Opinion ID: 661826
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Consideration of Factors other Than Substantial Assistance

Text: 13 The district court reduced the defendant's sentence from 200 months to time served, which at the time of the initial reduction was about 26 months. The transcript of the Rule 35(b) hearing clearly indicates that the district court relied on factors other than the assistance of the defendant to the government in the investigation or prosecution of another person. For example, the court relied upon the defendant's status as a first time offender, his lack of knowledge of the conspiracy until just prior to arrest, his relative culpability, and his prison behavior. We have stated, in dictum, that the district court may reduce a sentence under Rule 35(b) only to reflect a defendant's subsequent, substantial assistance in the investigation or prosecution of another person. United States v. Valle 929 F.2d 629, 633 n. 4 (11th Cir.1991). We agree with the Valle panel, and hold accordingly. The plain language of Rule 35(b) indicates that the reduction shall reflect the assistance of the defendant; it does not mention any other factor that may be considered.