United States V. Rodriquez - Procedural History

Procedural History

Rodriquez was convicted in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of the ACCA. The District Court held that respondent's drug-trafficking convictions were not convictions for "serious drug offense" under ACCA because the "maximum term of imprisonment" is determined without reference to recidivist enhancements. On appeal, the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed, holding that "the maximum term of imprisonment ... prescribed by law" must be determined without taking recidivist enhancements into account. The Supreme Court granted certiorari.