Roundtree v. United States, No. 12-3224 (8th Cir. 2014)
Annotate this CasePetitioner was convicted of distribution of heroin resulting in the death of another in violation of 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), and was sentenced to life in prison. On appeal, petitioner challenged the district court's denial without hearing of his motion to vacate, set aside, or correct his sentence. The court remanded petitioner's ineffective assistance of counsel claim to the district court for an evidentiary hearing to determine whether counsel advised petitioner that section 841(b)(1)(C) mandated a life sentence in petitioner's circumstances and, if not, whether petitioner was prejudiced as a result of the omission.
Court Description: Prisoner case - Habeas. Roundtree's claim that his attorney provided ineffective assistance by failing to advise him of the mandatory nature of the life sentence is remanded to the district court for an evidentiary hearing to determine whether counsel advised Roundtree that 21 U.S.C. Sec. 841(b)(1)(C) mandated a life sentence in Roundtree's circumstances and, if not, whether this failure prejudiced Roundtree.
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