The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld an 84-month prison sentence for Charles Times, a man with a lengthy criminal history, who pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. This ruling, filed on November 13, 2026, affects Times, who has faced numerous legal issues over the years, and highlights the court's stance on repeat offenders and their impact on public safety.

Times, who has been in and out of the criminal justice system since 1993, was sentenced after the government sought an upward variance of 87 months due to his extensive criminal record. The court's decision is significant as it demonstrates the judiciary's commitment to addressing repeat offenders and the dangers they pose to society.

Background

Charles Times, the defendant in this case, has a long history of criminal activity. He first encountered the legal system at the age of 17 for driving with a revoked license. Over the years, he accumulated 25 convictions for similar offenses, along with charges for driving while intoxicated, drug possession, and even a second-degree murder conviction for killing his father-in-law in 2008.

After serving time for his murder conviction, Times was released on parole in January 2024. However, he was soon found in possession of firearms multiple times, despite being a convicted felon. In April 2024, police discovered him intoxicated in a vehicle with a loaded handgun. A month later, he was arrested again for erratic driving while admitting to having a gun and having recently consumed alcohol.

In June 2024, Times was indicted for two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He eventually entered a plea agreement, which led to the dismissal of one count and a recommendation for a maximum sentence of 87 months. At sentencing, the district court calculated a guidelines range of 51 to 63 months but ultimately imposed an 84-month sentence based on Times' extensive criminal history.

The Ruling

The Eighth Circuit, consisting of Chief Judge Colloton and Circuit Judges L.R. Smith and Justin D. Smith, reviewed Times' appeal. Times argued that the district court made procedural errors during sentencing by relying on erroneous facts. However, the court ruled that Times failed to demonstrate that the district court clearly erred in its statements or that any error affected his substantial rights.

The court ruled, "Times has not shown that the district court clearly erred in its statements or that any error affected his substantial rights."

The judges noted that the district court's comments regarding Times' behavior were supported by his criminal history. They found that the district court had accurately summarized Times' past conduct, including his repeated offenses involving firearms and alcohol.

The court also stated that even if Times had established that the district court's statements were not sufficiently supported by the record, he would still need to show a reasonable probability that, without the alleged errors, he would have received a more favorable sentence. The court concluded that he did not meet this burden.

Impact

This ruling is significant as it reinforces the principle that repeat offenders can face harsher penalties due to their past actions. The Eighth Circuit's affirmation of the 84-month sentence sends a clear message about the legal system's approach to individuals who repeatedly violate the law, especially concerning firearms. It underscores the importance of public safety and the need to incapacitate individuals who pose a danger to the community.

The decision may also influence future cases involving similar circumstances, as it highlights the court's willingness to impose longer sentences on defendants with extensive criminal histories. This could lead to stricter enforcement of laws regarding firearms possession for felons and a more rigorous examination of the facts presented during sentencing.

What's Next

Details were not available in the court filing regarding whether Times plans to appeal the ruling. As of now, there are no related cases pending that could impact this decision.