Reported / Citable
Background
Hugo Leonel Murillo-Raudales appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding referred under a general order. Murillo-Raudales consented to having the magistrate judge conduct the plea proceeding, while sentencing remained for the presiding district judge.
After Rule 11 admonishments, Murillo-Raudales pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, charging illegal reentry into the United States.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Murillo-Raudales understood the charge, penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights; was competent; and entered his plea freely and voluntarily. The judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea.
The magistrate judge found Murillo-Raudales guilty of the count to which he pleaded and recommended that the district court accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The parties were advised that objections to the recommendation were due within 14 days.
Key Takeaways
- The recommendation concerns acceptance of a guilty plea, not sentencing.
- The plea was to illegal reentry, without a plea agreement.
- The district judge retains responsibility for sentencing and for acting on the recommendation.
Why It Matters
The recommendation establishes that the Rule 11 plea requirements were satisfied and places the case before the district judge for acceptance of the plea and sentencing. Any party seeking de novo district-court review of the proposed findings must timely object.