Opinion ID: 2792884
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Jackson’s Guilty Plea

Text: Jackson argues that the district court failed to adequately advise him that he could not withdraw his plea if the court decided to impose a sentence lengthier than the one recommended by the government. Jackson entered a guilty plea pursuant to 2 Jackson’s total offense level for counts one and two was 40, his criminal history category was III, and his sentencing range was 360 months’ to life imprisonment. Count three—possession, brandishing, and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime—carried a mandatory, consecutive sentence of at least ten years’ imprisonment. See 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(iii). Jackson admitted in his plea agreement and at his change-of-plea hearing that he had discharged a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. -7- Rule 11(c)(1)(B) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Rule 11(c)(3)(B) required the district court to advise Jackson that he “ha[d] no right to withdraw the plea if the court d[id] not follow the [government’s sentencing] recommendation.” At the change-of-plea hearing, the district court explained to Jackson that it did not have to impose the recommended sentence. It confirmed that Jackson understood “that the decision whether or not to accept that recommendation at sentencing would be totally up to [the court].” The district court reiterated that “the mere fact that the parties are recommending that doesn’t mean I’m going to go along with it.” Moreover, the district court explained that the Guidelines were advisory, that the court was free to sentence Jackson above or below the Guidelines range, and that Jackson might be considered an armed career criminal, which would mean a higher total offense level and a higher criminal history category. Finally, the district court explained: Court: Now, do you understand, sir, that I don’t have to follow any of the guidelines recommendations contained in this plea agreement? Jackson: Yes. Court: And do you understand, sir, that if I do not [follow] the guideline agreements contained in this document, you’re still going to be stuck with your plea and you’re not going to be able to withdraw your plea just because I didn’t follow the recommendations contained in this plea agreement? Jackson: Yes, ma’am. The district court’s advice to Jackson that he could not withdraw his guilty plea even if the court did not impose the sentence that the government recommended fulfilled its Rule 11(c)(3)(B) obligations. -8-