Opinion ID: 78632
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: facts

Text: In June 2004, Steele pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). He was sentenced to 63 months imprisonment and 36 months supervised release. It is unclear from the record when he began serving that (his first) supervised release. In any event, in March 2008, he violated the terms by unlawfully possessing and using a controlled substance, failing to truthfully answer questions and otherwise follow the instructions of his probation officer, and committing another crime. The court revoked supervised release and sentenced him to 6 months imprisonment followed by another 18 months of supervised release. He began the second supervised release on October 2, 2008. On April 18, June 6, June 29 and July 24, 2009, he tested positive for marijuana. He admitted his violations of supervised release in open court. The policy provisions of Chapter 7 of the United States Sentencing Guidelines recommended a sentencing range of 4 to 10 months imprisonment, see U.S.S.G § 7B1.4(a)the statutory maximum is 24 months. See 18 U.S.C. § 3583(e)(3). Defense counsel argued he was entitled to a lenient sentence because he maintained a job and supported his two children while on the most recent supervised release. [1] The court sentenced Steele to 18 months imprisonment, explaining: You know, a year ago, I was in hopes that six months would get your attention.... And I appreciate that you have two children and are paying child support. That's the most positive thing I've heard.... [F]rom my perspective, it's not consistent, though. That you're paying child support and apparently taking care of your kids is a good thing obviously.... [I]f I told you that that was common for me to see guys in your situation taking care of their kids and taking care of their wife, I'd say it's unusual. You're the exception there. What I don't understand is why you would sacrifice that relationship over marijuana.... [M]arijuana is ... illegal.... And when someone comes in, the truth is, in my old age, I've gotten more lenient than I used to be. I used to get one positive and I thought I ought to send people to jail right then because you defied the Court, defied the law. So at the urging, primarily of probation, I let it go two or threego through some counseling [and] some treatment. You've been through all that. And I'm just concerned there's not much I can do. And probably what you would like me to do is ... let you serve your time, and then you can go do with your life whatever you choose to do. I just hope you ... do something constructive that doesn't involve marijuana. .... The Court has considered the violation policy statements ... in Chapter 7 of the United States Sentencing Guideline manual now in effect, and view[s] those policies as advisory in nature for the purpose of these proceedings. I've considered the nature and circumstances of the violation conduct and history and characteristics of the offender. Mr. Steele has shown little regard for the rules and conditions of supervised release as indicated by his possession and use of marijuana during his term of supervised release. The sentence imposed is within the authority specified in 18 United States Code, Section 3583(e)(3). Said sentence is reasonable, provides just punishment for noncompliance, is an adequate deterrent to criminal conduct, and promotes respect for the law. (R. Vol. II at 24-27.) The court informed Steele of his right to appeal and then asked each party whether there was [a]nything further. ( Id. at 28.) The government said [n]o and defense counsel responded with a request that the court recommend Steele be permitted to serve his sentence in Beaumont, Texas. ( Id. )