Reported / Citable
Background
Ruben Morales-Cazares appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding referred under a general order. The magistrate judge advised Morales-Cazares that he could have a district judge take his plea and gave the Rule 11 admonishments.
Morales-Cazares, with counsel’s advice, consented to the magistrate judge taking the plea. He pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, charging illegal reentry into the United States. Sentencing was reserved for the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Morales-Cazares understood the charge, penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; voluntarily waived those rights; was competent; and entered his plea freely and voluntarily. The judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea.
The magistrate judge found Morales-Cazares guilty of the charge to which he pleaded and recommended that the district court accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation advised the parties that objections must be filed within 14 days and referred the matter to the presiding district judge for sentencing.
Key Takeaways
- Morales-Cazares pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to illegal reentry.
- The magistrate judge found the plea knowing, voluntary, competent, and supported by an adequate factual basis.
- The filing is a recommendation; acceptance of the plea and sentencing remain for the district judge.
Why It Matters
The report preserves the Rule 11 findings needed for the district court to decide whether to accept the plea. It also underscores the need to timely object: unobjected-to findings accepted by the district court are generally reviewable on appeal only for plain error.