Reyes-Castro

United States v. Reyes-Castro

Good Law
46 F. App'x 577
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth CircuitSeptember 20, 2002No. 02-50165; D.C. No. CR-01-03433-MJLCalifornia373 words

Opinion

Lead Opinion

MEMORANDUM **

Jorge Reyes-Castro appeals the 6-month sentence imposed following his guilty plea conviction for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841 (a)(1). We have jurisdiction pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3742 and 28 U.S.C. § 1291 . We affirm in part and dismiss in part.

Reyes-Castro contends that the district court erred by declining to grant a downward departure for aberrant behavior. A district court’s discretionary refusal to depart from a prescribed sentencing guideline range is unreviewable on appeal unless the district court rested its decision on an erroneous belief that it lacked the authority to do so. United States v. Davis, 264 F.3d 813, 815 (9th Cir.2001). Because the district court properly exereised its discretion, we lack jurisdiction to review this issue. Id.

Reyes-Castro also contends that the district court erred by failing to recognize its authority to grant a fast-track departure absent government consent. Notwithstanding Reyes-Castro’s assertion to the contrary, the record demonstrates that the district court recognized its authority to depart, but exercised its discretion not to do so based on the facts and…

Sign in to read the full opinion

Create a free account to read the complete opinion text, citation history, and good-law status for this case.