United States v. David Punch

THORNBERRY, Circuit Judge:

INTRODUCTION:

David Punch appeals his conviction for importation of marijuana and cocaine following the district court’s denial of his motion to withdraw his prior guilty plea. We conclude that the district court’s failure to adequately inform Punch of the nature of the charges against him requires automatic reversal of his conviction.

FACTS AND DISPOSITION BELOW:

On December 15,1980 government agents in Dulac, Louisiana seized the M/V ARTIS-TA and its cargo of 46,000 pounds of marijuana and 200 pounds of cocaine. 1 Punch, the registered owner of the M/V ARTIS-TA, was…