United States v. Maxfield

Maxfield was searched by law officers who discovered more than 100 pseudoephedrine pills and half a gram of methamphetamine; their search of his motel room revealed other items used to make methamphetamine. He admitted manufacturing methamphetamine. Maxfield was released and warned to discontinue his illegal activities. One week later, Maxfield sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant. Maxfield pled guilty to conspiring to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, 21 U.S.C. 846, 841(a)(1), manufacturing methamphetamine, distributing methamphetamine, and possessing a listed chemical knowing it would be used to manufacture a controlled substance. The PSR concluded that Maxfield was responsible for 144 grams of methamphetamine. Because Maxfield had prior felony convictions for residential burglary and aggravated battery, he was a career offender with an offense level of 34, U.S.S.G. 4B1.1, 4B1.2(a)(2) . After a reduction for acceptance of responsibility, with a criminal history score of 22, his guidelines range was 188 to 235 months’ imprisonment. Maxfield objected to his career offender designation, asking the court to consider that he entered the residence with a key and that his was a non‐violent burglary. He emphasized mitigating factors: drug addiction, childhood abuse, family deaths. The court denied the motion for a downward departure and sentenced Maxfield to 188 months’ imprisonment. The Seventh Circuit affirmed. View "United States v. Maxfield" on Justia Law