In Re: Alfonzo Avery Blackburn, Petitioner, 37 F.3d 1492 (4th Cir. 1994)

Alfonzo Blackburn, a federal prisoner, brought this petition for a writ of mandamus seeking to vacate a sentence that Blackburn alleges was erroneously calculated. Mandamus relief is only available when there are no other means by which the relief sought could be granted. In re Beard, 811 F.2d 818, 826 (4th Cir. 1987). Blackburn forfeited appellate review of his conviction and sentence by voluntarily withdrawing his direct appeal and by failing to timely appeal the district court's denial of his subsequent motion filed pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2255 (1988). Because mandamus cannot be used as a substitute for appeal, In re United Steelworkers, 595 F.2d 958, 960 (4th Cir. 1979), we deny Blackburn's petition. We also grant Blackburn leave to proceed in forma pauperis and deny his motion for appointment of counsel. 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.

PETITION DENIED.