United States v. Buitron-Garcia

101 F. App'x 510

Opinion

United States Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit

FILED IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS June 23, 2004 FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT Charles R. Fulbruge III Clerk

No. 03-51241 Conference Calendar

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

Plaintiff-Appellee,

versus

JOSE MARIA BUITRON-GARCIA,

Defendant-Appellant.

-------------------- Appeal from the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas USDC No. P-03-CR-128-1 --------------------

Before BARKSDALE, DeMOSS, and CLEMENT, Circuit Judges.

PER CURIAM:*

Jose Maria Buitron-Garcia appeals his guilty plea conviction

for possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more,

but not less than 1,000 kilograms, of marihuana. He argues that

the sentencing provision of 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(B) is

unconstitutional in light of Apprendi v. New Jersey, 530 U.S.

466, 490 (2000). Buitron-Garcia concedes that his argument is

foreclosed by our opinion in United States v. Slaughter, 238 F.3d

* 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 R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5TH CIR.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. No. 03-51241 -2-

580, 581-82 (5th Cir. 2000). He raises the issue only to

preserve it for Supreme Court review.

A panel of this court cannot overrule a prior panel’s

decision in the absence of an intervening contrary or superseding

decision by this court sitting en banc or by the United States

Supreme Court. Burge v. Parish of St. Tammany, 187 F.3d 452, 466

(5th Cir. 1999). No such decision overruling Slaughter exists.

Accordingly, Buitron-Garcia’s argument is foreclosed, and the

judgment of the district court is AFFIRMED.

The Government has moved for a summary affirmance in lieu of

filing an appellee’s brief. In its motion, the Government asks

that an appellee’s brief not be required. The motion is GRANTED.

AFFIRMED; MOTION GRANTED.