Case Explained: United States of America v. Chauncey Allen White

Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit Filed: 2026-06-29 The eighth-circuit dismissed Chauncey White’s appeal from his criminal conviction and sentence for sexual abuse of a minor because he knowingly and voluntarily waived his right to appeal as part of his plea agreement. The court applied the de novo standard of review for the validity of an appeal waiver, enforcing it under the rule that such waivers are binding so long as they fall within their scope, were entered into knowingly and voluntarily, and do not result in a miscarriage of justice. The court found no miscarriage of justice because White’s sentence was below the advisory guidelines range, he had explicitly acknowledged during the plea hearing that he waived all rights to appeal except for ineffective assistance of counsel or sentences exceeding the guideline range, and his claims regarding miscalculation or substantive unreasonableness fell squarely within the scope of the waiver. Consequently, the appeal is dismissed, leaving the district court’s 320-month sentence in place. Do It For The Case Law is a news reporting service. Nothing in this episode constitutes legal advice.