Opinion ID: 3020828
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Is the Sentence Unreasonable

Text: At sentencing, absent a downward departure, Armstead faced a statutory mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. Even without the statutory mininum sentence, the applicable Guidelines sentencing range called for a term of imprisonment of 21 to 27 years. Thus, in sentencing him to 10 years’ imprisonment on the drug counts, plus the mandatory 60-month consecutive term for the firearm offense, the district court granted Armstead a substantial downward departure under U.S.S.G. § 5K1.1. In imposing sentence, in addition to taking the required factors into consideration, the court also considered, and rejected, Armstead’s contention that he was entitled to a further reduction because of his behavior in prison since the first sentencing and his assertion that he was a changed man. We are satisfied that the sentencing court considered the § 3553(a) factors, 2 Cooper, however, confirms our pre-Booker case law that we continue to lack jurisdiction to review discretionary decisions to deny departures and challenges to the extent of a downward departure. 437 F.3d at 332-33. Thus, our review of the sentence on this appeal is limited to a “reasonableness” review. -4- Cooper, 437 F.3d at 330, and conclude that Armstead has failed to carry his “burden of demonstrating unreasonableness,” id. at 332. AFFIRMED. -5-