RICHARD L. VOORHEES, District Judge.
Petitioner pled guilty, pursuant to a plea deal, in federal district court to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841(b)(1)(A). Acceptance and Entry of Guilty Plea, Doc. No. 31.
Notwithstanding Petitioner's assertions to the contrary, he timely filed a pro se notice of appeal, Doc. No. 44,
Petitioner filed the instant Motion to Vacate on April 22, 2017, when he placed in the prison mail system. Petitioner's grounds for relief are difficult to follow but all allege deficiencies on the part of trial counsel for failing to follow through on promises to obtain a reduced sentence. (Mot. to Vacate 4-6, 8, 13-14, Doc. No. 1.) Additionally, Petitioner claims that his plea was not knowing, intelligent, or voluntary because he did not understand what he was agreeing to. (Mot. to Vacate 8.)
The Court is guided by Rule 4(b) of the Rules Governing Section 2255 Proceedings for the United States District Court, which directs district courts to dismiss habeas motions when it plainly appears from the motion and any attached exhibits that the petitioner is not entitled to relief. Rule 4(b), 28 U.S.C.A. foll. § 2255. In conducting its review under Rule 4, the district court "has the power to raise affirmative defenses sua sponte," including a statute of limitations defense under 28 U.S.C. § 2255(f).
A federal district court must dismiss any § 2255 motion that is filed more than one year after the date on which: (1) the judgment of conviction becomes final; (2) the impediment to making a motion, created by unlawful governmental action, is removed and the petitioner was prevented from making a motion by such action; (3) the United States Supreme Court initially recognized the constitutional right asserted, if the right has been newly recognized by the Supreme Court and made retroactively applicable to cases on collateral review; or (4) the facts supporting the claims presented could have been discovered with due diligence. 28 U.S.C. § 2255(f)(1)-(4). A petitioner must demonstrate that the petition was timely filed under § 2255 or that his untimely petition may be salvaged by equitable tolling principles.
The Court entered judgment in this case on December 18, 2013. J., Doc. No. 42. Petitioner's judgment became final for purposes of § 2255(f)(1) on or about December 29, 2014, 90 days after the Fourth Circuit denied Petitioner's direct appeal, and the time for Petitioner to file a petition for writ of certiorari in the United States Supreme Court expired.
Thus, Petitioner had until December 29, 2015, to file a timely § 2255 motion.
Petitioner asserts that he did not file his § 2255 Motion within the statute of limitations because his attorney was supposed to file some motions in the federal district court to get Petitioner's sentence reduced but failed to follow through. (Mot. to Vacate 16.) To qualify for equitable tolling of the statute of limitations a petitioner must demonstrate "(1) that he has been pursuing his rights diligently, and (2) that some extraordinary circumstance stood in his way and prevented timely filing."
Petitioner's explanation demonstrates neither diligence in pursuing his rights nor that some extraordinary circumstance stood in his way and prevented timely filing of a federal habeas petition. According to Petitioner, counsel made promises regarding Petitioner's sentence either prior to his entering a guilty plea or when sentencing was concluded. Other than filing a direct appeal, Petitioner evidently has done nothing more than wait for his attorney to do what he allegedly promised. While it may be reasonable for a prisoner to wait for some short period of time for an attorney to take promised action, Petitioner has waited for more three years, which does not constitute diligence in pursuing his rights.
Moreover, Petitioner has failed to explain how counsel's alleged failure to seek reductions in Petitioner's sentence either during or after sentencing prevented him from filing a timely Motion to Vacate.
Petitioner's § 2255 Motion to Vacate is untimely under 28 U.S.C. § 2255(f)(1). He has demonstrated neither diligence in pursuing his rights nor that an extraordinary circumstance external to his control prevented him from timely filing a Motion to Vacate.
DECISION BY COURT. This action having come before the Court by Motion and a decision having been rendered;
IT IS ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that Judgment is hereby entered in accordance with the Court's June 6, 2017 Order.