Opinion ID: 3046017
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Unreasonableness of Sentence

Text: Hoffman’s second claim is that his sentence is unreasonable because the district court considered only Hoffman’s prior felony drug convictions and the amount of methamphetamine involved in the current offense, instead of considering the factors set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a).6 6 Section 3553(a) requires the district court to consider certain factors in determining what sentence to impose. The § 3553(a) factors include: (1) the nature and circumstances of the offense and the history and characteristics of the defendant; (2) the need to reflect the seriousness 10 Case: 12-11529 Date Filed: 02/26/2013 Page: 11 of 12 After United States v. Booker, 543 U.S. 220, 125 S. Ct. 738 (2005), sentencing requires two steps: (1) the district court must first correctly calculate the advisory guidelines range, and (2) the district court must then consider the § 3553(a) factors in arriving at a reasonable sentence. United States v. Talley, 431 F.3d 784, 786 (11th Cir. 2005). Hoffman challenges only the second step. However, he has shown no error, plain or otherwise. The district court remains bound by statutory mandatory minimum sentences, even post-Booker. United States v. Castaing-Sosa, 530 F.3d 1358, 1362 (11th Cir. 2008).7 The district court stated that it had considered the § 3553(a) factors—which include “the kinds of sentences available,” 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a)(3)—and imposed the sentence mandated by statute. The district court was statutorily required to sentence Hoffman to life, regardless of the other § 3553(a) factors. See 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(A)(viii); Castaing-Sosa, 530 F.3d at 1362. of the offense, to promote respect for the law, and to provide just punishment for the offense; (3) the need for deterrence; (4) the need to protect the public; (5) the need to provide the defendant with needed educational or vocational training or medical care; (6) the kinds of sentences available; (7) the Sentencing Guidelines range; (8) pertinent policy statements of the Sentencing Commission; (9) the need to avoid unwanted sentencing disparities; and (10) the need to provide restitution to victims. 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a). 7 A district court is not authorized to sentence a defendant below the statutory minimum unless the government filed a substantial assistance motion pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3553(e), or the defendant falls within the safety-valve provision of § 3553(f). Castaing-Sosa, 530 F.3d at 1360–61. Neither exception applies here. 11 Case: 12-11529 Date Filed: 02/26/2013 Page: 12 of 12 AFFIRMED.8 8 This appeal was originally scheduled for oral argument, but under 11th Circuit Rule 34–3(f) it was removed from the oral argument calendar. 12