United States v. Rene Valdez

In this appeal the sole issue is whether the trial judge abused his discretion in denying Valdez’ motion to withdraw his plea of guilty just prior to sentencing. We affirm.

On July 9, 1970, Valdez was arraigned and entered a plea of not guilty to an indictment involving narcotics violations. On August 18, 1970, Valdez, through his counsel, changed his plea to guilty to one count of the indictment. He stated that he understood the charges against him and that he voluntarily desired to enter a plea of guilty. At sentencing on September 24, 1970, his counsel requested a continuance because Valdez…