United States v. Shusterman

258 F. App'x 403

Opinion

OPINION OF THE COURT

STAPLETON, Circuit Judge:

Appellant Denis Shusterman pled guilty on the twelfth day of his jury trial to all the charges against him. Two months later, as his sentencing approached, he moved to withdraw his guilty pleas. After a two-day evidentiary hearing, the District Court denied this motion. United States v. Shusterman, 459 F.Supp.2d 357 (E.D.Pa.2006). This appeal followed.

Before us, Shusterman contends (1) that his pleas were not voluntarily and knowingly entered; (2) that his trial counsel was “constitutionally defective;” and (3) that his prosecutor committed “misconduct.” After consideration of all of Shusterman’s arguments, we conclude that his convictions must stand.

For the reasons set forth in the District Court’s thorough and careful opinion, it did not abuse its discretion by refusing to allow the withdrawal of Shusterman’s pleas.

In his brief before us, Shusterman appears to contend that ineffective assistance of counsel at trial entitles him to a new trial without reference to whether it rendered his pleas involuntary or unknowing. If so, he waived this argument when he pled guilty. United States v. Panarella, 277 F.3d 678 (3d Cir.2002). In any event, as explained at length in the District Court’s opinion, Shusterman has not shown ineffective assistance of counsel at trial.

Shusterman’s claims of prosecutorial misconduct at trial are also barred by his guilty pleas. Washington v. Sobina, 475 F.3d 162 (3d Cir.2007).

The judgment of the District Court will be affirmed.