United States v. Martin Camacho
Opinion
Martin Camacho appeals his guilty plea conviction and sentence for illegal reentry following deportation in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. Camacho argues that his guilty plea, which included an appeal waiver, was unknowing and involuntary. Specifically, he asserts that the district court sentenced him under § 1326(b)(2) for a prior aggravated felony conviction, but admonished him under § 1326(b)(1), thus misleading him to believe that he would be sentenced based only on a prior non-aggravated felony conviction.
Camacho originally raised three issues on appeal, but has moved to abandon two of his issues, which he states lack merit following correction of the transcript of the rearraignment hearing.
The Government moves to dismiss on the basis that Camacho waived his right to appeal. A waiver does not operate to bar a claim that a waiver or the plea agreement in which it is set forth was unknowing or involuntary. See United, States v. Cmreon-Ibarra, 673 F.3d 358, 362 n. 3 (5th Cir. 2012).
Because Camacho did not raise the vol-untariness of his plea in the district court, we review only for plain error. United States v. Vonn, 535 U.S. 55, 59, 122 S.Ct. 1043, 152 L.Ed.2d 90 (2002). The record reflects that the district court sentenced Camacho under § 1326(b)(1). Camacho’s indictment, plea agreement, presentence report, and judgment all cite § 1326(b)(1). At rearraignment, therefore, the district court appropriately advised Camacho of his maximum sentence under § 1326(b)(1). Thus, Camacho’s guilty plea was knowing and voluntary. See Fed. R. Crim. P. 11(b)(1)(H); United States v. Reyes, 300 F.3d 555, 558 (5th Cir. 2002).
Camacho’s motion to abandon two appellate issues is GRANTED. The Government’s motion to dismiss the appeal is DENIED. The Government’s alternative motion for an extension of time in which to file its appellee’s brief is DENIED. The judgment of the district court is AFFIRMED.
Pursuant to 5th Cm. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5th Cir. R. 47.5.4.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. Martin CAMACHO, Also Known as Martin Salinas-Gabina, Also Known as Jose Camacho-Sanchez, Defendant-Appellant
- Status
- Unpublished