Opinion ID: 2736831
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Adams’s Plea

Text: In December 2009, Adams was arrested, along with three other co-defendants, for running a large-scale marijuana-trafficking operation. He was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms and more of marijuana. Approximately a year later, pursuant to a plea agreement (the “Plea Agreement”), Adams pleaded guilty to the charge. In the Plea Agreement, Adams and the government (“the parties”) stipulated to an offense level of 37 under the Sentencing Guidelines and a guidelines range of 210 to 262 months’ imprisonment (the “Stipulated Guidelines Range”). The parties agreed to seek neither “a downward nor an upward departure from” that range. “The parties further agree[d] that a sentence within the Stipulated Guidelines Range would constitute a reasonable sentence in light of all the factors set forth in” 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a), but that either party could, directly or indirectly, seek a sentence outside the stipulated range based on § 3553(a) factors. Additionally, by entering into the Plea Agreement, Adams “agreed . . . not [to] file a direct appeal . . . [of] any sentence within or below the Stipulated Guidelines Range” and “waive[d] any and all right to withdraw his plea or attack his conviction, either on direct appeal or collaterally . . . [except on the ground that the government failed to produce in discovery] information establishing [his] factual innocence.” 3 During the Rule 11 plea proceedings, the district court confirmed that Adams was satisfied with his attorney’s representation and advice, had discussed the Plea Agreement “thoroughly” with his attorney, and had signed the Plea Agreement. The court further confirmed that Adams was not “under the influence of any alcohol or narcotics” and had not been induced to plead guilty as a result of “any force or any threats.” The court then discussed the indictment, explained what the government would have to prove at trial, and asked Adams whether he understood this information. Adams replied that he did. After reviewing the forfeiture allegation and the penalties associated with the offense charged, the court again asked Adams whether he understood “the rights [he was] giving up by pleading guilty” and also informed Adams that he did not need to plead guilty but could “maintain a plea of not guilty and go to trial.” Adams again stated that he understood. The court reminded Adams that if he pled guilty he would be convicted without a trial on the basis of his plea and his own admission. In response, Adams again confirmed that he understood. Finally, when asked whether he understood that there was a “stipulated guideline range of 210 to 262 months, and the Plea Agreement does further state that if the sentence is within that range or below it, there will be no appeal and no motion against the sentence,” Adams’s attorney attested that his client “fully under[stood] the parameters of the plea and what he signed.” Having heard counsel’s representation and seeking Adams’s response, the court then asked Adams, “Is that correct?” Adams responded, “Yes, it is, your Honor.”