Opinion ID: 175421
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: jurisdiction & legal standard

Text: We have jurisdiction under 18 U.S.C. § 3742(a) and 28 U.S.C. § 1291. The District Court had jurisdiction under 18 U.S.C. § 3231. Pursuant to Anders, counsel may file a motion to withdraw, with a supporting brief, if, after reviewing the district court record, he is “persuaded that the appeal presents no issue of even arguable merit.” 3d Cir. L.A.R. 109.2(a). Before we may grant counsel’s motion, we must engage in a two-fold inquiry. United States v. Youla, 241 F.3d 296, 300 (3d Cir. 2001). First, we ask whether counsel fulfilled the requirements of Rule 109.2 by satisfying this Court that he has “thoroughly examined the record in search of appealable issues” and by “explain[ing] why the issues are frivolous.” Id. Second, we determine whether an independent review of the record reveals any non-frivolous issues. Id. If “the Anders brief initially appears adequate on its face,” the second step of our inquiry is “guided . . . by the Anders brief itself.” Id. at 301.