Opinion ID: 748104
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Court's Findings on the Record

Text: 6 Appellants argue that the district court failed to make any findings as to their ability to pay a fine under 18 U.S.C. § 3572 and Sentencing Guideline § 5E1.2. Those two provisions require the district court to consider various:factors before imposing a fine. The court need not make an express finding of fact. United States v. Quan-Guerra, 929 F.2d 1425, 1426 (9th Cir.1991). However, when affirming fines, the Ninth Circuit has consistently emphasized that the district court at least recognized it had to consider the defendant's current and future ability to pay a fine. Id.; see also United States v. Robinson, 20 F.3d 1030, 1033 (9th Cir.1994); but see United States v. Marquez, 941 F.2d 60, 65 (2d Cir.1991) (district court must only consider relevant factors; there does not exist a separate requirement that this consideration be articulated). 7 Here, the district court made no specific indication on the record that it considered appellants' current or future ability to pay a fine. But the court did state on the record that it reviewed appellants' presentence reports, and those reports contained detailed information pertinent to determining whether appellants could pay the fine. This reference constituted sufficient evidence that the court considered appellants' ability to pay before ordering the fines, particularly since the court was not encouraged through an objection to discuss the issue on the record. See United States v. Cannizzaro, 871 F.2d 809, 811-12 (9th Cir.1989) (court's consideration of presentence report sufficient evidence that it considered defendants' ability to pay restitution). The court did not commit plain error.