United States v. Chandler

MEMORANDUM **

Mitchell James Chandler appeals from his jury-trial conviction for attempted escape in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 751 (a). We have jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1291 , and we affirm.

The district court did not abuse its discretion in denying two of Chandler’s motions to continue the jury trial, and granting only a one-day continuance in response to a third motion to continue, because: (1) extensive face-to-face contact between Chandler and defense counsel was not necessary to prepare for trial and counsel could have consulted with Chandler by other means, including by telephone; (2) there was time for face-to-face contact between Chandler and defense counsel once Chandler arrived in Billings, Montana, which was not utilized by Chandler, showing a lack of diligence in preparing a defense; (3) the charge of attempted escape was relatively straightforward and Chandler’s suicide defense to that charge had previously been discussed at length before the district court and was well documented by the parties; (4) the court previously granted Chandler a continuance of two months; and (5) the continuances requested and denied would have put a strain on the court’s…