Opinion ID: 220180
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Whether the Error is Harmless

Text: According to the sentencing table, an offense level of 43 or above results in an advisory sentence of life imprisonment. Because the district court's error only increased Keck's offense level from 46 to 48, it did not affect Keck's advisory sentence. Before imposing a sentence, the district court noted Keck was a major source of methamphetamine for a lengthy period of time in northeast Wyoming, South Dakota, and Montana. R., Vol. 3 at 698. The court also observed, Something really needs to be done to speak clearly about this offense and the terrible damage that it has done and to allow the law to do its work by way of deterrence, advising other persons that they would be foolish to engage in this conduct. And the Court is at a point where, I have to admit, I am losing patience and have only the guidelines... to turn to for guidance in that respect. Id. at 699. After concluding Keck represents a threat to the community should he be released, the court found no circumstances to justify a variance and imposed the recommended sentence of life imprisonment. Id. at 700. Thus, the district court indicated it relied on the Guidelines' advisory sentence, based upon (1) the severity of the offense; (2) the necessity to protect the community and to deter future drug conspiracies; and (3) the lack of circumstances justifying a variance. See id. And because the sentencing error did not affect either the advisory sentence or the district court's reasoning in imposing a life sentence, it did not affect the court's selection of the sentence Keck received. As a result, the sentencing error was harmless.