United States v. Paris Cherer

MEMORANDUM

Federal prisoner Paris Cherer appeals pro se from the district court’s order denying his 28 U.S.C. § 2255 motion to vacate, set aside, or correct his sentence. We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 2253 . We review a district court’s denial of a section 2255 motion de novo, see United States v. Manzo, 675 F.3d 1204, 1209 (9th Cir.2012), and we affirm.

Cherer contends that he was denied due process because he was forced to stand trial when he was incompetent. We disagree. The record supports the district court’s determination that, at the time of trial, Cherer had “a rational as well as factual understanding of the proceedings against him” and the “ability to consult with his lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding.” Indiana v. Edwards, 554 U.S. 164, 170 , 128 S.Ct. 2379 , 171 L.Ed.2d 345 (2008) (emphasis and quotations omitted).

Cherer also argues that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to investigate Cherer’s mental competency, failing to investigate records that could have provided exculpatory evidence, and failing to prepare an adequate defense. Cherer further contends that his appellate counsel was ineffective for failing to raise…