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U.S. v. BURNS, 14-4030. (2014)

Court: Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit Number: infco20140929116 Visitors: 6
Filed: Sep. 29, 2014
Latest Update: Sep. 29, 2014
Summary: UNPUBLISHED Unpublished opinions are not binding precedent in this circuit. PER CURIAM. Timothy Louis Burns pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute twenty-eight grams or more of cocaine base, in violation of 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1) (2012), and was sentenced to 100 months' imprisonment. On appeal, Burns argues that his sentence is substantively unreasonable under 18 U.S.C. 3553(a) (2012). We review a sentence for reasonableness, applying "a deferential abuse-of-discretion sta
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UNPUBLISHED

Unpublished opinions are not binding precedent in this circuit.

PER CURIAM.

Timothy Louis Burns pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute twenty-eight grams or more of cocaine base, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) (2012), and was sentenced to 100 months' imprisonment. On appeal, Burns argues that his sentence is substantively unreasonable under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) (2012).

We review a sentence for reasonableness, applying "a deferential abuse-of-discretion standard." Gall v. United States, 552 U.S. 38, 41 (2007). In determining substantive reasonableness, we must "take into account the totality of the circumstances." Id. at 51. We presume a sentence within or below a properly calculated Guidelines range to be substantively reasonable. United States v. Susi, 674 F.3d 278, 289 (4th Cir. 2012). Such a presumption is rebutted only if the defendant shows "that the sentence is unreasonable when measured against the § 3553(a) factors." United States v. Montes-Pineda, 445 F.3d 375, 379 (4th Cir. 2006).

Our review of the record confirms that the district court adequately considered Burns' request for a recalculation of his Guidelines range using a 1:1 crack to powder cocaine ratio and did not abuse its discretion in declining to do so. Burns offers no sufficient basis to rebut the presumption of reasonableness afforded his within-Guidelines sentence. We therefore affirm the judgment of the district court. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before this court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

AFFIRMED.

Source:  Leagle

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