Sentencing Guidelines

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7^th Circuit Court of Appeals

Case Name: United States of America v. Kobe Hendrix

Case No.: 21-3287

Officials: Easterbrook, Scudder, and Lee, Circuit Judges

Focus: Sentencing Guidelines

After entering a guilty plea for the charge of possessing a firearm as a felon under 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1), Hendrix received a 78-month prison sentence, which exceeded the United States Sentencing Guidelines (U.S.S.G.) range of 46-57 months.

The Seventh Circuit upheld the sentence, stating that the district court had exercised its discretion appropriately. The court thoroughly examined and applied various factors outlined in 18 U.S.C. 3553(a): it carefully evaluated Hendrix’s personal history and characteristics, recognizing that while some aspects were mitigating, his extensive criminal record at the age of 23 had aggravating implications. Additionally, the court considered the nature and circumstances of the offense, deeming Hendrix’s conduct as severe due to his possession of a firearm in connection with drug trafficking and his prior firearms conviction.

Furthermore, the court recommended Hendrix’s participation in a drug-abuse treatment program and provided a comprehensive explanation for the imposed sentence. Notably, the district court’s discussion of the prevalence of gun violence in Chicago during sentencing was found to be without procedural error.

Affirmed

Decided 07/25/23

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