Opinion ID: 149704
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Effect of Appeal Waiver/Plain Error Review

Text: As an initial matter, Trejo waived his right to appeal as part of his plea agreement. The Government correctly does not seek to enforce the waiver because a valid waiver of appeal does not bar review of a claim that the factual basis for a guilty plea fails to establish the essential elements of the crime of conviction. United States v. Hildenbrand, 527 F.3d 466, 474 (5th Cir.2008) (citing United States v. Baymon, 312 F.3d 725, 727 (5th Cir.2002)). Permitting appeal despite a valid waiver protect[s] a defendant who may plead guilty with an understanding of the nature of the charge, but without realizing that his conduct does not actually fall within the definition of the charged crime. Hildenbrand, 527 F.3d at 474 (citing Baymon, 312 F.3d at 727). Thus, we consider Trejo's claim of factual insufficiency despite his waiver of appeal. Nonetheless, because Trejo did not present his factual sufficiency claim to the district court, we apply a plain error standard of review to his claim. United States v. Marek, 238 F.3d 310, 315 (5th Cir.2001).