Opinion
Civ. Action No. 18-13744(NLH)
03-16-2020
KIMBERLY SPELLMAN, Petitioner, v. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Respondent.
APPEARANCES: KIMBERLY SPELLMAN FCI ALICEVILLE P.O. BOX 4000 ALICEVILLE, AL 35442 Pro se Petitioner. PATRICK C. ASKIN OFFICE OF THE U.S. ATTORNEY DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY 401 MARKET STREET 4TH FLOOR CAMDEN, NJ 08101 Counsel for Respondent.
OPINION
APPEARANCES: KIMBERLY SPELLMAN
FCI ALICEVILLE
P.O. BOX 4000
ALICEVILLE, AL 35442
Pro se Petitioner. PATRICK C. ASKIN
OFFICE OF THE U.S. ATTORNEY
DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY
401 MARKET STREET
4TH FLOOR
CAMDEN, NJ 08101
Counsel for Respondent. HILLMAN , District Judge
Petitioner Kimberly Spellman, a prisoner currently confined at the Federal Correctional Institution in Aliceville, Alabama, files the present motion to vacate, set aside, or correct her sentence pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2255 (ECF No. 1) (the "Petition"). Respondent was Ordered to answer the Petition and has done so. For the reasons that follow, the Petition will be denied and no certificate of appealability will issue.
BACKGROUND
Petitioner was one of more than thirty individuals arrested as part a drug conspiracy involving the "Dirty Block" gang. Those involved conspired to sell heroin in and around a public housing complex located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. On March 18, 2013, Petitioner was charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute heroin in the amount of one kilogram or more, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(A). United States v. Spellman, No. 14-cr-50-NLH-18, ECF No. 1 (D.N.J. March 18, 2013). On June 4, 2014, Petitioner was charged by superseding indictment, along with a number of other co-defendants, with conspiracy to distribute heroin in the amount of one kilogram or more, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 860 (Count 1); violations of 21 U.S.C. § 856 (Count 7); possession of firearms and brandishing of said firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), and (iii) (Count 10); and numerous counts of using a communication facility to further a drug conspiracy, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 843(b) (Counts 14, 26, 54, 55 and 92). United States v. Spellman, No. 14-cr-50-NLH-18, ECF No. 194 (D.N.J. June 4, 2014).
On June 9, 2015, the Government filed a superseding information against Petitioner. United States v. Spellman, No. 14-cr-50-NLH-18, ECF No. 701 (D.N.J. June 9, 2015). That same day, Petitioner entered into a plea agreement with the Government. United States v. Spellman, No. 14-cr-50-NLH-18, ECF No. 704 (D.N.J. June 9, 2015). In relevant part, Petitioner agreed that in exchange for her plea of guilty to the superseding information charging that she "conspired with others to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin within 1,000 feet of a public housing complex, contrary to 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 860 and 841(b)(1)(C), in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846[,]" the Government would forego charging any additional crimes associated with the underlying conspiracy. See id.
As for sentencing, the plea agreement explains that the offense to which Petitioner would plead guilty carried a statutory minimum sentence of one year, and a statutory maximum sentence of forty years. Id. Despite this wide range of sentencing potential, an addendum to the plea agreement, identified as "Schedule A," explains that the Government would recommend a sentence of twenty-four months and would not seek a higher sentence. Id. at 6, ¶8. Plaintiff acknowledged however, that the parties' agreement was not binding on the Court; instead, Petitioner recognized, the sentence length was an issue to be decided by the Court:
The sentence to be imposed upon Kimberly Spellman is within the sole discretion of the sentencing judge, subject to the provisions of the Sentencing Reform Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 3551-3742, and the sentencing judge's consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines. The United States Sentencing Guidelines are advisory, not mandatory. The sentencing judge may impose any reasonable sentence up to and including the statutory maximum term of imprisonment and the maximum statutory fine. This Office cannot and does not make any representation or promise as to what guideline range may be found by the sentencing judge, or as to what sentence Kimberly Spellman ultimately will receive.Id. at 2.
