Case Explained: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. AAKASH PRAKASH MAKWANA

Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit Filed: 2026-06-29 The Fourth Circuit dismissed in part and affirmed in part the judgment of the district court. The court held that while an appellate waiver does not bar a colorable challenge to the validity of a guilty plea, Makwana’s plea was valid because it was knowing, voluntary, and supported by an adequate factual basis following a thorough Rule 11 colloquy conducted before a magistrate judge; consequently, no plain error occurred. Regarding the appeal waiver itself, the court applied de novo review and found it enforceable under the totality of the circumstances, noting that Makwana knowingly and voluntarily agreed to waive his right to appeal with limited exceptions not applicable here. Relying on *Anders v. California*, the court reviewed the entire record, found no meritorious grounds for appeal outside the waiver’s scope, and granted the Government’s motion to dismiss the appeal as to all issues covered by the waiver while affirming the conviction and sentence. The practical consequence is that Makwana’s conviction and two-year sentence stand, though counsel was required to inform him in writing of his right to petition the Supreme Court for further review. Do It For The Case Law is a news reporting service. Nothing in this episode constitutes legal advice.