Opinion
CRIMINAL NO. H-11-548
08-08-2011
ORDER OF DETENTION PENDING TRIAL
In accordance with the Bail Reform Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3142(f), the Government moved for detention in this case. Defendant waived his right to a detention hearing. That waiver is entered in the record as Dkt. No.12. I conclude that the following facts are established by a preponderance of the evidence or clear and convincing evidence and require the detention of the defendant pending trial in this case.
Findings of Fact
[ ] A. Findings of Fact [18 U.S.C. § 3142(e), § 3142(f)(1)].
[ ] (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[ ] B. Findings of Fact [18 U.S.C. § 3142(e)]
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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 21 U.S.C. () § 801 et seq. () § 951 et seq. () § 955(a).
[ ] 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.
[ ] (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 any other person and the community. I further find that the defendant has not rebutted this presumption.
[ ] (1) There is probable cause to believe that the defendant has committed an offense[X] C. Findings of Fact [18 U.S.C. § 3142(f)(2)]
[ ] for which a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years or more is prescribed in 21 U.S.C.[ ] (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.
() § 801 et seq. () § 951 et seq. () § 955(a).
[ ] under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
[X] (1) Defendant is accused of being an illegal immigrant in possession of a firearm that moved in interstate commerce in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922.[X] D. Findings of Fact [18 U.S.C. § 3142(c)]
[X] (2) There is a serious risk that the defendant will flee.
[ ] (3)
[ ] (4) There is a serious risk that the defendant will (obstruct or attempt to obstruct justice) (threaten, injure, or intimidate a prospective witness or juror, or attempt to do so).
[ ] (1) As a condition of release of the defendant, bond was set as follows:
[ ] (2)
[X] (3) I find that there is no condition or combination of conditions set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3142(c) which will reasonably assure the appearance of the defendant as required.
[X] (4) I find that there is no condition or combination of conditions set forth in 18 U.S.C.
§ 3142(c) which will reasonably assure the safety of any other person or the community.
Written Statement of Reasons for Detention
I find that the accusations in the indictment and the pretrial services report establish by a preponderance of the evidence that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the appearance of the defendant as required and by clear and convincing evidence that no conditions will assure the safety of the community.
I conclude that the following factors specified in 18 U.S.C. § 3142(g) are present and are to be taken into account:
1. Defendant is a 24 year old male citizen of Mexico who has no legal status in the United States. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has issued a detainer against him.
2. Defendant is presently accused of being in possession of a firearm that moved in interstate commerce while being unlawfully in the United States in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922. Defendant faces a penalty of up to ten years confinement.
3. Defendant has a conviction for deadly conduct (reduced from the charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon). Removal proceedings were initiated against him after that arrest.
4. There is no condition or combination of conditions of release which would assure the appearance of the defendant in court or the safety of the community. Detention is ordered.
Directions Regarding Detention
It is therefore ORDERED that the defendant is committed to the custody of the Attorney General or his 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 all court proceedings.
Signed at Houston, Texas, on August 8, 2011.
Stephen Wni Smith
United States Magistrate Judge