Opinion ID: 780904
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Robles-Rodriguez

Text: 7 In Robles-Rodriguez, we analyzed whether two state drug-possession convictions, for which Arizona's Proposition 200 2 mandates a maximum penalty of probation, qualified as either aggravated felonies or felony offenses for purposes of U.S.S.G. § 2L1.2. Id. at 901-02. To arrive at our conclusion that the defendant's first and second-time Arizona drug-possession convictions were not aggravated felonies, we navigated a confusing maze of statutory cross-references. 8 First, we noted that aggravated felony is defined for purposes of U.S.S.G. § 2L1.2 at 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43). Id. at 903; see U.S.S.G. § 2L1.2, cmt. n. 1 (2000). 3 Then, we explained that 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(B) defines aggravated felony as including `a drug trafficking crime (as defined in section 924(c) of Title 18).' Robles-Rodriguez, 281 F.3d at 903. According to 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(2), a drug trafficking crime means `any felony punishable under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.).' Id. Additionally, we noted that 21 U.S.C. § 802(13), the relevant provision of the Controlled Substances Act, states that a felony is `any Federal or State offense classified by applicable Federal or State law as a felony.' Id. Relying on case law and federal statutes, we held that whether the convicting jurisdiction labels the offense a felony is irrelevant. Id. at 903-04. Instead, an offense is to be classified as a felony for purposes of the Controlled Substances Act only if it is punishable by more than one year's imprisonment under applicable state or federal law. Id. at 904. 9 In applying that analysis to the crimes at issue in Robles-Rodriguez, we declined to decide whether the possessory offenses were labeled felonies under Arizona law. Id. at 902 n. 2. Instead, we focused on the potential punishment. Because, under state law, the maximum penalty for the defendant's offenses was probation, they did not qualify as felonies for purposes of the Controlled Substances Act. Id. at 902, 905. Accordingly, the offenses also did not qualify as aggravated felonies for purposes of U.S.S.G. § 2L1.2. Id. at 906.