Opinion ID: 183244
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Closing Argument and Motion for a Mistrial

Text: During closing arguments, the government stated to the jury: We know that the Defendant had the intention of taking these people to the United States. How else do we know that? Well, you heard that back in February of 2007, the Defendant did the exact same thing. That time he had 34 Cuban migrants aboard his go-fast vessel. He was heading up towards the United States. De La Cruz Suarez objected, was overruled, and the government continued, “What does that show? It shows the Defendant has the knowledge, the know-how, the experience to be able to conduct this activity. He knew how to get down to Cuba. And it shows his intention. It shows his intent.” After closing argument, De La Cruz Suarez renewed his objection to the government’s use of his prior conviction and moved for a mistrial. The district court denied the motion. The jury found De La Cruz Suarez guilty of fifteen counts of alien smuggling.2 The district court imposed a total 82-month sentence. De La Cruz Suarez filed this appeal.