Opinion ID: 78448
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Constitutionality of Plea

Text: Bonilla first argues that his plea is invalid because he did not fully appreciate the consequences of his plea as required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11. Specifically, Bonilla claims that the court failed to advise him of the mandatory minimum sentence for Counts 12 through 16 and failed to confirm his plea was voluntary in light of his bipolar disease. The government responds that any failure to comply with Rule 11 did not affect Bonilla's substantial rights. We agree. Because the Rule 11 violations were not raised at trial, we review for plain error. United States v. Vonn, 535 U.S. 55, 58-59, 122 S.Ct. 1043, 152 L.Ed.2d 90 (2002). However, a failure to comply with Rule 11 that does not affect substantial rights shall be disregarded. Id. (quoting Rule 11(h)). First, Bonilla knew of and did not object to the two year mandatory minimum sentence for Counts 12 through 16 (which amounts to an enhancement sentence for the convictions under Counts 2 through 7). The PSI clearly laid out the penalties for Counts 12 through 16 and Bonilla did not file an objection to the PSI, nor did he attempt to withdraw his plea. In fact the court went over the PSI at the sentencing hearing and Bonilla did not object to the statutory minimum at that time either. Any error is therefore harmless. Second, we reject Bonilla's claim that the court failed to conduct the requisite searching inquiry into his mental state. At the plea hearing the court asked Bonilla if his bipolar disease was causing him any problems. Bonilla responded, [n]o. I have been given medicines by the Bureau of Prisons on a daily basis. (Plea Hr'g Tr. at 3.) The court further advised Bonilla to let the court know if he had any problems in that regard. ( Id. ) Moreover, Bonilla's counsel assured the court that Bonilla was certainly able to go forward. ( Id. at 4.) The record supports the district court's finding that Bonilla's plea was knowing and voluntary.