Reported / Citable
Background
Juan Carlos Madrid-Perez was charged with illegal reentry into the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. The district court referred the matter by general order to U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova to take Madrid-Perez’s felony guilty plea.
Madrid-Perez and his counsel appeared before the magistrate judge on August 27, 2026. After being advised that he had the right to have a district judge take his plea, Madrid-Perez consented to proceeding before the magistrate judge and pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
Following the Rule 11 colloquy, the magistrate judge found that Madrid-Perez understood the charge, possible penalties, and the rights he was waiving. The judge also found that Madrid-Perez was competent, that his plea was knowing and voluntary, and that a sufficient factual basis supported it.
The magistrate judge found Madrid-Perez guilty of the charge and recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation did not impose a sentence; the matter was referred to the presiding district judge for sentencing, and the parties were given 14 days to object.
Key Takeaways
- Madrid-Perez pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge concluded that the plea satisfied Rule 11 and was supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of the plea, while sentencing remained for the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The recommendation reflects the procedure for taking a felony guilty plea before a magistrate judge with the defendant’s consent. It also preserves the district judge’s role in accepting the recommendation, entering judgment, and conducting sentencing, subject to the parties’ opportunity to object.