United States v. Sulaimon Olasode

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
United States v. Sulaimon Olasode, 423 F. App'x 400 (5th Cir. 2011)

United States v. Sulaimon Olasode

Opinion

PER CURIAM: *

Sulaimon Olasode appeals the 48-month sentence imposed in connection with his guilty-plea conviction for conspiracy to possess stolen mail matter and commit fraud and related activity in connection with stolen access devices. For the first time on appeal, Olasode argues that his sentence is procedurally unreasonable because the district court presumed that a sentence within the applicable sentencing guidelines range was reasonable.

Generally, we review the sentence imposed for reasonableness in light of the factors set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a). United States v. Mares, 402 F.3d 511, 519-20 (5th Cir. 2005). In reviewing a sentence for reasonableness, we first determine whether the district court’s sentencing decision is procedurally sound and then determine whether the sentence is substantively reasonable. Gall v. United States, 552 U.S. 38, 49-51, 128 S.Ct. 586, 169 L.Ed.2d 445 (2007). As Olasode did not preserve his presumption-of-reasonableness argument in the district court, review of the district court’s actions is for plain *401 error only. See United States v. King, 541 F.3d 1143, 1144 (5th Cir. 2008).

The Supreme Court has explained that “the sentencing court does not enjoy the benefit of a legal presumption that the Guidelines sentence should apply.” Rita v. United States, 551 U.S. 338, 351, 127 S.Ct. 2456, 168 L.Ed.2d 203 (2007). A sentencing court cannot require that exceptional circumstances be present to justify imposing a sentence that is outside of the guidelines range. Gall, 552 U.S. at 47, 128 S.Ct. 586. Contrary to Olasode’s argument, nothing in the district court’s remarks shows that he was required to overcome a presumption that the Guidelines range was reasonable or required to prove “extraordinary circumstances” before the district court would impose a non-Guidelines sentence. Olasode has not established that the district court erred, much less plainly erred, by applying a presumption of reasonableness to his advisory sentencing guidelines range. See King, 541 F.3d at 1145.

The district court’s judgment is AFFIRMED.

*

Pursuant to 5th Cm. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5th Cir. R. 47.5.4.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. Sulaimon OLASODE, Defendant-Appellant
Status
Unpublished