Reported / Citable
Background
Jose Luis Ramirez-Milian 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 receiving Rule 11 advisements, Ramirez-Milian pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, illegal reentry into the United States. He consented to having the magistrate judge take the plea; sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Watters found that Ramirez-Milian understood the charge, potential penalties, and his rights; that he knowingly, freely, and voluntarily waived those rights; and that he was competent to plead guilty. The magistrate judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea.
The magistrate judge found Ramirez-Milian 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 advised the parties that objections must be filed within 14 days.
Key Takeaways
- Ramirez-Milian pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to illegal reentry.
- The magistrate judge found the Rule 11 plea knowing, voluntary, competent, and supported by a factual basis.
- The disposition is a recommendation; the district judge retains responsibility for acceptance and sentencing.
Why It Matters
The order illustrates the routine use of magistrate judges to conduct felony plea proceedings with a defendant’s consent. It does not itself impose sentence or finally accept the plea; those matters remain before the district judge, subject to any timely objections to the recommendation.