Court Opinion

ID: 9458131
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-04 20:43:54.368418+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:35:39.025459
License: Public Domain

GEWIN, Circuit Judge
(concurring specially):
I concur in the result reached by the majority opinion, but I believe the result is not as harsh as the opinion of my brother Tuttle indicates. The record clearly demonstrates to me that the trial judge meticulously complied with the requirements of Rule 11 F.R.Crim.P.
While it is true that one of the attorneys who appeared in behalf of Farias filed a motion stating that she was not aware that parole was not possible at the time the guilty plea was entered, that fact does not reveal the total picture presented by the record. When inquiry was made as to who represented Farias, Mr. Peter Koste responded “Public Defender, Peter Koste, the assistant Public Defender, and Mrs. Sorrentino, my associate.” As a matter of fact Mr. Koste took the lead throughout the court’s interrogation and inquiry as to whether the plea was made voluntarily with understanding of the nature of the charge and the consequences of the plea. Mrs. Sorrentino responded to two or three questions only.
Apparently there had been a conference and a thorough understanding by all concerned as to the disposition of the cases. Farias was indicted under two multi-count indictments. Mr. Koste made it plain to the court that Farias was pleading guilty to count three of one indictment and count nine of the other with the understanding that the government would then dismiss the numerous other pending counts. True to this understanding, after the plea was entered, the government dismissed a large number of counts with the consent of the court. It was not until after Farias received the benefit of this arrangement that any question as to parole arose.1
An examination of the motion filed is somewhat revealing. Mr. Koste did not join in the motion. The motion was filed solely by Mrs. Sorrentino and it purports to be a statement of her understanding or lack of understanding — not that of Mr. Koste. She refers to herself only as the “undersigned counsel” and makes no assertion that Mr. Koste was unaware of ineligibility for parole. As in*741dicated earlier, Mrs. Sorrentino was described as “associate” counsel.2
Moreover, in addition to assurances from Mr. Koste and the defendant Farias that Mr. Koste had fully advised Farias as to all related matters, the court cautiously interrogated Farias in the presence of his counsel. The court specifically asked Farias whether he was aware that the court could impose a sentence of 20 years “confinement” and a fine of $20,000 or both. Farias answered in the affirmative and stated he had discussed that question with his lawyer. In another question the court asked Farias, “Is there anything about this charge that you do not understand and that you would like to inquire about at this time?” Farias replied, “No, I do not have anything to add.” In addition the court was assured by Farias and his counsel that there had been no promise of leniency or special treatment of any kind other than the dismissal of other counts of the indictments. The court interrogated Farias as to whether he realized he was waiving a jury trial; that he was presumed to be innocent and that the burden was on the government to prove to the jury that he was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt; that he had the right to call witnesses in his behalf with the assistance of the court in order that he could confront and cross-examine any witnesses who appeared. Farias answered that he understood all of the foregoing. After Farias and his counsel had been thoroughly examined by the court, a special agent of the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs testified to the facts, without objection.
This is not a simple case of a relatively minor narcotics violation. As a matter of fact bail was initially fixed at $100,-000 in each case. Bail pending appeal was fixed at the sum of $250,000. The record discloses a serious narcotics violation. Farias was given sentences far below the maximum authorized by statute.

. This type of conduct is appearing in this court with increasing frequency. A defendant receives the benefit of dismissals and then claims he was misled, mistreated or otherwise abused by his own counsel, the U. S. Attorney, or the presiding Judge.

. At oral argument the Government asserted that Mr. Koste was widely experienced in the criminal law and had served as an assistant U. S. Attorney. This assertion was not contradicted. The Government argues that Mr. Koste was well informed as to the law in cases of this kind.