Reported / Citable
Background
Maicol Leonel Castro-Alvarado appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for the taking of a felony guilty plea. The case had been referred to the magistrate judge under a general order.
After being advised of his right to have a district judge take the plea and receiving the required Rule 11 admonishments, Castro-Alvarado pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, illegal reentry into the United States.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Watters found that Castro-Alvarado knowingly and voluntarily consented to the magistrate judge’s taking of his plea; understood the charge, penalties, and rights he was waiving; and was competent to plead guilty. The magistrate judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea.
The magistrate judge found Castro-Alvarado guilty of the charged offense and recommended that the district court accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The matter was referred to the presiding district judge for sentencing.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the Rule 11 plea requirements satisfied, including voluntariness, competence, and a factual basis.
- The recommendation remained subject to objections and final action by the district court.
Why It Matters
The filing is a magistrate judge’s findings and recommendation, not the district court’s final acceptance of the plea or sentencing decision. Unless timely objections are filed, the district court may accept the recommendation and proceed to sentencing.