Opinion ID: 754305
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Enforceability of waiver

Text: 24 Paragraph II(B)(6) of the plea agreement states, 25 Defendant is aware that Title 18, United States Code, section 3742 affords a defendant the right to appeal the sentence imposed. Defendant is also aware that under certain circumstances a defendant has the right to collaterally challenge his sentence through a habeas petition such as a motion pursuant to Title 28, United States Code, section 2255. Acknowledging all this, Defendant knowingly waives the above-mentioned rights and agrees to file no motion, appeal or collateral attack (including but not limited to habeas petitions) regarding any aspect of his sentencing if the District Court sentences Defendant to 15 years or less pursuant to the USAO's recommendation. If the District Court does not sentence Defendant to 15 years or less pursuant to the USAO's recommendation, Defendant retains the right to file one direct appeal regarding the sentence imposed by the District Court. 26 Paragraph II(C)(1)(a) further provides, 27 If Defendant knowingly violates or fails to perform any of the terms of this agreement, the USAO may declare this agreement breached. In such event: (a) Any plea of guilty entered by Defendant pursuant to this agreement and any judgment and/or sentence based thereon shall remain in full force and effect and will not be the subject of legal challenge by Defendant notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph B 6.... 28 In other words, Martinez agreed that if he breached the agreement, he could challenge neither his plea nor his sentence. Generally, courts will enforce a defendant's waiver of his right to appeal if (1) the language of the waiver encompasses the defendant's right to appeal on the grounds claimed on appeal, see United States v. Baramdyka, 95 F.3d 840, 843 (9th Cir.1996), cert. denied --- U.S. ----, 117 S.Ct. 1282, 137 L.Ed.2d 357 (1997), and (2) the waiver is knowingly and voluntarily made, United States v. DeSantiago-Martinez, 38 F.3d 394, 395 (9th Cir.1992). 29 Here, Martinez's statutory appeal rights were explained in the agreement in paragraph B(6). The waiver that applied in the event of breach immunized Martinez's plea and sentence from legal challenge by Defendant notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph B(6). Therefore, Martinez's waiver of any legal challenge encompasses all appeals on all grounds except for a few narrow exceptions, none of which apply here. 30 When the plea agreement was entered, the court was informed that Martinez had thoroughly reviewed it with his attorney. An interpreter was present at the hearing. When asked if he wished to waive a line-by-line reading of the agreement, Martinez stated, I already understand everything. We find that the knowing and voluntary requirement was satisfied. DeSantiago-Martinez, 38 F.3d at 395. The waiver of the right to appeal is enforceable if Martinez alone breached the plea agreement.