753 F.3d 841
9th Cir.2014Background
- Colon-Arreola appeals his sentence for illegal reentry after deportation under 8 U.S.C. § 1326, challenging a 16-level enhancement.
- The enhancement is based on Colon-Arreola's prior conviction for battery with injury on a peace officer under California Penal Code § 243(c)(2).
- The district court applied the § 2L1.2(b)(1)(A)(ii) ‘crime of violence’ enhancement, treating the California statute as categorically qualifying.
- The government and court apply Taylor framework, focusing on the statute’s elements rather than underlying facts of the prior conviction.
- The Ninth Circuit holds that § 243(c)(2) is a categorical crime of violence under § 2L1.2 and affirms the sentence.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether §243(c)(2) is a crime of violence under §2L1.2(b)(1)(A)(ii) | Colon-Arreola argues the statute is not categorically a crime of violence. | The government contends the statute fits the ‘catch-all’ violent-use-of-force category. | Yes; §243(c)(2) categorically fits as a crime of violence. |
Key Cases Cited
- Taylor v. United States, 495 U.S. 575 (1990) (framework: look at conviction and statutory definition)
- Leocal v. Ashcroft, 543 U.S. 1 (2004) (use of force must be intentional and violent)
- Fernandez-Ruiz v. Gonzales, 466 F.3d 1121 (9th Cir. 2006) (limits crime-of-violence scope to intentional force)
- Grajeda, 581 F.3d 1186 (9th Cir. 2009) (linking state offense definitions to §2L1.2)
- Laurico-Yeno, 590 F.3d 818 (9th Cir. 2010) (clarifies force element and intent standards)
- Ortega-Mendez v. Gonzales, 450 F.3d 1010 (9th Cir. 2006) (distinguishes non-violent force in some offenses)
- Bolanos-Hernandez, 492 F.3d 1140 (9th Cir. 2007) (de novo review of crime-of-violence determinations)
- Rodriguez-Rodriguez, 393 F.3d 849 (9th Cir. 2005) (helps define the framework for prior-conviction categorization)