United States Seventh Circuit

Conviction and sentence on drug, weapons, racketeering and assault charges are affirmed over defendant's arguments that: 1) there was insufficient evidence to convict him for committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity; 2) his order to a gang member did not constitute a substantial step towards commission of the offense of aggravated battery; 3) the court erred in applying a two-level sentencing enhancement for carrying a firearm; and 4) the prosecutor made improper remarks during opening and closing statements.

Appellate Information

• Argued 02/05/2007
• Decided 10/12/2007
• Published 10/12/2007

Judges

• ROVNER, Circuit Judge., Before EASTERBROOK, Chief Judge, and ROVNER and SYKES, Circuit Judges.

Court

• United States Seventh Circuit

Counsel

• For Appellees:
  
• David E. Risley (argued), Office of the United States Attorney, Springfield, IL, Linda L. Mullen, Office of the United States Attorney, Rock Island, IL, for Plaintiff-Appellee., William Duffin, Mark E. Schmidt (argued), Godfrey & Kahn, Milwaukee, WI, for Defendant-Appellant.