UNITED STATES v. MIZWA (2019)

Brian Mizwa appeals the 12-month sentence imposed after a jury convicted him of one count of assault on a federal officer, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 111(a) (2012). Mizwa’s sole challenge on appeal is that the district court did not expressly consider his arguments for a sentence below his Sentencing Guidelines range, thereby rendering his sentence procedurally unreasonable. We affirm.

We review Mizwa’s sentence for reasonableness, applying an abuse of discretion standard. See Gall v. United States, 552 U.S. 38, 46, 128 S.Ct. 586, 169 L.Ed.2d 445 (2007). This review requires consideration of both the procedural and substantive reasonableness of the sentence. See id. at 51, 128 S.Ct. 586. Thus, we must first assess whether the district court properly calculated the advisory Guidelines range, considered the factors set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) (2012), analyzed any arguments presented by the parties, and sufficiently explained the selected sentence. See id. at 49-51, 128 S.Ct. 586; United States v. Lynn, 592 F.3d 572, 575-76 (4th Cir. 2010).

“[W]e have held that for every sentence—whether above, below, or within the Guidelines range—a sentencing court must place on the record an individualized assessment based on the particular facts of the case before it.” Lynn, 592 F.3d at 576 (internal quotation marks omitted); see also United States v. Montes-Pineda, 445 F.3d 375, 380 (4th Cir. 2006) (“District courts are obligated to explain their sentences, whether those sentences are within or beyond the Guidelines range, although they should especially explain sentences outside this range.” (internal quotation marks omitted) ). This individualized assessment requires that district courts consider the defendant’s nonfrivolous arguments for a downward departure, impose an individualized sentence based on the characteristics of the defendant and the facts of the case, and explain the sentence chosen. See Gall, 552 U.S. at 50, 128 S.Ct. 586. Therefore, a perfunctory recitation of the defendant’s arguments or the § 3553(a) factors “without application to the defendant being sentenced does not demonstrate reasoned decisionmaking or provide an adequate basis for appellate review.” United States v. Carter, 564 F.3d 325, 329 (4th Cir. 2009). However, a sentencing court’s explanation will be sufficient if it, “although somewhat brief[ly], outline[s] the defendant’s particular history and characteristics not merely in passing or after the fact, but as part of its analysis of the statutory factors and in response to defense counsel’s arguments for a downward departure.” Lynn, 592 F.3d at 584 (internal quotation marks omitted).

We have reviewed the record and have considered Mizwa’s arguments and conclude that the district court expressly and adequately explained its reasons for rejecting Mizwa’s nonfrivolous arguments for a below-Guidelines sentence. Accordingly, we affirm the district court’s amended criminal judgment. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before this court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

AFFIRMED

PER CURIAM:

Affirmed by unpublished per curiam opinion. Unpublished opinions are not binding precedent in this circuit.