Source: http://ca10.washburnlaw.edu/cases/2000/10/00-3182.htm
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 02:01:44+00:00

Document:
Appellant Darren Eugene Perkins, a state inmate appearing pro se, appeals the district court's decision denying his habeas petition filed under 28 U.S.C. § 2254. In denying the petition, the district court found Mr. Perkins' claims inappropriate for federal habeas corpus review because he challenged only the application of state law in calculating his sentence.
On appeal, Mr. Perkins raises the same issue addressed by the district court. Specifically, he alleges the state trial court improperly computed his sentence under provisions of the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines Act, Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 21-4701 to 4728.
"In conducting habeas review, a federal court is limited to deciding whether a conviction violated the Constitution, laws or treaties of the United States." Estelle v. McGuire, 502 U.S. 62, 68 (1991). "Relief under 28 U.S.C. § 2254 does not lie for errors of state law." Richmond v. Embry, 122 F.3d 866, 870 (10th Cir. 1997) (denying consideration of petitioner's claims based on violations of state law.).
A review of the record establishes Mr. Perkins' claims of error are premised on alleged violations of state sentencing laws. Therefore, his claims are not actionable under § 2254 and do not demonstrate a substantial showing of the denial of a federal constitutional right, as required under 28 U.S.C. § 2253(c)(2).
Accordingly, we deny Mr. Perkins' request for a certificate of appealability and DISMISS his appeal.

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