Opinion ID: 606199
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Failure to grant probation.

Text: 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.