Opinion ID: 77971
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Futch's First Direct Appeal

Text: We review the complicated procedural history of this case. On November 8, 2002, Futch pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 and 846. Futch subsequently filed two motions to withdraw his guilty plea, which the district court denied. Futch's presentence investigation report (PSI) recommended a base offense level of 30, pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 2D1.1(c)(5), because his offense involved between 3.5 to 5 kilograms of cocaine. [2] The PSI also recommended a two-level enhancement, pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 3B1.4, because Futch used [an infant] by placing it on top of the cocaine hydrochloride in an effort to hide the drugs, thereby attempting to avoid detection of the offense; and a two-level enhancement for obstruction of justice, pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 3C1.1. With a criminal history category of V and an adjusted offense level of 34, Futch's advisory guidelines range was 235 to 293 months' imprisonment. Futch objected to the § 3B1.4 and § 3C1.1 enhancements. The district court overruled Futch's objections, adopted the PSI's advisory guidelines calculations, and sentenced Futch to 240 months' imprisonment. In his first direct appeal, Futch appealed only the denial of his motion to withdraw his guilty plea. This Court affirmed Futch's conviction. See United States v. Futch, No. 03-11123, slip op. at 5, 2004 WL 503101 (11th Cir. Mar. 1, 2004).