Reported / Citable
Background
Junior Josue Suazo-Orellana appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The matter had been referred under a general order for the taking of the plea.
After Rule 11 admonishments, Suazo-Orellana consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea. He pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, to Count One of the indictment charging illegal reentry into the United States.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Suazo-Orellana understood the charge, penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; voluntarily waived those rights; was competent to plead; and entered his plea freely and voluntarily.
The magistrate judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea and found Suazo-Orellana guilty of the charge to which he pleaded. The magistrate judge recommended that the district judge accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt; sentencing was referred to the presiding district judge.
Key Takeaways
- The recommendation, rather than a final acceptance order, followed the guilty-plea proceeding.
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- Parties had 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation.
Why It Matters
The ruling records the Rule 11 findings supporting the guilty plea and places the case before the district judge for any objections, acceptance of the plea, entry of judgment, and sentencing.