Court Opinion

ID: 749689
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2012-04-18 00:05:32+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:09:43.066584
License: Public Domain

132 F.3d 44
97 CJ C.A.R. 3113
NOTICE:  Although citation of unpublished opinions remains unfavored, unpublished opinions may now be cited if the opinion has persuasive value on a material issue, and a copy is attached to the citing document or, if cited in oral argument, copies are furnished to the Court and all parties.  See General Order of November 29, 1993, suspending 10th Cir. Rule 36.3 until December 31, 1995, or further order.
UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appelleev.Nicole STEWART, also known as Tina Wilson, also known asLeShell Town, Defendant-Appellant.
Case No. 96-3356
United States Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit.
Dec. 4, 1997.

Before ANDERSON, HENRY, and BRISCOE, Circuit Judges.

1
ORDER AND JUDGMENT*

2
Nicole Stewart appeals from her sentence for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846.  The sole basis for Ms. Stewart's appeal is that her sentence is disparate from those of her co-conspirators and, therefore, in conflict with the sentencing guidelines' goal of lessening sentencing disparities between similarly situated defendants.  In United States v. Allen, 24 F.3d 1180, 1188 (10th Cir.1994), we rejected a defendant's contention that the goal of the sentencing guidelines was frustrated when his codefendant received a lesser sentence but the defendant's sentence fell within the applicable guideline range.  Ms. Stewart attempts to distinguish Allen by claiming that her sentence fell outside the applicable guideline range.  It did not.  In exchange for her cooperation, the government requested a downward departure for Ms. Stewart of at least four levels.  The district court granted the departure and sentenced Ms. Stewart to forty-six months, the lowest possible sentence within the adjusted, applicable guideline range.

3
Additionally, the transcript of Ms. Stewart's sentencing hearing reveals that the district judge did in fact consider the sentences and crimes of her co-conspirators and gave Ms. Stewart a sentence harsher than theirs because she was more culpable.  The district court's decision was amply supported by the record and legally correct.  See id. at 1189.   We affirm.  The mandate shall issue forthwith.

4
Entered for the Court,

Robert H. Henry, Circuit Judge

*
 This order and judgment is not binding precedent, except under the doctrines of law of the case, res judicata, and collateral estoppel.  The court generally disfavors the citation of orders and judgments;  nevertheless, an order and judgment may be cited under the terms and conditions of 10th Cir.  R. 36.3