Source: http://mo.findacase.com/research/wfrmDocViewer.aspx/xq/fac.20140729_0001156.EMO.htm/qx
Timestamp: 2017-08-22 01:29:02
Document Index: 354763691

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 2255', '§ 922', '§ 924', '§ 2255', '§ 2255', '§ 2255', '§ 2255', '§ 2255', '§ 2255', '§ 2255', '§ 2255']

JAMES E. BOYCE, Movant,
This matter is before the Court on pro se Movant James E. Motion under 28 U.S.C. § 2255 to Vacate, Set Aside, or Correct Sentence by a Person in Federal Custody, filed November 18, 2013. (ECF No. 1).
By way of background, on January 9, 2009, Movant pled guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). The Plea Agreement expressly provided that both parties reserved the right to appeal all sentencing issues. (Cause No. 4:08CR578 JCH, ECF No. 27, P. 3). The Plea Agreement also state that "[t]he Defendant understands that the Government may move for an upward departure based upon the inadequacy of the criminal history category pursuant to U.S.S.G. sec.4A1.3." (Id.). The Plea Agreement further made clear that it was possible Movant would be an Armed Career Criminal pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 924(e), and as a result would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years. (Id., PP. 6, 7-8, 10-11).
Following extensive briefing and an evidentiary hearing, this Court adopted the conclusion of the United States Probation Office in its Presentence Investigation Report that Movant was not an Armed Career Criminal. (Cause No. 4:08CR578 JCH, ECF No. 62). The Court then sentenced Movant to 37 months imprisonment, followed by supervised release for two years. (Id., ECF No. 63).
The Government appealed Movant's sentence to the Eighth Cicuit Court of Appeals, challenging this Court's determination that Movant was not an Armed Career Criminal. On February 28, 2011, the Eighth Circuit issued its judgment reversing the decision of this Court. (Cause No. 4:08CR578 JCH, ECF No. 75). The Court then resentenced Movant on April 23, 2013, to a term of 180 months imprisonment, followed by three years supervised release. (Id., ECF No. 138). pro se direct appeal of the Amended Judgment was denied as untimely. (Id., ECF No. 145).
In the instant § 2255 Motion, filed November 18, 2013, Movant alleges he received ineffective assistance of counsel, in that his counsel failed to file a notice of appeal.[1]
STANDARDS GOVERNING MOTIONS UNDER 28 U.S.C. § 2255
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2255, a federal prisoner may seek relief on the ground that the sentence was imposed in violation of the Constitution or laws of the United States, or that the court was without jurisdiction to impose such sentence, or that the sentence was in excess of the maximum authorized by law, or is otherwise subject to collateral attack... 28 U.S.C. § 2255(a). Claims based on a federal statute or rule, rather than on a specific constitutional guarantee, can be raised on collateral review only if the alleged error constituted a fundamental defect which inherently results in a complete miscarriage of justice. Reed v. Farley, 512 U.S. 339, 354, 114 S.Ct. 2291, 129 L.Ed.2d 277 (1994) (citations omitted).[2]
The Court must hold an evidentiary hearing to consider claims in a § 2255 motion [u]nless the motion and the files and records of the case conclusively show that the prisoner is entitled to no relief. Shaw v. United States, 24 F.3d 1040, 1043 (8th Cir. 1994) (quoting 28 U.S.C. § 2255). Thus, a movant is entitled to an evidentiary hearing when the facts alleged, if true, would entitle him to relief. Payne v. United States, 78 F.3d 343, 347 (8th Cir. 1996) (quoting Wade v. Armontrout, 798 F.2d 304, 306 (8th Cir. 1986)). The Court may dismiss a claim without an evidentiary hearing if the claim is inadequate on its face or if the record affirmatively refutes the factual assertions upon which it is based. Shaw, 24 F.3d at 1043 (citation omitted).
As stated above, in his § 2255 Motion Movant maintains he received ineffective assistance of counsel, in that his counsel failed to file a notice of appeal. An attorney's failure to file a notice of appeal after being instructed to do so by his client constitutes ineffective assistance entitling the [movant] to § 2255 relief. Evans v. United States, 2006 WL 1300672, at *5 (E.D. Mo. May 8, 2006). No inquiry into prejudice or likely success on appeal is necessary. Id. (citing Holloway v. United States, 960 F.2d 1348, 1356-57 (8th Cir. 1992)).
The appropriate remedy is to remand for re-sentencing, thus affording the [movant] an opportunity to take a timely direct appeal. Barger v. United States, 204 F.3d 1180, 1182 (8th Cir. 2000). For such a claim to succeed, however, Movant must show that he instructed his counsel to file an appeal. See Holloway, 960 F.2d at 1357. Id. The critical question, then, is whether Movant specifically asked his lawyer to file a notice of appeal. Id.[3] Upon consideration of the foregoing, the Court will hold an evidentiary hearing, in order to determine the facts relating to ...