The parties also agreed that:
(1) the applicable sentencing guidelines base offense level of 26 would apply, "because at least 400 grams but less than 700 grams of heroin was involved in the offense. U.S.S.G. § 201.1(c)(7)[;]"
(2) "[t]he Specific Offense Characteristic relating to the possession of a dangerous weapon (including a firearm) applies" because "her co-conspirators possessed firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy, and further agrees that she either knew of such possession or that it was reasonably foreseeable to her[;]"
(3) "[a]pplication of this Specific Offense Characteristic results in an increase of 2 levels. U.S.S.G. § 201.1(b)(1)[;]"
(4) "[t]he Specific Offense Characteristic relating to the distribution of controlled substances in or near a protected location applies, as the defendant and co-conspirators distributed the quantity of heroin referred to above in a public housing complex in Atlantic City, New Jersey[;]"
(5) "[p]ursuant to U.S.S.G. § 201.2(a)(1), this results in an increase of 2 levels[;]" andId. at 6-7. After accounting for all stipulated level enhancements and reductions, the parties agreed that the appropriate offense level was 28. Id. at 6, ¶7.
(6) "a downward adjustment of 2 levels for acceptance of responsibility is appropriate[.]"
Petitioner acknowledged that she received the plea agreement from her counsel, and that she read it, understood it, and discussed it with her attorney, including those portions "addressing the charge, sentencing, [and] stipulations[.]" Id. at 5. Plaintiff further acknowledged that she understood the plea agreement "fully" and "accept[s] its terms and conditions and acknowledge[s] that it constitutes the plea agreement between the parties." Id.
In a subsequently filed Application for Permission to Enter Plea of Guilty, Petitioner acknowledged again that her "lawyer has explained, and [she] underst[oo]d, that only the judge may decide what punishment [she] shall receive, and that if any person has told [her] otherwise, that person is not telling . . . the truth" and that "the sentence to be imposed upon [her] is within the sole discretion of the sentencing judge" (ECF No. 705 at ¶¶24-25). Petitioner also recognized that she "will have no right to withdraw [her] plea on the grounds that anyone's prediction as to the Guidelines range or expectation of sentence proves inaccurate." Id. at ¶33. The application further confirmed what was contained in the plea agreement: that Petitioner agreed to an offense level of 28 and that the government would not seek a sentence greater than 24 months. Id. at ¶38.
Petitioner confirmed that the plea agreement contained additional stipulations, including that
I understand that my plea agreement sets forth a Guidelines calculation which I agree is the total Guidelines offense level applicable to me in this case. I further understand that I have waived the right to argue that the sentencing judge should impose a sentence below the range that results from this offense level, and that the government has waived the right to argue for a sentence above the range that results from this offense level.Id. at ¶39.
On June 9, 2015, the parties appeared before Judge Irenas for a plea hearing. Petitioner acknowledged:
• that she was satisfied with Mr. Huff's representation of her, (ECF No. 10-3 ("Plea Hearing Transcript" or "Plea T.") at 7:10-15);The following colloquy occurred between Petitioner and Judge Irenas:
• that she and her lawyer had discussed sentencing and the guidelines, (Plea T. 19:19-24);
• that she and the Government agreed to the applicable offense level, (Plea T. 20:11-18); and
• that she understood the court was not bound by any sentence recommendation (Plea T. 21:12-16).
THE COURT: Okay. Now -- I already asked you this. You discussed sentencing with your attorney and he explained all of the things I covered with you, is that right?(Plea T. 23:6-21). Further colloquy regarding Petitioner's plea followed:
THE DEFENDANT: Yes.
THE COURT: Okay. Do you understand that you will not be able to withdraw your plea in this case on the grounds -
THE DEFENDANT: Yes.
THE COURT: -- that anyone's prediction as to the guideline range or actual sentence proved to be inaccurate or wrong, for some reason. You understand that?
THE DEFENDANT: Yes.
THE COURT: Now, maybe in simple terms, if you don't like my sentence, that's not a ground for withdrawing your plea. You understand that?
THE DEFENDANT: Yes.
THE COURT: Now, have you reviewed the plea agreement?
THE DEFENDANT: Yes.
THE COURT: Do you accept the plea agreement in accordance with its terms?
THE DEFENDANT: Yes.
THE COURT: Do you accept Schedule A of the plea agreement in accordance with its terms?
