Miguel Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981 (8th Cir. 1999). · Go Syfert
Miguel Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981 (8th Cir. 1999). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
Quick Summary

A defendant must prove both deficient performance and prejudice to establish ineffective assistance of counsel, and the safety valve provision does not apply retroactively to reduce prior sentences.

A defendant convicted of drug offenses filed a post-conviction motion claiming ineffective assistance of counsel and seeking resentencing under a new safety valve provision. The district court denied both claims without an evidentiary hearing. The court reviews these claims de novo. To establish ineffective assistance, a defendant must prove deficient performance overcoming the presumption of reasonable professional assistance and demonstrate prejudice by showing a reasonable probability of a different result. The court finds the defendant’s claims conclusory and contradicted by the trial record, which showed a viable defense theory. Additionally, the safety valve provision is not retroactive. The court affirms the denial of relief.

114 citation events (104 in the last 25 years) across 7 distinct courts.
Treatment trajectory · 1999 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
1999 2012 2026
Cited for
At page 983 Denying evidentiary hearings for ineffective assistance claims42 citing casesstating that an evidentiary hearing is unnecessary where allegations, even if true, do not warrant relief or allegations cannot be accepted as true because they are contradicted by the record or lack factual evidence and rely on conclusive statements3 citing courts put it this way · 39 listed here
  • Casey Lynn Crow Ghost v. United States, No. 1:24-cv-01016 (D.S.D. Apr. 29, 2026). 2 cites
    Petitioner “must also prove prejudice by demonstrating that absent counsel’s errors there is a reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different.” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998)…
  • Jones v. United States, No. 1:23-cv-01005 (D.S.D. Mar. 6, 2024).
    However, a § 2255 “petition can be dismissed without a hearing if (1) the petitioner’s allegations, accepted as true, would not entitle the petitioner to relief, or (2) the allegations cannot be accepted as true because they are contradict…
  • Vostad v. United States, No. 1:22-cv-01016 (D.S.D. Mar. 6, 2024). 2 cites
    Petitioner “must also prove prejudice by demonstrating that absent counsel’s errors there is a reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different.” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998)…
  • Paw v. United States, No. 1:23-cv-01018 (D.S.D. Feb. 29, 2024). 2 cites
    Petitioner “must also prove prejudice by demonstrating that absent counsel’s errors there is a reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different.” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998)…
  • Edger v. United States, No. 4:20-cv-00397 (E.D. Mo. Mar. 2, 2023). 2 cites
    (movant made no showing why additional evidence would likely have affected the result)
  • Left Hand v. United States, No. 1:22-cv-01011 (D.S.D. July 28, 2022).
    However, a § 2255 “petition can be dismissed without a hearing if (1) the petitioner’s allegations, accepted as true, would not entitle the petitioner to relief, or (2) the allegations cannot be accepted as true because they are contradict…
  • Waller v. United States, No. 1:18-cv-00158 (E.D. Mo. Aug. 27, 2021).
    (no hearing required where claim is inadequate on its face or the record affirmatively refutes the factual assertions upon which it is based)
  • St. Pierre v. United States, No. 1:20-cv-01010 (D.S.D. Dec. 3, 2020).
    However, a § 2255 “petition can be dismissed without a hearing if (1) the petitioner’s allegations, accepted as true, would not entitle the petitioner to relief, or (2) the allegations cannot be accepted as true because they are contradict…
  • Keys v. United States, No. 1:20-cv-01013 (D.S.D. Nov. 9, 2020). 2 cites
    Petitioner “must also prove prejudice by demonstrating that absent counsel’s errors there is a reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different.” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998)…
  • Jewell v. Dunn, No. 2:18-cv-01258 (N.D. Ala. Dec. 20, 2019).
    Day v. Quarterman, 566 F.3d 527, 538 (5th Cir. 2009) (citation omitted); Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 983 (8th Cir. 1998).
Show 29 more citing cases
  • Kills In Water v. United States, No. 1:19-cv-01016 (D.S.D. July 23, 2019).
    Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 983 (8th Cir. 1998) (quoting Engelen v. United States, 68 F.3d 238, 240 (8th Cir. 1995)).
  • Fire Cloud v. United States, No. 1:16-cv-01024 (D.S.D. Dec. 19, 2018). 3 cites
