Opinion ID: 567079
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Departure for Substantial Assistance

Text: 12 The Guidelines allow for a downward departure [u]pon motion of the government stating that the defendant has provided substantial assistance in the investigation or prosecution of another person.... U.S.S.G. § 5K1.1; see also 18 U.S.C. § 3553(e) (departure below statutory minimum can be considered on government motion). We have suggested that a limited exception to the prerequisite of a government motion may apply if the government's failure to move for a departure constitutes bad faith or arbitrariness in violation of due process. United States v. Mena, 925 F.2d 354, 355 (9th Cir.1991). 13 Beall argues that because of his good faith efforts to provide information and his willingness to testify, the government's failure to move for downward departure for substantial assistance constitutes bad faith. Beall did participate in many debriefing sessions and grand jury investigations in Washington, Ohio, and Florida where investigations into the conspiracy were ongoing. The government acknowledged his cooperation in its Sentencing Memorandum to the district court, suggesting that Beall be given the lowest Guideline sentence within the applicable Guideline range. 2 However, the government does not believe that Beall's efforts amounted to substantial assistance, in part because his continued efforts to rationalize his conduct made him undesirable as a witness. The government's decision not to move for a downward departure does not show bad faith. 14 We affirm the district court's refusal to depart downward for substantial assistance absent a government motion in this case.