THE DEFENDANT: Yes.
THE COURT: Did you read the plea agreement?
THE DEFENDANT: Yes.(Plea T. 28:19 to 29:25). Plaintiff offered an allocution in which she admitted she conspired to sell and possess more than 100 grams of heroin and acknowledged that "the amount of heroin that [she was] jointly responsible for distributing is between 400 and 700 grams[.]" (Plea T. 32:1 to 33:12). Petitioner also testified that her possession occurred within 1,000 feet of a protected area. (Plea T. 34:13-18) ("MR. ASKIN: Ms. Spellman, in addition to the Court's questions, one more question. Do you agree that you and your co-conspirators distributed or possessed with intent to distribute heroin within 1,000 feet of a public housing complex? THE DEFENDANT: Yes."). Plaintiff acknowledged guilt for such a crime. Finding Petitioner competent and intelligent, the Court accepted the plea and set the matter down for sentencing.
THE COURT: Did you understand it?
THE DEFENDANT: Yes.
THE COURT: And did you have the chance to go over it with Mr. Huff?
THE DEFENDANT: Yes.
THE COURT: Did you have an opportunity to ask him whatever questions you wanted to ask him?
THE DEFENDANT: Yes.
THE COURT: And did he answer those questions satisfactorily?
THE DEFENDANT: Yes.
THE COURT: Did you sign the plea agreement yourself?
THE DEFENDANT: Yes.
Judge Irenas passed away before sentencing Petitioner and the matter was transferred to this Court for such purposes. On April 5, 2016, this Court held a sentencing hearing at which Petitioner was present. Consistent with the plea agreement and pre-sentencing report, and following an independent analysis of both, this Court adopted an offense level of 28. The Court further found, consistent with Petitioner's prior allocution and the plea agreement, that Petitioner accepted responsibility for 400-700 grams of heroin in a protected location and that Petitioner and her co-conspirators possessed and brandished firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking conspiracy. Based on those findings, the requisite sentencing guidelines in effect and applicable at that time called for a range of between 78- and 97-months' imprisonment. See (ECF No. 10-1 ("Sentencing Transcript" or "Sen. T") at 6:5 to 8:5). This Court then entertained argument on a downward variance. Ultimately, the Court determined that a downward variance was appropriate, but not to the degree the Petitioner had argued for. The Court spent significant time reviewing the sentencing factors at 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) and the circumstances of Petitioner's behavior, including that she (1) used alias' to rent cars used to traffic narcotics, (2) was present at drug transactions, (3) occupied a stash house, (4) knew that weapons and drugs were stored in the home she occupied, and (5) was involved, even if in a more limited role, in the murder of a rival drug dealer. Moreover, the Court found that, after she was arrested, Petitioner was largely non-compliant with pre-trial services. The Court noted that Petitioner had repeatedly tested positive for illicit narcotics after arrest, frequently ignored or failed to participate in her treatment programs, and was often non-responsive to authorities. Ultimately, the Court sentenced Petitioner to a term of 60 months imprisonment.
Petitioner appealed her sentence to the Third Circuit, which affirmed it on April 18, 2017. United States v. Spellman, 686 F. App'x 113 (3d Cir. 2017). On April 23, 2018, Petitioner moved before the Third Circuit for rehearing en banc, which was denied on May 3, 2018. United States v. Spellman, No. 16-1876, Doc. # 3112920764 (3d Cir. May 3, 2018).
On September 11, 2018, Petitioner filed the present Petition arguing that she had ineffective assistance of counsel because: (1) counsel failed to file a direct appeal that "advocated relief[;]" (2) counsel failed to object to a sentencing guideline enhancement which resulted in "impermissible double counting[;]" (3) counsel failed to object to the "firearm enhancement[;]" and (4) counsel failed to object to the "drug quantity attributed" to her. (ECF No. 1).
