United States v. Castanon
Opinion
Rene Guillermo Castanon appeals from his conviction of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Castanon, for the first time on appeal, contends that the adjustments to his offense level violated Blakely v. Washington, — U.S.-, 124 S.Ct. 2531, 159 L.Ed.2d 403 (2004), and constituted plain error. Castanon correctly concedes that his argument is foreclosed by United States v. Pineiro, 377 F.3d 464 (2004), petition for cert. filed (U.S. July 14, 2004) (No. 04-5263), but he raises the issue to preserve it for further review.
*228 Castanon contends that„ the district court erred by not awarding him a two-level “safety-valve” adjustment; by adjusting his offense level for an aggravating role; and by failing to adjust his offense level for a mitigating role. Castanon argues that his waiver of the right to appeal his sentence was unknowing and involuntary because he suffered from unspecified psychiatric problems.
The record indicates that Castanon’s waiver was knowing and voluntary. See United States v. Robinson, 187 F.3d 516, 518 & n. 2 (5th Cir. 1999). The record does not support Castanon’s assertion that he was impaired by a psychiatric condition. Because Castanon waived the right to appeal his sentence, we do not address his contentions regarding application of the sentencing guidelines.
AFFIRMED.
Pursuant to 5th Cir. R. 47,5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5th Cir. R. 47.5.4.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Rene Guillermo CASTANON, Defendant-Appellee
- Status
- Unpublished