Opinion ID: 1434462
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Supervised Release Issue.

Text: Finally, Deans argues that the district court committed procedural error when it failed to explain an upward departure in sentencing Deans to five years of supervised release, rather than the applicable three-year term. This contention is based upon a flawed reading of the applicable statutes and Guidelines provisions. Deans pleaded guilty to violating statutes that mandate a term of supervised release of at least 3 years. 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(C). The Plea Agreement expressly stated that he was subject to a statutory term of supervised release of at least three (3) years up to a maximum term of life. At the change-of-plea hearing, Deans expressly acknowledged that he understood this requirement. Deans nonetheless argues that U.S.S.G. § 5D1.2(a)(2) provides for a term of [a]t least two years but not more than three years for his Class C felony. However, that provision is subject to the exception in § 5D1.2(c), which provides that the term imposed shall not be less than any statutorily required term of supervised release. Here, the relevant sentencing statute, 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(C), expressly trumps the generally applicable terms of supervised release set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3583(b), which are the statutory bases for § 5D1.2(a). See United States v. Scott, 243 F.3d 1103, 1107-08 (8th Cir.), cert. denied, 534 U.S. 931, 122 S.Ct. 295, 151 L.Ed.2d 218 (2001). Thus, imposition of a five-year term was neither an upward departure nor procedural error. The judgment of the district court is affirmed.