Opinion ID: 151297
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Cross-reference in 2K2.1(c)

Text: Generally, U.S.S.G. § 2K2.1 applies to defendants convicted of firearms charges. That guideline establishes a base offense level of 18. But where a defendant used or possessed a firearm ... in connection with the commission or attempted commission of another offense, § 2K2.1(c), directs sentencing courts to apply U.S.S.G. § 2X1.1 if the resulting offense level is greater than the offense level under § 2K2.1. Here, the district court determined that Hawkins used a firearm in connection with robbery. The base offense level for robbery is 20. U.S.S.G. § 2B3.1. Thus the district court concluded that under § 2X1.1, Hawkins's base offense level should be 20 instead of 18. Hawkins challenges the application of this cross-over provision of the guidelines by relying on the dissent in United States v. Smith, 997 F.2d 396, 398 (8th Cir.1993) (Bright, J., dissenting). This judge stands by his view expressed in Smith, but this dissenting view is not the law and the district court did not err in this respect. See Lovelace, 565 F.3d at 1085. In light of Hawkins's youth and lack of an extensive criminal history, Hawkins's sentence may be considered quite harsh. However, he initiated the plan to steal the diamond ring, and made possible entry into the victims' home by misuse of a security access code he acquired while dating the victims' minor daughter. At sentencing, the wife explained the impact of this crime on her family: sleepless weeks, taking additional mortgages to purchase extensive home security equipment, and living with bells and whistles going off all the time. Thus the nature of the crime and its effect on the victims justifies strong punishment.