Opinion ID: 2996748
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Double Counting Generally

Text: An individual who uses, brandishes or discharges a firearm in the course of committing a robbery faces an enhancement of his sentence in one of two ways. First, a sentencing court may enhance the sentence for robbery according to Guideline § 2B3.1(b)(2) that addresses weapon enhancements for robbery. See U.S.S.G. § 2B3.1(b)(2); United States v. White, 222 F.3d 363, 373 (7th Cir. 2000) (discussing the alternate enhancement procedures). Alternatively, because robbery is a crime of violence, the individual charged with robbery may be charged also with a separate violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). This section provides a mandatory consecutive 60-month sentence for any person who uses or carries a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence or 4 drug trafficking offense. The Government is free to pro- 4 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) provides in relevant part that any person who, during and in relation to any crime of (continued...) Nos. 02-1024 & 02-1285 7 ceed under either method of enhancement. White, 222 F.3d at 373. However, if both the Guideline weapon enhancements for robbery and the sentence for § 924(c) are imposed, the combination effectively double counts the use of the firearm. See U.S.S.G. § 2K2.4, cmt. n.2 (1992); United States v. Mrazek, 998 F.2d 453, 454 (7th Cir. 1993) (noting that a § 924(c) conviction precludes weapon enhancements).