United States v. Gutierrez-Bautista, __ F.3d __, 2007 WL 2153214 (5th Cir. Jul. 27, 2007) (Georgia conviction for violation of Ga.Code Ann. 16-13-31(e) (1999), punishing any "person who knowingly sells, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state or has possession of 28 grams or more of methamphetamine" is categorically a "drug trafficking" offense for illegal re-entry sentencing purposes, because Georgias sentencing laws impute an intent to distribute to a conviction for possession of 28 grams or more of methamphetamine.) Note: while the appellant raised the issue of whether the prior offenses must be found by a jury to convict of illegal re-entry, the appellant apparently did not raise the issue of whether Georgias sentencing scheme could alter the nature of the offense (from simple possession to drug trafficking), absent as specific finding by a jury.

jurisdiction: 
Fifth Circuit

 

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