Arnoldo Lopez appeals from his conviction by guilty plea of distribution of heroin, for which Lopez was sentenced to 35 years of imprisonment, a sentence less than the mandatory statutory term of life imprison
To prevail on an ineffective-assistance-of-counsel claim, an applicant must show “that counsel’s performance was deficient” and “that the deficient performance prejudiced the defense.” Strickland v. Washington,
Lopez’s plea agreement contained the following provision:
The Defendant expressly waives the right to appeal his sentence on any ground, other than for ineffective assistance of counsel or prosecutorial misconduct of constitutional dimension. Similarly, the Defendant agrees not to contest his sentence or the manner in which it was determined in any post-conviction proceeding, including, but not limited to, a proceeding under 28 U.S.C. § 2255.
Lopez misreads the waiver provision. The waiver has no effect on his ability to appeal, or seek 28 U.S.C. § 2255 relief from, his conviction; the provision affects only his ability to appeal, or seek § 2255 relief from, his sentence. Moreover, a waiver provision does not preclude an appeal or a § 2255 motion based on claims that the plea agreement or the waiver provision were tainted by ineffective assistance. United States v. White,
AFFIRMED.
Notes
Pursuant to 5th Cir. R. 47.5, the court has detennmed that this opinion should not be