ANALYSIS
I. Legal Standard: 28 U.S.C. § 2255
Title 28 U.S.C. § 2255 provides, in pertinent part:
A prisoner in custody under sentence of a court established by Act of Congress claiming the right to be released upon the ground that the sentence was imposed in violation of the Constitution or laws of the United States, or that the court was without jurisdiction to impose such sentence, or that the sentence was in excess of the maximum authorized by law, or is otherwise subject to collateral attack, may move the court which imposed the sentence to vacate, set aside or correct the sentence.28 U.S.C. § 2255(a). See gen. U.S. v. Thomas, 713 F.3d 165 (3d Cir. 2013), cert. denied, 570 U.S. 927, 133 S. Ct. 2873, 186 L. Ed. 2d 926 (2013) (detailing the legislative history of § 2255).
A criminal defendant bears the burden of establishing her entitlement to § 2255 relief. See United States v. Davies, 394 F.3d 182, 189 (3d Cir. 2005). Moreover, as a § 2255 motion to vacate is a collateral attack on a sentence, a criminal defendant "must clear a significantly higher hurdle than would exist on direct appeal." United States v. Frady, 456 U.S. 152, 166, 102 S. Ct. 1584, 71 L. Ed. 2d 816 (1982).
This Court recognizes it has a duty to construe pro se pleadings liberally. See United States v. Otero, 502 F.3d 331, 334 (3d Cir. 2007) (citing Haines v. Kerner, 404 U.S. 519, 520, 92 S. Ct. 594, 30 L. Ed. 2d 652 (1972)).
II. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel Standard
The Sixth Amendment guarantees criminal defendants the right to effective assistance of counsel. See Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 685-86, 104 S. Ct. 2052, 80 L. Ed. 2d 674 (1984). A defendant who alleges ineffective assistance must satisfy the two-part test outlined in Strickland:
First, the defendant must show that counsel's performance was deficient. This requires showing that counsel made errors so serious that counsel was not functioning as "counsel" guaranteed the defendant by the Sixth Amendment. Second, the defendant must show that the deficient performance prejudiced the defense. This requires showing that counsel's errors were so serious as to deprive the defendant of a fair trial, a trial whose result is reliable.Id. at 687.
To show deficient performance, "the defendant must show that counsel's representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness . . . under prevailing professional norms." Id. at 686-88. A petitioner must identify the particular acts or omissions that are challenged as unprofessional. See id. at 690. Under this first prong of the Strickland test, scrutiny of counsel's conduct must be "highly deferential." See id. at 689. Indeed, "[c]ounsel is strongly presumed to have rendered adequate assistance and made all significant decisions in the exercise of reasonable professional judgment." Id. at 690. The reviewing court must make every effort to "eliminate the distorting effects of hindsight, to reconstruct the circumstances of counsel's challenged conduct, and to evaluate the conduct from counsel's perspective at the time." Id. at 689. If counsel makes "a thorough investigation of law and facts" about his plausible options, then counsel's strategic choices are "virtually unchallengeable." Gov't of Virgin Islands v. Weatherwax, 77 F.3d 1425, 1432 (3d Cir. 2006) (citing Strickland, 466 U.S. at 690-91).
The second prong of the Strickland test requires the petitioner to prove prejudice. See Strickland, 466 U.S. at 693. To demonstrate prejudice, the defendant must show that counsel's deficient performance "actually had an adverse effect on the defense." Id. at 693. "The defendant must show that there is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different. A reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome." Id. at 694. "The likelihood of a different result must be substantial, not just conceivable." Harrington v. Richter, 562 U.S. 86, 112, 131 S. Ct. 770, 178 L. Ed. 2d 624 (2011).
In the context of a guilty plea, the prejudice prong requires that a petitioner "show that there is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's errors, [they] would not have pleaded guilty and would have insisted on going to trial." Hill v. Lockhart, 474 U.S. 52, 59, 106 S. Ct. 366, 88 L. Ed. 2d 203 (1985). Only attorney errors that affect the outcome of a criminal proceeding will be grounds for habeas relief. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 691. The requirement of prejudice reflects the substantial interest in the finality of guilty pleas that would be too easily undermined by defendants seeking a more favorable outcome to challenge a plea after the fact. Hill, 474 U.S. at 58. "[A] court need not determine whether counsel's performance was deficient before examining the prejudice suffered by the defendant as a result of the alleged deficiencies. . . . If it is easier to dispose of an ineffectiveness claim on the ground of lack of sufficient prejudice . . . that course should be followed." Strickland, 466 U.S. at 697.
