Opinion ID: 77262
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Whether Dohrmann can make a collateral challenge to his initial restitution calculation

Text: 4 Although we have not specifically addressed whether a petitioner can challenge a restitution order in the context of a 28 U.S.C. § 2241 petition, we have held that 28 U.S.C. § 2255 may not be utilized by a person in federal custody to attack only the restitution portion of his sentence because § 2255 affords relief only to those claiming the right to be released from custody. Blaik v. United States, 161 F.3d 1341, 1343 (11th Cir.1998). Moreover, we have held that a petitioner who failed to contest a restitution order either at sentencing or on direct appeal cannot for the first time challenge the district court's initial restitution calculation in a collateral proceeding, absent exceptional circumstances. Cani v. United States, 331 F.3d 1210, 1213-14 (11th Cir.2003). As to the exceptional circumstances, we noted that such circumstances are analogous to a showing of cause and prejudice to overcome a procedural default for raising a claim for the first time in a habeas corpus petition. Id. at 1214 n. 2. 5 We conclude from the record here that Dohrmann cannot challenge the sentencing court's initial restitution calculation because he has failed to demonstrate the exceptional circumstances required in order for this court to hear such an argument in a collateral proceeding. He has not made any showing that is analogous to a showing of cause and prejudice to overcome a procedural default for failing to raise a claim. 6