Opinion ID: 152984
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: standard of review

Text: Generally, we review conditions of supervised release for abuse of discretion. United States v. Dupes, 513 F.3d 338, 342-43 (2d Cir.2008). When the defendant does not object to the conditions, however, we review only for plain error. Id. at 343; Fed.R.Crim.P. 52(b). Under plain error review, the court must first find an obvious error that affects substantial rights. Dupes, 513 F.3d at 343. Then, the court may use its discretion to correct the error if it seriously affects the fairness, integrity or public reputation of judicial proceedings. Id. Green did not object to the conditions of his supervised release. The sentencing context, however, offers defendants a less rigorous plain error review if defendant lacked sufficient notice of the challenged conditions. United States v. Sofsky, 287 F.3d 122, 125 (2d Cir.2002). As in Sofsky, Green did not have an opportunity to raise a contemporaneous objection to his conditions of supervised release. In Green's case, the full terms of the condition were still unknown at the oral hearing because the condition was not imposed until the judge issued the final written order. Green was thus completely deprived of any opportunity to object. The government suggests without argument that Puckett v. United States, ___ U.S. ___, 129 S.Ct. 1423, 173 L.Ed.2d 266 (2009), alters the Sofsky standard. Id. at 1429 (holding that strict plain error review applies to unobjected to plea agreement breaches). Although Puckett makes clear that plain error review applies to sentencing errors to which a contemporaneous objection is not raised, see id. at 1428-29, it does not alter our conclusion that we should relax the plain error standard when the defendant does not receive prior notice of the condition, see Sofsky, 287 F.3d at 125. Applying Sofsky, we therefore entertain [Green's] challenge without insisting on strict compliance with the rigorous standards of Rule 52(b). Id. at 125-26.