Opinion ID: 161455
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: As Applied Challenge to the Amended Statute

Text: 13 Although the statute is not violative of the ex post facto prohibition on its face, Mr. Henderson could still prevail upon a showing that its application in his case would result in a significant risk of a longer period of incarceration. While Mr. Henderson claims that this case should be remanded to allow him to demonstrate the risk of increased punishment, he has not shown that his circumstances have changed sufficiently in light of his convictions and sentences to warrant an earlier parole consideration date. Cf., e.g., Raymer v. Enright, 113 F.3d 172, 175-76 (10th Cir. 1997) (upholding Colorado amendment decreasing frequency of parole consideration as applied to inmate convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to two concurrent terms of ten years to life); Crump v. Kansas, 143 F. Supp. 2d 1256, 1265-66 (D. Kan. 2001) (upholding Kansas amendment as applied to inmate convicted of serious crimes, including multiple murders and arson). Accordingly, it is only remote speculation to suggest that the application of the amended statute in Mr. Henderson's case will increase his punishment, and we must disagree with his claim that he has shown otherwise. Aplt. Br. at 5. Moreover, any evidence he might produce that may indicate that he will be eligible for a parole recommendation before his reconsideration date should first be brought before the Parole Board. The procedures are in place for the Parole Board, at its discretion, to consider his parole at any time. See Okla. Pardon & Parole Board, Policy & Procedures Manual, Policy 004. 4 14 In sum, Mr. Henderson has not shown that the Oklahoma statute, as amended, will have the effect of prolonging his punishment either on the face of the statute or as applied to his specific circumstances. Absent this showing, the statute does not violate the Ex Post Facto Clause, and his claim must fail. 15 The cases cited by Mr. Henderson in support of his argument to remand to allow him the opportunity to show the risk of increased punishment are readily distinguished. Those cases were remanded because the courts had failed to consider the effects of the parole reconsideration statutes on the petitioners' specific circumstances. See, e.g., Garner, 529 U.S. at 257 (remanding to Eleventh Circuit because the court of appeals failed to consider the specific effects of the parole reconsideration statute); Harris v. Hammonds, 217 F.3d 1346, 1350 (11th Cir. 2000) (remanding to district court to allow petitioner the opportunity to show a risk of increased punishment in his circumstances). Here, Mr. Henderson has had the opportunity to show an increased risk of punishment and has not. A remand is unnecessary. 16 CERTIFICATE OF APPEALABILITY DENIED; APPEAL DISMISSED.