Opinion ID: 169654
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Plea Agreement and Waiver of Appeal

Text: Mr. Wilken was charged with one count of possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and one count of possessing with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, both in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846. Pursuant to a plea agreement reached with the government, Mr. Wilken pled guilty only to the latter count, and the government moved to dismiss the former count at sentencing. The plea agreement also contained a statement of Mr. Wilken's right to appeal his sentence and a purported waiver of that right: 8. I know there is no appellate review of any lawful sentence imposed under a plea of guilty. I also know I may appeal the sentence imposed upon me in this case only if the sentence is imposed in violation of law or, in light of the factors listed in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a), the sentence is unreasonable. . . . 10. Fully understanding my limited right to appeal my sentence, as explained above, and in consideration of the concessions and/or commitments made by the United States in this plea agreement, I knowingly, voluntarily and expressly waive my right to appeal any sentence imposed upon me, and the manner in which the sentence is determined, on any of the grounds set forth in Title 18, United States Code, Section 3742 or on any ground whatever, except I do not waive my right to appeal (1) a sentence above the maximum penalty provided in the statute of conviction as set forth in paragraph 2 above. At a change of plea hearing, the court ascertained that Mr. Wilken had reviewed the written plea agreement. However, in asking Mr. Wilken whether he understood the waiver of appeal contained in that agreement, the court described the waiver in significantly different terms than appeared in the written agreement: THE COURT: When you plead guilty you waive the right to appeal any lawful sentence. So unless a sentence is imposed above the statutory maximum, which in this case is life, or if it's in violation of the factors listed in the statute, you won't have a right of appeal. Do you understand that? THE WITNESS [Mr. Wilken]: I do. THE COURT: Unless it falls into those other categories, you won't be able to appeal the sentence. . . . (Emphasis added). Later during the same hearing, the court reiterated the same point in more general terms: THE COURT: Also you're agreeing to waive any appeal or collateral attacks as we discussed earlier and as outlined in this agreement; is that true? THE WITNESS: Yes. (Emphasis added). The court then confirmed that Mr. Wilken voluntarily agreed to plead guilty and had been able to consult with [his] attorney about the decision to plead guilty and about this agreement, accepted Mr. Wilken's guilty plea, and directed him to sign the agreement.