Reported / Citable
Background
Jose Guadalupe Cardoza Alvarado was charged with illegal reentry into the United States in Count One of the indictment. The matter was referred by general order to a U.S. magistrate judge to take Cardoza Alvarado’s felony guilty plea.
At a July 8, 2026 hearing, Cardoza Alvarado appeared with counsel and consented to have the magistrate judge take his plea. After receiving the required Rule 11 admonishments, he pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters found that Cardoza Alvarado understood the charge, potential penalties, and the rights he was waiving. The magistrate judge also found that the plea was knowing and voluntary, that Cardoza Alvarado was competent to plead guilty, and that a sufficient factual basis supported the plea.
The magistrate judge recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The case was referred to the presiding district judge for sentencing, and the parties were advised that they had 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation.
Key Takeaways
- Cardoza Alvarado pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found that the plea satisfied Rule 11 and was supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The recommendation left acceptance of the plea, entry of judgment, and sentencing for the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The recommendation documents the procedural safeguards required before a federal felony guilty plea may be accepted, including confirmation of the defendant’s competence, understanding, voluntariness, and waiver of rights.
It also preserves the district judge’s ultimate role: the magistrate judge conducted the plea proceeding and issued a recommendation, while the presiding district judge remained responsible for accepting the plea and imposing sentence.