing. He was given 15 years in prison after failing to do so.
The Iowa Supreme Court found the court could not sentence him for failing to meet a financial obligation and that the deal violates equal protection and due process.
The Iowa Supreme Court ordered the case remanded for a resentencing.