101 F. App'x 495

UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Jose CAMARILLO-VELASQUEZ, also known as Jose Galvez, also known as Jesus Sierra, also known as Jose Candelario Galves, also known as Jose Gamez, also known as Jose Galves, also known as Jose Camarillo, also known as Jesse Guerra, Defendant-Appellant.

No. 04-50179

Conference Calendar.

United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit.

June 23, 2004.

Joseph H. Gay, Jr., Assistant U.S. Attorney, San Antonio, TX, for Plaintiff-Appellee.

Lucien B. Campbell, Federal Public Defender, Judy Fulmer Madewell, San Antonio, TX, for Defendant-Appellant.

Before BARKSDALE, DeMOSS, and CLEMENT, Circuit Judges.

PER CURIAM: *

Jose Camarillo-Velasquez appeals the sentence imposed following his guilty plea conviction of being found in the United *496States after deportation/removal in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. Camarillo-Velasquez contends that 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a) and 8 U.S.C. § 1326(b) define separate offenses. He argues that the prior conviction that resulted in his increased sentence is an element of a separate offense under 8 U.S.C. § 1326(b) that should have been alleged in his indictment. Camarillo-Velasquez maintains that he pleaded guilty to an indictment which charged only simple reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a). He argues that his sentence exceeds the two-year maximum term of imprisonment which may be imposed for that offense.

In Almendarez-Torres v. United States, 523 U.S. 224, 235, 118 S.Ct. 1219, 140 L.Ed.2d 350 (1998), the Supreme Court held that the enhanced penalties in 8 U.S.C. § 1326(b) are sentencing provisions, not elements of separate offenses. The Court further held that the sentencing provisions do not violate the Due Process Clause. Id. at 239-47. Camarillo-Velasquez acknowledges that his argument is foreclosed by Almendarez-Torres, but asserts that the decision has been cast into doubt by Apprendi v. New Jersey, 530 U.S. 466, 490, 120 S.Ct. 2348, 147 L.Ed.2d 435 (2000). He seeks to preserve his argument for further review.

Apprendi did not overrule AlmendarezTorres. See Apprendi, 530 U.S. at 489-90; United States v. Dabeit, 231 F.3d 979, 984 (5th Cir.2000). This court must follow Almendarez-Torres “unless and until the Supreme Court itself determines to overrule it.” Dabeit, 231 F.3d at 984 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). 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.

United States v. Camarillo-Velasquez
101 F. App'x 495

Case Details

Name
United States v. Camarillo-Velasquez
Decision Date
Jun 23, 2004
Citations

101 F. App'x 495

Jurisdiction
United States

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