United States v. Watson

CAMERON MCGOWAN CURRIE

This matter is before the court on Defendant's Motion to compel the Government to file a Rule 35 motion. ECF No. 1085. The Government has responded in opposition, and this matter is ripe for resolution.

Under Rule 35(b), the decision to move for reduction of sentence is solely in the discretion of the Government. The district court is without authority to compel such a motion unless the Government's failure to file resulted from an unconstitutional motive or was not rationally related to a legitimate government goal. Wade v. United States, 504 U.S. 181, 185-86 (1992); United States v. Butler, 272 F.3d 683, 686 (4th Cir. 2001). Defendant must make a "substantial threshold showing," Wade, 504 U.S. at 186, of either of these elements which should constitute more than a recitation of the assistance provided.

Defendant has not provided any evidence of a breach of the plea agreement by the Government, nor has he made a "substantial threshold showing" relating to either element noted above. Therefore, for this reason, and for the reasons noted by the Government in its response,

Defendant's motion is denied without prejudice.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

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CAMERON MCGOWAN CURRIE

UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

Columbia, South Carolina

June 1, 2012