Reported / Citable
Background
Blanca Josselyn Mejia-Hernandez appeared with counsel before Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova for a felony guilty-plea proceeding referred under a general order. She consented, with counsel’s advice, to the magistrate judge’s taking of her plea; sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
After Rule 11 admonishments, Mejia-Hernandez pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, illegal reentry into the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Mejia-Hernandez understood the charge, potential penalties, and her constitutional and statutory rights, and that she knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights. The court further found her competent and determined that an adequate factual basis supported the plea.
The magistrate judge found Mejia-Hernandez guilty of the illegal-reentry charge and recommended that the district court accept her guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation also noted that she may be subject to restitution and referred the matter to the district judge for sentencing.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the plea knowing, voluntary, competent, and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- Any objections to the recommendation were due within 14 days; absent objections, review and appellate challenges are limited as stated in the notice.
Why It Matters
This is a guilty-plea recommendation rather than a final sentencing decision. It clears the case for the district judge to accept the plea, enter judgment, and impose sentence.