United States v. Mitchell

234 F. App'x 654

Opinion

MEMORANDUM

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Lawrence Eugene Mitchell, Jr. appeals from his conviction for fraud involving aircraft parts in interstate or foreign commerce, and causing an act to be done, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2(b), 38(a)(1)(A), and 38(b)(4). We have jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1291, and we affirm.

Mitchell contends that the record is sufficiently developed to review his ineffective assistance of counsel claim on direct appeal. In light of the declarations filed by trial counsel in connection with Mitchell’s prior 28 U.S.C. § 2255 motion, we agree that the record is sufficient to review Mitchell’s claim. See United States v. Oplinger, 150 F.3d 1061, 1071 (9th Cir. 1998).

Mitchell contends that his trial counsel was ineffective when he advised Mitchell that he could not withdraw his plea prior to sentencing on the ground that the applicable Guidelines range was significantly greater than Mitchell had expected. However, “[a] defendant cannot withdraw his plea because he realizes that his sentence will be higher than he expected.” See United States v. Nostratis, 321 F.3d 1206, 1211 (9th Cir.2003); cf. United States v. Davis, 428 F.3d 802, 807-08 (9th Cir.2005). Therefore, counsel was not ineffective in advising Mitchell that he could not withdraw his plea. See Oplinger, 150 F.3d at 1071.

Mitchell also seeks a remand pursuant to United States v. Ameline, 409 F.3d 1073, 1084-85 (9th Cir.2005) (en banc). However, in light of the valid appeal waiver, Mitchell is not eligible for a remand under Ameline. See United States v. Cardenas, 405 F.3d 1046, 1048 (9th Cir. 2005) (holding that United States v. Booker, 543 U.S. 220, 125 S.Ct. 738, 160 L.Ed.2d 621 (2005), did not render an appeal waiver involuntary or unknowing).

AFFIRMED.

This disposition is not appropriate for publication and is not precedent except as provided by 9th Cir. R. 36-3.