Reported / Citable
Background
Alex Guillermo Sanchez-Claros appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The case had been referred to the magistrate judge under a general order for the taking of the plea.
Sanchez-Claros consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea. After Rule 11 advisements, he pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, charging illegal reentry into the United States. Sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Sanchez-Claros understood the charge, 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 free and voluntary and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
The magistrate judge found Sanchez-Claros guilty of the charge to which he pleaded and recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation is subject to objections within 14 days.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the Rule 11 plea requirements satisfied.
- The district judge, not the magistrate judge, will conduct sentencing and decide whether to accept the recommendation.
Why It Matters
The filing is a report and recommendation, not a final plea-acceptance order by the district judge. Unless timely objections are made, the district court may accept the recommendation and proceed to sentencing.