Opinion ID: 3066163
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Sentencing Proceedings and Standard of Review

Text: The Probation Officer’s analysis with respect to the multiple-gun enhancement was as follows: Specific Offense Characteristics: According to USSG §2K2.1(b)(1)(C), if the offense involved 25 to 99 firearms, increase by 6- levels. During the course of the offense, law enforcement seized 28 firearms from the defendant’s residence. The defendant was 12 UNITED STATES V. VARGEM prohibited from possessing any firearm. Therefore, a 6-level increase is warranted. Defense counsel’s sentencing memorandum did not contest the six-level enhancement. Counsel did argue, however, that the court should consider Vargem’s otherwise-lawful possession of firearms as favoring a downward departure under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a)(1).5 At the sentencing hearing, defense counsel again objected to a full six-level enhancement, urging the district court to consider mitigating factors such as: Vargem’s lawful purchases of the firearms in question; that the firearms had never been used for any purpose other than collection; that many of the firearms were still in their original packaging; and that the firearms were secured in safes. The district court overruled defense counsel’s objection. Since defense counsel did not directly contest the applicability of the six-level enhancement, and instead argued for a departure under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a)(1), we again review for plain error. See Guzman–Mata, 579 F.3d at 1068.