Opinion ID: 181393
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Application of Formal Categorical Approach

Text: Having determined the elements of Virginia Code § 18.2-57(A), we follow the Supreme Court’s instruction and apply the formal categorical approach to classify 9 Vincencio-Martinez’s prior conviction. See Taylor, 495 U.S. at 600-02; Johnson, 587 F.3d at 208. Under the formal categorical approach, we compare the elements of conviction of Virginia Code § 18.2-57(A) with the definition of “crime of violence” in 18 U.S.C. § 16(a). A comparison of these statutory elements indicates that a conviction for the crime of “assault and battery” under Virginia Code § 18.2-57(A) is a “crime of violence” as defined in § 16(a).8 The definitions of both “assault” and “battery,” which together constitute the crime contained in Virginia Code § 18.2-57(A), meet the definition of “crime of violence.” “Assault” requires a finding of “intent to harm,” which encompasses the “threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another” as defined in § 16(a). See Singh v. Gonzales, 432 F.3d 533, 540 (3d Cir. 2006) (holding that a conviction for simple assault under Pennsylvania law is a crime of violence). Likewise, a conviction for “battery” requires “actual infliction of corporal hurt on another” – surely a “crime of violence” within § 16(a)’s definition of “an offense that has as an element the use . . . of physical force against the person or property of another.” 18 U.S.C. § 16(a). Under the formal categorical approach, then, a conviction for “assault and battery” under Virginia Code § 18.2-57(A) necessarily is a conviction for a “crime of violence.” 8 The parties agree that Vincencio-Martinez pleaded guilty to the “assault and battery” provision of Virginia Code § 18.2-57(A). Even if Vincencio-Martinez had pleaded guilty to the “simple assault” provision of Virginia Code § 18.2-57(A), the enhancement would still be appropriate because “simple assault” is a “crime of violence.” See Singh v. Gonzales, 432 F.3d 533, 540 (3d Cir. 2006) (holding that a conviction for simple assault under Pennsylvania law is a crime of violence). 10 Because Vincencio-Martinez’s “assault and battery” conviction under Virginia Code § 18.2-57(A) constitutes a “crime of violence,” 18 U.S.C. § 16(a), he has committed an “aggravated felony” within the meaning of INA § 101(a)(43), 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43), and thus the eight-level enhancement pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 2L1.2(b)(1)(C) was appropriate.