X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.
Before Lynch, Chief Judge, Selya and Lipez, Circuit Judges.

Appellant, Reynaldo Landr_n-Class, was tried and convicted in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico for his role in a scheme to illegally obtain and distribute prescription drugs. On appeal, Landr_n-Class challenges his conviction on numerous grounds, including: 1) a pre-trial ruling during the voir dire, 2) evidentiary rulings made by the district court during his trial, 3) the court’s decision not to order certain documents turned over to him as Jencks Act material, and 4) the denial of his motion for a judgment of acquittal under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 29. He also asserts multiple errors in the determination of his sentence.

We conclude that the district court did err in allowing testimony about the guilty pleas of appellant’s former co-defendants; however, this error was harmless. Additionally, in resolving a claim of sentencing error, we join other circuits in holding that, in determining the appropriate sentence within the guidelines, or in varying from the guidelines, a sentencing court has discretion to consider the defendant’s cooperation with the government as an 18 U.S.C. _ 3553(a) factor, even if the government has not made a United States Sentencing Guidelines (“USSG”) _ 5K1.1 motion for a downward departure.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
February 24, 2025 - February 26, 2025
Las Vegas, NV

This conference aims to help insurers and litigators better manage complex claims and litigation.


Learn More
March 24, 2025
New York, NY

Recognizing innovation in the legal technology sector for working on precedent-setting, game-changing projects and initiatives.


Learn More
March 24, 2025 - March 27, 2025
New York, NY

Legalweek New York explores Business and Regulatory Trends, Technology and Talent drivers impacting law firms.


Learn More

Search for the President and Dean California Western School of Law San Diego, California California Western School of Law (California ...


Apply Now ›

Duane Morris LLP has an opening for an associate with 2-3 years of experience with strong capital markets and corporate transactional backgr...


Apply Now ›

Our client, an established provider of professional liability insurance, has engaged us to identify a highly-qualified Senior Bad Faith Tria...


Apply Now ›