UNITED STATES v. ROMO VERA (2018)

Juan Antonio Romo Vera appeals the district court’s application of a 16-level crime of violence enhancement under U.S.S.G. § 2L1.2 in determining his sentence for unlawful presence in the United States. This court reviews the district court’s interpretation and application of the Guidelines de novo. United States v. Godoy, 890 F.3d 531, 535-36 (5th Cir. 2018).

We agree with the parties that the crime of violence enhancement for Romo Vera’s prior conviction under Texas Penal Code § 30.02(a) was erroneous in light of United States v. Herrold, 883 F.3d 517, 541 (5th Cir. 2018) (en banc), petitions for cert. filed (Apr. 18, 2018) (No. 17-1445) and (May 21, 2018) (No. 17-9127), which was issued after Romo Vera was sentenced but while this appeal was pending. See Godoy, 890 F.3d at 536 & n.16 (applying Herrold in a § 2L1.2 case). Accordingly, we VACATE the sentence and REMAND for resentencing. The Government’s motion to stay the appeal is DENIED. See United States v. Alcantar, 733 F.3d 143, 145-46 (5th Cir. 2013).

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PER CURIAM: * FN* Pursuant to 5th Cir. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5th Cir. R. 47.5.4.