Document: 378 U.S. 139 84 S.Ct. 1689 12 L.Ed.2d 760 Floyd Charles FALLEN, Petitioner,v.UNITED STATES. No. 210. Argued April 30, 1964. Decided June 22, Isaac N. Groner, Washington, D.C., for petitioner. Philip B. Heymann, respondent. Mr. Chief Justice WARREN delivered the opinion of Court. 1 At issue in this case is whether petitioner's notice appeal was filed within time specified by Rule 37(a)(2) Federal Rules Criminal Procedure. 2 Petitioner convicted on January 11, 1962, violations postal laws.1 Four days later—on 15—he appeared sent ncing with attorney who had been appointed to represent him at trial. Consecutive sentences aggregating 20 years were imposed, after which defendant asked if he could 'as an insolvent.' The sentencing judge replied: 3 'Oh, yes, you always have a right appeal; Government provides that. 4 'So that will be all. We are through case. 5 'Mr. Marshal, may take charge defendant.' 6 Before taken out building, petitioner given opportunity consult his court-appointed attorney. According attorney's later recollection, would interested representing appeal. responded firm did not want undertake any further criminal matters, and it thus best secure another promptly so as forfeit recalled conference lasted about hour half—petitioner, only few minutes. In event, then back medical center quartered during trial.2 Early next morning, transferred hospital facilities Atlanta commence sentence. neither place permitted visitors. 7 On 29, 14 sentencing, clerk court received letters from asking new trial dated 23 petitioner, mailed single envelope bore government frank but no postmark. No communications interim either or counsel. 8 chief district reappointed same purpose presenting motion hearing set purpose. due course denied merits, question having argued decided. day, granted leave forma pauperis. Thereafter before Court Appeals Government's dismiss because timely filed. 9 A divided held, first, filed, consideration merits error serve extend filing appeal.3 It held began 15 when sentenced, expired 25 notice. 306 F.2d 697. certiorari, 374 826, 83 1882, 10 1050, consider restrictive reading below justified under circumstances concluded not, accordingly remand disposition merits. 37(a) '(a)n entry judgment order appealed * *' 'by ice *.' has read mean that, irrespective reason delay, must actually hands 10th day. Since jurisdictional prerequisite appeal, felt powerless do anything dismiss. 11 Overlooked, our view, fact intended be, rigid code inflexible meaning circumstances. begins admonition '(t)hese rules provide just determination every proceeding. They shall construed simplicity procedure, fairness administration elimination unjustifiable expense delay.' That approached sympathy their apparent examined. first place, spite promise Rule,4 forced without assistance He whisked away (Jacksonville, Florida) day and, tells contradiction record, visitors, nor afforded addition normal physical problems, ill,5 confined both Jacksonville Atlanta. 13 until 23, it, again well enough write. Acting advice requirements time, except acquire other inmates, wrote two promised 'the provides.' These all record shows, coincidence, doubt, events days.6 they days, however, perhaps explained disclosure oral argument mail pickups occurred twice week, Tuesdays Fridays. Thus, deposited prison authorities pickup Tuesday—and there nothing show anyone took trouble tell such mailing delays placed Friday. probably clerk's office Monday 29th, marked clerk. But occurred, basis what discloses doubt date top letter accurate one subsequent chargeable him. Cf. Rosenbloom v. United States, 355 80, 78 202, 110. There postmark envelope, indication came into officials. Other also equally long get destination. And although o portunity, introduced evidence—and admitted none—to dispute facts done reasonably expected its destination required days. circumstances, we decline rigidly bar 16 reversed, remanded prompt ordered. 17 Reversed remanded. 18 STEWART, whom CLARK, HARLAN BRENNAN join, concurring. 19 I think purposes 37(a)(2), incarcerated federal acting aid counsel files if, 10-day period provided Rule, delivers forwarding District words, jailer effect 37. If go letter, should resolution factual mailing. expressly conceded entrusted period. Moreover, advised procedures now inaugurated prisons make certain exact receipt papers For these reasons concur Court, remanding Specifically, U.S.C. §§ 371, 641, 2115. As result automobile accident 1951, paraplegic wheelchair. complications resulted affliction, suffering flu. kept facilities, appears, more flu than permanent condition. made taken, conviction denial motion. '(w)hen imposes sentence upon represented counsel, requests, prepare file forthwith behalf (Emphasis added.) Although physically present open 'represented' Rule. See note 2, supra. eighth parties agreed 23d normally 25th.

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