Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

United States v. Ekasala

X

Thank you for sharing!

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

This is a direct appeal from the defendant’s 42-month, below-guidelines sentence for possessing and distributing oxycodone. He raises two issues on appeal. First, he argues that the marijuana equivalent for oxycodone is irrationally high. Second, he argues that the district court abused its discretion in declining to impose a lighter sentence for that and other reasons. For the reasons discussed below, we find neither argument persuasive and therefore summarily affirm the district court’s judgment. Because we do not believe that oral argument would be helpful, we deny the appellant’s request for argument.

The first issue that the defendant raises on appeal is whether the marijuana equivalent for oxycodone, as amended by Amendment 657,*fn1 is arbitrary and capricious. This argument has two components. Primarily, the defendant challenges the rationality of changing the marijuana equivalent from 500 grams per gram of pill weight, regardless of the amount of oxycodone contained in each pill, to 6,700 grams per gram of actual oxycodone. Secondarily, he challenges the rationality of attaching a higher marijuana equivalent, and resulting higher base offense level, to oxycodone than to an equal weight of heroin.

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

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

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
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
Team Accounts
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
Bundle Subscriptions
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
Go to CLE Center
New York Legal Awards 2024
September 05, 2024
New York, NY

The New York Law Journal honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.


Learn More
African Legal Awards 2024
September 06, 2024
Johannesburg

The African Legal Awards recognise exceptional achievement within Africa s legal community during a period of rapid change.


Learn More
Consulting Best Firms to Work For 2024
September 12, 2024
New York, NY

Consulting Magazine identifies the best firms to work for in the consulting profession.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
Associate Attorney (Immigration Law)

Associate Attorney (Immigration Law) Position: Associate Attorney (Immigration Law) Location: Central NJ (Remote/Hybrid) Salary: $...


Apply Now ›
Commercial Litigation Income Partner - Pittsburgh, PA

Description: Fox Rothschild has an opening in the Pittsburgh, PA office for an Income Partner- Commercial Litigation, to work with innovativ...


Apply Now ›
Associate Attorney - Commercial Litigation / Bankruptcy - Connecticut

Zeisler & Zeisler, P.C., a highly-regarded corporate restructuring, bankruptcy and commercial litigation boutique, seeks an attorney to ...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs
Lawyers of Distinction
06/27/2024
The American Lawyer

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
SMGQ Law
06/21/2024
Daily Business Review

Full Page Announcement


View Announcement ›
Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari
06/14/2024
New Jersey Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
Go to Professional Announcements