Source: http://nc.findacase.com/research/wfrmDocViewer.aspx/xq/fac.20140822_0000926.ENC.htm/qx
Timestamp: 2017-10-20 19:25:29
Document Index: 472743418

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 2255', '§ 636', '§846', '§ 924', '§ 2255', '§ 2255', '§ 924']

THOMAS EARL SMITH, Petitioner,
This matter comes before the court on petitioner's motion pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2255 to vacate, set aside, or correct sentence (DE 42, 44), and the government's motion to dismiss the petition as untimely. (DE 47). In accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1) and Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 72(b), United States Magistrate Judge William A. Webb entered memorandum and recommendation (M&R) wherein it is recommended that the court grant the government's motion to dismiss and deny petitioner's motion. Petitioner filed objections to the M&R. In this posture, the matter is ripe for ruling.
Petitioner pled guilty pursuant to a written plea agreement to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of cocaine base (crack) and a quantity of cocaine in violation of 21 U.S.C. §846 (count 1); and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A) (count 3). On February 25, 2011, the court sentenced petitioner to 90 months imprisonment on count 1 and 45 months imprisonment on count 3, to be served consecutively, producing a total term of 135 months. Petitioner did not appeal. On August 27, 2012, petitioner filed a motion for leave to file a motion under 28 U.S.C. § 2255(f)(3), which the court construed, upon notice given, as a motion to vacate, set aside, or correct sentence, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2255. Petitioner asserts claims that he received ineffective assistance of counsel at the time of his plea, and that he is actually innocent of the § 924 offense. The government moves to dismiss on the basis that the petition is untimely.