United States v. Hammer

RICHARD S. ARNOLD, Chief Judge.

In this case five defendants, each of whom pleaded guilty, appeal their sentences for drug-related crimes. One of the principal questions presented is the constitutionality of the continuing-eriminal-enterprise statute, 21 U.S.C. § 848(b), which provides for a mandatory life sentence for someone whose enterprise involves 30 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. We hold that the statute is valid.

Issues are also presented as to the proper procedure to be used in sentencing under the United States Sentencing Guidelines. In United States v.…