United States v. Vincent Lopez

On June 15, 1982, Lopez pleaded guilty before Judge Robert W. Sweet to two counts of conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371 (1976). Each count carried a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine, giving rise to a total exposure of ten years imprisonment and a $20,000 fine. At sentencing on November 15, 1982, Judge Sweet mistakenly believed that each count carried a possible ten year penalty and imposed a six year term on each count, to be served concurrently. Lopez immediately surrendered to the custody of the United…