Opinion ID: 76426
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Employment History and Family Responsibilities

Text: 26 Saucedo-Patino argues that the district court properly took his employment history and family responsibilities into account when determining whether to depart downward. In his view, he should receive a lighter sentence, given that his estranged wife has acknowledged that he pays child support, has a good relationship with his daughter, and takes care of her during vacations. 27 We disagree. The guidelines expressly state that employment history and family responsibilities are not usually relevant in determining whether a sentence should fall outside the usual guideline range. See U.S.S.G. §§ 5H1.5 & 5H1.6. Moreover, our review of the record does not suggest that there are any specific aspects of Saucedo-Patino's employment history or family responsibilities that are so exceptional as to take this case outside the heartland. 5 See United States v. Mejia, 309 F.3d 67, 71 (1st Cir.2002) (reaching the same result on similar facts). Accordingly, these factors may not serve as a basis for departure in this case.