Opinion ID: 2979362
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Sentence’s Substantive Reasonableness

Text: Once a sentencing decision is found to be procedurally sound, courts consider the substantive reasonableness of the sentence under an abuse-of-discretion standard. United States v. Penson, 526 F.3d 331, 337 (6th Cir. 2008). The substantive reasonableness inquiry turns primarily on “whether the length of the sentence is reasonable in light of the § 3553(a) factors.” United States v. Tate, 516 F.3d 459, 469 (6th Cir. 2008). Courts will also consider whether the district court selected the sentence arbitrarily; based the sentence on impermissible factors; failed to consider pertinent § 3553(a) factors; or gave an unreasonable amount of weight to any pertinent factor. United States v. Benson, 591 F.3d 491, 500 (6th Cir. 2010). In the instant case, Defendant claims that the district court impermissibly considered the nature of his offense when determining what, if any, departure he was entitled to under 21 U.S.C. § 3553(e). As this Court has held, “only factors relating to a defendant’s cooperation may influence the extent of a departure pursuant to § 3553(e).” United States v. Bullard, 390 F.3d 413, 416 (6th Cir. 2004) (improper to consider a defendant’s history or circumstances during § 3553(e) motion); see also United States v. Hameed, 614 F.3d 259 (6th Cir. 2010) (improper to consider sentencing guidelines reform); United States v. Ridge, 329 F.3d 535, 542 (6th Cir. 2003) (improper to consider 8 No. 08-6484 the possibility of a subsequent departure); United States v. Snelling, 961 F.2d 93, 97 (6th Cir. 1991) (“departure[s] must be based solely upon the ‘substantial assistance’ rendered by the defendant”) (internal citations omitted). However, a review of the sealed sentencing transcript reveals that the district court selected its downward departure based solely upon the extent of Defendant’s cooperation. Therefore, Defendant’s sentence is substantively reasonable and no abuse of discretion occurred in this case.