Free Newsletter
Criminal Law: Possession with Intent to Distribute-Safety Valve Relief-Eligibility
Staff Report//July 9, 2026//
Defendant appealed the sentence imposed following his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute, arguing that the district court erred in finding him ineligible for safety valve relief because other conduct was relevant conduct to the offense, he possessed multiple firearms, and he was an organizer, leader, manager or supervisor. Defendant also challenged the application of “dangerous weapon” and “aggravating role” enhancements.
Where the district court expressly stated that it would have imposed the same sentence absent the determinations challenged by defendant, any error was harmless.
Judgment is affirmed.
U.S. v. Cox (MLW No. 85053/Case No. 25-1770 – 3 pages) (U.S. Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit, per curiam) Appealed from U.S. District Court, Western District of Arkansas, Hickey, J.
Latest Opinion Digests
- Insurance-Interpleader-Competing Claims to Insurance Proceeds
- Employer-Employee-Discrimination-Hostile Work Environment
- Criminal Law-Rape-Oral and Written Judgments
- Torts-Defamation-Official Immunity
- Real Property-Adverse Possession-Oral Agreement for Sale
- Domestic Relations-Termination of Parental Rights-Parental Unfitness
- Criminal Law-Violation of Order of Protection-Scope of Cross-Examination
- Criminal Law-Resisting Arrest-Sufficiency of Evidence
- Criminal Law-Post-Conviction Relief-Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
- Domestic Relations-Dissolution-Property Division
- Criminal Law-Assault-Self-Defense
Top stories
- Supreme Court rejects bright-line rule on FAA worker exemption
- 2026 Unsung Legal Heroes: Publisher’s Letter, honorees
- Driver in accident settles negligence suit with other motorist
- Verdicts may fuel Missouri social media claims
- Judge Anthony Rex Gabbert retiring after 32 years
- Severe motorcycle crash nets seven-figure settlement
- Defense avoids $21M demand after client accused of stealing intellectual property
- COA reverses summary judgment on discrimination claims
