UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plаintiff - Appellee, v. JESUS MANUEL MUÑOZ, Defendant - Appellant.
No. 15-2048
UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE TENTH CIRCUIT
February 9, 2016
PUBLISH. Appeal from the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico (D.C. No. 2:14-CR-03130-JBM-1). Elisabeth A. Shumaker, Clerk of Court.
David N. Williams, Assistant United States Attorney (Damon P. Martinez, United States Attorney and Laura Fashing, Assistant United States Attorney, with him on the brief), Albuquerque, New Mexico, for Plaintiff-Appellee.
Before KELLY, BACHARACH, and MORITZ, Circuit Judges.
BACHARACH, Circuit Judge.
Mr. Jesus Manuel Muñoz was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to time served or thirteen days, whichever was less, and two years of supervised release.
I. Substantive Challenges to the Conditions
Mr. Muñoz raises substantive challenges to each of the twelve conditions in dispute. Some of these challenges were raised in district court, but some are new.1 We review the new arguments under the plain-error standard and the previously asserted arguments under the abuse-of-discretion standard.2 Ultimately, we reject each challenge.
A. Mr. Muñoz‘s new challenges to seven of the supervised release conditions fail under the plain-error standard.3
On appeal, Mr. Muñoz challenges seven conditions at least in part on grounds not presented in district court. For these challenges, we apply the plain-error standard. United States v. Walser, 275 F.3d 981, 987 (10th Cir. 2001). Under the plain-error standard, Mr. Muñoz must show that (1) the district court erred, (2) the error was plain, (3) the error affected substantial rights, and (4) the error seriously affected the fairness, integrity, or public reputation of judicial proceedings. United States v. Harris, 695 F.3d 1125, 1130 (10th Cir. 2012). An error is “plain” if it is “clear or obvious.” Morales-Fernandez v. INS, 418 F.3d 1116, 1124 (10th Cir. 2005). In applying this standard, we reject each of Mr. Muñoz‘s new arguments.
- “[T]he defendant shall work regularly at a lawful occupation, unless excused by the probation officer for schooling, training, or other aсceptable reasons.”
Mr. Muñoz argues that this condition is impermissibly vague because it does not define “[t]he terms ‘regularly’ and ‘other acceptable reasons.‘”4
We need not decide whether the district court erred because any possible error would not have been plain. The condition is identical to one of the standard conditions recommended in the sentencing guidelines for supervised release. See
“[T]he defendant shall refrain from excessive use of alcohol and shall not purchase, possеss, use, distribute, or administer any controlled substance or any paraphernalia related to any controlled substances, except as prescribed by a physician,” and “[t]he defendant must refrain from the use and possession of alcohol and other forms of intoxicants.”
In district court, Mr. Muñoz objected to these two conditions on the ground that they did not allow for religious and other legal uses of alcohol. On appeal, Mr. Muñoz does not pursue this objection. Instead, he makes three new arguments:
- The two conditions are inconsistent.
- The two conditions are vague.
- The condition involving controlled substances is superfluous.
Because these arguments are new, we apply the plain-error standard. Under this standard, Mr. Muñoz‘s arguments fail as a matter of law.
a. We reject Mr. Muñoz‘s argument that the two conditions are inconsistent.
Mr. Muñoz notes that the first condition requires him to avoid “excessive alcohol use,” while the second prohibits consumption of any alcohol. As Mr. Muñoz points out, these requirements are inconsistent. But the district court noted the inconsistency and orally explained that the prohibition on alcohol consumption took precedence. See R. vol. III, at 23-24.
b. We reject Mr. Muñoz‘s argument that the two conditions are vague based on the failure to define key terms.
Mr. Muñoz complains about the vagueness of three terms:
- “excessive use”
- “intoxicants”
- “alcohol”
Use of these terms did not constitute plain error.