A. Petitioner's Point 1: Failure To File A Direct Appeal Advocating Relief
Petitioner argues that because she was "in transit between several [correctional] institutions" shortly after her sentencing, she was "unable to properly communicate with counsel" regarding her direct appeal. (ECF No. 1-1 ("Pet. Br.") at 1). Petitioner argues that this resulted in viable grounds for relief not being presented on direct appeal. Id.
"[A] generic statement that communications with counsel were insufficient fails under Strickland." McClain v. United States, No. 12-2205, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 37641, *17 (D.N.J. March 19, 2013) (Wolfson, C.J.). "A habeas petitioner cannot establish ineffective assistance of counsel by 'assert[ing] . . . a mechanical calculation of alleged meetings and then, self-servingly, declare[ing] the amount of such alleged meetings insufficient.'" Id. at *17-18 (quoting Cox v. Ricci, No. 08-2655, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 115711, at *15-16 (D.N.J. Oct. 29, 2010)). Instead, the Court looks to the communications between client and counsel to determine whether they were meaningful. See id. at *18 ("Here, there is no indication that defense counsel failed to meaningfully communicate with Petitioner."). Where a petitioner maintains that counsel spent insufficient time "meeting with Petitioner and/or discussing the strategy of the case" but the record proves that "Petitioner's counsel was well-aware of key aspects and minute details of Petitioner's case and consistently and ardently presented Petitioner's position . . . throughout every stage of the [case], . . . Petitioner's disappointment with the amount of time . . . spent communicating with his defense attorney fails to establish that his counsel did not function as a meaningful adversary. . . ." See id. at *19 (quoting Gambino v. Warden of N.J. State Prison, No. 11-4221, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 52, at *40-41 (D.N.J. Jan. 2, 2013)).
In the present action, Petitioner does not allege she attempted to communicate with counsel and was, for some reason, unable to do so. Instead, she simply alleges that her circumstances were such that communication may have been more difficult than desired. More specifically, Petitioner argues that this lack of communication resulted in viable grounds for relief not being presented on appeal.
The Court finds nothing in the record that suggests Petitioner was denied access to her attorney in preparing for any direct appeal; instead, an affidavit of Petitioner's counsel indicates that "[a]fter sentencing, [counsel] consulted with the Petitioner who indicated that she wanted to appeal the length of the sentence" and on November 15, 2016, such an appeal was filed with the Court of Appeals. (ECF No. 10-4 at ¶¶11-14, 24). Counsel's affidavit further explains that copies of all relevant appellate documents were transmitted to Petitioner once available to him. Such facts suggest adequate dialogue and continued communications between Petitioner and counsel, despite Petitioner's assertions otherwise.
Moreover, while Petitioner suggests she forwent viable arguments on appeal due to an alleged inability to communicate with counsel, Petitioner does not specifically identify allegedly viable grounds that were not advanced. Such claims are of the vague and general type that courts will not rely on in granting habeas relief. See gen. McClain, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 37641 at *17 (generic statements alleging deficient communications do not warrant habeas relief). Because Petitioner does not identify the arguments she forewent, the Court cannot determine they were viable, and therefore, cannot find that Petitioner was prejudiced by counsel's decision not to advance them.
These facts, taken together, indicate Petitioner was not deprived of meaningful consultation with counsel regarding her appeal. Indeed, quite the opposite appears true. To the extent Petitioner argues that her contacts were not numerous enough, such is insufficient grounds to warrant habeas relief. See McClain, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 37641 at *17.
Petitioner bears the burden of showing entitlement to habeas relief. Based upon the record before this Court, Petitioner has not carried the burden of establishing entitlement to § 2255 relief on this argument. See United States v. Davies, 394 F.3d at 189.
B. Petitioner's Point 2: Failure To Object To Enhancement 2d1.2(A)(1) That Resulted In Impermissible Double Counting
Petitioner argues that counsel was ineffective by not objecting to a two-point enhancement under U.S.S.G. 2D1.2(a)(1) arising out of her charge for possessing heroin with the intent to distribute it within 1,000 feet of a protected location, namely, a public housing facility, contrary to 21 U.S.C. § 860. Because Petitioner acknowledge during the plea and sentencing proceedings that this enhancement would apply, counsel's failure to object to the enhancement does not warrant a finding that counsel was ineffective.
