United States v. Marcus Hooper, 9 F.3d 257 (2d Cir. 1993). · Go Syfert
United States v. Marcus Hooper, 9 F.3d 257 (2d Cir. 1993). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
“pioneer thus controls the resolution ... of 'excusable neglect' under rule 4(b).”
75 citation events (30 in the last 25 years) across 25 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Advanced Estimating System, Inc. v. Riney (ca11, 1996-03-19)
Treatment trajectory · 1994 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
1994 2010 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 50 distinct citers.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Advanced Estimating System, Inc. v. Riney
11th Cir. · 1996 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
pioneer thus controls the resolution ... of 'excusable neglect' under rule 4(b).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) United States v. Howard
2d Cir. · 2024 · confidence medium
In determining whether neglect is excusable, the district court “consider[s] the danger of prejudice to the non-movant, the length of the delay and its potential impact upon judicial proceedings, the reason for the delay, including whether it was in the reasonable control of the movant, and whether the movant acted in good faith.” United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir. 1993) (internal quotation marks and alteration omitted).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) United States v. Kidd
2d Cir. · 2023 · confidence medium
P. 45(b)(1)(B). “[W]hether the neglect was excusable is . . . an equitable [consideration] that should be made by considering the danger of prejudice to the [non-movant], the length of the delay and its potential impact upon judicial proceedings, the reason for the delay, including whether it was in the reasonable control of the movant, and whether the movant acted in good faith.” United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir. 1993) (quoting Pioneer Inv.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Knowles 1 v. United States
S.D.N.Y. · 2022 · confidence medium
Courts consider four factors in connection with an assertion of excusable neglect: (1) “the length of the delay and its potential impact upon judicial proceedings”; (2) “the danger of prejudice” to the non-movant opposing the extension; (3) “the reason for the delay, including whether it was in the reasonable control of the movant”; and (4) “whether the movant acted in good faith.” United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir. 1993) (quotation marks omitted) (quoting Pioneer Inv.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ex rel. Brutus Trading, LLC v. Standard Chartered Bank
S.D.N.Y. · 2021 · confidence medium
In evaluating such a claim, courts look to the following factors: “[1] the danger of prejudice to [the nonmoving party], [2] the length of delay and its potential impact on judicial proceedings, [3] the reason for the delay, including whether it was within the reasonable control of the movant, and [4] whether the movant acted in good faith.” Jd; see also Weinstock v. Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton, 16 F.3d 501 , 503 2d Cir. 1994); United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir. 1993); Santiago, 2018 WL 1918612 , at 3.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Cheri M. Zoromski and Gary G. Zoromski
Bankr. E.D. Wis. · 2019 · confidence medium
Co., 65 F.3d 722, 724 (8th Cir. 1995), and United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 258 (2d Cir. 1993), among others.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) United States v. Darling (2×) also: Cited "see"
2d Cir. · 2017 · confidence medium
Whether excusable neglect exists “is at bottom an equitable [decision].” United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir. 1993) (internal quotation marks omitted).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) United States v. Darling (2×) also: Cited "see"
2d Cir. · 2017 · confidence medium
On the other hand, the excusable neglect standard “applies in situations in which there is fault.” Id, Whether excusable neglect exists “is at bottom an equitable [decision].” United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir. 1993) (internal quotation marks omitted).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) United States v. Pauling
S.D.N.Y. · 2017 · confidence medium
No. 52.) Even if the Court’s previous order did not have the intended effect, the Court would have granted — and now does grant — an extension of time pursuant to Rule 45(b)(1)(B), which permits after-the-fact extensions “if the party failed to act because of excusable neglect.” In considering whether to grant such an extension, courts look to “the danger of prejudice to the [non-movant], the length of the delay and its potential impact upon judicial proceedings, the reason for the delay, including whether it was in the reasonable control of the movant, and whether the movant acted…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Madison River Management Co. v. Business Management Software Corp.
