United States v. Sandidge

Responding to an emergency call, Gary, Indiana officers discovered and confiscated a loaded revolver in Sandidge’s residence. Because Sandidge had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year, 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1) prohibited him from possessing that firearm. Sandidge pled guilty. The sentencing report calculated a base offense level of 20, U.S.S.G. 2K2.1(a)(4), based on the previous conviction for a crime of violence and recommended a four-level enhancement, U.S.S.G. 2K2.1(b)(6)(B), because Sandidge used or possessed the firearm “in connection with another felony offense.” During the incident, Sandidge had pointed the loaded revolver at another person, a felony violation of Indiana law. The report recommended a three- level reduction for acceptance of responsibility, for an offense level of 21. Sandidge had 10 criminal history points, and a consequent criminal history category of V. The report calculated a Guidelines range of 70 to 87 months’ imprisonment. The court sentenced Sandidge to 92 months’ incarceration, to be served consecutively with his undischarged state sentence. The Seventh Circuit affirmed imposition of the “in connection with another felony” enhancement, denial of the acceptance-of-responsibility reduction, and the imposition of a consecutive sentence. The court vacated conditions of supervised release. View "United States v. Sandidge" on Justia Law