X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.
Heard: October 16, 2009

Before: NEWMAN, POOLER, and KATZMANN, Circuit Judges.

This sentencing appeal challenges a District Judge’s denial at a sentencing hearing of a minimal role adjustment, U.S.S.G. § 3B1.2(a), in making a Sentencing Guidelines calculation after the Judge had stated in a carefully prepared “Sentencing Opinion” that the defendant was entitled to the adjustment. Kenny Ola Labbe, a citizen of Nigeria, appeals from the January 31, 2008, judgment of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (Robert W. Sweet, District Judge), sentencing him principally to 87 months’ imprisonment upon his plea of guilty to interstate transportation of stolen property, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2314. Although we have no desire to inhibit the commendable practice of issuing an indication of a likely sentence in advance of a sentencing hearing, we conclude that procedural error occurs when a defendant is not alerted to a likely change from a judge’s anticipated Guidelines calculation and when that change is not sufficiently supported by the Judge’s findings. We therefore remand so that at a renewed sentencing hearing, Labbe, now on notice that a minimal role adjustment is likely to be denied, can personally and through counsel make a full argument for such an adjustment and so that the District Judge, after considering both the Government’s and the defendant’s presentations concerning that adjustment, make a fresh determination, supported by appropriate findings, as to whether an adjustment is warranted.

 
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
November 13, 2024
New York, NY

Honoring outstanding legal achievements focused at the national level, largely around Big Law and in-house departments.


Learn More
November 14, 2024
New York, NY

Women Leaders in Consulting Awards honors the industry standouts and rising stars who are making a mark within the profession.


Learn More
November 18, 2024 - November 19, 2024
New York, NY

Join General Counsel and Senior Legal Leaders at the Premier Forum Designed For and by General Counsel from Fortune 1000 Companies


Learn More

Boutique union side labor law firm seeks an entry level attorney that can thrive in a fast paced practice that is growing at a rapid rate. E...


Apply Now ›

Our client, a highly distinguished regional law firm, is seeking to hire a Capital Markets Associate for their growing office. Candidates s...


Apply Now ›

Carlton Fields is seeking an associate to join our Hartford office with three to five years of construction litigation experience. Excellent...


Apply Now ›