M.D.N.C. · 2005 · confidence medium
DuPont de Nemours & Co., 76 F.3d 530, 533 (4th Cir.1996) (citing United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir.1993), for the proposition that "nothing in Pioneer limits its interpretation of ‘excusable neglect’ to the Bankruptcy Rules”). 3 .
cited Cited as authority (rule) Xuchang Rihetai Human Hair Goods Co. v. Hongsun Sun (In Re Hongsun Sun)
Bankr. E.D.N.Y. · 2005 · confidence medium
Weinstock v. Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton, 16 F.3d 501, 503 (2d Cir.1994); United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir.1993).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) McAdams, Inc. v. Barsamian (In Re Barsamian)
Bankr. W.D. Wis. · 2004 · confidence medium
Gas Co., 31 F.3d 1041, 1045 (10th Cir.1994); United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 258 (2nd Cir.1993) (noting “more lenient interpretation” of excusable neglect in Pioneer); Information Sys. and Networks Corp., 994 F.2d 792, 796 (Fed.Cir.1993).) *510 FecLR.Civ.P. 60(b) states in relevant part: On motion and upon such terms as are just, the court may relieve a party or a party’s legal representative from a final judgment, order, or proceeding for the following reasons: (1) mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jin v. Metropolitan Life Insurance
2d Cir. · 2004 · confidence medium
Partnership, 507 U.S. 380 , 113 S.Ct. 1489 , 123 L.Ed.2d 74 (1993), and adopted for purposes of deciding Rule 4(a)(5) motions in United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir.1993), constituted an abuse of discretion.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) United States v. Alexander
2d Cir. · 2003 · confidence medium
Excusable neglect may include “inadvertence, mistake, or carelessness, as well as ... intervening circumstances beyond the party’s control.” United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir.1993) (quoting Pioneer Inv.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Graphic Communications International Union v. Quebecor Printing Providence, Inc.
1st Cir. · 2001 · confidence medium
Co., 65 F.3d 722, 724 (8th Cir.1995) (Pioneer "established a more flexible analysis of the excusable neglect standard"); United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 258 (2nd Cir.1993) (Pioneer advances "a more lenient interpretation" of excusable neglect).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Virgin Islands v. Albert
3rd Cir. · 2001 · confidence medium
P'ship, 507 U.S. 380, 391-92 (1993) (interpreting analogous Bankruptcy Rule); United States v. Clark, 51 F.3d 42, 44 (5th Cir. 1995); United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir. 1993).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Government of the Virgin Islands v. Nicholas Albert (2×)
3rd Cir. · 2001 · confidence medium
P'ship, 507 U.S. 380, 391-92 (1993) (interpreting analogous Bankruptcy Rule); United States v. Clark, 51 F.3d 42, 44 (5th Cir. 1995); United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir. 1993).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Larson v. Farmers Cooperative Elevator of Buffalo Center
N.D. Iowa · 1999 · confidence medium
RApp.P. 4(b)); United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir.1993) (same).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Skinner v. First Union National
4th Cir. · 1999 · confidence medium
DuPont de Nemours & Co., Inc., 76 F.3d 530, 533 (4th Cir. 1996) (citing United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir. 1993), for the proposition that "nothing in Pioneer limits its interpretation of `excusable neglect' to the Bankruptcy rules").
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Adams v. Rivera
S.D.N.Y. · 1998 · confidence medium
The Pioneer criteria have been held by the Second Circuit to apply to filings under Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 4(a), see United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir.1993), and have been applied by district courts in this Circuit to filings under Rule 54(d)(2)(B), see, e.g., Blissett v. Casey, 969 F.Supp. 118, 122-24 (N.D.N.Y.1997), aff'd on other grounds, 147 F.3d 218 (2d Cir.1998). 2 .
