Reported / Citable
Background
Leonel Domas-Hernandez appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova for a felony guilty-plea proceeding referred under a general order. Domas-Hernandez consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea, while sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
He pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One, conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, and Count Two, transportation of an illegal alien for profit, both under 8 U.S.C. § 1324.
The Court’s Holding
After personally addressing Domas-Hernandez and giving the required Rule 11 admonishments, the magistrate judge found that he understood the charges, penalties, and rights he was waiving.
The magistrate judge further found that the plea was knowing, voluntary, and supported by a sufficient factual basis, and that Domas-Hernandez was competent to plead guilty. Judge Cordova recommended that the district judge accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt.
Key Takeaways
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of guilty pleas to alien-transportation conspiracy and for-profit transportation counts.
- The plea was entered without a plea agreement.
- Any objections to the recommendation must be filed within 14 days.
Why It Matters
This is a plea-stage recommendation, not a sentencing decision or final acceptance by the district judge. Unless timely objections are filed, the district court may accept the recommendation and proceed to sentencing.