US v. Acevedo-Rodriguez

Circuit 1Jun 16, 2026

Split Score

SplitScore: 57/100

Case Summary

Disposition

Affirmed

The First Circuit affirmed a 207-month sentence imposed on Brian Jeriel Acevedo-Rodríguez for a string of Hobbs Act robberies and carjackings after the district court resentenced him when one § 924(c) firearm conviction was vacated. The court held that the resentencing was both procedurally and substantively reasonable, rejecting arguments that the judge failed to justify an above-Guidelines sentence or to consider mitigating factors.

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Circuit Split Identified

Legal Issue

Whether 18 U.S.C. § 3296 authorizes the government to reinstate counts dismissed under a plea agreement when only the conviction—not the guilty plea—is later vacated on the defendant’s collateral attack.

Circuit Positions

Circuit 1(this circuit)Circuit 6Circuit 8Circuit 10

§ 3296 applies to collateral vacatur of a conviction; dismissed counts may be reinstated.

Circuit 4

Applicability of § 3296 in this context is doubtful or rejected.

Conflict Summary

The First, Sixth, Eighth, and Tenth Circuits read § 3296 broadly, permitting reinstatement of dismissed counts after a conviction is vacated on collateral review, whereas the Fourth Circuit has expressed skepticism, questioning whether the statute applies when the guilty plea itself is not vacated.

Parties & Counsel

Parties

Appellant:Brian Jeriel Acevedo-Rodríguez
Appellee:United States

Legal Counsel

Appellant:Robert F. Hennessy, Schnipper Hennessy, PC
Appellee:Juan Carlos Reyes-Ramos, Assistant U.S. Attorney; W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney