Reported / Citable
Background
Amber Guadalupe Ramos appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The matter had been referred under a general order for the magistrate judge to take the plea.
After being advised of her right to have a district judge take the plea, Ramos consented to proceed before the magistrate judge. She pleaded guilty, under a plea agreement, to Count One of the indictment: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Watters found that Ramos understood the charge, potential penalties, and her constitutional and statutory rights; that she knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights; and that she was competent to plead guilty. The magistrate judge also found an adequate factual basis for the plea and found Ramos guilty of the offense to which she pleaded.
The magistrate judge recommended that the district court accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. Sentencing was referred to the presiding U.S. district judge. The recommendation advised the parties that objections must be filed within 14 days.
Key Takeaways
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of Ramos’s guilty plea to cocaine-distribution conspiracy.
- The plea was found knowing, voluntary, and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- Ramos acknowledged that restitution may be imposed, and sentencing remains for the district judge.
Why It Matters
This is a Rule 11 plea-stage recommendation, not a sentencing decision or a final district-court acceptance of the plea. Unless timely objections are made, the district court may adopt the recommendation and proceed to sentencing.