United States v. Velasquez-Vera

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
United States v. Velasquez-Vera, 212 F. App'x 651 (9th Cir. 2006)

United States v. Velasquez-Vera

Opinion of the Court

MEMORANDUM **

Fernando Velasquez-Vera appeals from his guilty-plea conviction and 30-month sentence imposed for illegal re-entry after deportation, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326.

Pursuant to Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738, 87 S.Ct. 1396, 18 L.Ed.2d 493 (1967), counsel for Velasquez-Vera has filed a brief stating there are no grounds for relief, and a motion to withdraw as counsel of record. No pro se supplemental brief has been filed.

Because our independent review of the record pursuant to Penson v. Ohio, 488 *652U.S. 75, 82-83, 109 S.Ct. 346, 102 L.Ed.2d 300 (1988), indicates that Velasquez-Vera knowingly and voluntarily waived his right to appeal and was sentenced within the terms of the plea agreement, we enforce the waiver and dismiss the appeal. See United States v. Nguyen, 235 F.3d 1179, 1182 (9th Cir. 2000) (stating that an appeal waiver is valid when it is entered knowingly and voluntarily); see also United States v. Cardenas, 405 F.3d 1046, 1048 (9th Cir. 2005) (noting that the changes in sentencing law imposed by United States v. Booker, 543 U.S. 220, 125 S.Ct. 738, 160 L.Ed.2d 621 (2005), did not render waiver of appeal involuntary and unknowing).

Counsel’s motion to withdraw is GRANTED.

The appeal is DISMISSED.

This disposition is not appropriate for publication and may not be cited to or by the courts of this circuit except as provided by 9 th Cir. R. 36-3.

Reference

Full Case Name
UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff—Appellee v. Fernando VELASQUEZ-VERA, Defendant—Appellant
Status
Published