United States v. John R. Whitlow

EASTERBROOK, Circuit Judge.

In what has become a common sequence, a defendant who waived his appellate rights as part of a plea bargain, and received a substantial benefit in exchange, has failed to keep his promise. After being indicted for 30 financial crimes, John Whitlow pleaded guilty to four counts and the rest were dismissed. The plea agreement provides that “in exchange for the concessions made by the United States” Whitlow waives his rights to appeal and to seek collateral relief under 28 U.S.C. § 2255. The benefits of the agreement were substantial. Whitlow not only obtained the…