Opinion ID: 3012125
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Factual Basis Supporting Guilty Plea

Text: Sanchez’ claim that there was not a sufficient factual basis for his conspiracy plea is unpersuasive. During the plea hearing, the prosecutor described the conspiracy charge and the elements necessary to establish it. When asked by the District Judge, Sanchez said he understood the charge and agreed with it. The facts presented in the plea agreement and in the plea hearing also support the charge. The Due Process Clause does not require an on-the-record development of the factual basis supporting a guilty plea before entry of the plea. Rather, due process requires only that the plea be voluntary and intelligent. Meyers v. Gillis, 93 F.3d 1147,1148 (3d Cir. 1996). We are satisfied that these bases were touched in Sanchez’ case.