As noted above, the written condition prohibits excessive use of alcohol. Mr. Muñoz complains that the modifier “excessive” is vague because of uncertainty about how much alcohol is too much. See United States v. Kappes, 782 F.3d 828, 849 (7th Cir. 2015) (“The condition that the defendant ‘refrain from excessive use of alcohol,’ is vague because ‘excessive use’ is not defined.“). But the district court explained that Mr. Muñoz could not drink any alcohol. R. vol. III, at 23-24. Thus, any
Mr. Muñoz also complains that the words “alcohol” and “intoxicants” are vague because they could include over-the-counter medications, vanilla extract, rubbing alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, sugar, and chocolate. Two courts have expressed concern over similar terms. For example, the Seventh Circuit has criticized the term “mood altering substance” because it could include coffee, cigarettes, sugar, and chocolate. United States v. Siegel, 753 F.3d 705, 713 (7th Cir. 2014); see also United States v. Downs, 784 F.3d 1180, 1181 (7th Cir. 2015) (criticizing the phrase “for the purpose of intoxication” because it is unclear whether the phrаse is limited to alcoholic beverages or includes other substances). Similarly, the Ninth Circuit balked at a condition prohibiting consumption of substances intended to mimic the effects of a controlled substance, noting that this condition could include chocolate or coffee. United States v. Aquino, 794 F.3d 1033, 1037 (9th Cir. 2015). But no federal appeals court has invalidated a supervised release condition prohibiting the consumption of alcohol or intoxicants.
In our view, the district court did not err, for we use common sense to guide our interpretation of supervised release conditions. See United States v. Mike, 632 F.3d 686, 701 (10th Cir. 2011) (opting for a “commonsense” interpretation of release conditions over an interpretation
c. We reject Mr. Muñoz‘s argument that the condition involving controlled substances is superfluous.
For the first time, Mr. Muñoz argues on appeal that this condition is “superfluous.” But he does not point to any opinions invalidating a supervised release condition because it is superfluous. Thus, this challenge fails under the plain-error standard. See United States v. Ibarra-Diaz, 805 F.3d 908, 931 n.14 (10th Cir. 2015) (rejecting an appeal point under the plain-error standard because the defendant failed to cite any supporting cases from our court or the Supreme Court).
- “[T]he defendant shall not frequent places where controlled substances are illegally sold, used, distributed, or administered.”
Mr. Muñoz argues on appeal that the terms “frequent” and “place” are vague. Because he did not make this objection in district court, our review is for plain error.5
This condition is recommended, almost verbatim, in the sentencing guidelines.
- “The defendant must submit to a search of the defendant‘s person, property, or automobile under the defendant‘s control to be conducted in a reasonable manner and at a reasonable time, for the purpose of detecting illegal drugs, firearms, or аny illegal activity at the direction of the probation officer. The defendant must inform any residents that the premises may be subject to a search.”
On appeal, Mr. Muñoz argues for the first time that this condition should be limited to searches of his home and automobile because workplace searches would make him less desirable as an employee. For the sake of argument, we assume that the condition would affect Mr. Muñoz‘s desirability as an employee. But Mr. Muñoz has not pointed to any case
- “[T]he defendant shall notify the probation officer within seventy-two hours of being arrested or questioned by a law enforcement officer.”
Mr. Muñoz argues on appeal that the condition is too vague. This argument is new and reviewable under the plain-error standard.6
In our view, an error (if any) would not have been obvious under the plain-error standard. This condition is recommended in the sentencing guidelines, and Mr. Muñoz does not identify any cases questioning this condition.
- What does “questioned” mean?
- What is a “law enforcement officer“?
- Does the condition include chance encounters with officers?
The answers seem obvious, for most individuals would know the meaning of the terms “questioned,” “law enforcement officers,” and “arrested.” But even if we generously assume that the cоurt erred, we could reverse only if the error was obvious.
- “[T]he defendаnt shall not associate with any persons engaged in criminal activity, and shall not associate with any person convicted of a felony unless granted permission to do so by the probation officer.”
Mr. Muñoz challenged this condition in district court.7 But on appeal he argues for the first time that this condition is too vague under the U.S. Constitution. According to Mr. Muñoz, the condition might be vague in various scenarios. For example, he might not know if someone is a convicted felon, he could be forced to interact with convicted felons at a halfway house, or a family member might have a felony conviction. In our view, any error (if any) would not have been obvious under the plain-error
B. Mr. Muñoz‘s challenges to eight of the conditions fail under the abuse-of-discretion standard.
In this appeal, Mr. Muñoz renews challenges to eight of the conditions. In reviewing these challenges, we apply the abuse-of-discretion standard. United States v. Dougan, 684 F.3d 1030, 1034 (10th Cir. 2012). The district court abuses its discretion when a ruling is based on a clearly erroneous finding of fact, an erroneous conclusion of law, or a clear error of judgment. United States v. Batton, 602 F.3d 1191, 1196 (10th Cir. 2010). We conclude that the district court did not abuse its discretion by imposing the eight conditions.
