Salinas v. United States (2005)
- Docket
- 05-8400
- Decided
- 2005-01-01
Summary
Question: Is a prior conviction of simple possession of a controlled substance a “controlled substance offense” for sentencing purposes? Conclusion: In a per curiam decision, the Court held that simple possession of a controlled substance did not constitute a “controlled substance offense.” Because the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines states that possession of a controlled substance must be accompanied by “intent to manufacture, import, export, distribute or dispense,” Salinas’ conviction for simple possession did not qualify.