Opinion ID: 589426
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Relief From the ACCA

Text: 10 Purnell suggests that the ACCA should be applied so as to permit district courts to depart downward from the statutorily-mandated minimum sentence in the interests of justice. While such discretion may be commendable as a matter of policy, that is not the statute Congress enacted. Congress has specifically provided that the only basis for departure from a mandatory minimum is, upon motion of the government, the defendant's substantial assistance to authorities. 18 U.S.C. § 3553(e). Absent such a motion, or a showing that the government's failure to make such a motion was irrational or illicitly motivated, district courts have no authority to depart below a minimum mandatory sentence. United States v. Vilchez, No. 91-50429, slip op. 8353, 8362-64 (9th Cir. June 23, 1992) (as amended, July 9, 1992); United States v. Valente, 961 F.2d 133, 134-35 (9th Cir.1992).