United States v. McNair

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
United States v. McNair, 174 F. App'x 735 (4th Cir. 2006)

United States v. McNair

Opinion

PER CURIAM:

Jermain Terel McNair pled guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1), 924 (2000). McNair appeals his 37-month sentence, arguing that the district court erred in denying his motion for a downward departure and that his sentence was excessive and unreasonable when considered in light of all the factors in 18 U.S.C.A. § 3553(a) (West 2000 & Supp. 2005). We affirm McNair’s sentence.

After the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Booker, 543 U.S. 220, 125 S.Ct. 738, 160 L.Ed.2d 621 (2005), a sentencing court is no longer bound by the range prescribed by the sentencing guidelines. See United States v. Hughes, 401 F.3d 540, 546 (4th Cir. 2005). However, in determining a sentence post-Booker, sentencing courts are still required to calculate and consider the applicable guideline range as well as the factors set forth in 18 U.S.C.A. § 3553(a). Id. If the sentence imposed is within the properly calculated guideline range, it is presumptively reasonable. United States v. Green, 436 F.3d 449, 457 (4th Cir. 2006).

McNair’s 37-month sentence was both within the guideline range of 37 to 46 months, and well within the statutory maximum of ten years. See 18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(2). We decline to review the district court’s decision not to depart from the applicable guideline range. See United States v. Ruiz, 536 U.S. 622, 626-28, 122 S.Ct. 2450, 153 L.Ed.2d 586 (2002); United States v. Bayerle, 898 F.2d 28, 30 (4th Cir. 1990). Because the district court appropriately treated the guidelines as advisory, properly calculated and considered the guideline range, and weighed the relevant § 3553(a) factors, we find the sentence reasonable.

Accordingly, we affirm McNair’s sentence. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before the court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

AFFIRMED.

Reference

Full Case Name
UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff—Appellee, v. Jermain Terel McNAIR, Defendant—Appellant
Status
Unpublished