Williams v. United States

Petitioner was convicted in the District Court of assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a deadly weapon. He was sentenced on March 24, 1950 to serve a term of imprisonment.

Under Rule 37(a) (2) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, 18 U.S.C.A., petitioner had 10 days in which to take an appeal. Although he was represented by counsel at his trial, petitioner himself, while confined in the District of Columbia jail, prepared a communication to the District Court indicating an intention to appeal from the conviction. This communication was subscribed and sworn to on March 30, • 1950…