United States v. Myers

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
United States v. Myers, 153 F. App'x 898 (4th Cir. 2005)

United States v. Myers

Opinion

PER CURIAM:

Craig Lamont Myers pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, in viola *899 tion of 21 U.S.C. § 846 (2000), and the district court sentenced him to 210 months’ imprisonment. Myers appeals, contending that his sentence, which was imposed under the then-mandatory federal sentencing guidelines, violates United States v. Book er, — U.S. -, 125 S.Ct. 738, 160 L.Ed.2d 621 (2005). The Government asserts that Myers validly waived the right to appeal his sentence in the plea agreement. We agree with the Government and dismiss the appeal.

A defendant may waive the right to appeal if that waiver is knowing and intelligent. United States v. Brown, 232 F.3d 399, 402-03 (4th Cir. 2000). To determine whether a waiver is knowing and intelligent, we examine “the totality of the circumstances, including the experience and conduct of the accused, as well as the accused’s educational background and familiarity with the terms of the plea agreement.” United States v. General, 278 F.3d 389, 400 (4th Cir. 2002) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). We review de novo the question of whether a defendant validly waived his right to appeal. United States v. Blick, 408 F.3d 162, 168 (4th Cir. 2005).

Our review of the plea agreement and the hearing conducted pursuant to Fed. R.Crim.P. 11 leads us to conclude that Myers knowingly and voluntarily waived his right to appeal. See General, 278 F.3d at 400-01; see also Blick, 408 F.3d at 169-73 (holding that a plea agreement containing a waiver of the right to appeal, which was accepted by district court prior to the Supreme Court’s decision in Booker, was not invalidated by change in law effected by that decision). Moreover, Myers’ claim under Booker falls within the scope of the waiver. See Blick, 408 F.3d at 170 (holding Booker claim is covered by appellate waiver).

Accordingly, we dismiss the appeal. 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.

DISMISSED

Reference

Full Case Name
UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff—Appellee, v. Craig Lamont MYERS, Defendant—Appellant
Status
Unpublished