United States v. Jesus Mendoza-Olivas
Opinion
Jesus Norberto Mendoza-Olivas (Mendoza) pleaded guilty to the charge of illegal reentry. See 8 U.S.C. § 1326. He appeals, arguing that his sentence is greater than necessary to satisfy the sentencing goals of 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) and is therefore unreasonable. To support his claim of unreasonableness, he contends that the Guidelines “double counted” his prior drug conviction by using it to increase both his offense level and his criminal history category. This argument is without merit. See United States v. Duarte, 569 F.3d 528, 529-31 (5th Cir.), cert. denied, — U.S. -, 130 S.Ct. 378, 175 L.Ed.2d 231 (2009). His argument that U.S.S.G. § 2L1.2 was developed in a problematic manner is also unavailing. See id.-, United States v. Campos-Maldonado, 531 F.3d 337, 338-39 (5th Cir. 2008).
There is no merit to Mendoza’s argument that his offense was an international trespass. See United States v. Aguirre-Villa, 460 F.3d 681, 683 (5th Cir. 2006). Similarly without merit is Mendoza’s argument that his sentence overstated the seriousness of his unlawful reentry offense, failed to provide just punishment, undermined respect for the law, and failed to reflect his personal history and characteristics or his good motive for returning to the United States. United States v. Cooks, 589 F.3d 173, 186 (5th Cir. 2009), cert. denied, — U.S.-, 130 S.Ct. 1930, 176 L.Ed.2d 397 (2010). Mendoza has not rebutted the applicable presumption of reasonableness. United States v. Alonzo, 435 F.3d 551, 554 (5th Cir. 2006). Accordingly, he has not shown that the district court plainly erred in imposing a within- *934 guidelines sentence. See United States v. Peltier, 505 F.3d 389, 391-92 (5th Cir. 2007).
AFFIRMED.
Pursuant to 5th Cir. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5th Cir. R. 47.5.4.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. Jesus NORBERTO MENDOZA-OLIVAS, Also Known as Jesus Mendoza, Defendant—Appellant
- Status
- Unpublished