Opinion ID: 1260414
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Kling's Eighth Amendment Claim

Text: Kling also argues that his sentence violates the Eighth Amendment prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. Kling contends that his 324-month sentence is cruel and unusual because the district court considered the sentence unjust and was bound by Rule 11(c) to impose the agreed upon sentence. We do not reach the merits of Kling's Eighth Amendment claim because it is waived. United States v. Cook, 447 F.3d 1127, 1128 (8th Cir.2006) ([A] defendant who explicitly and voluntarily exposes himself to a specific sentence may not challenge that punishment on appeal). A defendant who is sentenced within the range agreed upon in the plea agreement is merely receiving what he bargained for in the agreement. United States v. Nguyen, 46 F.3d 781, 783 (8th Cir.1995). In his plea agreement, Kling expressly accepted a sentencing range of 324 to 360 months, and he was sentenced to 324 months' imprisonment. Kling attempts to avoid Cook by arguing that he did not voluntarily enter into the plea agreement; however, this argument fails. Kling contends that he had no choice but to enter into the agreement because his only alternative was to go to trial and face a possible life sentence. He argues that an agreement under these conditions cannot be said to be voluntary. We reject Kling's definition of voluntariness. See United States v. Swick, 262 F.3d 684, 686 (8th Cir.2001) (rejecting a defendant's argument that because he was under pressure to accept the plea agreement or be forced to go to trial and face severe consequences, his plea was involuntary). Defendants frequently enter plea agreements to avoid the possibility of a longer sentence post trial. The record does not show Kling was laboring under any infirmity nor coerced into entering the agreement. He entered into the agreement after consulting with counsel, considering his alternatives, and could have withdrawn the plea after the district court expressed its concerns. Under these circumstances, we consider Kling's Eighth Amendment claim waived.