UNITED STATES v. WHITE (2021)

Ismalius Jaron White appeals the district court's order denying relief on his motion for a sentence reduction under § 404 of the First Step Act, Pub. L. No. 115-391, 132 Stat. 5194. We review the district court's decision to grant or deny a motion under the First Step Act for abuse of discretion. United States v. Jackson, 952 F.3d 492, 497, 502 (4th Cir. 2020). The court abuses its discretion if it acts arbitrarily or irrationally, fails to consider judicially recognized factors, or relies on erroneous factual or legal premises. United States v. High, 997 F.3d 181, 187 (4th Cir. 2021).

On appeal, White disputes the district court's conclusion that a sentence reduction would not serve the 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) sentencing factors. However, the record reflects that the court thoroughly discussed and considered the § 3553(a) factors and reasonably concluded that a sentence reduction was inappropriate in light of White's characteristics, history, offense conduct, and post-sentencing conduct. We therefore conclude that the court acted within its discretion in denying White's motion.

Accordingly, we affirm the district court's order and deny White's motion for appointment of counsel. 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Affirmed by unpublished per curiam opinion. Unpublished opinions are not binding precedent in this circuit.