UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. GILBERTO BROCHE RUIZ (2017)

Gilberto Broche Ruiz was convicted following a jury trial of conspiracy to possess and possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. He was sentenced to concurrent terms of 210 months of imprisonment. He appeals his conviction, arguing that he was a denied a fair trial because the Government elicited testimony that he had invoked his Fourth Amendment right to refuse a warrantless search of his cell phone.

Because Ruiz failed to object to the complained-of testimony, review is for plain error only. See Puckett v. United States, 556 U.S. 129, 135 (2009). To establish plain error, he must show a forfeited error that is clear or obvious and that affects his substantial rights. See id. In order to show that an error affected his substantial rights, Ruiz must demonstrate that the error affected the outcome of the proceedings. See id. If he makes such a showing, this court has the discretion to correct the error but will do so only if it seriously affects the fairness, integrity, or public reputation of judicial proceedings. Id.

Ruiz's argument is unavailing. Any error is not clear or obvious as our court has only assumed, without deciding, that such testimony may be improper. See United States v. Salinas, 480 F.3d 750, 759 (5th Cir. 2007). In any event, Ruiz fails to show that any error affected the outcome of the proceedings. See United States v. Runyan, 290 F.3d 223, 249-50 (5th Cir. 2002). The record reflects that the prosecutor did not focus on or highlight Ruiz's refusal to consent to a warrantless search, and the evidence of Ruiz's guilt was substantial. See id. at 250-51. Thus, Ruiz fails to show that the error, if any, affects his substantial rights. See Puckett, 556 U.S. at 135.

AFFIRMED.

PER CURIAM:*