United States of America
Respondent
Paul D. Clement, Counsel of Record In 1986, the U.S. Congressamended the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) of 1984 to greatly enhancepenalties for felons who illegally possess a firearm and have three priorconvictions “fora violent felony or a serious drug offense.The law raised sentences from a maximum of 10 years in prison to a minimum of15 years. In 2004, New Mexico police arrested Larry Begay for possession of afirearm as a felon and, because of three prior convictions for felony drivingunder the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs (DUI), he was sentenced to15 years in jail. He appealed his sentence…
