United States v. Cuevas-Ramirez

MEMORANDUM ** Francisco Javier Cuevas-Ramirez appeals from his guilty-plea conviction and 135-month sentence for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1000 kilograms or more of marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841(a)(1), (b)(l)(A)(viii). Pursuant to Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738, 87 S.Ct. 1396 , 18 L.Ed.2d 493 (1967), counsel for Cuevas-Ramirez has filed a brief stating there are no grounds *148 for relief, and a motion to withdraw as counsel of record. No pro se supplemental brief or answering brief has been filed. Because our independent review of the record pursuant to Penson v. Ohio, 488 U.S. 75, 82-83 , 109 S.Ct. 346 , 102 L.Ed.2d 300 (1988), indicates that Cuevas-Ramirez knowingly and voluntarily waived his right to appeal and was sentenced within the terms of the plea agreement, we enforce the waiver and dismiss the appeal. See United States v. Nguyen, 235 F.3d 1179 , 1182 (9th Cir.2000) (stating that an appeal waiver is valid when it is entered knowingly and voluntarily); see also United States v. Cardenas, 405 F.3d 1046, 1048 (9th Cir. 2005) (noting that the changes in sentencing law imposed by United States v. Booker, 543 U.S. 220 , 125 S.Ct. 738 , 160 L.Ed.2d 621 (2005), did not render waiver of appeal involuntary and unknowing). Counsel’s motion to withdraw is GRANTED. The appeal is DISMISSED. This disposition is not appropriate for publication and may not be cited to or by the courts of this circuit except as provided by 9th Cir. R. 36-3.