George Olbert Hood v. United States

BOWMAN, Circuit Judge.

The Government appeals the decision of the District Court granting George Olbert Hood’s petition to vacate his sentence under 28 U.S.C. § 2255 (2000) on the basis of ineffective assistance of counsel. Because the District Court’s decision conflicts with established precedent of this Circuit, we reverse.

In 1986, Hood was convicted in Minnesota state court of criminal sexual misconduct. Three years later, following Hood’s completion of his sentence, Hood was issued a “Certificate of Discharge and Restoration to Civil Rights.” Hood’s certificate of discharge did not contain…