Eighth Circuit: Nicole Walker v. United States

Habeas, retroactive application

Plain error not relevant to collateral attack of conviction.

Case extending Apprendi to mandatory minimums isn't retroactive to cases on collateral appeal, because Apprendi itself isn't retroactive.

No constitutional error in lack of assistance of counsel during Certiorari.  No statutory error, as the omission of the issue from the petition wouldn't have been ineffective assistance.

Inaccurate guess by deft counsel as to likely sentence did not make plea involuntary.

No error in safety valve counsel at trial and during appeal, denial of evidentiary hearing upheld.

http://media.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/16/01/143700P.pdf