Opinion ID: 166594
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Language of the agreement

Text: Clearly, the language of the plea agreement encompasses this appeal. The government states that broad language of the waiver – that the “defendant expressly waives the right to appeal defendant’s sentence on any ground, except to challenge an upward departure from the applicable guideline range as determined by the court” – clearly demonstrates his intent to waive all potential issues on appeal, except for the one basis specifically exempted. (Emphasis 1 We note that the plea agreement is not in the record. Mr. Golden does not dispute this recitation of para. 22, taken from the government’s brief, is correct. See Aple’s Br. at 13. -5- added). The defendant does not contest this language is part of the plea agreement. Because his current argument on appeal does not relate to a challenge to an upward departure, but merely an enhancement, defendant’s Blakely argument is within the scope of his waiver. See United States v. Waugh, 207 F.3d 1098, 1101 (8th Cir. 2000) (noting that enhancements and departures are “two very different concepts”).