Case Name: UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Jose Alberto FLORES-FLORES, Defendant-Appellant
Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Jurisdiction: United States
Decision Date: 2015-06-24
Citations: 608 F. App'x 257
Docket Number: No. 14-41242
Parties: UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Jose Alberto FLORES-FLORES, Defendant-Appellant.
Judges: Before SMITH, WIENER, and ELROD, Circuit Judges.
Reporter: West's Federal Appendix
Volume: 608
Pages: 257–258

Head Matter:
UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Jose Alberto FLORES-FLORES, Defendant-Appellant.
No. 14-41242
Summary Calendar.
United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit.
June 24, 2015.
Renata Ann Gowie, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Houston, TX, for Plaintiff-Appellee.
John Riley Friesell, Houston, TX, for Defendant-Appellant.
Before SMITH, WIENER, and ELROD, Circuit Judges.

Opinion:
PER CURIAM:
Jose Alberto Flores-Flores. (Flores) pleaded guilty to illegal reentry by a previously deported alien and was sentenced within the advisory guidelines range to 41 months of imprisonment. On appeal, Flores challenges the procedural reasonableness of his sentence, focusing on the district court's failure to adequately explain its sentencing decision. Flores specifically contends that the district court did not address his request for a downward variance based on his assertion that the 16-level enhancement, pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 2L1.2(b)(l)(A)(i), lacked an empirical basis.
Because Flores did not object to the procedural reasonableness of his sentence in the district court, we apply plain error review. See United States v. Mondragon-Santiago, 564 F.3d 357, 360 (5th Cir.2009). To prevail on plain error review, Flores must show a clear or obvious forfeited error that affected his substantial rights. See Puckett v. United States, 556 U.S. 129, 135, 129 S.Ct. 1423, 173 L.Ed.2d 266 (2009). If he makes such a showing, we have the discretion to correct the error but only if it seriously affects the fairness, integrity, or public reputation of the judicial proceedings. Id.
Our review of the record indicates that the district court listened to and considered Flores's arguments in favor of a downward variance and thoroughly explained its reasons for imposing a sentence at the bottom of the guidelines range. See Rita v. United States, 551 U.S. 338, 356-59, 127 S.Ct. 2456, 168 L.Ed.2d 203 (2007). Moreover, Flores failed to address how the district court's explanation of its sentencing decision affected his substantial rights. See Mondragon-Santiago, 564 F.3d at 365. Therefore, Flores did not show that the district court committed reversible plain error by inadequately explaining its sentencing decision. See Puckett, 556 U.S. at 135, 129 S.Ct. 1423. Accordingly, the judgment of the district court is AFFIRMED.
Pursuant to 5th Cir. 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.