UNITED STATES v. Louis Knight, David Pierre, Ricardy Louissant, Kareem Abdul Mathis, Defendants. (2020)

SUMMARY ORDER

Defendant-Appellant Neil Dussard (“Dussard”) seeks to vacate his conviction for possessing a gun during a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A) in light of recent decisions concluding that conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery—for which he also stands convicted—may not serve as a predicate crime of violence for § 924(c)(1)(A) purposes. See United States v. Barrett, 937 F.3d 126, 127 (2d Cir. 2019) (noting that recent Supreme Court precedent “precludes us from concluding ․ that [Defendant’s] Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy crime qualifies as a § 924(c) crime of violence”). Dussard asks this Court to make a determination on the merits of the case and to determine whether he can be reindicted on charges dropped as part of his plea agreement—and then, if we determine he can be reindicted, to provide him an opportunity to withdraw his appeal so that he may avoid a potentially greater sentence.

Since we cannot issue such advisory opinions, we decline to rule on Dussard’s appeal at this point. See United States Nat’l Bank of Oregon v. Independent Ins. Agents of America, Inc., 508 U.S. 439, 446, 113 S.Ct. 2173, 124 L.Ed.2d 402 (1993) (“[A] federal court lacks the power to render advisory opinions.” (internal alterations omitted)) Instead, we will provide Dussard three weeks—until June 10, 2020—to notify the Clerk of Court if he wishes to proceed with his appeal or if he wishes to withdraw it. If he chooses to proceed, then we will consider the case submitted for decision at that point.