Russell v. United States

This is an appeal from an order denying a motion made under 28 U.S.C. § 2255 to vacate a sentence of imprisonment imposed upon a plea of guilty. The indictment charged in the first count that the appellant “being a person required to register and pay the special tax as provided by sections 3221 and 3220 of Title 26, United States Code” did have in his possession 2193 grains of heroin hydrochloride, without having registered and paid the special tax. A second count charged transportation of the drug from New York to Maryland. The appellant, being represented by counsel of his own choosing,…