Source: http://tn.findacase.com/research/wfrmDocViewer.aspx/xq/fac.20190611_0000671.ETN.htm/qx
Timestamp: 2019-09-15 06:30:17
Document Index: 642613030

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 2255', '§ 922', '§ 4', '§ 2255', '§ 2255', '§ 2255', '§ 2255', '§ 2255', '§ 2255', '§ 2253', '§ 2253']

CHRISTIAN LLOYD GOINS, Petitioner,
This matter is before the Court on Petitioner Christian Lloyd Goins' motion to vacate, set aside, or correct sentence 28 U.S.C. § 2255, and the United States' motion to deny and dismiss same. Having considered the pleadings and the record, along with the relevant law, the Court finds that it is unnecessary to hold an evidentiary hearing[1] in this matter. The United States' motion to deny the petition and dismiss this action will be granted
Christian Goins was convicted of possessing a firearm as a felon in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and was sentenced to 72 months' imprisonment [Doc. 25 in No. 3:14- CR-95]. His United States Sentencing Guidelines (“Guideline(s)”) range was based, in part, on a prior conviction that was classified as a “crime of violence” under Guideline § 4B1.2 [Doc. 19 in No. 3:14-CR-95].
In September of 2016, Goins filed a § 2255 motion contesting his sentence in light of the Supreme Court's decision in Johnson v. United States, 135 S.Ct. 2551 (2015), which invalidated the so-called residual clause of the Armed Career Criminal Act defining a “violent felony.” Johnson, 135 S.Ct. at 2563 [Doc. 1]. Goins argues that Johnson's reasoning invalidated his enhanced sentence for a “crime of violence” under the Guidelines, thus entitling him to a reduced sentence.
Thereafter, the United States filed a motion to defer ruling on the § 2255 motion pending the Supreme Court's decision in Beckles v. United States, 137 S.Ct. 886 (2017), which was poised to address whether the Guidelines were subject to a vagueness challenge, and if so, whether any rule so finding would be retroactively applied [Doc. 2]. On March 6, 2017, the Supreme Court decided Beckles, holding that the advisory sentencing Guidelines are not subject to vagueness challenges under the Due Process Clause. Beckles, 137 S.Ct. at 895. Based on Beckles, the United States filed a motion to deny Goins' § 2255 motion and dismiss this action with prejudice [Doc. 3].
Becklescategorically forecloses Goins' claim that the Guidelines provision considered in his sentencing is unconstitutionally vague. See Beckles, 137 S.Ct. at 895. Accordingly, Goins has failed to state a claim upon which relief may be granted under 28 U.S.C. § 2255.
When considering a § 2255 motion, this Court must “issue or deny a certificate of appealability when it enters a final order adverse to the applicant.” Rule 11 of the Rules Governing Section 2255 Proceedings for the United States District Courts. Goins must obtain a COA before he may appeal the denial of his § 2255 motion. 28 U.S.C. § 2253(c)(1)(B). A COA will issue “only if the applicant has made a substantial showing of the denial of a constitutional right.” 28 U.S.C. § 2253(c)(2). For cases rejected on their merits, a movant “must demonstrate that reasonable jurists would find the district court's assessment of the constitutional claims debatable or wrong” to warrant a COA. Slack v. McDaniel, 529 U.S. 473, 484 (2000). To obtain a COA on a claim that has been rejected on procedural grounds, a movant must demonstrate “that jurists of reason would find it debatable whether the petition states a valid claim of the denial of a constitutional right and that jurists of reason would find it debatable whether the district court was correct in its procedural ruling.” Id. Based on the Slack criteria, the Court finds that a COA should not issue in this cause.
Moreover, The Court CERTIFIES that any appeal from this action would not be taken in good faith and would be frivolous. Fed. R. App. 24. Therefore, Petitioner will be DENIED leave to proceed in forma pauperis on appeal, should he file for one. Fed. R. App. P. 24.