Opinion ID: 2996511
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Consecutive Life Sentences for Fleming

Text: Finally, we are also unpersuaded by Fleming’s argument that the district court erred because it imposed his life sentences consecutively under § 924(c)(1)(D)(ii)6 instead 6 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(D)(ii) states in relevant part: “Notwithstanding any other provision of law— . . . no term of imprisonment imposed on a person under this subsection shall run concurrently with any other term of impris- (continued...) 16 Nos. 02-1679, 02-1687 & 02-1739 of concurrently. Statutory interpretation is a matter of law and is therefore reviewed de novo. APS Sports Collectibles, Inc., v. Sports Time, Inc., 299 F.3d 624, 628 (7th Cir. 2002). Fleming’s argument is two-fold: (1) Fleming attempts to argue that he was sentenced under 18 U.S.C. § 3559(c),7 not § 924(c), and (2) therefore the district court had the discretion to impose concurrent sentences under § 924(c) instead of consecutively as the statute mandates. In essence, Fleming argues that because he was sentenced under § 3559, the district court should have properly imposed the sentences concurrently. Fleming’s argument fails in both respects. He was not sentenced under § 3559, and therefore the district court did not have discretion to impose his sentences concurrently. Section 3559 describes no crime under which a defendant can be sentenced—it is merely a sentencing provision that is dependent on the “third strike” crime that triggers its application. See United States v. Boone, No. 97-4094, 1998 U.S. App. LEXIS 15270, at  (4th Cir. July 9, 1998); United States v. Eubanks, No. 98-4053, 1998 6 (...continued) onment imposed on the person, including any term of imprisonment imposed for the crime of violence or drug trafficking crime during which the firearm was used, carried, or possessed.” 7 18 U.S.C. § 3559(c)(1) states in relevant part: “Mandatory life imprisonment.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person who is convicted in a court of the United States of a serious violent felony shall be sentenced to life imprisonment if— (A) the person has been convicted (and those convictions have become final) on separate prior occasions in a court of the United States or of a State of— (i) 2 or more serious violent felonies;” Nos. 02-1679, 02-1687 & 02-1739 17 U.S. App. LEXIS 29372 (4th Cir. Nov. 18, 1998). The triggering crime for Fleming was a violation of § 924(c). Therefore, Fleming was sentenced for his crime under § 924(c), and required to receive life imprisonment according to § 3559. Because he was sentenced under § 924(c), the sentences must be imposed consecutively. United States v. Garrett, 903 F.2d 1105, 1114 (7th Cir. 1990) (finding that § 924(c) unambiguously requires imposing consecutive sentences). The spectacular improbability of serving consecutive life sentences notwithstanding, the sentencing was proper. AFFIRM A true Copy: Teste: ________________________________ Clerk of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit USCA-02-C-0072—7-23-03