Reported / Citable
Background
Cinthia Laura Esparza-Varela appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The matter had been referred to the magistrate judge by general order under 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(3).
After being advised that she had the right to have the district judge take her plea, Esparza-Varela consented to proceed before the magistrate judge. Following the Rule 11 admonishments, she pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the Superseding Information, charging illegal reentry into the United States.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Esparza-Varela understood the charge, potential penalties, and her constitutional and statutory rights; knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights; and entered a free and voluntary plea. The judge also found her competent to plead guilty and determined that the plea had a sufficient factual basis.
The magistrate judge found Esparza-Varela guilty of the charge and recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The matter was referred to the presiding district judge for sentencing, and the parties were notified that objections to the findings and recommendation were due within 14 days of receipt.
Key Takeaways
- Esparza-Varela pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to illegal reentry into the United States.
- The magistrate judge found that the Rule 11 requirements were satisfied and that the plea was knowing, voluntary, competent, and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The recommendation does not impose a sentence; sentencing remains before the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The findings document the procedural safeguards supporting the validity of Esparza-Varela’s felony guilty plea. They also preserve the division of responsibility in the referred proceeding: the magistrate judge conducted the plea hearing and recommended acceptance, while the district judge retains responsibility for acting on the recommendation and conducting sentencing.