Opinion ID: 76840
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Fairness, integrity or public reputation of judicial proceedings

Text: 33 Finally, under the fourth prong of plain-error review, we consider whether the plain error at sentencing seriously affect[ed] the fairness, integrity or public reputation of judicial proceedings. United States v. Simpson, 228 F.3d 1294, 1300-01 (11th Cir.2000) (quotation marks and citations omitted); United States v. Chisholm, 73 F.3d 304, 307 (11th Cir.1996). A plain error affecting substantial rights does not, without more, satisfy the plain-error test, for otherwise the fourth prong and the discretion afforded by the fourth prong would be illusory. We conclude that the fourth prong is established here and that an exercise of our discretion is warranted in this particular case. 12 34 The district court in this case indicated an express desire to impose a sentence lesser than the low end of the Guidelines range of 130 months' imprisonment, and the Supreme Court in Booker plainly indicated that the district court now has the discretion to do so, provided the resulting sentence is reasonable in light of the § 3553(a) factors. Under these circumstances, defendant Shelton has carried his burden to establish the fourth prong and has shown that the plain error that affected his substantial rights also seriously affected the fairness, integrity or public reputation of the judicial proceedings in his particular case. Accordingly, we vacate Shelton's sentence and remand for resentencing consistent with Booker. 35 VACATED AND REMANDED.