    United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998), (citing Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 694 , 104 8S.
  • United States v. Spight, 239 F. Supp. 3d 1112 (D. Minn. 2017).published
    Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 983 (8th Cir. 1998).
  • Nelson v. United States, 97 F. Supp. 3d 1131 (W.D. Mo. 2015).published
    “A claim of ineffective assistance based on the failure to consult and call an expert requires ‘evidence of what a scientific expert would have stated’ at trial in order to- establish Strickland preju dice.” Rodela-Aguilar v. United States…
  • Honken v. United States, 42 F. Supp. 3d 937 (N.D. Iowa 2013).published
    “A claim of ineffective assistance based on the failure to consult and call an expert requires ‘evidence of what [an] ... expert would have stated’ at trial in order to establish Strickland prejudice.” Rodela-Aguilar v. United States, 596…
  • Johnson v. United States, 860 F. Supp. 2d 663 (N.D. Iowa 2012).published
    The court has also explained, “A claim of ineffective assistance based on the failure to consult and call an expert requires ‘evidence of what a scientific expert would have stated’ at trial in order to establish Strickland prejudice.” Rod…
  • Nona Champion v. United States, 319 F. App'x 443 (8th Cir. 2009).unpublished 2 cites
    But no such hearing is required when "the allegations ... are contradicted by the record, inherently incredible or conclusions rather than statements of fact.” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 983 (8th Cir.1998) (internal quotation…
  • Medearis v. United States, 469 F. Supp. 2d 779 (D.S.D. 2006).published
    Before doing so, the Court must determine, in accordance with Rules 4(b) and 8(a) of the § 2255 Rules, whether such a hearing is required in this instance. [¶ 13] An evidentiary hearing need not be held “if (1) the [defendant’s] allegation…
  • Petersen v. United States, 352 F. Supp. 2d 1016 (D.S.D. 2005).published
    Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 983 (8th Cir.1998) (quoting Engelen v. United States, 68 F.3d 238, 240 (8th Cir.1995)).
  • United States v. Antonio Johnson, 97 F. App'x 56 (8th Cir. 2004).unpublished
    See U.S.S.G. § 1B1.10(a); Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 983 (8th Cir.1998).
  • Hawk v. United States, 314 F. Supp. 2d 921 (D.S.D. 2004).published
    Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 983 (8th Cir.1998) (quoting Engelen v. United States, 68 F.3d 238, 240 (8th Cir.1995)).
  • Bear Stops v. United States, 204 F. Supp. 2d 1209 (D.S.D. 2002).published 2 cites
    However, a § 2255 “petition can be dismissed without a hearing if (1) the petitioner’s allegations, accepted as true, would not entitle the petitioner to relief, or (2) the allegations cannot be accepted as true because they are contradict…
  • United States v. Hill, 171 F. Supp. 2d 1032 (D.S.D. 2001).published
    Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 983 (8th Cir.1998) (quoting Engelen v. United States, 68 F.3d 238, 240 (8th Cir.1995)).
  • Jermaine Dana Saunders v. United States, 236 F.3d 950 (8th Cir. 2001).published 2 cites
    “Because [Saunders] made no showing of what other witnesses were available, how they would have testified, and why such additional evidence would likely have affected the result, he has failed to prove either that counsel’s assistance was…
  • United States v. Shawn E. Davis, No. 99-4020 (8th Cir. Oct. 16, 2000).unpublished 2 cites
    A § 2255 motion "'can be dismissed without a hearing if (1) the petitioner's allegations, accepted as true, would not entitle the petitioner to relief, or (2) the allegations cannot be accepted as true because they are contradicted by the…
  • Bruce Kelly Evans v. United States, 200 F.3d 549 (8th Cir. 2000).published
  • Rodela-Aguilar v. United States, 596 F.3d 457 (8th Cir. 2010).published
  • Stead v. United States, 67 F. Supp. 2d 1064 (D.S.D. 1999).published
  • United States v. Lefkowitz, 289 F. Supp. 2d 1076 (D. Minn. 2003).published
  • Gomez v. United States, 100 F. Supp. 2d 1038 (D.S.D. 2000).published
  • United States v. Ricchio, 553 F. Supp. 2d 1051 (N.D. Iowa 2008).published
  • Bruce Kelly Evans v. United States, No. 98-3565 (8th Cir. Jan. 6, 2000).published
  • United States v. C. Sierra Gutierrez, 47 F. App'x 794 (8th Cir. 2002).unpublished
  • United States v. Martin Robert Czeck, 172 F. App'x 687 (8th Cir. 2006).unpublished
  • Rogers v. United States, 949 F. Supp. 2d 879 (N.D. Iowa 2013).published
  • Xeko v. United States, No. 1:19-cv-00053 (N.D. Iowa Aug. 1, 2022).
  • Bridges v. United States, No. 1:23-cv-00003 (N.D. Iowa June 30, 2023).
  • Wingo v. United States, No. 4:22-cv-00726 (E.D. Mo. Dec. 30, 2024).
  • Broeker v. United States, No. 4:22-cv-00457 (E.D. Mo. Jan. 2, 2025).
