United States v. Jones

Case: 24-10569 Document: 45-1 Page: 1 Date Filed: 02/17/2025

United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ____________ United States Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit

No. 24-10569

FILED February 17, 2025 Summary Calendar ____________ Lyle W. Cayce Clerk United States of America,

Plaintiff—Appellee, versus

Melissa Ladean Jones,

Defendant—Appellant. ______________________________

Appeal from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas USDC No. 4:23-CR-333-6 ______________________________

Before Richman, Douglas, and Ramirez, Circuit Judges.

Per Curiam:*

The attorney appointed to represent Melissa Ladean Jones has moved for leave to withdraw and has filed a brief in accordance with Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738 (1967), and United States v. Flores, 632 F.3d 229 (5th Cir. 2011). Jones has not filed a response.

Case: 24-10569 Document: 45-1 Page: 2 Date Filed: 02/17/2025

No. 24-10569

We have reviewed counsel’s brief and the relevant portions of the record reflected therein. Although we concur with counsel’s assessment that the appeal presents no nonfrivolous issue for appellate review, counsel is reminded for future cases of his obligation to certify that the Government would rely on the defendant’s appellate waiver in the particular case before moving to withdraw on that basis. See United States v. Davis, 530 F.3d 318, 321 (5th Cir. 2008). We also remind counsel of his obligation to meaningfully address the district court’s application of the Sentencing Guidelines and compliance with Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 32. See Anders Guidelines, 1-2.

Accordingly, counsel’s motion for leave to withdraw is GRANTED, counsel is excused from further responsibilities herein, and the appeal is DISMISSED. See 5th Cir. R. 42.2.