Benavidez
United States v. Benavidez
Opinion
Lead Opinion
MEMORANDUM **
Antonio Benavidez appeals his 120-month sentence following his guilty plea conviction for distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841 (a)(1). We lack jurisdiction, and dismiss.
Benavidez contends that the district court failed to rule on his eligibility for a safety valve departure from the statutory minimum sentence. 1 His plea agreement, *458 however, waived the right to appeal a sentence within the statutory maximum, as long as the court did not depart upward. The conditions of the waiver were met, and we will enforce it. United States v. Nguyen, 285 F.3d 1179, 1182-84 (9th Cir.2000) (recognizing enforceability of knowing and voluntary waiver of appeal rights).
Benavidez’s claim of ineffective assistance of counsel may be raised by way of a section 2255 motion. See United States v. Pruitt, 32 F.3d 431, 433 (9th Cir.1994) (discussing plea agreement waiver not extending to collateral attack alleging ineffective assistance of counsel).
DISMISSED.
This disposition is not appropriate for publication and may not be cited to or by the courts of this circuit except as provided by Ninth Circuit Rule 36-3.
. At no time did…