At page 982 Establishing ineffective assistance of counsel under statute30 citing cases“must also prove prejudice by demonstrating that absent counsel's errors there is a reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different.”13 citing courts quote it
  • Kistler, No. 5:24-cv-05037 (D.S.D. Aug. 19, 2026).
    The petitioner must “overcom[e] the strong presumption that defense counsel’s representation fell ‘within the wide range of reasonable professional assistance.’” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998) (quoting Strickla…
  • Casey Lynn Crow Ghost v. United States, No. 1:24-cv-01016 (D.S.D. Apr. 29, 2026). 2 cites
    Petitioner “must also prove prejudice by demonstrating that absent counsel’s errors there is a reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different.” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998)…
  • Brewer, No. 5:24-cv-05086 (D.S.D. Apr. 23, 2026).
    The petitioner must “overcom[e] the strong presumption that defense counsel’s representation fell ‘within the wide range of reasonable professional assistance.’” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998) (quoting Strickla…
  • Ronnie White Mountain v. United States, No. 1:22-cv-01017 (D.S.D. Feb. 10, 2026).
    Petitioner “must also prove prejudice by demonstrating that absent counsel’s errors there is a reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different.” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998)…
  • Ashburn, No. 5:24-cv-05078 (D.S.D. Jan. 29, 2026).
    The petitioner must “overcom[e] the strong presumption that defense counsel’s representation fell ‘within the wide range of reasonable professional assistance.’” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998) (quoting Strickla…
  • Tyler Makes Him First v. United States, No. 5:24-cv-05054 (D.S.D. Dec. 15, 2025).
    The petitioner must “overcom[e] the strong presumption that defense counsel’s representation fell ‘within the wide range of reasonable professional assistance.’” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir, 1998) (quoting Strickla…
  • Adan James Corona v. United States, No. 5:25-cv-05058 (D.S.D. Sept. 22, 2025).
    Petitioner “must also prove prejudice by demonstrating that absent counsel’s errors there is a reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different.” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998)…
  • Perez v. United States, No. 1:25-cv-01006 (D.S.D. Apr. 22, 2025).
    Petitioner “must also prove prejudice by demonstrating that absent counsel’s errors there is a reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different.” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998)…
  • Fontenot v. United States, No. 5:23-cv-05054 (D.S.D. Apr. 7, 2025).
    Second, petitioner “must also prove prejudice by demonstrating that absent counsel’s errors there is a reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different.” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Ci…
  • Story v. United States, No. 3:23-cv-03001 (D.S.D. Mar. 17, 2025).
    The petitioner must “overcom[e] the strong presumption that defense counsel’s representation fell ‘within the wide range of reasonable professional assistance.’” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998) (quoting Strickla…
Show 20 more citing cases
  • Adams v. United States, No. 3:22-cv-03015 (D.S.D. Oct. 16, 2024).
    The petitioner must “overcom[e] the strong presumption that defense counsel’s representation fell ‘within the wide range of reasonable professional assistance.’” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998) (quoting Strickla…
  • Oxford v. United States, No. 1:24-cv-01015 (D.S.D. Sept. 3, 2024).
    Petitioner “must also prove prejudice by demonstrating that absent counsel’s errors there is a reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different.” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998)…
  • Jones v. United States, No. 1:23-cv-01005 (D.S.D. Mar. 6, 2024).
    However, a § 2255 “petition can be dismissed without a hearing if (1) the petitioner’s allegations, accepted as true, would not entitle the petitioner to relief, or (2) the allegations cannot be accepted as true because they are contradict…
  • Vostad v. United States, No. 1:22-cv-01016 (D.S.D. Mar. 6, 2024). 2 cites
    Petitioner “must also prove prejudice by demonstrating that absent counsel’s errors there is a reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different.” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998)…
  • Paw v. United States, No. 1:23-cv-01018 (D.S.D. Feb. 29, 2024). 2 cites
    Petitioner “must also prove prejudice by demonstrating that absent counsel’s errors there is a reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different.” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998)…
  • Huemoeller v. United States, No. 3:23-cv-03016 (D.S.D. Jan. 22, 2024).
