Opinion ID: 606199
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: paul johnson

Text: 19 Paul Johnson appeals his sentence on two grounds. First, he contends that the district court erred in refusing to allow him a two-level reduction in his offense level for his minor role in the offense, pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 3B1.2. Second, he contends that the district court abused its discretion in denying him probation, for which he was eligible under the Guidelines. 20
21 As we have noted, although Paul's plea agreement allowed him to plead guilty to the misdemeanor offense of conspiracy to possess marijuana, it also provided that his sentence was to be imposed under the Guidelines as though he were convicted of the felony conspiracy charge contained in Count One of the indictment. 4 The presentence report calculated Paul's offense level to be 8, 5 with a criminal history category of III. The guideline range was 6 to 12 months. 22 Paul argues that he should have received a reduction in his offense level under U.S.S.G. § 3B1.2(b), which provides that a minor participant should receive a two-level reduction. 6 The application notes to this section define a minor participant as follows: 23 3. For purposes of § 3B1.2(b), a minor participant means any participant who is less culpable than most other participants[.] Background: 24 This section provides a range of adjustments for a defendant who plays a part in committing the offense that makes him substantially less culpable than the average participant. The determination whether to apply [this section] involves a determination that is heavily dependent upon the facts of the particular case. 25 (emphasis supplied). Paul argues that he fits within this definition because his only function in connection with the marijuana-growing operation was the construction of the growing room. He contends that although he continued to live in his uncle C.D.'s house, his involvement in the operation was ended when construction of the room was completed. 26 Where a defendant seeks to establish facts that would lead to a sentence reduction under the Guidelines, he must prove those facts by a preponderance of the evidence. United States v. Rodriguez, 896 F.2d 1031, 1032 (6th Cir.1990). This court will not disturb the district court's determination of a defendant's role in the criminal activity unless it is clearly erroneous. United States v. Williams, 940 F.2d 176, 180 (6th Cir.), cert. denied, 112 S.Ct. 666 (1991). 27 The presentence report indicates that before sentencing, Paul provided a written account of his offense in which he acknowledged installing the marijuana growing room in his uncle's house. At the sentencing hearing, Paul's counsel did not dispute the accuracy of the presentence report, but merely argued that a two-level reduction was appropriate because the facts suggested that Paul was a minor participant. The district court disagreed, noting that Paul's expertise had made it possible for the marijuana to be grown. 28 Paul Johnson has simply failed to establish the applicability of § 3B1.2(b). The district judge's remarks indicate that he found that Paul had not played a minor role in the offense because he made it possible. We find no basis for disagreement with this characterization of his role in the offense. As we read the Guidelines, together with the application notes, Paul Johnson is not automatically less culpable simply because his uncle may have been more so; rather, his actions must be compared with those of the average participant in a marijuana-growing operation. In this case, the district court could easily have concluded that the offense would not have happened but for the application of Paul's expertise, which enabled his uncle to grow his plants in relative secrecy. Under the circumstances, we cannot conclude that the district court committed clear error in imposing the sentence without the requested reduction. 29
30 Under the Guidelines, Paul was eligible for probation. 18 U.S.C. § 3561(a); see U.S.S.G. § 5B1.1(a)(2) (authorizing, but not requiring, probation where minimum term specified in Sentencing Table is at least one but not more than six months). Although he concedes that his prior criminal record (which includes misdemeanors but no drug convictions) shows a history of irresponsible behavior, he nonetheless argues that the district court abused its discretion in failing to place him on probation because his acceptance of responsibility shows a maturing process. 31 This Circuit has held that a defendant may only appeal (1) sentences imposed in violation of the law, (2) sentences imposed as a result of an incorrect application of the Guidelines, or (3) upward departures from the Guidelines. United States v. Smith, 918 F.2d 664, 667 (6th Cir.1990), cert. denied sub nom. Sargent v. United States, 111 S.Ct. 1088 (1991). The district court's sentence included a two-level reduction for acceptance of responsibility under U.S.S.G. § 3E1.1(a), and does not represent a departure from the Guidelines range. The district court was undoubtedly aware of the availability of probation as a sentencing option, but determined that incarceration was a more appropriate choice for this defendant and this particular offense. We find no basis for displacing the district court's choice of the greater of two equally permissible penalties.