USA v. Balderas

Filing 920061129

Opinion

United States Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit

F I L E D
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT November 29, 2006 Charles R. Fulbruge III Clerk No. 06-40042 Summary Calendar UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff-Appellee, versus JOSE LUIS BALDERAS, Defendant-Appellant. -------------------Appeal from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas USDC No. 2:05-CV-170 USDC No. 2:03-CR-289-2 -------------------Before JOLLY, DENNIS, and CLEMENT, Circuit Judges. PER CURIAM:* Jose Luis Balderas, federal prisoner # 24696-179, appeals following the denial of his 28 U.S.C. § 2255 motion, wherein he challenged his conviction for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud and conspiracy to launder money. The district court

granted Balderas a limited certificate of appealability (COA) on the issue whether the Government breached his plea agreement and, if so, whether Balderas's waiver of appeal is valid. We review de

conclusions of law underlying the denial of a § 2255 motion

Pursuant to 5TH CIR. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5TH CIR. R. 47.5.4.

*

No. 06-40042 -2novo and factual findings for clear error. Stricklin, 290 F.3d 748, 750 (5th Cir. 2002). With the benefit of liberal construction, Balderas argues that the Government breached the plea agreement because it advocated sentencing enhancements that were not included in the agreement and that defense counsel was ineffective for failing to raise this issue at sentencing or on appeal. We conclude that the Government United States v.

provided the district court with factual information at sentencing and did not affirmatively advocate for the sentencing enhancements. See United States v. Munoz, 408 F.3d 222, 227 (5th Cir. 2005). Balderas also argues that the Government breached the plea

agreement by failing to move for a promised downward departure. The Government did not bargain away its discretion to move for a departure; consequently, there is no breach. Aderholt, 87 F.3d 740, 742 (5th Cir. 1996). Because we conclude that the plea agreement was not breached, we do not address claims which the district court held were barred by the appeal waiver, including the claim that the district court violated Balderas's Sixth Amendment rights and United States v. Booker, 543 U.S. 220 (2005). 442, 450-51 (5th Cir. 2005). Balderas further argues that (1) his counsel was ineffective for failing to file a direct appeal when expressly told to do so; (2) the district court's order of restitution exceeded the scope of the indictment and the plea agreement, and counsel was ineffective See United States v. Burns, 433 F.3d See United States v.

No. 06-40042 -3for failing to object to the restitution order; and (3) the appeal waiver is invalid because of an ambiguity in the plea agreement concerning restitution. We do not consider these issues raised for the first time on appeal. See United States v. Cervantes, 132 F.3d

1106, 1109 (5th Cir. 1998). The district court's judgment is AFFIRMED.