Case Name: UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Robert GOLDBERG, Defendant-Appellant
Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Jurisdiction: United States
Decision Date: 1970-05-07
Citations: 426 F.2d 285
Docket Number: No. 27013
Parties: UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Robert GOLDBERG, Defendant-Appellant.
Judges: Before BELL, AINSWORTH and GODBOLD, Circuit Judges.
Reporter: Federal Reporter 2d Series
Volume: 426
Pages: 285–286

Head Matter:
UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Robert GOLDBERG, Defendant-Appellant.
No. 27013
Summary Calendar.
United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit.
May 7, 1970.
Barry L. Taran, Miami, Fla., for appellant.
William A. Meadows, Jr., U. S. Atty., William A. Daniel, Jr., Asst. U. S. Atty., Miami, Fla., for appellee.
Before BELL, AINSWORTH and GODBOLD, Circuit Judges.

Opinion:
PER CURIAM:
Pursuant to our Rule 18 we decide this case on the record, the brief of appellant and a statement by the United States of its position that the conviction should be set aside.
Appellant was convicted under Count 2 of the indictment of acquiring marijuana without having paid the transfer tax required by 26 U.S.C. § 4741 (a), in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 4744(a). The Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination is a good defense to such a charge. Leary v. United States, 395 U.S. 6, 89 S.Ct. 1532, 23 L.Ed.2d 57 (1969); United States v. Scardino, 414 F.2d 925 (5th Cir. 1969). Since appellant's conviction was not yet final at the time Leary was decided, Leary commands reversal of the conviction under Count 2 of the indictment. Thompson v. United States, 421 F.2d 174 [5th Cir., 1970]; United States v. Scardino, supra.
As to Count 2 we reverse. Because we are unable to determine from the record what disposition was made of the other counts of the indictment, we remand to the District Court for such further action as may be appropriate.