Reported / Citable
Background
Nicolas Reyes-Sanchez appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova for entry of a felony guilty plea. The case had been referred under a general order for the magistrate judge to take the plea.
After being advised of his right to have the plea taken by the district judge and receiving the required Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11 admonishments, Reyes-Sanchez pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One: illegal reentry into the United States, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Reyes-Sanchez knowingly and voluntarily waived his constitutional and statutory rights, understood the charge and potential penalties, and was competent to plead guilty. The court also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea.
The magistrate judge found Reyes-Sanchez guilty of the charged offense and recommended that Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt. Sentencing was referred to the presiding district judge.
Key Takeaways
- Reyes-Sanchez pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326.
- The magistrate judge concluded that the Rule 11 plea colloquy established a knowing, voluntary, and factually supported plea.
- The filing is a findings-and-recommendation document; acceptance of the plea and entry of judgment remain subject to district-court action.
Why It Matters
The recommendation clears the case for the district judge to accept the guilty plea and proceed to sentencing. The parties have 14 days to object; absent timely objections, review of unobjected-to findings is limited as stated in the notice.