Opinion ID: 2994197
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Single Common Scheme or Plan

Text: Although the sentencing guidelines do not define single common scheme or plan, we have held that ’scheme’ and ’plan’ are words of intention, implying that [the offenses] have been jointly planned. United States v. Ali, 951 F.2d 827, 828 (7th Cir. 1992). In other words, for purposes of sec. 4A1.2(a)(2), crimes are part of a single common scheme or plan only if: (1) they were jointly planned; or (2) one crime entails the commission of the other. See Joy, 192 F.3d at 771. Under this analysis, Brown must demonstrate that he either intended from the outset to commit [the] crimes or that he intended to commit one crime which, by necessity, involved the commission of [the others]. United States v. Carroll, 110 F.3d 457, 460 (7th Cir. 1997) (emphasis added). Because the defendant is in the best position to know whether he jointly planned two or more crimes and is the beneficiary of any reduction in his sentence, he has the burden of showing that his prior offenses were part of a single scheme or plan. Joy, 192 F.3d at 771.