Appeal waivers in plea deals
Hobson v. United States
In brief
The Supreme Court sent Hobson’s case back to the Fifth Circuit without deciding whether his appeal waiver could be enforced.
- Where it stands
- Case remanded
Remanded · October 13, 2026
- What it’s about
- The Supreme Court agreed to hear Brian Hobson’s case, wiped out the Fifth Circuit’s judgment (vacated it), and sent the case back for another look in light of *Hunter v. United States* (remanded it).
- Who it affects
- The Fifth Circuit must reconsider Hobson’s case in light of Hunter, but the Supreme Court did not resolve whether his appeal waiver is enforceable.
Summary: written with AI from the case record.
What it's about
The Fifth Circuit had thrown out Hobson’s appeal under a waiver in his plea agreement, but the Supreme Court did not decide whether that waiver could be enforced.
The dispute concerns how an appeal waiver in a plea agreement affects a defendant’s appeal.
Question presented
Whether the Fifth Circuit erred by dismissing Mr. Hobson’s appeal based on the waiver of appeal provision in his Plea Agreement.
What the Court decided
Holding
Motion to proceed in forma pauperis and petition for a writ of certiorari granted. Judgment vacated and case remanded for further consideration in light of Hunter v. United States, 608 U. S. 713 (2026).
- Result
- Remanded
The Court's reasoning
The Court sent the case back for further consideration in light of Hunter v. United States, but gave no further explanation and did not decide whether Hobson’s waiver was enforceable.
What's next
The Fifth Circuit will reconsider the case in light of Hunter v. United States.
Documents
Docket activity
New analysis added
AI analysis generated: Case Briefing
AI analysis generated: Decision Record
Case data updated: summary, question_presented, generation_metadata
Case data updated: question_presented, extraction_metadata
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Brief added: Petition
More questions
- Did the Supreme Court decide whether Hobson’s appeal waiver was enforceable?
- No. It sent the case back without deciding that question.
Sources
Primary materials plus reporting. Best-effort analysis: this explainer relies on a mix of primary materials and trusted secondary sources. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.