United States v. Wesley B. Dewalt

Wesley B. Dewalt was caught in possession of an operable, unregistered sawed-off shotgun. Because the barrel measured under 18 inches in length — l&k inches, to be precise— the weapon fit within the definition of “firearm” contained in the National Firearms Act, see 26 U.S.C. § 5845(a)(1), (Act) aind Dewalt was charged with possession of an unregistered firearm in violation of section 5861(d) of the Act. He pleaded guilty. He now asks us to vacate his plea on the ground that his plea hearing was not in substantial compliance with rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. First, he…