Filed: Nov. 05, 2012
Latest Update: Nov. 05, 2012
Summary: Unpublished opinions are not binding precedent in this circuit. PER CURIAM: Kenya Lashan Martin appeals the district court's denial of her 18 U.S.C. 3582(c)(2) (2006) motion for reduction in her sentence pursuant to Amendment 750 to the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines Manual ("USSG"). 1 In denying the motion, the district court stated that "[t]he defendant's sentence was previously reduced, in all counts, to 188 months in 2009. After applying Amendment 750, the reduction results in the same r
Summary: Unpublished opinions are not binding precedent in this circuit. PER CURIAM: Kenya Lashan Martin appeals the district court's denial of her 18 U.S.C. 3582(c)(2) (2006) motion for reduction in her sentence pursuant to Amendment 750 to the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines Manual ("USSG"). 1 In denying the motion, the district court stated that "[t]he defendant's sentence was previously reduced, in all counts, to 188 months in 2009. After applying Amendment 750, the reduction results in the same re..
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Unpublished opinions are not binding precedent in this circuit.
PER CURIAM:
Kenya Lashan Martin appeals the district court's denial of her 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(2) (2006) motion for reduction in her sentence pursuant to Amendment 750 to the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines Manual ("USSG").1 In denying the motion, the district court stated that "[t]he defendant's sentence was previously reduced, in all counts, to 188 months in 2009. After applying Amendment 750, the reduction results in the same reduced guideline range."
Pursuant to USSG § 1B1.10, when a defendant's applicable Guidelines range has been lowered by an amendment to the Guidelines, the district court may reduce the defendant's term of imprisonment under § 3582. This court reviews an order granting or denying a § 3582(c)(2) motion for abuse of discretion. United States v. Munn, 595 F.3d 183, 186 (4th Cir. 2010). A district court abuses its discretion if it relies on an erroneous factual or legal premise. DIRECTV, Inc. v. Rawlins, 523 F.3d 318, 323 (4th Cir. 2008).
The original presentence investigation report ("PSR") recommended that Martin be held responsible for three kilograms of cocaine base. At sentencing, however, the district court found only that Martin was accountable for at least 1.5 kilograms of cocaine base. After the 2008 sentence reduction pursuant to § 3582(c)(2) and Amendment 706 to the Guidelines, Martin's base offense level was thirty-six.2 Under the Guidelines as amended by Amendment 750, the base offense level for an offender responsible for 1.5 kilograms of cocaine base is thirty-four. USSG § 2D1.1(c)(3). Thus, Martin's sentencing range has been lowered by Amendment 750 to the Guidelines. The district court's conclusion that Amendment 750 does not provide a basis for considering a further reduction of Martin's sentence was therefore erroneous.
Accordingly, we vacate the district court's order and remand for reconsideration of the § 3582 motion.3 We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before the court and argument would not aid the decisional process.
VACATED AND REMANDED.
