Opinion ID: 567132
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Enhancement of the Offense Level

Text: 10 Moya argues the district court erred by enhancing his offense level pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 2J1.6. This section provides for enhancement of the offense level for failure to appear if the underlying offense is punishable by death or imprisonment for fifteen years or more. Moya concedes the underlying counterfeiting offense is punishable by fifteen years. Moya argues, however, enhancement is inappropriate because the underlying counterfeiting offense was dismissed. 11 We have held enhancement under section 2J1.6 is appropriate even when a defendant is acquitted of the underlying offense. United States v. Nelson, 919 F.2d 1381, 1384 (9th Cir.1990). Gauging the sentence for failure to appear by the seriousness of the underlying offense is reasonable. Id. Because a defendant facing a more severe offense has a greater incentive to flee, a lengthier sentence for deterrence purposes is appropriate. This is so whether the defendant is acquitted of the underlying offense or the underlying offense is dismissed. Accordingly, the district court did not err by enhancing Moya's offense level based on his failure to appear for trial on the counterfeiting charges.