Reported / Citable
Background
Edgar Antonio Avila-Suazo appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The case had been referred under a general order for the magistrate judge to take the plea.
After being advised under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, Avila-Suazo consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea. He pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, charging illegal reentry into the United States.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Avila-Suazo understood the charge, penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; voluntarily waived those rights; and was competent to plead guilty. The court also found the plea voluntary and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
The magistrate judge found Avila-Suazo guilty of the count to which he pleaded and recommended that the district judge accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The matter was referred to the presiding district judge for sentencing.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to illegal reentry.
- The magistrate judge concluded that the Rule 11 plea colloquy established a knowing, voluntary, and factually supported plea.
- The filing is a recommendation: parties have 14 days to object, and sentencing remains for the district judge.
Why It Matters
The decision advances the case from the plea stage toward acceptance by the district court and sentencing. It also preserves the parties’ opportunity to seek district-court review of the proposed findings through timely written objections.