- “[T]he defendant shall answer truthfully all inquiries by the probation officer and follow the instructions of the probation officer.”
Mr. Muñoz objected to this condition, arguing that it compromises his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. We disagree.
Depending on what is asked, Mr. Muñoz might be able to invoke his Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination. Minnesota v. Murphy, 465 U.S. 426, 427-28, 435 n.7 (1984).
- “[T]he defendant shall support his or her dependents and meеt other family responsibilities.”
Mr. Muñoz objected to this condition on the grounds that
- the terms “dependents” and “support” are too vague because they do not identify who must be supported and how,
- the condition would penalize Mr. Muñoz for failing to support his family even if he is unable to do so, and
- the phrase “or her” should be removed because Mr. Muñoz is a male.
According to Mr. Muñoz, the words “support” and “dependent” can be ambiguous in particular circumstances. But the court could reasonably impose conditions involving some measure of flexibility:
Cоnditions of probation do not have to be cast in letters six feet high, or to describe every possible permutation, or to spell out every last, self-evident detail. . . . Conditions of probation may afford fair warning even if they are not precise to the point of pedantry.
United States v. Gallo, 20 F.3d 7, 12 (1st Cir. 1994).
Though the terms “dependent” and “support” may involve ambiguity in particular circumstances, the court could reasonably assume that Mr. Muñoz would understand what was required. For example, a “dependent” is ordinarily someone who relies on a family member for financial support. See, e.g., New Oxford American Dictionary 466 (3d ed. 2010) (defining “dependent” as “a person who relies on another, [especially] a family member, for financial support“). Mr. Muñoz has not supplied an alternative
Nor are we troubled by the term “support.” Mr. Muñoz argues that the term could require him to “provid[e] financial assistance, provid[e] physical assistance, and giv[e] encouragement.” See Appellant‘s Opening Br. at 22 (quoting online Oxford English Dictionary). But common sense dictates that Mr. Muñoz cannot be penalized for failing to encourage dependents or to provide physical assistance. The term “support,” in this context, means to “providе with a home and the necessities of life.” New Oxford American Dictionary 1748 (3d ed. 2010).
We also reject Mr. Muñoz‘s contention that his supervised release could be unjustly revoked if he fails to provide the required support, even if he tries in good faith to provide that support. The contention defies common sense, for the condition is naturally understood to require only financial support that Mr. Muñoz is able to provide. See United States v. Mike, 632 F.3d 686, 701 (10th Cir. 2011) (calling for “commonsense” interpretation of conditions).
Finally, we reject Mr. Muñoz‘s challenge to the phrase “he or she.” Mr. Muñoz is a male and the clause “or she” was unnecessary. But the clause did not affect the substance of the condition. As a result, the district court did not abuse its discretion in using the phrase “he or she.”
“[T]he defendant shall work regularly at a lawful occupation, unless excused by the probation officer for schooling, training, or other acceptable reasons.”
Mr. Muñoz argues that this condition imposes strict liability because he would be in violation if he is unable to find a job or is fired. In our view, the court acted within its discretion.9
Mr. Muñoz‘s interpretation is literal, requiring him to do something that might not be within his control. The court could reasonably interpret the condition differently. Many conditions might be reasonable but impossible to perform in given circumstances. For example, a parent might be unable to pay child support at some point in the future, but that possibility does not prevent entry of an order for child support. Likewise, the district court had the discretion to require employment even though Mr. Muñoz might not get hired or might get fired. See United States v. Spencer, 640 F.3d 513, 521 (2d Cir. 2011) (“A releasee cannot be imprisoned for failing to comply with an impossible condition.“). Thus, the district court did not abuse its discretion by requiring Mr. Muñoz to work unless excused by the probation officer for acceptable reasons.
