United States Sixth Circuit

Conviction and sentence for distribution of crack cocaine are affirmed where: 1) comments by a testifying officer were not so prejudicial as to warrant a mistrial; 2) comments by the prosecutor were a proper response to statements by the defense counsel; and 3) the mandatory life sentence set forth in 21 U.S.C. section 841(b)(1)(A) is constitutional.

Appellate Information

• Decided 01/28/2009
• Published 01/28/2009

Judges

• Before:  BATCHELDER, GILMAN, and SUTTON, Circuit Judges.

Court

• United States Sixth Circuit

Counsel

• For Appellees:
  
• ON BRIEF:  Guy W. Blackwell, Law Office of Guy W. Blackwell, P.C., Gray, Tennessee, for Appellant.  Debra A. Breneman, Assistant United States Attorney, Knoxville, Tennessee, for Appellee.