    The petitioner must “overcomfe] the strong presumption that defense counsel’s representation fell ‘within the wide range of reasonable professional assistance.’” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998) (quoting Strickla…
  • Quevedo v. Sullivan, 641 F. Supp. 3d 620 (D.S.D. 2022).published
    The petitioner must “overcom[e] the strong presumption that defense counsel’s representation fell ‘within the wide range of reasonable professional assistance.” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998) (quoting Stricklan…
  • Erickson v. United States, No. 3:22-cv-03004 (D.S.D. Nov. 3, 2022).
    The petitioner must “overcom[e] the strong presumption that defense counsel’s representation fell ‘within the wide range of reasonable professional assistance.’” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998) (quoting Strickla…
  • Mann v. Clark, No. 4:21-cv-04158 (D.S.D. July 28, 2022). 2 cites
    The petitioner must “overcom[e] the strong presumption that defense counsel’s representation fell ‘within the wide range of reasonable professional assistance.’” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998) (quoting Strickla…
  • Bradshaw v. United States, No. 3:21-cv-03007 (D.S.D. Feb. 23, 2022).
    The petitioner must “overcom[e] the strong presumption that defense counsel’s representation fell ‘within the wide range of reasonable professional assistance.’” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998) (quoting Strickla…
  • Rodlund v. United States, No. 1:20-cv-01031 (D.S.D. Dec. 11, 2020).
    Petitioner “must also prove prejudice by demonstrating that absent counsel’s errors there is a reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different.” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998)…
  • Keys v. United States, No. 1:20-cv-01013 (D.S.D. Nov. 9, 2020). 2 cites
    Petitioner “must also prove prejudice by demonstrating that absent counsel’s errors there is a reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different.” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998)…
  • St. Pierre v. United States, No. 1:20-cv-01010 (D.S.D. Sept. 29, 2020).
    “To succeed on this claim, [petitioner] must show ineffective assistance--that counsel’s representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness.” Wilcox v. Hopkins, 249 F.3d 720, 722 (8th Cir. 2001) (quoting Hill v. Lockhart, 47…
  • Fire Cloud v. United States, No. 1:16-cv-01024 (D.S.D. Dec. 19, 2018). 3 cites
    United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998), (citing Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 694 , 104 8S.
  • Perko v. United States, No. 1:18-cv-01003 (D.S.D. Sept. 18, 2018).
    Petitioner “must also prove prejudice by demonstrating that absent counsel’s errors there is a reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different.” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998)…
  • Craig v. Young, No. 1:17-cv-01016 (D.S.D. Mar. 27, 2018).
    Petitioner ‘must also prove prejudice by demonstrating that absent counsel’s errors there is a reasonable □ probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different.” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 199…
  • Perko v. United States, No. 1:18-cv-01003 (D.S.D. Mar. 13, 2018).
    Petitioner “must also prove prejudice by demonstrating that absent counsel’s errors there is a reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different.” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998)…
  • Young v. United States, 953 F. Supp. 2d 1049 (D.S.D. 2013).published
    The petitioner must “overeom[e] the strong presumption that defense counsel’s representation fell ‘within the wide range of reasonable professional assistance.’ ” Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir.1998) (quoting Strickla…
  • Henry Taylor, Jr. v. United States, No. 00-1425 (8th Cir. July 27, 2001).published
    Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir. 1998) (citing Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984)).
  • United States v. Henry Taylor, Jr., 258 F.3d 815 (8th Cir. 2001).published
    Delgado v. United States, 162 F.3d 981, 982 (8th Cir.1998) (citing Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 , 104 S.Ct. 2052 , 80 L.Ed.2d 674 (1984)).
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
Miguel DELGADO, Petitioner-Appellant,
v.
UNITED STATES of America, Defendant-Appellee
97-4309.
Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
Mar 18, 1999.
Published opinion
162 F.3d 981
1998 WL 839430
Cheryl Ann Pilate, Kansas City, Missouri, argued, for Appellant., Mark Andrew Miller, Assistant United States Attorney, Kansas City, Missouri, argued (Stephen L. Hill, Jr., on the brief), for Appellee.
Beam, Loken, Murphy.
Cited by 62 opinions  |  Published
LOKEN, Circuit Judge.

