Van

United States v. Van

Good Law
35 F. App'x 689
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth CircuitMay 29, 2002No. 00-10333, 01-10075; D.C. No. CR-99-00325-ROSCalifornia341 words

Opinion

Lead Opinion

MEMORANDUM **

James Troy Van, after pleading guilty to drug offenses, filed an untimely pro se notice of appeal. We affirm the district court’s determination that no excusable neglect exists to permit an untimely notice of appeal. Accordingly, we dismiss the untimely appeal for lack of jurisdiction.

DISCUSSION

There is no dispute that Van’s pro se notice of appeal in No. 00-10333 is untimely and therefore does not vest jurisdiction in this court. See United States v. Vaccaro, 51 F.3d 189, 191 (9th Cir.1995) (“The timely filing of a notice of appeal is a jurisdictional requirement.”). An untimely notice may nonetheless be deemed effective “upon a finding of excusable neglect or good cause.” See Fed. R.App. Pro. 4(b)(4). Van appeals in No. 01-10075 the district court’s ruling that there is no excusable neglect that would permit his late filing in No. 00-10333. He argues there is excusable neglect because his trial attorney failed to advise him of his right to appeal and did not file an appeal when he requested one.

The district court found no excusable neglect because Van’s testimony was “implausible,” “inconsistent and evasive,” and “not credible.” Rather, the court credited…

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