Source: http://nc.findacase.com/research/wfrmDocViewer.aspx/xq/fac.20180416_0001172.ENC.htm/qx
Timestamp: 2019-01-24 13:03:08
Document Index: 704950230

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 2255', '§ 922', '§ 924', '§ 5', '§ 3553', '§ 924', '§ 924', '§ 924', '§ 924']

ERIC LAMONT PHILLIPS, Petitioner,
This matter is before the court on the government's motion to dismiss, [DE #44], petitioner's motion to vacate his sentence under 28 U.S.C. § 2255, [DE #37]. Petitioner has filed a response, [DE #47]. Petitioner has also filed a motion to run sentences concurrently. [DE #36]. This matter is ripe for adjudication.
On February 10, 2015, petitioner pled guilty, pursuant to a written plea agreement, to a one-count indictment charging him with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prior convicted felon in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924. [DE #1 and #21] . Prior to sentencing, petitioner filed a motion for new counsel, [DE #29], alleging he was not advised of the penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 924(e), but this motion was denied as defendant advised in open court at his sentencing that he wished to proceed with his current attorney. On June 9, 2015, the court sentenced petitioner to a term of imprisonment of 120 months, following the granting of the government's motion for downward departure under USSG § 5K1.1 and 18 U.S.C. § 3553(e). [DE #25 and #30]. The court entered its judgment on June 18, 2015, and defendant did not file a notice of appeal. On June 16, 2016, petitioner timely filed a motion to vacate his sentence, asserting the following two claims: (1) he was not an armed career criminal as his predicate offenses were not violent felonies and (2) he did not knowingly and voluntarily enter a plea of guilty.
I. Motion to Vacate, [DE #37]
Petitioner first alleges, in light of Johnson v. United States, 235 S.Ct. 2551 (2015), he is no longer an armed career criminal as his two convictions for North Carolina robbery with a dangerous weapon and one conviction of North Carolina breaking and entering are not qualifying predicate offenses to designate him as an armed career criminal under 18 U.S.C. § 924(e), the Armed Career Criminal Act, ("ACCA").
North Carolina robbery with a dangerous weapon is a violent felony under the force clause of ACCA. United States v. Smith, 638 F. App'x 216, 219 (4th Cir. Jan. 26, 2016) (per curiam). North Carolina breaking and entering is a violent felony under the enumerated offenses clause of ACCA. United States v. Mungro, 754 F.3d 267, 272 (4th Cir. 2014). Therefore, petitioner has three convictions that qualify as violent felonies to satisfy the requirement for categorizing him as an armed career criminal under ACCA. 18 U.S.C. § 924(e)(1). Therefore, the government's motion to dismiss is granted as to this claim.
B. Entry of Plea
In his response to the government's motion to dismiss, petitioner alleges due to the "misdirection" of counsel, he was not advised of the penalties associated with a § 924(e) violation. [DE #47 at 1-2].
To the extent petitioner argues the ineffective assistance of counsel before the entry of his written plea agreement, signed by petitioner and his counsel, the court notes petitioner's written plea agreement expressly provided,
[i]f the defendant's criminal history subjects the defendant to the sentencing enhancement of 18 U.S.C. § 924(e), then the applicable penalties in lieu of ...