Reported / Citable
Background
Briana Joy Ruiz appeared with counsel before Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova for a felony guilty-plea proceeding referred under a general order. Ruiz consented to having the magistrate judge take her plea; sentencing remained for the presiding district judge.
Ruiz pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One, illegal alien transportation for profit, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii) and (B)(i). She also consented to the requested forfeiture and acknowledged that restitution could be imposed.
The Court’s Holding
After conducting the Rule 11 colloquy, the magistrate judge found that Ruiz understood the charge, penalties, and rights she was waiving; that she was competent; and that her plea was knowing, free, and voluntary. The magistrate judge further found an adequate factual basis for the plea.
The magistrate judge found Ruiz guilty of the charged offense and recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The report was referred to the presiding district judge for sentencing, subject to the parties’ opportunity to object within 14 days.
Key Takeaways
- Ruiz pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to transporting an illegal alien for profit.
- The magistrate judge concluded that the Rule 11 requirements were satisfied and that a factual basis supported the plea.
- The document is a findings-and-recommendation order; acceptance of the plea and sentencing were left to the district judge.
Why It Matters
The ruling illustrates the magistrate-judge plea process in a felony case: with the defendant’s consent, a magistrate judge may conduct the plea hearing and recommend acceptance, while the district judge retains responsibility for final action and sentencing.