United States v. Luis Alvarez

MEMORANDUM

Luis Alvarez appeals his convictions and sentence for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine ( 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 (a) & 846), and possession with intent to distribute 90 grams of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting ( 21 U.S.C. § 841 (a)(1) & 18 U.S.C. § 2 ).

It was not plain error for the district court to refer to an expert witness as an “expert” in the presence of the jury. There is no clear or obvious rule in this Circuit that prohibits such a practice and even if the reference was an error, it did not affect the outcome of the trial because the jury received overwhelming evidence of defendant’s guilt. Since the requirements for plain error have not been met, the panel need not determine whether the error “seriously affect[ed] the fairness, integrity or public reputation” of defendant’s trial. See Puckett v. United States, 556 U.S. 129, 135 , 129 S.Ct. 1423 , 173 L.Ed.2d 266 (2009).

Almendarez-Torres v. United States, 523 U.S. 224 , 118 S.Ct. 1219 , 140 L.Ed.2d 350 (1998), which authorized, for sentencing purposes, judicial fact finding as to the existence of a prior conviction, remains binding authority. Defendant has failed to offer a…