Newsom

United States v. Newsom

Good Law
44 F. App'x 144
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth CircuitAugust 2, 2002No. 01-50647, 01-50658; D.C. Nos. CR-97-00776-WJR-1, CR-97-00814-WJRCalifornia242 words

Opinion

Lead Opinion

MEMORANDUM ***

We previously ordered the defendant’s sentence vacated and the ease remanded for resentencing to allow the district court to determine whether defendant accepted responsibility, pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 32(c)(1). The district court held a hearing on resentencing on October 1, 2001. The court expressly denied the request for downward adjustment, finding that the defendant had not demonstrated acceptance of responsibility sufficient to warrant the downward adjustment.

The district court’s decision to deny a reduction for acceptance of responsibility is reviewed for clear error. See United States v. Fleming, 215 F.3d 930, 939 (9th Cir.2000). The district court is in the best position “to evaluate a defendant’s acceptance of responsibility.” United States v. Fellows, 157 F.3d 1197, 1202 (9th Cir.1998) (internal quotations omitted).

The record now establishes a sufficient basis to support the district court’s decision. There was no error in denying the downward adjustment. The district court also complied with Rule 32(c)(1) by making it clear on the record that all disputed matters were resolved contrary to the defendant’s position. See United…

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