United States v. Bullock
Opinion
OPINION
Joseph Bullock appeals the district court’s order on remand granting specific performance as the remedy for the United States’ breach of its plea agreement with him. In a brief filed by counsel pursuant to Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738, 87 S.Ct. 1396,18 L.Ed.2d 493 (1967), * Bullock argues the district court should have deferred to his preference of rescission in selecting a remedy. We disagree.
Bullock contends the concurring opinions in Santobello v. New York, 404 U.S. 257, 263, 92 S.Ct. 495, 30 L.Ed.2d 427 (1971), indicate a district court should consider the defendant’s preference in selecting a remedy for a breach of a plea agreement. Based on our review of the record and the relevant case law, however, we find this contention unpersuasive. Courts consistently confer upon district courts unfettered discretion in selecting a remedy for a breach of a plea agreement. See, e.g., United States v. Jureidini 846 F.2d 964, 965-66 (4th Cir. 1988). Furthermore, we find the timing and context of Bullock’s request to vacate his plea agreement attenuates his reliance on those concurring opinions. See Santobello, 404 U.S. at 267, 268. Nor do we find other error in the *914 district court’s finding that Bullock was entitled only to specific performance of his plea agreement.
We have examined the entire record in this case in accordance with the requirements of Anders and find no meritorious issues for appeal. Accordingly, we affirm the district court’s order granting specific performance.
This court requires that counsel inform his client, in writing, of his right to petition the Supreme Court of the United States for further review. If the client requests that a petition be filed, but counsel believes that such a petition would be frivolous, then counsel may move in this court for leave to withdraw from representation. Counsel’s motion must state that a copy thereof was served on the client. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before the court and argument would not aid the decisional process.
AFFIRMED.
Bullock was notified of his right to file a pro se supplemental brief, but he has not done so.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Joseph BULLOCK, Defendant-Appellant
- Status
- Unpublished