cited Cited as authority (rule) Brown v. United States
N.D.N.Y. · 1997 · confidence medium
United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir.1993).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Michele A. Robb, Individually and as a Personal Representative of the Estate of Paul D. Robb v. Norfolk & Western Railway Company
7th Cir. · 1997 · confidence medium
Gas Co., 31 F.3d 1041, 1045 (10th Cir.1994); United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 258 (2nd Cir.1993) (noting “more lenient interpretation” of excusable neglect in Pioneer)-, Information Sys. and Networks Corp., 994 F.2d 792, 796 (Fed.Cir.1993). 6 A final unresolved issue concerns whether the trial judge may take into account the fact that Attorney Kus “is among the bar’s most conscientious in following ... rules and meeting deadlines” when he considers Robb’s Rule 60(b)(1) motion on remand.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Natural Father & Natural Mother of An Adoptive Child v. Tolbert (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
S.D.N.Y. · 1997 · confidence medium
A court is thus permitted, “to accept late filings caused by inadvertence, mistake, or carelessness, as well as by intervening circumstances beyond the party’s control.” United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 258 (2d Cir.1993) (citing Pioneer Inv.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) ca9 1996
9th Cir. · 1996 · confidence medium
United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir.1993). 28 More importantly, after the oral argument in this case, we held in Reynolds v. Wagner, 55 F.3d 1426, 1429 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 116 S.Ct. 339 , 133 L.Ed.2d 237 (1995), that although Pioneer Inv. arose in the context of the Bankruptcy Rules, its rationale applies equally to Fed.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Marx v. Loral Corp.
9th Cir. · 1996 · confidence medium
United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir.1993).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Advanced Estimating System, Inc. v. Riney
3rd Cir. · 1996 · confidence medium
Co., 65 F.3d 722, 724 (8th Cir.1995) ("We believe the Pioneer interpretation of excusable neglect under the Bankruptcy Rules also applies when interpreting excusable neglect under Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 4(a)(5)."); Candela Laser Corp. v. Cynosure, Inc., 43 F.3d 1485 , 1994 WL 702194 , * 2 (Fed.Cir.1994) (unpublished opinion) (applying Pioneer excusable neglect analysis to Rule 4(a)(5) excusable neglect); City of Chanute v. Williams Natural Gas Co., 31 F.3d 1041, 1046 (10th Cir.1994) ("Because the Court's analysis of what constitutes 'excusable neglect' in the bankruptcy context re…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Wilma J. Thompson v. E.I. Dupont De Nemours & Co., Incorporated, Wilma J. Thompson v. E.I. Dupont De Nemours & Co., Incorporated
4th Cir. · 1996 · confidence medium
Gas Co., 31 F.3d 1041, 1046 (10th Cir.1994) (Fed.R.App.P. 4(a)(5)), cert. denied, - U.S. -, 115 S.Ct. 1254 , 131 L.Ed.2d 135 (1995); Weinstock v. Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton, 16 F.3d 501, 503 (2d Cir.1994) (Fed.R.App.P. 4(a)(5)); United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir.1993) (Fed.R.App.P. 4(b)) (noting that "nothing in Pioneer limits its interpretation of `excusable neglect' to the Bankruptcy Rules").
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Stutson v. United States
SCOTUS · 1996 · confidence medium
See United States v. Clark, 51 F. 3d 42, 44 (CA5 1995) (Rule 4(b)); United States v. Hooper, 9 F. 3d 257, 259 (CA2 1993) (same); Chanute v. Williams Natural Gas Co., 31 F. 3d 1041 , 1045-1046 (CA10 1994) (Rule 4(a)(5)), cert. denied, 513 U. S. 1191 (1995); Fink v. Union Central Life Ins.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Active Glass Corp. v. Architectural & Ornamental Iron Workers Local Union 580
S.D.N.Y. · 1995 · confidence medium
See Weinstock v. Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton, 16 F.3d 501, 503 (2d Cir.1994) (extending Pioneer to Fed.R.App.P. 4(a)(5)); United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 258 (2d Cir.1993) (extending Pioneer to Fed.RApp.P. 4(b)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) ca8 1995
8th Cir. · 1995 · confidence medium
