Reported / Citable
Background
Jose Francisco Martinez-Rodas appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The case had been referred to the magistrate judge under a general order for the taking of a guilty plea.
After being advised of his right to have the plea taken by a district judge and receiving the required Rule 11 admonishments, Martinez-Rodas pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, illegal reentry into the United States.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Martinez-Rodas consented to the magistrate judge’s taking of his plea; understood the charge, penalties, and rights he was waiving; and entered his plea knowingly, freely, and voluntarily. The magistrate judge also found him competent and found a sufficient factual basis for the plea.
The magistrate judge found Martinez-Rodas guilty of the charge to which he pleaded and recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. Sentencing was referred to the presiding district judge.
Key Takeaways
- The recommendation concerns acceptance of a guilty plea to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the Rule 11 requirements satisfied, including voluntariness, competence, and factual basis.
- Parties had 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation.
Why It Matters
The filing is a magistrate judge’s recommendation, not a final district-court order accepting the plea or imposing sentence. Absent timely objections, the recommendation may be reviewed only for plain error on appeal if adopted.