Opinion ID: 2974632
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Reasonableness of Carson’s Sentence

Text: Finally, because the district court did not treat the Sentencing Guidelines as mandatory and took into account the factors outlined in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a),2 Carson’s sentence is not unreasonable. Sentences falling within the relevant Guidelines range are entitled to a rebuttable presumption of reasonableness. Williams, 436 F.3d at 708. Although the factors listed in § 3553(a) must be taken into account in determining a sentence, “[s]uch consideration . . . need not be evidenced explicitly.” Id. However, the sentencing court must “articulate its reasoning in deciding to impose a sentence in order to allow for reasonable appellate review.” United States v. Kirby, 418 F.3d 621, 626 (6th Cir. 2005). Carson has not established that the district court felt bound by the Sentencing Guidelines or that the district court failed to consider the arguments Carson put forth regarding an appropriate sentence. Carson points to the district court’s statement that the career offender determination would have an impact on the sentence as proof that the district court plainly felt itself bound by the Guidelines. However, calculation of the sentence under the Guidelines is the first step in determining the sentence, United States v. McBride, 434 F.3d 470, 476 (6th Cir. 2006), and the fact that the district court noted this does not establish that the district court felt itself bound by the Guidelines. The record establishes that the district court properly took into account Carson’s arguments regarding an appropriate sentence and the relevant factors listed in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a). The district court sufficiently articulated its reasoning in imposing the 168-month sentence, a sentence at the bottom of the relevant Guidelines range. Carson’s attorney argued at sentencing that Carson merely picked up a package for a friend and was not aware of the amount of drugs involved, the origin of the drugs, or their value. Carson’s attorney also went into detail regarding Carson’s history, the fact that Carson was educated, and Carson’s successes as a journalist. It is clear from the record that the district court considered Carson’s positive attributes. However, the district court also considered Carson’s criminal history, which included convictions for assault and possession and sale of drugs, and the fact that Carson was not merely a heroin user, but a sophisticated heroin dealer as well. The district court recounted Carson’s back-and-forth between jail and attempts at treatment. It highlighted that Carson, in contrast to his codefendant, was aware of what he was doing when he went to pick up the suitcase filled with heroin. The district court noted the seriousness of the offense and the potential sentence Carson faced given the amount of drugs involved, and provided a clear explanation for the sentence imposed. Because the record establishes that the district court reviewed and weighed the arguments presented regarding sentencing and considered the relevant factors, even if not invoking all of them explicitly, Carson has not established that the sentence imposed was unreasonable.