Opinion ID: 747229
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Government Compliance with the Plea Agreement

Text: 12 Schuman's contention that the waiver in the plea agreement is not binding because the government breached its duty under the plea agreement also lacks merit. Specifically, Schuman contends that the government breached its agreement by (1) failing to bring a motion pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 5K1.1, for substantial assistance to the authorities; and (2) opposing the downward adjustment for acceptance of responsibility. 13 Plea agreements are contractual in nature and are measured by contract law standards. United States v. Keller, 902 F.2d 1391, 1393 (9th Cir.1990). The government is held to the literal terms of the agreement. United States v. Baker, 25 F.3d 1452, 1458 (9th Cir.1994) (citations omitted). 14 Here, the government's failure to move under section 5K1.1 was not a breach of the plea agreement because it contained no such agreement. The plea agreement specifically provides that it embodies the entire agreement between the parties, written and oral, and that any modification must be in writing. 15 Similarly, Schuman's contention that the government breached the plea agreement by opposing the downward adjustment for acceptance of responsibility lacks merit. The plea agreement states that the government will not recommend an adjustment for acceptance of responsibility if, inter alia, Schuman attempts to withdraw the plea. Because Schuman indeed attempted to withdraw his plea, the government was free to oppose or not recommend the adjustment for acceptance of responsibility. See Baker, 25 F.3d at 1458. 16 Because Schuman waived his right to appeal in the plea agreement, we do not reach the merits of his claim. 17 DISMISSED. 18