In April 1993, a jury convicted Miguel Delgado of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and aiding and abetting in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 2. Delgado did not appeal. In 1996, he filed motions for post-conviction relief under 28 U.S.C. § 2255, claiming ineffective assistance of trial counsel and a right to be resen-tenced under the new “safety valve” provision in U.S.S.G. § 5C1.2. The district court [1][*982] denied both motions. Delgado appeals, arguing the court erred in denying his claims of ineffective assistance without an evidentiary hearing, and that he is entitled to a reduced sentence under the safety valve. We deny as untimely the government’s motion to dismiss the appeal and affirm.

I.

In November 1992, local drug dealer Daniel Bebemeyer was arrested attempting to sell two kilograms of cocaine to an undercover agent in a Kansas City hotel room while Delgado waited outside in the hotel parking lot with the remaining three kilograms of the five kilogram transaction. Steve Deleon, a California friend of Bebemeyer and Delgado who had brokered the transaction, was arrested later that day. Delgado fled on foot, making his way back to his home in California where he was arrested two months later. Bebemeyer and Deleon pleaded guilty and testified that Delgado was the supplier for this and earlier cocaine transactions. Numerous FBI agents corroborated various aspects of this testimony with evidence such as fingerprints from the car in which the cocaine was found; records of phone calls between Delgado, Deleon, and Bebemeyer; and Delgado’s Kansas City hotel receipts from the time of the transaction. Delgado testified in his own behalf, providing an innocent explanation of why he was in Kansas City with Deleon, and denying any knowledge of cocaine sales or the cocaine that was in the car from which he fled.

In this § 2255 proceeding, Delgado argues his lead trial counsel, retained attorney Manuel Lopez of Los Angeles, provided constitutionally ineffective assistance. To establish ineffective assistance of counsel under Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d 674 (1984), Delgado must prove that attorney Lopez’s performance was deficient, overcoming the strong presumption that defense counsel’s representation fell “within the wide range of reasonable professional assistance.” Id. at 689, 104 S.Ct. 2052. Delgado must also prove prejudice by demonstrating that absent counsel’s errors there is a reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different. Id. at 694, 104 S.Ct. 2052. [2] We review these ultimate issues de novo. See Lawrence v. Armontrout, 31 F.3d 662, 666 (8th Cir.1994), cert. denied, 513 U.S. 1161, 115 S.Ct. 1124, 130 L.Ed.2d 1087 (1995).

Delgado first contends that Lopez failed to develop a “viable theory of defense at trial.” We are unable to review this contention because the record on appeal contains only a partial trial transcript that does not include closing arguments of counsel, the point in the trial when defense counsel’s theory of the case would usually be best articulated. We deduce from attorney Lopez’s cross examination of Deleon and direct examination of Delgado that there was in fact a “viable theory” of innocence — Deleon was a wealthy California entrepreneur, Delgado was a struggling businessman who became acquainted with Deleon while repairing his fancy cars, and Deleon lured the unsuspecting Delgado to Kansas City to seek out a new business venture, not to consummate a large drug deal. This claim of ineffective assistance is without merit.

Delgado next argues that attorney Lopez “failed to develop certain exculpatory evidence.” This contention is based upon an affidavit from Delgado’s local trial counsel, Willard Bunch. In conclusory fashion, Bunch avers that co-counsel Lopez should have developed evidence supporting Delgado’s testimony on various peripheral issues- — - how Delgado traveled to and from Kansas City, whether Delgado was interested in possible business opportunities in Kansas City, whether money wired to California was intended for someone else, whether Delgado lacked financial resources, that Deleon “was heavily involved in the drug trade,” and that Bebemeyer’s phone notes might have referred to other employees at Delgado’s place of business. A review of the partial trial transcript demonstrates that most of what[*983] attorney Bunch now says Lopez should have developed would have been cumulative to what Lopez in fact presented. Moreover, Bunch’s affidavit does not specify what additional evidence was available and notably fails to aver that he urged Lopez to do more at the time of trial. Because Delgado made no showing of what other witnesses were available, how they would have testified, and why such additional evidence would likely have affected the result, he has failed to prove either that counsel’s assistance was ineffective, see Wing v. Sargent, 940 F.2d 1189, 1191 (8th Cir.1991), or prejudice, see Sanders v. Trickey, 875 F.2d 205, 210-11 (8th Cir.), cert. denied, 493 U.S. 898, 110 S.Ct. 252, 107 L.Ed.2d 201 (1989); Stokes v. Armontrout, 851 F.2d 1085, 1095 (8th Cir. 1988), cert. denied, 488 U.S. 1019, 109 S.Ct. 823, 102 L.Ed.2d 812 (1989).

