Opinion
Case Number: 11-10376M-001
10-07-2011
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. Cristian Morales-Valenzuela
ORDER OF DETENTION PENDING TRIAL
In accordance with the Bail Reform Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3142(f), a detention hearing has been held. I conclude that the following facts are established: (Check one or both, as applicable.) [×] by clear and convincing evidence the defendant is a danger to the community and require the detention of the defendant pending trial in this case. [×] by a preponderance of the evidence the defendant is a serious flight risk and require the detention of the defendant pending trial in this case.
PART I - FINDINGS OF FACT
[] (1) The defendant has been convicted of a (federal offense)(state or local offense that would have been a federal offense if a circumstance giving rise to federal jurisdiction had existed) that is
[] a crime of violence as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 3156(a)(4).[] (2) The offense described in finding 1 was committed while the defendant was on release pending trial for a federal, state or local offense. [] (3) A period of not more than five years has elapsed since the (date of conviction)(release of the defendant from imprisonment) for the offense described in finding 1. [] (4) Findings Nos. (1), (2) and (3) establish a rebuttable presumption that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the safety of (an)other person(s) and the community. I further find that the defendant has not rebutted this presumption.
[] an offense for which the maximum sentence is life imprisonment or death.
[] an offense for which a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years or more is prescribed in ___________________________
[] a felony that was committed after the defendant had been convicted of two or more prior federal offenses described in 18 U.S.C. § 3142(f)(1)(A)-(C), or comparable state or local offenses.
Insert as applicable: (a) Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.); (b) Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (21 U.S.C. § 951 et seq.); or (c) Section 1 of Act of Sept. 15, 1980 (21 U.S.C. § 955a).
Alternative Findings
[×] There is probable cause to believe that the defendant has committed an offense
[×] for which a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years or more is prescribed in 21 USC 952, 960. 963 and 21 USC 841[×] (2) The defendant has not rebutted the presumption established by finding 1 that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the appearance of the defendant as required and the safety of the community.
[] under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)
Insert as applicable: (a) Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.); (b) Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (21 U.S.C. § 951 et seq.); or (c) Section 1 of Act of Sept. 15, 1980 (21 U.S.C. § 955a).
Alternative Findings
[] (1) There is a serious risk that the defendant will flee; no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the appearance of the defendant as required. [] (2) No condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the safety of others and the community. [] (3) There is a serious risk that the defendant will (obstruct or attempt to obstruct justice) (threaten, injure, or intimidate a prospective witness or juror). [] (4) __________________ ______________________
PART II - WRITTEN STATEMENT OF REASONS FOR DETENTION
(Check one or both, as applicable.)
[×] (1) I find that the credible testimony and information submitted at the hearing establishes by clear and convincing evidence as to danger that:
_________________________[×] (2) I find that a preponderance of the evidence as to risk of flight that:
The defendant was arrested at the San Luis port of entry driving a vehicle containing 3.2 kilograms of methamphetamine. The defendant has unresolved mental health issues and possibly uses marijuana._______
__________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________
[×] The defendant has no significant contacts in the District of Arizona.[×] The defendant does not dispute the information contained in the Pretrial Services Report. [×] In addition:
[×] The defendant has no resources in the United States from which he/she might make a bond reasonably calculated to assure his/her future appearance.
[] The defendant has a prior criminal history.
[] here is a record of prior failure to appear in court as ordered.
[] The defendant attempted to evade law enforcement contact by fleeing from law enforcement.
[×] The defendant is facing a minimum mandatory of 10 years incarceration and a maximum of life imprisonment.
The defendant, a citizen of the United States, resides in San Luis, Mexico. He has lived in Mexico 14 or his 18 years. He has lived in Mexico for about a month, prior to that he lived 4 years in Los Angeles. He has substantial ties to Mexico which include his mother, he believes his father, and his siblings. His aunt resides in Los Angeles and he has lived with her in the past. She indicated that she is unable to act as his third party custodian because she would not be able to make an appearance in court to sign the necessary paperwork. Pretrial Services does not consider her an appropriate 3rd party custodian at this time because she would be unable to insure the defendant's appearance. Based upon that investigation as to whether or not she would be an appropriate 3rd party custodian was not completed. If the defendant were able to post bond and if the aunt were found suitable as a custodian this court would be inclined to again consider release not necessarily order the defendant's release. The defendant's employment is sporadic and is in Mexico. He has attempted to take is life in the past but had not sought mental health counseling. The defendant's sister believe that he uses marijuana. Even give the benefit of safety valve the defendant if convicted is facing a substantial amount of time in prison.___ The Court incorporates by reference the findings of the Pretrial Services Agency which were reviewed by the Court at the time of the hearing in this matter.
"The rules concerning admissibility of evidence in criminal trials do not apply to the presentation and consideration of information at the [detention] hearing." 18 U.S.C. § 3142(f). See 18 U.S.C. § 3142(g) for the factors to be taken into account.
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PART III - DIRECTIONS REGARDING DETENTION
The defendant is committed to the custody of the Attorney General or his/her designated representative for confinement in a corrections facility separate, to the extent practicable, from persons awaiting or serving sentences or being held in custody pending appeal. The defendant shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity for private consultation with defense counsel. On order of a court of the United States or on request of an attorney for the Government, the person in charge of the corrections facility shall deliver the defendant to the United States Marshal for the purpose of an appearance in connection with a court proceeding.
PART IV - APPEALS AND THIRD PARTY RELEASE
IT IS ORDERED that should an appeal of this detention order be filed with the District Court, it is counsel's responsibility to deliver a copy of the motion for review/reconsideration to Pretrial Services at least one day prior to the hearing set before the District Court.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that if a release to a third party is to be considered, it is counsel's responsibility to notify Pretrial Services sufficiently in advance of the hearing before the District Court to allow Pretrial Services an opportunity to interview and investigate the potential third party custodian.
JAY R. IRWIN
United States Magistrate Judge