Hicks v. United States

155 F. App'x 274

Opinion

MEMORANDUM

**

Paragraph 19 of Hicks’s plea agreement states that he “waives any right to collaterally attack any matter in connection with this ... sentence except the ineffective assistance of counsel or retroactive amendments to the Sentencing Guidelines.” This is a § 2255 collateral attack, Hick’s direct appeal having been adjudicated adversely to him on the merits. His waiver of his right to collaterally attack, having been knowingly and voluntarily made, must be enforced.¹

A counsel’s representation is ineffective if his performance falls below an “objective standard of reasonableness” and his deficiencies were prejudicial to the defense.² Reasonableness is judged at the time of counsel’s performance.³ At the time of Hicks’s plea and sentence, the settled law in this Circuit was that the Apprendi4, rule did not apply to Sentencing Guideline enhaneements.⁵ Hicks is arguing that his counsel was ineffective for failing to make an Apprendi argument that would have been futile, then and now. Counsel’s conduct was not unreasonable.

AFFIRMED.

This disposition is not appropriate for publication and may not be cited to or by the courts of this circuit except as provided by 9 th Cir. R. 36-3.

1

. See United States v. Joyce, 357 F.3d 921 (9th Cir.2004), cert denied, 543 U.S. 915, 125 S.Ct. 90, 160 L.Ed.2d 197 (2004).

2

. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 688-689, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d 674 (1984).

3

. Id. at 689, 104 S.Ct. 2052.

4

. Apprendi v. New Jersey, 530 U.S. 466, 120 S.Ct. 2348, 147 L.Ed.2d 435 (2000).

5

. See, e.g., United States v. Jordan, 256 F.3d 922, 933-34 (9th Cir.2001) (holding that Apprendi only applies to enhancements that extend beyond the statutory maximum).