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United States v. Jose Bernal-Arias
702 F. App'x 636
9th Cir.
2017
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*1 Before: CANBY, TROTT, and GRABER, Circuit Judges.

Jose Luis Bernal-Arias appeals from the district court’s judgment and challenges the 60-month sentence imposed following his guilty-plea conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B)(i), and 846. We dismiss.

*2 Bernal-Arias challenges the district court’s finding that he was not safety valve eligible, as well as the district court’s decision to apply a two-level enhancement for maintaining a premises for the purpose of manufacturing or distributing a controlled substance. The government contends that the appeal is barred by an appeal waiver in the parties’ plea agreement. We review de novo whether the appeal is barred by a waiver. See United States v. Arias-Espinosa , 704 F.3d 616, 618 (9th Cir. 2012).

The appeal waiver in the parties’ plea agreement covers Bernal-Arias’s claims, and the record reflects that the waiver was knowing and voluntary. See United States v. Harris , 628 F.3d 1203, 1205 (9th Cir. 2011). Nonetheless, Bernal- Arias argues that the district court vitiated the written waiver at sentencing. This claim fails because the court’s statement regarding Bernal-Arias’s right to appeal was qualified. See Arias-Espinosa , 704 F.3d at 618-20. We also reject Bernal- Arias’s call to ignore the appeal waiver to prevent a “miscarriage of justice.” Even assuming this court recognized such an exception to the enforceability of an appeal waiver, it does not apply here.

DISMISSED.

2 17-10013

[*] This disposition is not appropriate for publication and is not precedent except as provided by Ninth Circuit Rule 36-3. * * The panel unanimously concludes this case is suitable for decision without oral argument. See Fed. R. App. P. 34(a)(2).

Case Details

Case Name: United States v. Jose Bernal-Arias
Court Name: Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Date Published: Nov 17, 2017
Citation: 702 F. App'x 636
Docket Number: 17-10013
Court Abbreviation: 9th Cir.
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