Chinchilla-Barahona
United States v. Chinchilla-Barahona
Opinion
Lead Opinion
MEMORANDUM **
Ronald Chinchilla-Barahona appeals from the 40-month sentence imposed following his guilty-plea conviction for illegal reentry after deportation in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326 .
Chinchilla-Barahona contends that his plea was rendered involuntary because the district court failed to inquire personally whether he would like to go forward with the plea agreement or reconsider in light of United States v. Booker, 543 U.S. 220 , 125 S.Ct. 738 , 160 L.Ed.2d 621 (2005), which was decided the same day as the date originally set for sentencing. We disagree. The record of the change of plea hearing supports a finding of voluntariness, and reflects that the guilty plea was entered in accordance with Rule 11; Chinchilla-Barahona does not argue otherwise. Sentencing was continued, which allowed Chinchilla-Barahona to discuss the impact of Booker with his counsel. During the sentencing hearing, when counsel stated that it was in Chinchilla-Barahona’s best interest to go forward with the application of the Guidelines and the plea agreement notwithstanding Booker , Chinchilla-Barahona was present, assisted by an interpreter, and did not object.