United States v. Robert Heizelman

MEMORANDUM

Heizelman was convicted of two counts of threatening a judge, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 115 (a)(1)(B). He appeals, arguing that his jury waiver was not voluntary, knowing, and intelligent and that his statements were not “true threats” and are therefore protected speech. We affirm.

We review de novo the adequacy of a jury waiver. United States v. Duarte-Higareda, 113 F.3d 1000, 1002 (9th Cir. 1997). Given the “suspected presence of mental or emotional instability” in a defendant, the district court is required “to conduct an in-depth colloquy” to assure that the defendant’s waiver of a jury trial is voluntary, knowing, and intelligent. Id. at 1003 (internal citation and quotations omitted). The record establishes that the district court’s colloquy was sufficiently in-depth to assure that Heizelman’s waiver was voluntary, knowing, and intelligent.

If a defendant moves for acquittal at trial, we review de novo the sufficiency of the evidence. United States v. Stewart, 420 F.3d 1007, 1014 (9th Cir.2005). If a party fails to make a timely assertion of rights, however, the right is forfeited and we review for plain error. United States v. Perez, 116 F.3d 840, 845 (9th…