April 21, 2026·25-50474·Per Curiam·By James Taylor
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit dismissed an appeal filed by Sonia Mata regarding a sentencing enhancement. The court enforced a waiver of appeal included in Mata's plea agreement.
Sonia Mata pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and escape. She challenged a four-level sentencing enhancement for possessing a firearm in connection with another felony offense.
The court’s reasoning
The court reviewed the enforceability of the appeal waiver de novo. It applied a two-step inquiry to determine if the waiver was knowing and voluntary and if it applied to the circumstances based on the plain language of the agreement. The record confirmed both conditions were met.
What it means going forward
Defendants who sign plea agreements with appeal waivers may be barred from challenging specific sentencing enhancements if the waiver is found to be knowing, voluntary, and applicable to the issue.
