Mercado

MEMORANDUM **

Oscar Ulises Mercado appeals from the Board of Immigration Appeals’ determination that he is ineligible for cancellation of removal due to being an alien convicted of a crime of moral turpitude. 8 U.S.C. § 1182 (a)(2). Mercado argues that his conviction falls within the so-called “petty offense” exception for crimes where “the maximum penalty possible for the crime of which the alien was convicted ... did not exceed imprisonment for one year and ... the alien was not sentenced to a term of imprisonment in excess of 6 months,” and therefore does not render him ineligible for cancellation of removal. 8 U.S.C. § 1182 (a)(2)(ii).

Mercado was convicted of third-degree sodomy, a Class C felony under Oregon law. Or. Rev. St. § 163.385. By statute, “[t]he maximum term of an indeterminate sentence of imprisonment for a ... Class C felony” is 5 years. Or. Rev. St. § 161.605. Nevertheless, Mercado argues that to determine the maximum penalty possible for his crime we should, instead, look to the maximum sentence that he could have received under the Oregon Sentencing Guidelines, which he contends is 180 days, in light of his criminal history and the facts found in his case.…