Case Explained: United States of America v. Jesus Morales-Garcia

Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

Filed: 2026-07-08

The eighth-circuit granted counsel’s motion to withdraw and dismissed the appeal after determining that the defendant’s valid and enforceable appeal waiver barred review of his sentence challenges. The court applied the standard requiring de novo review of the waiver’s validity and applicability, confirming that the waiver was knowingly and voluntarily entered into and did not result in a miscarriage of justice. Additionally, the court conducted an independent review of the record pursuant to *Penson v. Ohio* and found no non-frivolous issues falling outside the scope of the waiver. Consequently, the appeal is dismissed, and counsel is permitted to withdraw from representation.

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