Opinion ID: 371169
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: beecroft's sentence

Text: 71 Beecroft was convicted of fewer substantive counts of mail fraud than were the other appellants but received a heavier sentence. He complains of the disparity and argues that there was no explanation for it. We disagree. 72 Although an explanation is required when the court gives disparate sentences, a formal statement of reasons is not necessary. United States v. Capriola, 537 F.2d 319, 321 (9th Cir. 1976). Beecroft relies on Capriola for his contention that his professional position as a lawyer is not, in itself, enough to justify a greater sentence. In Capriola, the appellant lawyer chose to go to trial on a charge of conspiracy to import marijuana. He was found guilty and received a significantly harsher sentence than the defendants who chose to plead guilty. The case was remanded to allow the trial judge to reconsider the sentence and to explain the disparity. 73 Remand is not required here. Unlike Capriola, the trial court in this case gave an explanation for Beecroft's sentence: 74 Mr. Beecroft . . . with his background and education, and with his ability . . . bore the responsibility from that day forward (for) taking over and cleaning up the corporation . . . (G)iven our positions in life, we do with the knowledge of what we can do . . . I can only say this to you, sir: if, as a lawyer, I had been in the same position you had, I would have expected exactly the same sentence, and that was exactly the same criteria upon which I based my sentence. 75 This was a sufficient explanation for the sentence. A judge has wide discretion in determining the sentence to be imposed and may consider relevant facts in a defendant's personal history and occupation. Williams v. New York, 337 U.S. 241, 247, 69 S.Ct. 1079, 93 L.Ed. 1337 (1949); United States v. Flores, 540 F.2d 432 (9th Cir. 1976). The sentence imposed was well within the scope of the judge's discretion. 76 The judgment and sentences are affirmed.