UNITED STATES v. BREWER (2018)

Trent Brewer, federal prisoner #24313-077, who pleaded guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, moves for the appointment of counsel. He purports to have filed a second direct appeal seeking to challenge his career-offender sentencing enhancement.

An indigent defendant in a felony case must be provided counsel on direct appeal as of right. United States v. Palomo, 80 F.3d 138, 141 (5th Cir. 1996); 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(a)(1)(A), (c). Brewer, however, already has filed a direct appeal of his conviction and initial sentence. See United States v. Brewer, 344 Fed.Appx. 947 (5th Cir. 2009). A defendant “is not entitled to two appeals,” and a second appeal from the same conviction is “not properly before this Court.” United States v. Arlt, 567 F.2d 1295, 1296−97 (5th Cir. 1978); accord United States v. Rodriguez, 821 F.3d 632, 633 (5th Cir. 2016). A defendant is entitled to the appointment of counsel only for his first direct appeal. See Pennsylvania v. Finley, 481 U.S. 551, 555, 107 S.Ct. 1990, 95 L.Ed.2d 539 (1987).

The motion is DENIED. Because the second appeal is not properly before this court, it is DISMISSED as frivolous. See 5th Cir. R. 42.2.

FOOTNOTES

FOOTNOTE.  

PER CURIAM: * FN* Pursuant to 5th Cir. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5th Cir. R. 47.5.4.