Opinion
Case Number: 11-09831M-001
08-03-2011
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. Carolina Laura Navarro
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).
[ ] 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.
[ ] (2) The offense described in finding 1 was committed while the defendant was on release pending trial for a federal, state or local offense.
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).
[ ] (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.
Alternative Findings
[×] (1) 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._______________
[ ] 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).
(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.
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:
"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.
______________________
[×] (2) I find that a preponderance of the evidence as to risk of flight that:
[×] The defendant has significant contacts in the District of Arizona, but has strong ties to Mexico as well.
[×] 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.
[ ] There 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 does not dispute the information contained in the Pretrial Services Report, except: [×] In addition:
Although the defendant is a US citizen, she has been residing in Mexico with her husband and eiqht-month-old baby for the last three years. Her husband is a citizen of Mexico with no documents that would allow him to reside in the United States. Although her parents live in the United States (since her arrest the defendant's baby has been residing with them tend her father is willing to act as 3rd party custodian, her ties to Mexico are strong. She is unemployed. Although the defendant is may be eligible of "safety valve" provisions, because of the type and amount of drugs involved, and the circumstances of her participation, she is facing substantial prison time if convicted. The weight of the evidence against the defendant is strong-She was arrested at the San Luis, AZ port of entry with 2.3 kilograms of methamphetamine taped around her mid-section. She admitted smuggling the drugs for money, so it appears that the probability of substantial prison time is great. She admitted using marijuana and when arrested a personal use amount of marijuana was found in her possession in addition to the methamphetamine as charged in the complaint.
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.
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