United States v. Thomas Dale Sims, Jr.

690 F. App'x 832

• Court: Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
• Decided: May 30, 2017
• Docket: 16-4769
• Status: Unpublished

Opinion

Unpublished opinions are not binding precedent in this circuit.

PER CURIAM:

Thomas Dale Sims, Jr. pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm after having sustained convictions for misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9) (2012), pursuant to a plea agreement with the Government. The district court sentenced Sims to 15 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release, and he now appeals. Appellate counsel has filed a brief pursuant to Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738, 87 S.Ct. 1396, 18 L.Ed.2d 493 (1967), questioning whether the sentence is substantively reasonable. Sims was advised of his right to file a pro se supplemental brief, but has not done so. Finding no error, we affirm.

Initially, we conclude that we need not consider whether Sims’ appellate waiver precludes him from contesting his conviction or sentence on appeal. The Government has not sought enforcement of the waiver and we decline to enforce appellate waiver provisions sua sponte. See United States v. Brock, 211 F.3d 88, 90 n.1 (4th Cir. 2000). On appeal, counsel asserts that the sentence is greater than necessary to satisfy the statutory sentencing factors identified in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) (2012).

We review a sentence for reasonableness, applying an abuse of discretion standard. Gall v. United States, 552 U.S. 38, 41, 128 S.Ct. 586, 169 L.Ed.2d 445 (2007); see also United States v. White, 810 F.3d 212, 229 (4th Cir.), cert. denied, — U.S. —, 136 S.Ct. 1833, 194 L.Ed.2d 837 (2016). In so doing, we examine the sentence for “significant procedural error,” including “failing to calculate (or improperly calculating) the Guidelines range, treating the Guidelines as mandatory, failing to consider the § 3553(a) factors, selecting a sentence based on clearly erroneous facts, or failing to adequately explain the chosen sentence.” Gall, 552 U.S. at 51, 128 S.Ct. 586. We then review the substantive reasonableness of the sentence. “Any sentence that is within or below a properly calculated Guidelines range is presumptively reasonable.” White, 810 F.3d at 230 (internal quotation marks omitted).

We have thoroughly reviewed the record and conclude that the sentence is both procedurally and substantively reasonable. The district court properly calculated the advisory Guidelines range and sufficiently explained the sentence. In addition, Sims’ within-Guidelines sentence is presumptively reasonable and we conclude that Sims has not rebutted that presumption.

We have examined the entire record in accordance with the requirements of An-ders and have found no meritorious issues for appeal. Accordingly, we affirm the judgment of the district court. This court requires that counsel inform Sims, in writing, of the right to petition the Supreme Court of the United States for further review. If Sims requests that a petition be filed, but counsel believes that such a petition would be frivolous, then counsel may move in this court for leave to withdraw from representation. Counsel’s motion must state that a copy thereof was served on Sims. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before this court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

AFFIRMED