Opinion ID: 773284
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: standard of review

Text: 15 We first must determine the relevant standard of review for Strayhorn's constitutional challenge to his sentence. This case comes to us on direct appeal. Because he is asserting a new constitutional rule that was decided while his case was pending, Strayhorn may properly assert this claim. Griffith v. Kentucky, 479 U.S. 314, 328 (1987). Contrary to the government's assertions that Strayhorn's constitutional challenge was waived, we believe the record makes plain that Strayhorn preserved his challenge by repeatedly objecting to the drug quantity determination at his plea hearing and at his sentencing hearing, as well as in a written objection to the calculation of his base offense level in his presentence report. Although he did not utter the words due process at either of these hearings, he made it well known that he disputed the district court's factual finding with respect to drug quantity. We conclude that he adequately preserved his challenge to his sentence. Cf. United States v. Neuhausser, 241 F.3d 460, 466 (6th Cir. 2001) (noting that where defendants failed to object when district court made its determination of drug quantities, then objection has been waived and review is for plain error);United States v. Page, 232 F.3d 536, 543 (6th Cir. 2000) (same). We therefore review Strayhorn's constitutional challenge to his sentence de novo. United States v. Lloyd, 10 F.3d 1197, 1220 (6th Cir. 1993).