Reported / Citable
Background
Evelyn Karina Davalos-Zurita appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The case had been referred to the magistrate judge to take the plea.
Davalos-Zurita consented to having the magistrate judge take her plea. After Rule 11 admonishments, she pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, charging illegal reentry into the United States. Sentencing was reserved for the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Watters found that Davalos-Zurita understood the charge, penalties, and her constitutional and statutory rights; that she knowingly waived those rights; and that she was competent to plead guilty. The magistrate judge further found that the plea was voluntary and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
The magistrate judge found Davalos-Zurita guilty of the charge to which she pleaded and recommended that the district court accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation remains subject to objections and action by the district judge.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to illegal reentry.
- The magistrate judge concluded that the Rule 11 plea requirements were satisfied.
- The filing recommends acceptance of the plea; sentencing will be conducted by the district judge.
Why It Matters
The report documents the factual and procedural findings supporting acceptance of a felony guilty plea. It also preserves the parties’ opportunity to object before the district court acts on the recommendation.