Leon v. Immigration & Naturalization Services
Leon v. Immigration & Naturalization Services
Opinion of the Court
MEMORANDUM
Leon argues that driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, in violation of California Vehicle Code § 23152(a), is not a crime of violence and therefore is not an aggravated felony under INA § 237(a) (2) (A) (iii). In light of United States v. Trinidad-Aquino, 259 F.3d 1140 (9th Cir. 2001), we must agree. There, we examined California Vehicle Code § 23153 and determined that driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in injury to another was not an “aggravated felony.” If driving under the influence with injury to another does not amount to recklessness sufficient to qualify as an aggravated felony, driving under the influence alone cannot suffice. Although the government makes an appealing argument that under United States v. Ceron-Sanchez, 222 F.3d 1169 (9th Cir. 2000), an offense requiring a recklessness mens rea may be a crime of violence, we believe that the logic of Trinidadr-Aquino compels a contrary conclusion here.
PETITION GRANTED.
This disposition is inappropriate for publication and may not be cited to or by the courts of this circuit except as 9th Cir. R. 36-3 may provide.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Jose Miguel LEON v. IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICES John Ashcroft, Attorney General
- Status
- Published