USA v. O'Neal

Filing 920070417

Opinion

United States Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit

F I L E D
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT April 17, 2007 Charles R. Fulbruge III Clerk No. 06-10464 Conference Calendar UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff-Appellee, versus STEVEN O'NEAL, Defendant-Appellant. -------------------Appeal from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas USDC No. 3:02-CR-289-4 -------------------Before HIGGINBOTHAM, BENAVIDES, and PRADO, Circuit Judges. PER CURIAM:* Steven O'Neal appeals his sentence following his guilty-plea conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. He

argues that the district court plainly erred in denying him a minor-role adjustment to his offense level under U.S.S.G. § 3B1.2. The district court's determination that a defendant did

not play a minor or minimal role in the offense is a finding of fact. United States v. Villanueva, 408 F.3d 193, 203 & n.9 (5th "Questions of fact

Cir.), cert. denied, 126 S. Ct. 268 (2005).
*

Pursuant to 5TH CIR. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5TH CIR. R. 47.5.4.

No. 06-10464 -2capable of resolution upon proper objection at sentencing can never constitute plain error." 47, 50 (5th Cir. 1991). United States v. Lopez, 923 F.2d

Whether O'Neal was a minor participant

in the conspiracy could have been resolved upon proper objection at sentencing. Thus, O'Neal cannot demonstrate plain error as to We further note O'Neal cannot possibly

that factual question.

demonstrate any effect upon his substantial rights from failure to grant a reduction because his status as a career offender determined his offense level. See United States v. Olano, The Government's motion

507 U.S. 725, 731-32; U.S.S.G. § 4B1.1. for summary affirmance is GRANTED. AFFIRMED.

O'Neal's sentence is