Opinion ID: 565047
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Judicial Decision to Deny Motion for Departure

Text: 18 In addition to arguing that his sentence is illegal, Mr. Hayes submits that the district court abused its discretion in denying the government's motion for departure. Our jurisdiction to review sentencing decisions is limited to those grounds specified in 18 U.S.C.A. Sec. 3742(a), (b) (West 1985 & Supp.1991). In Franz, this court considered whether an appellate court has jurisdiction to review a district court's refusal to depart. The court concluded that such a refusal is not subject to appellate review because a refusal does not constitute an incorrect application of the guidelines, see 886 F.2d at 978, or, without more, 5 a violation of law. See id. at 979 n. 7; accord United States v. Tucker, 892 F.2d 8 (1st Cir.1989); United States v. Colon, 884 F.2d 1550 (2d Cir.), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 110 S.Ct. 553, 107 L.Ed.2d 550 (1989); see also United States v. Buenrostro, 868 F.2d 135, 139 (5th Cir.1989), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 110 S.Ct. 1957, 109 L.Ed.2d 319 (1990). 19 Because Mr. Hayes' sentence is not in violation of law, the result of an incorrect application of the guidelines, or in excess of the applicable guideline range, this court is without jurisdiction to consider the merits of Mr. Hayes' claim.