Reported / Citable
Background
Darwin Joel Padilla-Gutierrez appeared with counsel before Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding referred under a general order. The magistrate judge advised Padilla-Gutierrez of his right to have the plea taken by a district judge and gave the required Rule 11 admonishments.
With counsel’s advice, Padilla-Gutierrez consented to the magistrate judge’s taking of his plea. He pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, to Count One of the indictment: illegal reentry into the United States. Sentencing was reserved for the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Padilla-Gutierrez understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; voluntarily waived those rights; and was competent to plead guilty. The judge also found that the plea was knowing and voluntary and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
Accordingly, the magistrate judge found Padilla-Gutierrez 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 remained subject to objections and ultimate action by the district judge.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the Rule 11 requirements satisfied, including competence, voluntariness, and a factual basis.
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of the plea; the district judge retained responsibility for sentencing.
Why It Matters
This is a guilty-plea recommendation, not a final sentencing decision. It documents that the magistrate judge concluded the plea was valid and should be accepted, while preserving the parties’ opportunity to object before the district court acts.