See Pioneer, --- U.S. at ----, 113 S.Ct. at 1494 n. 3 (comparing interpretations of excusable neglect under Fed.R.Bankr.P. 9006(b)(1) with decisions under Fed.R.App.P. 4(a)(5)). " 'Because the [Pioneer ] Court's analysis of what constitutes "excusable neglect" in the bankruptcy context rested on the plain meaning of the terms, there is no reason that the meaning would be different in the context of Fed.R.App.P. 4(a)(5).' " Reynolds v. Wagner, 55 F.3d 1426, 1429 (9th Cir.1995) (quoting City of Chanute v. Williams Natural Gas Co., 31 F.3d 1041, 1046 (10th Cir.1994), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, …
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Fink v. Union Central Life Insurance
8th Cir. · 1995 · confidence medium
R.App.P. 4(a)(5).’ ” Reynolds v. Wagner, 55 F.3d 1426, 1429 (9th Cir.1995) (quoting City of Chanute v. Williams Natural Gas Co., 31 F.3d 1041, 1046 (10th Cir.1994), cert. denied, — U.S. -, 115 S.Ct. 1254 , 131 L.Ed.2d 135 (1995)); see Virella-Nieves v. Briggs & Stratton Corp., 53 F.3d 451 , 454 n. 3 (1st Cir.1995); see also United States v. Clark, 51 F.3d 42, 44 (5th Cir.1995) (applying Pioneer under Fed.R.App.P. 4(b)); United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir.1993) (same).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) United States v. Carson
2d Cir. · 1995 · confidence medium
When deciding a Rule 4(a)(5) motion the district court must consider “ ‘the danger of prejudice to the [non-movant], the length of the delay and its potential impact upon judicial proceedings, the reason for the delay, including whether it was in the reasonable control of the movant, and whether the movant acted in good faith.’ ” United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir.1993) (“Hooper I") (quoting Pioneer Investment Serv.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
2d Cir. · 1995 · confidence medium
The Carsons moved for an extension of time to file their already late Notice of Appeal, pursuant to Fed.R. of App.P. 4(a)(5), which allows the district court to extend the time for filing "upon a showing of excusable neglect or good cause." The Carsons' attorney told the district court that the Carsons' Notice of Appeal had been sent on Friday, January 7, 1994 from the United States Post Office in Mount Ephraim, New Jersey, with the hope that it would arrive on or before Tuesday, January 11, 1994. 30 When deciding a Rule 4(a)(5) motion the district court must consider " 'the danger of prejudic…
cited Cited as authority (rule) United States v. Scheiner
E.D. Pa. · 1995 · confidence medium
United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir.1993).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) United States v. Marcus Hooper
2d Cir. · 1994 · confidence medium
The district court, on remand from this Court in United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir.1993) (“Hooper I ”), for consideration of the motion in light of the then-recent Supreme Court decision in Pioneer Investment Services Co. v. Brunswick Associates Ltd., — U.S. -, 113 S.Ct. 1489 , 123 L.Ed.2d 74 (1993) (“Pioneer”), found that the failure to file the notice of appeal within the time allowed was not the result of “excusable neglect,” within the meaning of Rule 4(b).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Israel Weinstock Jb Trading International, Ltd. And 4200 Avenue K Realty Corp. v. Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton
2d Cir. · 1994 · confidence medium
In Pioneer Investment, which we have understood to be applicable beyond the bankruptcy context where it arose, see United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir.1993), the Supreme Court explained that “excusable neglect” involved an equitable determination that should incorporate all relevant factors including “the danger of prejudice to the [non-movant], the length of the delay and its potential impact on judicial proceedings, the reason for the delay, including whether it was within the reasonable control of the mov-ant, and whether the movant acted in good faith.” Pioneer Investm…
discussed Cited "see" State v. N.R.
Kan. Ct. App. · 2019 · signal: see · confidence high
See United States v. Under Seal, 709 9 F.3d 257, 265 (4th Cir. 2013); see also United States v. Young, 585 F.3d 199, 204-05 (5th Cir. 2009) (SORNA's express language shows that Congress sought to create a civil remedy, so the defendant must show that either the purpose or the effect of the regulation is in fact so punitive as to negate its civil intent.
discussed Cited "see" Weisfelner v. Blavatnik (In re Lyondell Chemical Co.)
