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1 F. App'x 110

United States v. Robards

U.S. Courts of Appeals

Decided January 4, 2001

U.S. Courts of Appeals · decided 2001-01-04

Applies 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act) · 28 U.S.C. § 2255 (Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996)

Relies on Hill v. Lockhart · Roe, Warden v. Flores-Ortega · United States v. Peak

Decided 2001-01-04

¶1 OPINION

PER CURIAM.

¶2 Jessie D. Robards appeals from the dismissal of his 28 U.S.C.A. § 2255 (West Supp.2000) motion, attacking on numerous grounds his conviction for violating 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3). For the following reasons, we vacate and remand for further proceedings.

¶3 Regarding Robards’ claim that his counsel was ineffective for failing to file a notice of appeal following his sentencing, the district found that Robards failed to show prejudice, citing Hill v. Lockhart, 474 U.S. 52, 59, 106 S.Ct. 366, 88 L.Ed.2d 203 (1985), as authority for this position. This finding was erroneous, however, under this court’s decision in United States v. Peak, 992 F.2d 39, 42 (4th Cir.1993). In Peak, we held that counsel’s failure to pursue an appeal requested by a defendant constitutes ineffective assistance of counsel regardless of the likelihood of success on the merits. Id. Thus, if counsel promises to note an appeal and then fails to do so, petitioner is entitled to relief in the form of *111 a belated appeal. Id; see also Roe v. Flores-Ortega, 528 U.S. 470, 120 S.Ct. 1029,145 L.Ed.2d 985 (2000).

¶4 Accordingly, we grant a certificate of appealability and vacate the district court’s order and remand for compliance with this opinion and Peak. We decline to address any other claims on appeal. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before the court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

¶5 VACATED AND REMANDED.

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