Opinion ID: 71516
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: standard of review

Text: In general, this court reviews a district court's sentencing decision under a deferential abuse-of-discretion standard. Gall v. United States, 552 U.S. 38, 41, 128 S.Ct. 586, 591, 169 L.Ed.2d 445 (2007). Further, Appellate review is highly deferential as the sentencing judge is in a superior position to find facts and judge their import under § 3553(a) with respect to a particular defendant. United States v. Campos-Maldonado, 531 F.3d 337, 339 (5th Cir.2008). When an objection has not been raised below, however, plain-error review governs that issue. United States v. Mondragon-Santiago, 564 F.3d 357, 361 (5th Cir.2009), cert. denied (October 5, 2009) (No. 08-11099). A plain error is one that is clear or obvious and that affects the party's substantial rights. United States v. Baker, 538 F.3d 324, 332 (5th Cir.2008), cert. denied, ___ U.S. ___, 129 S.Ct. 962, 173 L.Ed.2d 153 (2009). This court will correct plain errors only if they seriously affect the fairness, integrity, or public reputation of judicial proceedings. Id.