United States v. Billings
United States v. Billings
Opinion of the Court
ORDER
Frank Billings appeals the sentence imposed upon his conviction for conspiring to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841(b)(1)(B). This case has been referred to a panel of the court pursuant to Rule 34(j)(l), Rules of the Sixth Circuit. Upon examination, this panel unanimously agrees that oral argument is not needed. Fed. R.App. P. 34(a).
On October 16, 2001, Billings pleaded guilty to the above offense pursuant to a written plea agreement. The plea agreement provided that Billings would cooperate fully with law enforcement, that the government would retain the discretion to
Billings’s court-appointed counsel has filed an appellate brief with this court and also a motion to withdraw pursuant to Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738, 87 S.Ct. 1396, 18 L.Ed.2d 493 (1967). After a review of the entire record, counsel concluded that there were no meritorious grounds for appeal, but he nonetheless raises the issue of whether Billings was entitled to a reduction in offense level for acceptance of responsibility. Billings has filed a response and raises additional issues. He argues that he did not see the presentence investigation report (PSR) until the day of sentencing, that counsel said it was too late to dispute the PSR, and that he should have received a downward departure. Billings also requests that his time to prepare an appeal be extended.
Upon review, we conclude that counsel’s motion should be granted because counsel has filed an acceptable Anders brief.
Billings was not entitled to a reduction in offense level for acceptance of responsibility. The Sentencing Guidelines provide for a reduction in offense level if the defendant “clearly demonstrates acceptance of responsibility for his offense.” USSG § 3E1.1(a). To aid the district court in its determination, the commentary lists various factors to consider, including the defendant’s “voluntary termination or withdrawal from criminal conduct or associations” and “conduct of the defendant that is inconsistent with such acceptance of responsibility.” USSG § 3E1.1, comment. (nn.l(b) and 3). A defendant who, after accepting responsibility, engages in criminal conduct of the same type as the underlying offense has not withdrawn from criminal conduct and is not entitled to a reduction for acceptance of responsibility. United States v. Childers, 86 F.3d 562, 563-64 (6th Cir. 1996); United States v. Morrison, 983 F.2d 730, 734 (6th Cir. 1993). Billings was not entitled to a reduction for acceptance of responsibility as he did not withdraw from criminal conduct after his guilty plea, but instead absconded and engaged in further drug trafficking in Indiana.
Billings’s arguments in his response do not warrant relief. First, Billings failed to show that he was prejudiced from his alleged lack of an opportunity to see the PSR until the day of sentencing. At the sentencing hearing, the district court, in accordance with Fed.R.Crim.P. 32(c)(3), asked defense counsel whether he had discussed the PSR with his client. Counsel stated that they had “briefly” discussed the PSR, but that Billings’s time out of state had hindered the process. The court then called a recess to permit further time for review. Billings does not argue that the time was insufficient, nor does he point to any inaccuracy in the PSR. Thus, no prejudice was shown.
Third, Billings was not entitled to a downward departure. The government has wide discretion as to whether to move for a downward departure under USSG § 5K1.1, and a defendant generally cannot challenge the government’s refusal to request such a departure, especially where, as here, a plea agreement gives complete discretion to the government to determine whether a substantial assistance motion is warranted. United States v. Moore, 225 F.3d 637, 641 (6th Cir. 2000). Thus, a claim that a defendant provided substantial assistance will not entitle a defendant to a remedy, discovery, or an evidentiary hearing. United States v. Bagnoli, 7 F.3d 90, 92 (6th Cir. 1993). However, an exception exists where the government’s decision was the result of a constitutionally suspect motivation, such as race or religion. Wade v. United States, 504 U.S. 181, 185-86, 112 S.Ct. 1840, 118 L.Ed.2d 524 (1992); Moore, 225 F.3d at 641; Bagnoli, 7 F.3d at 92. Billings does not assert that the government’s failure to file a § 5K1.1 motion was based upon an unconstitutional motive, and an independent review of the record reveals no evidence of an unconstitutional motivation.
Accordingly, the district court’s judgment is affirmed and Billings’s request for an extension is denied. Rule 34(j)(2)(C), Rules of the Sixth Circuit.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- United States v. Frank BILLINGS
- Status
- Published