There "can be no Sixth Amendment deprivation of effective counsel based on an attorney's failure to raise a meritless argument." Kilkeary v. United States, 722 Fed. Appx. 207, 211 (3d Cir. 2018) (quoting United States v. Sanders, 165 F.3d 248, 253 (3d Cir. 1999)). Where a petitioner cannot establish that "there is a reasonable probability that, but for defense counsel's failure to raise an objection, the result of the proceedings would have been different[,]" relief is not warranted. See id. at 211-12. Such may be the case where a defendant admits to the thing not objected to by counsel. See id. at 212. Where that is the case, a petitioner "cannot establish that he was prejudiced by his counsel's inaction" See id.
U.S.S.G. 2D1.2(a)(1) provides that a two-point enhancement applies where the "controlled substances directly involve[e] a protected location or an underage or pregnant individual[.]" U.S.S.G. 2D1.2(a)(1). During the plea hearing, Petitioner testified in a manner consistent with application of the two-point enhancement:
MR. ASKIN: Ms. Spellman, in addition to the Court's questions, one more question. Do you agree that you and your co-conspirators distributed or
possessed with intent to distribute heroin within 1,000 feet of a public housing complex?(Plea T. 34:13-18). Counsel filed an affidavit swearing that Petitioner never asked him to "object to the enhancement for distribution of heroin within 1,000 feet of the public housing complex." (ECF No. 10-4 at ¶29). Moreover, counsel's objection to such an application would have been contrary to the clear language of the guidelines, Petitioner's testimony, the stipulations in the plea agreement, and all the evidence in the case that centered on a drug gang that had taken over a public housing project; in other words, it would have been meritless. Therefore, Petitioner does not meet step one of the Strickland test as she cannot establish that by failing to object to this enhancement, counsel's performance was deficient.
THE DEFENDANT: Yes.
C. Petitioner's Point 3: Failure To Object To Firearm Enhancement
Petitioner argues that counsel was deficient by failing to object to the application of a two-point firearm enhancement pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 201.1(b)(1). Essentially, Petitioner argues the Government did not adequately establish that a weapon was used or present in furtherance of the conspiracy, and therefore, that the enhancement should not have applied.
Such an argument is belied by the Petitioner's plea agreement, in which she agrees that:
[t]he Specific Offense Characteristic relating to the possession of a dangerous weapon (including a firearm) applies[.] Kimberly Spellman agrees that her co-conspirators possessed firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy, and further agrees that she either knew of such possession or that it was reasonably foreseeable to her. Application of this Specific Offense Characteristic results in an increase of 2 levels. U.S.S.G. § 201.1(b)(1).(ECF No. 10-2 at 6, ¶4). Moreover, the evidence in the underlying prosecution demonstrated that Petitioner was well aware of the Dirty Block gang's use of firearms to protect its turf. When one rival drug dealer was brutally shot by Dirty Block enforcer Malik Derry while riding a bicycle, Petitioner herself texted her congratulations to other gang members: "first homicide of da year, head shot." United States v. Derry, 14-cr-50 (D.N.J.), Docket No. 923 at p. 24.
In light of the facts before the Court, any objection made to such an enhancement would have been meritless, and therefore, cannot form the basis for habeas relief. See Kilkeary, 722 Fed. Appx. at 211 (quoting Sanders, 165 F.3d at 253) ("no Sixth Amendment deprivation of effective counsel based on an attorney's failure to raise a meritless argument.").
D. Petitioner's Point 4: Failure To Object To Drug Quantity Attributed To Petitioner
Petitioner argues that counsel was deficient by failing to object to the drug quantity attributed to her. Petitioner did, however, admit to the quantity at issue. (Plea T. 33:10-13) ("THE COURT: Did you acknowledge that the amount of heroin that you were jointly responsible for distributing is between 400 and 700 grams of heroin? THE DEFENDANT: Yes."). While not stated expressly, Petitioner appears to suggest that her decision to plead guilty and to stipulate to such facts, however, followed her counsel's alleged representation that she would receive a 24-month sentence. Such an argument lacks merit.
