Lam

United States v. Lam

Good Law
329 F. App'x 730
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth CircuitMay 27, 2009No. 08-10210California318 words

Opinion

Lead Opinion

MEMORANDUM *

Dennis Morks Lam (“Lam”) appeals his conviction and sentence for selling methamphetamine. We weigh five factors in determining whether a defendant was predisposed to commit the charged crime in response to an entrapment defense: “(1) the character and reputation of the defendant; (2) whether the government made the initial suggestion of criminal activity; (3) whether the defendant engaged in the activity for profit; (4) whether the defendant showed any reluctance; and (5) the nature of the government’s inducement.” United States v. Martinez, 122 F.3d 1161, 1163 (9th Cir.1997). “Although none of these factors is controlling, the defendant’s reluctance to engage in the criminal activity is the most important.” Id. Uncontested evidence demonstrated that Lam used, and possibly sold, drugs five to six years prior to the crimes at issue here. While this alone is not sufficient to show predisposition, the other factors largely favor the government. Lam clearly engaged in the crime for profit. Additionally, though Lam expressed some reluctance, he manifested his willingness to commit the crime in several ways: he called the government informant repeatedly when the informant…

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.