Reported / Citable
Background
Carlos Moises Guardado-Cardenas was charged with illegal reentry into the United States in Count One of an indictment. The case was referred by general order to U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters to conduct the felony guilty-plea proceeding.
Guardado-Cardenas appeared with counsel on July 7, 2026. After being advised that he could have the district judge take his plea and receiving the admonishments required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, he consented to proceed before the magistrate judge and pleaded guilty without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Guardado-Cardenas understood the charge, potential penalties, and the rights he was waiving. The judge further found that Guardado-Cardenas was competent, that his plea was knowing and voluntary, and that a sufficient factual basis supported it.
Based on those findings, the magistrate judge found Guardado-Cardenas guilty of the charge and recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The case was referred to the presiding district judge for sentencing, and the parties were given 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation.
Key Takeaways
- Guardado-Cardenas pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found that the Rule 11 requirements were satisfied and that the plea had a sufficient factual basis.
- The recommendation remained subject to review by the district judge, who would also conduct sentencing.
Why It Matters
The findings document the safeguards required before a federal felony guilty plea may be accepted, including competence, voluntariness, understanding of the charge and penalties, waiver of rights, and a sufficient factual basis.
The recommendation does not impose sentence or conclude the district judge’s role. The presiding district judge retains responsibility for acting on the recommended acceptance of the plea and for sentencing.