Bankr. S.D.N.Y. · 2016 · signal: see · confidence high
See United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir.1993); Weinstock, 16 F.3d at 503 ; Canfield, 127 F.3d at 250 ; Silivanch, 333 F.3d at 355; Midland Cogeneration Venture L.P. v. Enron Corp. (In re Enron Corp.), 419 F.3d 115, 121-22 (2d Cir.2005) ("Enron”)', Dana, 2007 Bankr.LEXIS 1934, at *10, 2007 WL 1577763 , at *3; In re Keene Corp., 188 B.R. 903, 908 (Bankr.S.D.N.Y.1995) (Bernstein, C.J.) ("Keene”). .
cited Cited "see" Brunelle v. Blaise
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2004 · signal: see · confidence high
See United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir. 1993).
discussed Cited "see" Marcus Hooper v. United States
2d Cir. · 1997 · signal: see · confidence high
See United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257 (2d Cir.1993) (“Hooper I ”) (remanding for reconsideration of denial of extension of time to appeal in light of Pioneer Investment Services Co. v. Brunswick Associates Ltd., 507 U.S. 380 , 113 S.Ct. 1489 , 123 L.Ed.2d 74 (1993)); United States v. Hooper, 43 F.3d 26 (2d Cir.1994) *86 (“Hooper II ”) (per curiam) (affirming postremand denial of extension of time to appeal).
cited Cited "see" Frank X. Losacco v. City of Middletown, Sebastian J. Garafalo, George Aylward, Joseph Bibisi, John Chowaniec, and Relford Ward
2d Cir. · 1995 · signal: see · confidence high
See United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 258-59 (2d Cir.1993) (overruling McRae in light of Pioneer).
cited Cited "see" United States v. Peter Brett Clark
5th Cir. · 1995 · signal: see · confidence high
See United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir.1993). 6 We also note the uniformity of the Circuits in extending Pioneer beyond the context of bankruptcy.
cited Cited "see" Bank Brussels Lambert v. Credit Lyonnais (Suisse) S.A.
S.D.N.Y. · 1995 · signal: see · confidence high
See United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir.1993) (“excusable neglect” for attorney’s failure to file timely notice of appeal judged by equitable standards).
discussed Cited "see" Christopher v. Diamond Benefits Life Insurance
5th Cir. · 1994 · signal: see · confidence high
See United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir.1993) (using the standard enunciated in Pioneer Investment to determine whether the failure to file a timely criminal appeal was due to excusable neglect).
discussed Cited "see" Christopher v. Diamond Benefits Life Insurance (In Re Christopher)
5th Cir. · 1994 · signal: see · confidence high
See United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir.1993) (using the standard enunciated in Pioneer Investment to determine whether the failure to file a timely criminal appeal was due to excusable neglect).
cited Cited "see" Turner v. Ruta
C.D. Ill. · 1994 · signal: see · confidence high
See United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 258 (2d Cir.1993) (noting that the more lenient standard announced in Pioneer supersedes previous interpretations of excusable neglect under Fed.RApp.P. 4).
discussed Cited "see" City Of Chanute, Kansue, v. Williams Natural Gas Company
10th Cir. · 1994 · signal: see · confidence high
See United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 258-59 (2d Cir.1993) (applying the Pioneer analysis of "excusable neglect" in the context of Fed.R.App.P. 4(a)(5)); see also Pioneer, --- U.S. at ----, 113 S.Ct. at 1496 (noting that "excusable neglect" in the context of the Fed.R.Civ.P. 6(b) carries the same commonly accepted meaning as discussed in the bankruptcy rules context such that it "may extend to inadvertent delays"); Romero v. Peterson, 930 F.2d 1502, 1505 (10th Cir.1991) (holding that the presence of "excusable neglect" under Rule 4(a)(5) "should be determined on the basis of the common sens…
discussed Cited "see" City of Chanute v. Williams Natural Gas Co.