“[T]he defendant shall notify the probation officer at least ten days prior to any change in residence or employment.”
Mr. Muñoz again raises an impossibility challenge, arguing that he could be punished if hе is unable to fulfill this condition. We hold that the district court did not abuse its discretion in imposing this condition because it does not require the impossible of Mr. Muñoz.
The most sensible understanding of this condition is that Mr. Muñoz must give notice of an event only if he foresees it. See United States v. Mike, 632 F.3d 686, 701 (10th Cir. 2011) (favoring a “commonsense” reading of conditions of supervised release); see also United States v. Toliver, 183 F. App‘x 745, 751 (10th Cir. 2006) (unpublished) (“[I]f [the defendant] was unaware that he would be evicted ten days in advance of that eviction, the condition clearly obligated [the defendant] to notify his probation officer after the eviction.“); accord United States v. Spencer, 640 F.3d 513, 521 (2d Cir. 2011) (“[This condition], by its terms, applies only if it was possible for [the defendant] to notify his рrobation officer of a change in employment ‘at least ten days prior’ to the change.“). Thus, the district court acted within its discretion in imposing this condition. In these circumstances, we reject Mr. Muñoz‘s challenge.
“[T]he defendant shall not associate with any persons engaged in criminal activity, and shall not associate with any person convicted of a felony unless granted permission to do so by the probation officer.”
Mr. Muñoz argues that this condition violates his constitutional rights of association and is too difficult to satisfy.10 We reject these arguments.
According to Mr. Muñoz, the condition infringes on his rights to associate with family members and with other convicts. We disagree.
In addrеssing his right to familial association, Mr. Muñoz contends that members of his family might have felony convictions. We have held that a condition of supervised release can sometimes violate the right of familial association, but only when the condition would actually restrict association with a family member. See, e.g., United States v. Bear, 769 F.3d 1221, 1229 (10th Cir. 2014) (“[R]estrictions on a defendant‘s contact with his own children are subject to stricter scrutiny.“); United States v. Burns, 775 F.3d 1221, 1222-23 (10th Cir. 2014) (holding that the district court could restrict a father‘s contact with his child only if the circumstances were compelling). But Mr. Muñoz has not alleged that he
Mr. Muñoz relies on two Ninth Circuit opinions, which invalidated conditions preventing interaction with the defendant‘s children and a “disruptive group.” See United States v. Wolf Child, 699 F.3d 1082, 1100 (9th Cir. 2012) (children); United States v. Soltero, 510 F.3d 858, 867 (9th Cir. 2007) (disruptive groups). We doubt that Mr. Muñoz‘s alleged constitutional interest in associating with other convicted felons is as strong as his interest in associating with his own children or with organized groups. And to the extent that Mr. Muñoz does have an interest in associating with other felons, “[t]he existence of a constitutionally protected liberty interest . does not render impermissible any condition that would interfere with [it].” United States v. Davis, 452 F.3d 991, 995 (8th Cir. 2006). Keeping Mr. Muñoz away from other convicted felons is a sensible way to reduce the risk of recidivism, which is a legitimate purposе of supervised release even if the condition encroaches on a constitutionally protected interest. See id.;
- “[T]he defendant shall permit a probation officer to visit him or her at any time at home or elsewhere and shall permit confiscation of any contraband observed in plain view of the probation officer.”
Mr. Muñoz challenges this condition based on vagueness and deprivation of due process.12 We reject these challenges.
Mr. Muñoz apparently assumes that this interpretation makes the condition too harsh. But even if the condition is considered harsh, it would not be vague. Indeed, in other cases, we have held that the district court enjoys discretion to impose similar conditions. See United States v. White, 244 F.3d 1199, 1208 (10th Cir. 2001) (upholding a similar condition and noting that suspicionless “probationary searches are not uncommon“); United States v. Hanrahan, 508 F.3d 962, 971 (10th Cir. 2007) (upholding a condition requiring the defendant to “submit to a search of his person, property, or automobile under his control to ensure compliance with all conditions of probation“).
