Ronald Bruce Adams seeks resentencing arguing that the district court: 1) improperly considered his socioeconomic status in imposing his fine; 2) violated his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent by imposing a larger fine after he refused to disclose information about his drug operation; and 3) unreasonably imposed a fine given that there was no evidence showing ill-gotten gains. We reject all three arguments.
The district court did not plainly err in discussing Adams’ financial resources in imposing the fine. Socioeconomic status is different than financial resources. See Webster’s New World College Dictionary 1361 (4th ed.2005) (defining “socioeconomic” as “of or involving both social and economic factors”). The former has no place in sentencing, see U.S.S.G. § 5H1.10 (Nov.2005), but the latter is required by statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 3572(a) (“In determining whether to impose a fine, and the amount ... the court shall consider ... (1) the defendant’s income, earning capacity, and financial resources”) (emphasis added); see also U.S.S.G. § 5E1.2(d) (Nov.2005) (“In determining the amount of the fine, the court shall consider ... defendant’s ability to pay ... in light of his earning capacity and financial resources ....”) (emphasis added).
Adams’ reliance on United States v. Painter,
Further, the district court did not draw a negative inference or otherwise penalize Adams for failing to disclose information about his drug operation. Rather, the district court specifically recognized Adams’ right to remain silent and noted it would have to rely solely on the government’s evidence in determining the extent of gain or loss. This is not contrary to Mitchell v. United States,
Finally, Adams provides no legal authority for the proposition that a fine can be imposed only where ill-gotten gains are shown. Instead, ill-gotten gains are but one factor among many to be considered in imposing a fine. See 18 U.S.C. § 3572(a)(5). The district court specifically referenced § 3572 in imposing Adams’ fine and discussed the appropriate factors, including the absence of evidence showing ill-gotten gains. The district court im
AFFIRMED.
Notes
This disposition is not appropriate for publication and is not precedent except as provided by 9 th Cir. R. 36-3.