10th Cir. · 1994 · signal: see · confidence high
See United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 258-59 (2d Cir.1993) (applying the Pioneer analysis of “excusable neglect” in the context of Fed.R.App.P. 4(a)(5)); see also Pioneer, — U.S. at -, 113 S.Ct. at 1496 (noting that “excusable neglect” in the context of the Fed.R.Civ.P. 6(b) carries the same commonly accepted meaning as discussed in the bankruptcy rules context such that it “may extend to inadvertent delays”); Romero v. Peterson, 930 F.2d 1502, 1505 (10th Cir.1991) (holding that the presence of “excusable neglect” under Rule 4(a)(5) “should be determined on the basis of …
cited Cited "see" United States v. Juan Batista
2d Cir. · 1994 · signal: see · confidence high
See United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257 (2d Cir.1993).
cited Cited "see, e.g." Aquavit Pharmaceuticals, Inc. v. U-Bio Med, Inc.
S.D.N.Y. · 2020 · signal: see, e.g. · confidence medium
See, e.g., United States v. Hooper, 9 F.3d 257, 259 (2d Cir.1993) (applied Pioneer to extensions of time to file notices of appeal under Fed.
UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee,
v.
Marcus HOOPER, Defendant-Appellant
257.
Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
Nov 17, 1993.
9 F.3d 257
Thomas S. Duszkiewicz, Asst. U.S. Atty., Buffalo, NY, Patrick H. NeMoyer, U.S. Atty., W.D. New York, for plaintiff-appellee., David A. Lewis, New York City (The Legal Aid Soe. Federal Defender Services Unit, of counsel), for defendant-appellant.
Meskill, Kearse, Winter.
Cited by 58 opinions  |  Published
WINTER, Circuit Judge:

Marcus Hooper appeals from Judge Ar-cara’s denial of his motion to file a late notice of appeal from his judgment of conviction. The district court, relying in part upon 650 Park Ave. Corp. v. McRae, 836 F.2d 764 (2d Cir.1988), rejected Hooper’s argument that his failure to file a timely notice of appeal constituted “excusable neglect” under Fed. R.App.P. 4(b). Because McRae’s interpretation of the “excusable neglect” standard has been superseded by a more lenient interpretation in Pioneer Inv. Servs. Co. v. Brunswick Assocs. Ltd. Partnership, — U.S. —, 113 S.Ct. 1489, 123 L.Ed.2d 74 (1993), we vacate and remand the order denying appellant’s motion.

In September 1989, Marcus Hooper was charged in an indictment with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), and one count of use of or carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1). After Hooper’s successful motion to suppress evidence was reversed on appeal, United States v. Hooper, 935 F.2d 484 (2d Cir.), cert. denied, — U.S. —, 112 S.Ct. 663, 116 L.Ed.2d 754 (1991), Hooper pleaded guilty to the charged counts. On August 21,1992, he was sentenced to a 94 month term of imprisonment to run consecutively to various New York State sentences. The judgment of conviction was entered on August 27, 1992.

Rule 4(b) provides that a criminal defendant must file notice of appeal in the district court within ten days after the entry of the judgment or order from which he is appealing. Fed.RApp.P. 4(b). If the last day of the ten day period is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the period runs “until the end of the next day which is not one of the aforementioned days.” Fed.RApp.P. 26(a). Hooper’s judgment of conviction was entered on August 27, 1992, and the tenth day after the entry was Sunday, September 6. Though the parties did not mention it, Monday, September 7 was Labor Day. Thus, the notice of appeal really was not due until Tuesday, September 8. The notice of appeal, however, was not filed until September 16, 1992.

According to affidavits by Hooper’s trial attorney, Mark Mahoney, and Mahoney’s legal assistant, Margaret Braymiller, the delay was the result of error by the legal assistant. On the day of sentencing, Mahoney instructed Braymiller to prepare a notice of appeal and file it immediately. He also instructed her to prepare an application for appointment of counsel on appeal because at sentencing the court informed Mr. Hooper that he might file such an application. Braymiller prepared the notice of appeal, and it was reviewed by Mahoney. She did not file it immediately, however, because she “decided that it would be more economical to file the notice of appeal together with application for permission to appeal as a poor person.” She also mistakenly believed that she had thirty days to file the notice. Because Braymiller encountered a delay in securing Hooper’s signature on the application to proceed in forma pauperis, she did not attempt to file the notice of appeal until Thursday, September 10, 1992, two days after the September 8 deadline. After the district court clerk then erroneously informed her that the notice could not be filed unless signed by Hooper or Mahoney, she brought the matter to the attention of Mahoney, who realized for the first time that the notice had not yet been filed. He then instructed Braymiller to prepare an affidavit setting forth the history that led to the failure to file timely notice.

