U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
Sentencing Guidelines
Downward Variance
United States v. Johnson
12-921-cr
Judges Straub, Hall and Droney
Background: The defendant appealed from an order granting a within-guidelines sentence reduction, but declined to grant a downward variance from the applicable reduced sentencing range in accordance with section 1B1.10 of the Sentencing Guidelines.
Ruling: The Second Circuit affirmed. The Second Circuit held that the district court did not have discretion to apply the variance to which the defendant asserts he was entitled. Further, in amending retroactive sentence reductions pursuant to Amendment 750, while prohibiting further reductions based on certain earlier-applicable variances or departures, the Sentencing Commission did not abuse its authority.
Andrew L. Fish, U.S. attorney, for the appellee; Avrom Robin of London & Robin for the defendant-appellant