Reported / Citable
Background
Terrence Anslen Campbell, II appeared with defense counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Derek T. Gilliland to enter a guilty plea. The proceeding occurred pursuant to a referral from the district judge, and Campbell consented to pleading guilty before a magistrate judge.
Judge Gilliland personally addressed Campbell in open court and conducted the plea colloquy required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11. The judge advised Campbell about the charge, possible penalties, his constitutional and statutory rights, and the consequences of pleading guilty, and also examined whether the plea was voluntary and supported by a factual basis.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Campbell was competent, understood the charge and potential penalties, and knowingly wished to waive his constitutional and statutory rights. The judge also found that Campbell entered the plea freely, knowingly, and voluntarily; was satisfied with counsel’s representation; and admitted facts sufficient to support the plea.
Based on those findings, Judge Gilliland recommended that the district court accept Campbell’s guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The report and recommendation did not itself accept the plea or enter judgment.
Key Takeaways
- The magistrate judge found that Campbell’s guilty plea satisfied Rule 11’s competency, knowledge, voluntariness, and factual-basis requirements.
- Campbell consented to enter his plea before a magistrate judge and stated that he was satisfied with his attorney’s representation.
- The parties have 14 days after service to file specific written objections; failure to object may limit district-court and appellate review.
Why It Matters
The report reflects the procedural safeguards courts apply before accepting a federal guilty plea. It also preserves the district judge’s ultimate authority: the magistrate judge made findings and issued a recommendation, but the district court must decide whether to accept the plea and enter judgment.