United States v. Jose Martinez

MEMORANDUM

Jose Miguel Martinez appeals from the district court’s judgment and challenges his guilty-plea conviction and 120-month sentence for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841(b)(1)(A)(viii); and posses sion with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841 (a)(1), (b)(l)(A)(viii). Pursuant to Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738 , 87 S.Ct. 1396 , 18 L.Ed.2d 493 (1967), Martinez’s counsel has filed a brief stating that there are no grounds for relief, along with a motion to withdraw as counsel of record. Martinez has filed a pro se supplemental brief. The government has filed a motion to dismiss the appeal.

In his written plea agreement, Martinez waived his right to appeal his conviction and sentence. Because the district court did not discuss Martinez’s waiver of his right to appeal his conviction during the change of plea hearing, however, we decline to enforce the waiver as to the conviction. See United States v. Arellano-Gallegos, 387 F.3d 794, 796-97 (9th Cir.2004). Our independent review of the record pursuant to Penson v. Ohio, 488 U.S. 75, 80…