Opinion ID: 3049934
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Swann’s Fine

Text: The district court ordered that Swann pay a fine of $250,000, based on a fine guidelines range of $20,000 to approximately $84 million. See U.S.S.G. § 5E1.2. Swann argues that the district court erred in not considering any of the fine guidelines factors, including Swann’s ability to pay. The sentencing guidelines require courts to “impose a fine in all cases, except where the defendant establishes he is unable to pay and is not likely to become able to pay any fine.” U.S.S.G. § 5E1.2(a). The defendant has the burden 131 With a 16-level increase, Swann’s total offense level would be 28, which, with a criminal history category of I, would yield an advisory guidelines range of 78 to 97 months under the 2000 guidelines. For Dougherty, the PSI used the 2000 edition, and, apparently, there was no objection by the government. 153 of proving inability to pay a fine. United States v. McGuinness, 451 F.3d 1302, 1307 (11th Cir. 2006).132 After determining a fine is appropriate, the district court shall consider these factors in fixing the amount of the fine: (1) the need for the combined sentence to reflect the seriousness of the offense (including the harm or loss to the victim and the gain to the defendant), to promote respect for the law, to provide just punishment and to afford adequate deterrence; (2) any evidence presented as to the defendant’s ability to pay the fine (including the ability to pay over a period of time) in light of his earning capacity and financial resources; (3) the burden that the fine places on the defendant and his dependents relative to alternative punishments; (4) any restitution or reparation that the defendant has made or is obligated to make; (5) any collateral consequences of conviction, including civil obligations arising from the defendant’s conduct; (6) whether the defendant previously has been fined for a similar offense; (7) the expected costs to the government of any term of probation, or term of imprisonment and term of supervised release imposed; and (8) any other pertinent equitable considerations. U.S.S.G. § 5E1.2(d). “While some circuits require that the district court make specific findings, we have adopted the less rigid approach, and do not require the sentencing court to make specific findings of fact with respect to the Sentencing Guideline factors as 132 This Court reviews a district court’s decision that a defendant can pay a fine for clear error. United States v. Gonzalez, 541 F.3d 1250, 1255 (11th Cir. 2008). 154 long as the record reflects the district court’s consideration of the pertinent factors prior to imposing the fine.” United States v. Hernandez, 160 F.3d 661, 665-66 (11th Cir. 1998) (citations and quotation marks omitted); see United States v. Lombardo, 35 F.3d 526, 530 (11th Cir. 1994) (holding that where the record contains sufficient information with respect to the factors to permit us to find that the district court did not clearly err in imposing or in setting the amount of the fine, we will not reverse merely because the district court failed to make specific findings on each of the factors). “Explicit findings on these factors are not required . . . .” United States v. Khawaja, 118 F.3d 1454, 1459 (11th Cir. 1997). We have applied this rule to uphold a fine where the district court did not make explicit findings of fact as to the defendant’s ability to pay. United States v. Long, 122 F.3d 1360, 1367 (11th Cir. 1997). However, “[i]f the record does not reflect the district court’s reasoned basis for imposing a fine, we must remand the case so that the necessary factual findings can be made.” United States v. Gonzalez, 541 F.3d 1250, 1256 (11th Cir. 2008) (quotation marks omitted). Swann claims the PSI said Swann could pay a fine within the guidelines range or make a lump-sum restitution but not both. That is not correct. We quoted the PSI earlier as it (1) says that Swann could pay a fine or make a lump-sum payment toward restitution shortly after sentencing with liquid assets, and then (2) 155 states it does not determine Swann’s future ability to pay a fine or further restitution on an installment basis. Furthermore, the district court adopted the factual findings in the PSI, which included numerous findings relevant to Swann’s current income and future earning capacity. The PSI set forth Swann’s net worth, educational background, work history, and monthly income of $6,729, yielding $80,748 annually. Swann holds two bachelors degrees, one in civil engineering and one in textile management, and a masters degree in sanitary engineering. Swann has retired from Jefferson County but submitted no evidence to show he had tried and failed to gain employment. Swann already has an annual retirement income of $80,748 even without social security or future wages from working.133 Although Swann makes two mortgage payments on the two Winwood Drive residences and pays over $658 in monthly home utility, lawn, pest control, and maintenance expenses, the homes are in his wife’s name and she lives there too. The record shows Swann can pay at least some fine. The record also shows Swann’s counsel argued for a reduced fine and the district court considered the pertinent factors. As the district court reviewed the PSI before imposing the fine and heard argument of counsel about the fine, “we infer without hesitation that the 133 The PSI, dated February 5, 2007, did not show Swann drawing any social security. In 2010, Swann is now 64. 156 district court considered the pertinent factors prior to imposing the fine.” Khawaja, 118 F.3d at 1459. Although Swann has shown no clear error in the district court’s imposition of some fine, the record is not sufficient to permit us to say there is no error in the amount of the fine. As to the $250,000 amount, the district court remarked: “I don’t know whether that’s collectable or not. I don’t think it is . . . .” We cannot glean from the record the basis for this statement or how the court determined that the fine should be $250,000 as opposed to $150,000 or $750,000, especially given the fine guidelines range goes up to $84 million. Thus, we vacate and remand as to the amount of the fine. See Khawaja, 118 F.3d at 1459-60 (requiring remand where record does not reflect court’s reasoned basis for amount of $175,000 fine).