REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION ON DEFENDANT'S CHANGE OF PLEA

JOHN E. SIMKO, Magistrate Judge.

This matter came before the court for a change of plea hearing on Thursday, June 6, 2013. The Defendant, Lucas Garcia, appeared in person and by his counsel, Assistant Federal Public Defender Jason Tupman, while the United States appeared by its Assistant United States Attorney, Connie Larson.

The defendant consented in open court to the change of plea before a United States magistrate judge. This court finds that the defendant's consent was voluntary and upon the advice of counsel. The government also consented to the plea hearing before a magistrate judge.

Defendant has petitioned the court to plead guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment which charges him with Use of Fraudulent Immigration Documents in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1546(a). At the hearing, the defendant was advised of the nature of the charges to which the defendant would plead guilty and the maximum penalties applicable, specifically: 10 years imprisonment; a $250,000 fine; or both; 3 years supervised release; 2 additional years imprisonment if supervised release is revoked; and a $100 special assessment. Defendant was also advised he could be deported if convicted.

Upon questioning the defendant personally in open court, it is the finding of the court that the defendant is fully competent and capable of entering an informed plea, that the defendant is aware of the nature of the charges and the consequences of the plea, and that his plea of guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment is a knowing and voluntary plea supported by an independent basis in fact containing each of the essential elements of the offense. The defendant's guilty plea to Count 1 of the Indictment is accepted. It is my report and recommendation that the defendant be adjudged guilty of that offense.