Joseph R. Guzman entered into a plea agreement with the government before U.S. District Court chief Judge for the NMI Alex R. Munson for one count of misdemeanor possession of marijuana.
The United States Attorney’s Office through Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Benedetto who filed the information stated that Guzman intentionally possessed marijuana plants, which is a controlled substance on July 22, 2008.
Misdemeanor possession of marijuana is an offense which carries a maximum statutory sentence of one year imprisonment, a maximum fine of $5,000 and a special assessment fee of $100.
During the plea agreement hearing, the defendant was advised and made to understand that the court may reject the recommended United States Sentencing Guidelines without permitting him to withdraw his guilty plea.
The defendant was also advised that the federal court can impose a sentence more severe than what he anticipates.
The court stated that in exchange for the defendant’s acknowledgment of his offense, the government agrees to recommend a two-level reduction in the defendant’s offense level for acceptance of responsibility and agrees to recommend no more than 30 days imprisonment on Saipan.
With the defendant’s plea agreement is an understanding that he will be subjected to several court conditions. He also has waived his right to plead not guilty to the offense and his right to a jury trial.
