Opinion ID: 602208
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Proof of Drug Quantity

Text: 16 The Indictment did not specify the quantity of methamphetamine that Patton possessed, and the subsequent Information alleged only that Patton possessed 100 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine. The jury was instructed that the government only had to prove that a measurable amount was involved. Patton argues that the district court could not invoke the enhanced mandatory minimum sentence because the requisite drug amount was not proven to the jury. The legality of a sentence is reviewed de novo, United States v. Hahn, 960 F.2d 903, 907 (9th Cir.1992), as is the district court's interpretation of the Sentencing Guidelines. United States v. Blaize, 959 F.2d 850, 851 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 112 S.Ct. 2954 (1992) (citation omitted). 17 In United States v. Sotelo-Rivera, 931 F.2d 1317 (9th Cir.1991), cert. denied, 112 S.Ct. 1186 (1992), we held as follows: 18 [Title 21 U.S.C. § ] 841(a) does not specify drug quantity as an element of the substantive offense of possession with intent to distribute; quantity is instead relevant to the penalty provisions of section 841(b), and is a matter for the district court at sentencing. 19 Id. at 1319. 3 Because quantity is not an element of an offense under § 841(a), the district court did not err by not requiring the jury to find that Patton possessed 100 grams or more of the substance. 20 Facts which enhance a sentence must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence. See generally United States v. Restrepo, 946 F.2d 654 (9th Cir.1991) (en banc), cert. denied, 112 S.Ct. 1564 (1992). The drug quantity of 437 grams was specified in the Presentence Report and in a laboratory report whose results were stipulated to by counsel. Thus, all of the evidence showed that Patton had possessed 437 grams of the substance. In addition, the Information put Patton on notice that he might be subject to the enhanced penalties of § 841(b). It was not error for the district court to sentence Patton to the enhanced penalties. 21