Case Name: UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Steven O'NEAL, Defendant-Appellant
Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Jurisdiction: United States
Decision Date: 2007-04-17
Citations: 225 F. App'x 247
Docket Number: No. 06-10464
Parties: UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Steven O’NEAL, Defendant-Appellant.
Judges: 
Reporter: West's Federal Appendix
Volume: 225
Pages: 247–247

Head Matter:
UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Steven O’NEAL, Defendant-Appellant.
No. 06-10464
Conference Calendar.
United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit.
April 17, 2007.
Aaron Wiley, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Texas, Dallas, TX, for Plaintiff-Appellee.
Larry Chris lies, Rockport Mail Center, Rockport, TX, for Defendant-Appellant.
Before HIGGINBOTHAM, BENAVIDES, and PRADO, Circuit Judges.

Opinion:
PER CURIAM:
Steven O'Neal appeals his sentence following his guilty-plea conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. He argues that the district court plainly erred in denying him a minor-role adjustment to his offense level under U.S.S.G. § 3B1.2. The district court's determination that a defendant did not play a minor or minimal role in the offense is a finding of fact. United States v. Villanueva, 408 F.3d 193, 203 & n. 9 (5th Cir.), cert. denied, — U.S.—, 126 S.Ct. 268, 163 L.Ed.2d 241 (2005). "Questions of fact capable of resolution upon proper objection at sentencing can never constitute plain error." United States v. Lopez, 923 F.2d 47, 50 (5th Cir.1991). Whether O'Neal was a minor participant in the conspiracy could have been resolved upon proper objection at sentencing. Thus, O'Neal cannot demonstrate plain error as to that factual question. We further note O'Neal cannot possibly demonstrate any effect upon his substantial rights from failure to grant a reduction because his status as a career offender determined his offense level. See United States v. Olano, 507 U.S. 725, 731-32, 113 S.Ct. 1770, 123 L.Ed.2d 508; U.S.S.G. § 4B1.1. The Government's motion for summary affirmance is GRANTED. O'Neal's sentence 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Pursuant to 5th Cir. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5th Cir. R. 47.5.4.