United States v. Smith

Case: 22-51047 Document: 112-1 Page: 1 Date Filed: 02/02/2026

United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ____________

United States Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit No. 22-51047

Summary Calendar FILED ____________ February 2, 2026 Lyle W. Cayce United States of America, Clerk Plaintiff—Appellee, versus

Donovan Smith,

Defendant—Appellant. ______________________________

Appeal from the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas USDC No. 1:19-CR-213-1 ______________________________

Before Davis, Jones, and Ho, Circuit Judges.

Per Curiam: *

Donovan Smith appeals his guilty plea conviction for possession of a firearm after a felony conviction in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). He argues the statute of conviction violates the Commerce Clause and the Second Amendment. The Government moves to dismiss the appeal based on the appeal waiver in Smith’s written plea agreement. We review de novo Case: 22-51047 Document: 112-1 Page: 2 Date Filed: 02/02/2026

No. 22-51047 whether the waiver bars the instant appeal. See United States v. Keele, 755 F.3d 752, 754 (5th Cir. 2014). The record reflects that during the plea colloquy, Smith repeatedly indicated that he had read and understood the plea agreement and the appeal waiver, which is explicit, unambiguous, and by its plain language bars any challenge to the constitutionality of the statute of conviction. The waiver was therefore knowing and voluntary. See id.; United States v. Nyandoro, 146 F.4th 448, 462 (5th Cir. 2025), petition for cert. filed (U.S. Nov. 20, 2025) (No. 25-6218). Insofar as Smith argues that we should apply a miscarriage- of-justice exception to his appeal waiver, “we have never adopted such an exception,” Nyandoro, 146 F.4th at 463, and we do not apply one in this case, see id. at 463 & n.67. 1

The Government’s motion to dismiss is GRANTED and its alternative motions for summary affirmance or for an extension of time to file a brief are DENIED. The appeal is DISMISSED.