Opinion ID: 219000
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Phillips' Motion to Dismiss the Indictment

Text: Phillips contends that the term knowingly, as it is used in § 7413(c)(1), requires the government to prove not only that Phillips was aware of the underlying facts of the crime, but also that he knew his actions were unlawful. Because the indictment alleged the former but not the latter, Phillips moved to dismiss the indictment as insufficient. The district court denied this motion, and we review the court's ruling de novo. See United States v. White, 610 F.3d 956, 958 (7th Cir.2010). Although Phillips' argument has been soundly rejected by other courts, [1] we need not address the meaning of knowingly in order to resolve this appeal. The question before us is narrow: whether the district court properly denied Phillips' motion to dismiss the indictment. In order for an indictment to be sufficient, it must identify the elements of the crime, fairly inform the defendant of the charge so that he may prepare a defense, and enable the defendant to evaluate any double jeopardy problems. See Hamling v. United States, 418 U.S. 87, 117-18, 94 S.Ct. 2887, 41 L.Ed.2d 590 (1974); United States v. Glecier, 923 F.2d 496, 499 (7th Cir.1991). We have consistently held that nothing more is required. See e.g., United States v. Donelson, 326 Fed.Appx. 938, 940 (7th Cir.2009). Phillips nevertheless argues that the indictment must also define knowingly, and by that logic, every other element of the crime. We disagree. Phillips has cited no case law in support of this argument nor articulated any reason why the elements of a crime are more properly defined in the indictment, as opposed to the jury instructions. Our research reveals none. We therefore hold that even if Phillips' interpretation of knowingly were correct, the district court properly dismissed Phillips' motion to dismiss the indictment.