Second, Mr. Muñoz argues that the condition prevents him from challenging the confiscation of property on due-process grounds. This argument is incorrect. Mr. Muñoz can challenge the confiscation, but he must first allow the probation officer to confiscate contraband observed in plain view.
Finally, Mr. Muñoz argues that this condition is superfluous because another condition already requires submission to searches “conducted in a reasonable manner and at a reasonable time.” Appellant‘s Opening Br. at 34. But these conditions contain different requirements. With the combination of these two conditions, the probation officer can
- visit Mr. Muñoz anywhere and at any time,
- confiscate contraband that is in plain view, and
- conduct searches in a reasonable manner and at a reasonable time.
- “[T]he defendant shall notify the probation officer within seventy-two hours of being arrested or questioned by a law enforcement officer.”
Mr. Muñoz challenges this condition on two grounds:
- If jailed, he might not be able to call his probation officer.
- His probation officer might not be available during holidays and weekends.14
These arguments do not suggest an abuse of discretion.
This condition is recommended in the sentencing guidelines.
Mr. Muñoz argues that circumstances may prevent him from complying. But a common-sense interpretation would prevent revocation if Mr. Muñoz were unable to notify the probation officer. See United States v. Spencer, 640 F.3d 513, 521 (2d Cir. 2011) (“A releasee cannot be imprisoned for failing to comply with an impossible condition.“). As a
- “[T]he defendant shall not frequent places where controlled substances are illegally sold, used, distributed, or administered.”
Mr. Muñoz argues that
- it would be impossible to avoid going where controlled substances are illegally used or distributed because drugs are “available... basically everywhere” and
- the condition, as written, is overbroad because it creates strict liability.15
We need not decide whether the conditiоn would be overbroad if it were a strict liability condition because the condition does not impose strict liability. Two circuits have rejected this challenge. United States v. Armour, 804 F.3d 859, 868 (7th Cir. 2015); United States v. Phillips, 704 F.3d 754, 768 (9th Cir. 2012). For example, the Ninth Circuit explained:
[A] reasonable person would understand that the prohibition on “frequent[ing] places” where illegal drugs are used or sold prohibits [the defendant] from knowingly going to a specific place where drugs are illegally used or sold, but that it does not prohibit him from living in Seattle or going to a given neighborhood simply because a person is selling drugs somewhere within that neighborhood.
Phillips, 704 F.3d at 768 (emphasis in original).
II. Procedural Challenges to the Standard Conditions
Mr. Muñoz also urges vacatur of the standard conditions on grounds that the district court (1) did not make any supportive findings and (2) erroneously thought it had to impose all of the standard conditions. We disagree.
The district court was not required to make specific findings for the standard conditions. “Our precedents unambiguously require supporting findings when courts impose special conditions of supervised release.” United States v. Burns, 775 F.3d 1221, 1223 (10th Cir. 2014). But we held in United States v. Martinez-Torres that supportive findings are unnecessary when the conditions are standard:
Before imposing the special condition, the district court needed to make an individualized assessment of whether it was appropriate for Defendant. We recognize that such an assessment is not always necessary before imposing a condition of supervised release. . . . When, however, neither the Sentencing Commission nor Congress has required or recommended a condition, we expect the sentencing court to provide a reasoned basis for applying the condition to the specific defendant before the court.16
795 F.3d 1233, 1237 (10th Cir. 2015). There we explained that the standard conditions include those recommended under the guidelines. Id.
According to Mr. Muñoz, the district court should have made particularized findings when adopting thе conditions recommended under the guidelines. But we held in Martinez-Torres that particularized findings are unnecessary for the conditions recommended under the guidelines. Id.
Mr. Muñoz also argues that the district court mistakenly thought our precedents required it to impose the standard conditions. We reject this argument.
Mr. Muñoz‘s argument is based on a single sentence by the district court: “I have followed my understanding of Tenth Circuit laws in imposing the conditions.” R. vol. III, at 34. In context, however, the district court was apparently acknowledging that the Tenth Circuit had not yet addressed the need for particularized findings when imposing standard conditions. Based on the absence of precedent requiring рarticularized findings, the court deferred to the government‘s request to impose the
In these circumstances, we reject Mr. Muñoz‘s procedural challenges to the standard conditions.
III. Disposition
We affirm.
