United States v. Guevara-Betancourt
Opinion
Gustavo Guevara-Betancourt appeals his guilty-plea conviction and sentence for being found in the United States, without permission, following removal. See 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a), (b). Guevara-Betancourt argues that the sentencing provisions in § 1326(b) are unconstitutional. Guevara-Betancourt’s constitutional challenge is foreclosed by Almendarez-Torres v. United States, 523 U.S. 224, 235, 118 S.Ct. 1219, 140 L.Ed.2d 350 (1998). Although Guevara-Betancourt contends that Almendarez-Torres was incorrectly decided and that a majority of the Supreme Court would overrule Almendarez-Torres in light of Apprendi v. New Jersey, 530 U.S. 466, 120 S.Ct. 2348, 147 L.Ed.2d 435 (2000), we have repeatedly rejected such arguments on the basis that Almendarez-Torres remains binding. See United States v. Garza-Lopez, 410 F.3d 268, 276 (5th Cir.), cert. denied, — U.S.-, 126 S.Ct. 298, 163 L.Ed.2d 260 (2005). Guevara-Betancourt properly concedes that his argument is foreclosed in light of Almendarez-Torres and circuit precedent, but he raises it here to preserve it for further review.
Guevara-Betancourt also argues that the district court erred by requiring, as a condition of supervised release, that he cooperate in the collection of his DNA as directed by his probation officer. Guevara-Betancourt’s complaint is not ripe for review, and we dismiss this part of the appeal. See United States v. Riascos-Cuenu, 428 F.3d 1100, 1102 (5th Cir. 2005), petition for cert, filed (Jan. 9, 2006) (No. 05-8662).
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED; APPEAL DISMISSED IN PART.
Pursuant to 5th Cir. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5th Cir. R. 47.5.4.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Gustavo GUEVARA-BETANCOURT, Defendant-Appellant
- Status
- Unpublished