United States v. Misael Rodriguez

Defendant Misael Rodriguez argues on this appeal that the district court improperly held that he could not obtain a reduction of his offense level for “acceptance of responsibility” under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, U.S.S.G. § 3E1.1, because he pled guilty while maintaining his innocence under what is known as an “Alford plea.” Although we are inclined to think that such a per se rule would not be consistent with the intent of the guidelines, it is not necessary to address the question in this case. A review of the record reveals that the sentencing judge did not treat the Alford plea…