United States v. Clintone Walker

MEMORANDUM

Clintone Walker appeals from the six-month sentence imposed after the district court found him in criminal contempt for failure to testify in a criminal case, as ordered pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 6002 . We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 , and we affirm.

Walker contends the district court procedurally erred by failing to discuss the Sentencing Guidelines. The district court was not required to discuss the Sentencing Guidelines because the offense was a Class B misdemeanor and the Sentencing Guidelines do not apply to such misdemeanors. See Taylor v. Hayes, 418 U.S. 488, 495-96 , 94 S.Ct. 2697 , 41 L.Ed.2d 897 (1974) (recognizing that contempt cases tried without a jury have a maximum sentence of six months); see also 18 U.S.C. § 3559 (a)(7) (categorizing offenses with maximum sentences of six months as Class B misdemeanors); U.S.S.G. § 1B1.9 (providing that the Sentencing Guidelines do not apply to Class B misdemeanors).

Walker also contends that the district court proeedurally erred by failing to consider and discuss the factors set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3553 (a). This contention fails. See United States v. Carty, 520 F.3d 984, 992 (9th Cir.2008) (en banc)…