A notice of appeal and a motion for permission to file a late notice of appeal were filed on September 16,1992. Braymiller and Mahoney each filed an affidavit in support of the motion. On November 23, 1992, the district court denied the motion. This appeal followed.

Rule 4(b) provides that where a criminal defendant’s notice of appeal is not made within the prescribed ten-day period, “[u]pon a showing of excusable neglect the district court may ... extend the time for filing a notice of appeal_” Fed.RApp.P. 4(b). The district court considered and rejected Hooper’s claim that his failure to file timely notice, occasioned by the error in Mahoney’s office, constituted “excusable neglect.” On appeal, Hooper argues that the district court[*259] applied the wrong standard in concluding that his failure to file timely notice was not “excusable neglect.”

In rejecting Hooper’s argument that the negligence of the legal assistant constituted “excusable neglect,” the district judge stated that the term “excusable neglect” should be strictly construed. Relying upon our decision in McRae, 836 F.2d at 767 (construing “excusable neglect” in the context of Fed. R.App.P. 4(a)(5)), he held that “excusable neglect will not be found where the failure to file a timely appeal is caused by palpable oversight, administrative or clerical errors by the attorney or the attorney’s staff, or by an attorney’s busy schedule.”

The district judge correctly applied the law of this circuit as it existed at the time of its order, but the Supreme Court in Pioneer thereafter enunciated a different standard for determining whether there is “excusable neglect.” In concluding that an attorney’s inadvertent failure to file a timely proof of claim constituted “excusable neglect” under Bankruptcy Rule 9006(b)(1), the Court stated that the word “neglect” encompassed “both simple, faultless omissions to act and, more commonly, omissions caused by carelessness.” Id. — U.S. at -, 113 S.Ct. at 1495. It also held that a determination of whether the neglect was excusable “is at bottom an equitable one” that should be made by considering “the danger of prejudice to the [non-movant], the length of the delay and its potential impact upon judicial proceedings, the reason for the delay, including whether it was in the reasonable control of the movant, and whether the movant acted in good faith.” Id. at-, 113 S.Ct. at 1498. It also concluded that by using the term “excusable neglect,” “Congress plainly contemplated that the courts would be permitted, where appropriate, to accept late filings caused by inadvertence, mistake, or carelessness, as well as by intervening circumstances beyond the party’s control.” Id. at-, 113 S.Ct. at 1495. This interpretation of “excusable neglect” overrules McRae’s holding that to find “excusable neglect,” a party’s failure to file a timely notice must have “resulted] from the acts of someone other than the appellant or his or her attorney or from events otherwise beyond their control.” McRae, 836 F.2d at 767.

Pioneer thus controls the resolution of Hooper’s motion, which seeks a finding of “excusable neglect” under Rule 4(b). Although the Pioneer Court’s examination of “excusable neglect” arose in the context of a dispute over the proper interpretation of Bankruptcy Rule 9006(b)(1), which permits a bankruptcy court to allow late filings of proofs of claim where failure to comply with the bar date was the result of “excusable neglect,” the Court’s opinion is based on the term “excusable neglect” and draws upon the use of that term in other federal rules. See Pioneer, — U.S. at-n. 3,-& nn. 5-12, 113 S.Ct. at 1494 n. 3, 1496-98 & nn. 5-12. Because nothing in Pioneer limits its interpretation of “excusable neglect” to the Bankruptcy Rules, it thus overrules McRae.

We therefore remand this matter to the district court to reconsider Hooper’s motion for permission to file a late notice of appeal in fight of the “excusable neglect” standard enunciated in Pioneer. Our decision in no way addresses the merits of Hooper’s claim that failure to file timely notice was the result of “excusable neglect.”