Delgado next argues that attorney Lopez failed to adequately prepare Delgado for his trial testimony. The partial trial transcript refutes this claim. Lopez led Delgado through a direct examination in which Delgado told about his business plans- with Deleon, Deleon’s expensive house and cars, the reason for Delgado’s trip to Kansas City, and how Delgado came innocently to be in a car with three kilograms of cocaine. Delgado emphatically denied any involvement in illegal drag trafficking. Unfortunately for him, his story was improbable and full of inconsistencies, and the jury chose to believe Bebemeyer and Deleon. The adverse verdict was not, however, attributable to ineffective assistance by attorney Lopez.

Finally, Delgado argues the district court erred in denying an evidentiary hearing on these ineffective assistance claims. A § 2255 “petition can be dismissed without a hearing if (1) the petitioner’s allegations, accepted as true, would not entitle the petitioner to relief, or (2) the allegations cannot be accepted as true because they are contradicted by the record, inherently incredible or conclusions rather than statements of fact.” Engelen v. United States, 68 F.3d 238, 240 (8th Cir.1995). We review the denial of an evidentiary hearing for abuse of discretion. See Widgery v. United States, 796 F.2d 223, 224 (8th Cir.1986). Here, Delgado’s assertions of ineffective assistance were stated in conclusory fashion. These assertions were contradicted by attorney Lopez’s performance as revealed by the trial transcript. The supporting affidavit from attorney Bunch lacked inherent credibility and failed to specify what additional evidence could be developed at an evidentiary hearing. In these circumstances, the same district judge who tried the case clearly did not abuse his discretion in concluding that Delgado’s ineffective assistance claims are all inadequate on their face. See Payne v. United States, 78 F.3d 343, 347 (8th Cir.1996); Porcaro v. United States, 832 F.2d 208, 212-13 (1st Cir. 1987).

II.

Delgado argues he should be resentenced under U.S.S.G. § 5C1.2, which provides that drag offenders should be sentenced in accordance with the applicable guidelines, without regard to any statutory minimum sentence, if they meet stringent criteria found in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(f)(1 )-(5). Delgado was sentenced on July 26, 1993. The statutory “safety valve,” 18 U.S.C. § 3553®, applies only to “sentences imposed on or after the 10th day beginning after the date of enactment,” or September 23, 1994. Violent Crime Control and Enforcement Act, Pub.L. 103-322, § 80001(c), 108 Stat. 1796. Likewise, the companion Guidelines safety valve, U.S.S.G. § 5C1.2, became effective September 23, 1994. Favorable guidelines amendments may be used to reduce an earlier sentence only if such a reduction “is consistent with applicable policy statements issued by the Sentencing Commission.” 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(2). The Commission lists Guidelines amendments that may be retroactively applied to lower a previous sentence in U.S.S.G. § 1B1.10(c). Consistent with Congress’s decision not to make § 3553® retroactive, amendment 509 which enacted § 5C1.2 is not listed in § 1B1.10(c). Therefore, § 5C1.2 may not be applied to reduce Delgado’s sentence. Moreover, even if § 5C1.2 had been in effect at the time of Delgado’s sentencing, we see no indication he satisfied his “burden to show, through affirmative conduct, that he has given the govern[*984] ment truthful information and evidence about the relevant crimes before sentencing.” United States v. Weekly, 118 F.3d 576, 581 (8th Cir.1997), cert. denied, — U.S. -, 118 S.Ct. 611, 139 L.Ed.2d 497 (1997).

The judgments of the district court dated March 26, 1997, and June 16, 1997, are affirmed.

1

. The HONORABLE SCOTT O. WRIGHT, United Slates District Judge for the Western District of Missouri.

2

. We reject as fundamentally inconsistent with Strickland and Hill v. Lockhart, 28 F.3d 832, 837-39 (8th Cir.1994), cert. denied, 513 U.S. 1102, 115 S.Ct. 778, 130 L.Ed.2d 673 (1995), Delgado's unsupported assertion that the failure of defense counsel "to put forth any semblance of a defense" is a structural error for which prejudice is assumed.