• Oral Argument heard on March 4, 2009.
• Issue: When a defendant accidentally discharges a firearm during a crime of violence or drug trafficking, is it still subject to a ten-year sentencing enhancement under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(iii)?
• Background: On November 10, 2004, Christopher Michael Dean robbed a bank while carrying a pistol. While Dean was behind the counter, quickly grabbing money from a drawer, he accidentally discharged his gun into his right hand. Dean argues that his conviction was erroneous because § 924(c)(1)(A)(iii), which enhances the sentence of a defendant who discharges a firearm, includes an intent element.