Reported / Citable
Background
Ricardo Rubio-Jaime 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 magistrate judge to take the plea.
After being advised of his right to have a district judge take the plea and receiving the required Rule 11 admonishments, Rubio-Jaime consented to the magistrate judge’s taking of the 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 Rubio-Jaime understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; voluntarily waived those rights; and was competent to plead guilty. The court also found that the plea was knowing and voluntary and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
Judge Watters found Rubio-Jaime guilty of the charged offense and recommended that Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The case 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 recommended acceptance of the plea after finding compliance with Rule 11 requirements.
- The parties have 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation.
Why It Matters
The filing is a magistrate judge’s recommendation, not the district court’s final acceptance of the guilty plea or sentencing decision. Absent timely objections, the district judge may adopt the recommendation, after which sentencing will proceed before the presiding district judge.