Counsel's failure to object to the quantity of heroin Petitioner stipulated to possessing was not error, and would have been meritless; such is not a basis for habeas relief. See Kilkeary, 722 Fed. Appx. at 211 (quoting Sanders, 165 F.3d at 253). Nor can Petitioner obtain relief by arguing that she only stipulated to such amounts in hopes of getting a lesser sentence. The record belies Petitioner's argument that she pled guilty only due to her expectation of receiving a 24-month sentence. Petitioner has not met her burden of showing she is entitled to habeas relief on this point.
First, Petitioner was reminded on several occasions, on the record, that while the Government agreed not to seek a sentence of more than 24 months in length, the Court was not bound by that stipulation:
THE COURT: And you understand that at least in the plea agreement itself, the government has agreed not to ask for a sentence of greater than 24 months.(Plea T. 21:8-20). Petitioner also recognized that she would not be able to withdraw her plea if the sentence exceeded that which was contemplated in the plea agreement. (Plea T. 23:18-21) ("THE COURT: Now, maybe in simple terms, if you don't like my sentence, that's not a ground for withdrawing your plea. You understand that? THE DEFENDANT: Yes."). These facts belie Plaintiff's argument that she only accepted responsibility for the quantities at issue in order to obtain a lesser sentence.
THE DEFENDANT: Yes.
THE COURT: But you understand I'm not bound by that. I mean, I'm not -- I don't have to follow the government's recommendation either upward or downward, I don't have to follow it. You understand that?
THE DEFENDANT: Yes.
THE COURT: But they can't argue for more than 24 months. You understand that?
THE DEFENDANT: Yes.
THE COURT: Okay.
III. No Evidentiary Hearing Is Necessary
Section 2255 gives a district court some discretion whether to hold an evidentiary hearing on a § 2255 motion. See U.S. v. Carter, 477 F. App'x 875, 876 (3d Cir. 2012) (citing Virgin Islands v. Forte, 865 F.2d 59, 62 (3d Cir. 1989)). In exercising that discretion, a district court must first determine whether the facts asserted, viewed in the light most favorable to the prisoner, if proven, would entitle the prisoner to relief; if so, the district court then must consider whether an evidentiary hearing is needed to determine the truth of the allegations. See Nickens v. U.S., No. 09-cv-4278, 2011 WL 4056287, *5 (D.N.J. Sept. 12, 2011) (citing Gov't of the Virgin Islands v. Weatherwax, 20 F.3d 572, 574 (3d Cir. 1994)). Thus, a district court may summarily deny a § 2255 motion, without a hearing, only where the "the motion and the files and records of the case conclusively show that the prisoner is entitled to no relief[.]" 28 U.S.C. § 2255(b); U.S. v. McCoy, 410 F.3d 124, 134 (3d Cir. 2005). Because the Court finds that the Petition lacks merit, no hearing is necessary.
IV. Certificate Of Appealability Will Not Issue
Because the Court will deny Petitioner's § 2255 motion, the Court must determine whether to issue a certificate of appealability ("COA"). A COA is a "jurisdictional prerequisite" to an appeal on the merits, and "the COA statute establishes procedural rules and requires a threshold inquiry into whether the circuit court may entertain an appeal." U.S. v. Doe, 810 F.3d 132, 143 (3d Cir. 2015) (quoting Miller-El v. Cockrell, 537 U.S. 322, 336 (2003)). Section 2253(c)(2) provides that "[a] certificate of appealability may issue . . . only if the applicant has made a substantial showing of the denial of a constitutional right." To satisfy that standard, a petitioner must demonstrate that "jurists of reason could disagree with the district court's resolution of his constitutional claims or that jurists could conclude the issues presented are adequate to deserve encouragement to proceed further." Banks v. Dretke, 540 U.S. 668, 705 (2004) (quoting Miller-El v. Cockrell, 537 U.S. at 327). Here, jurists of reason would not disagree with this Court's determinations. As such, no COA will issue.
CONCLUSION
For the reasons set forth above, the Petition shall be denied. An appropriate order follows. Date: March 16, 2020
At Camden, New Jersey
s/ Noel L. Hillman
NOEL L. HILLMAN, U.S.D.J.