UNITED STATES v. CRUZ OCHOA (1996)

JUDGMENT

The above-entitled case is set for oral argument as the third case on Tuesday, March 12, 1996.   It is hereby ORDERED:

1) The case be stricken from the calendar and dismissed.

 2) Our review of the sentencing transcript and record before us leads us to conclude that the district court erred as a matter of law by incorrectly believing that it could not depart downward from the guidelines on the basis of defendant's waiver and consent to administrative deportation upon the filing of a joint motion by the parties for a two-level downward departure at sentencing on defendant's plea of guilty to illegal re-entry.

 3) The sentence is vacated and the case remanded for resentencing, so that the district court may consider whether departure is warranted.   Whether a downward departure should be granted lies within the sound discretion of the district court.   See U.S. v. Whitetail, 956 F.2d 857 (8th Cir.1992).