Gomez-Martinez v. Gonzales
Gomez-Martinez v. Gonzales
Opinion of the Court
MEMORANDUM
Ovidio Antonio Gomez-Martinez (“Petitioner”) is a native and citizen of El Salvador. The Board of Immigration Appeals (“BIA”) found Petitioner removable and ineligible for any relief from deportation after having been convicted of an aggravated felony for “sexual abuse of a minor” under California Penal Code § 288(a). Petitioner now appeals on the grounds that: 1) violation of California Penal Code § 288(a) is not an aggravated felony in light of California’s aiding and abetting laws; 2) the Immigration Judge (“IJ”) violated his due process rights; and 3) the BIA abused its discretion in denying his Motion to Remand for changed circumstances under the Convention Against Torture (“CAT”). We deny the petition for review.
We also hold that there was no due process violation during Petitioner’s removal proceedings. Although the IJ did not read the amended charge to Petitioner in non-technical language, see 8 C.F.R. § 1240.10(a)(6), (e), this omission did not substantially prejudice Petitioner’s ability to prepare a defense. See Larita-Martinez v. INS, 220 F.3d 1092, 1095 (9th Cir. 2000). The IJ thoroughly questioned Petitioner as to whether he was prepared given the amended charges.
Finally, we lack jurisdiction to review Petitioner’s CAT claim because he is an aggravated felon who is not alleging a constitutional claim or question of law. See 8 U.S.C. § 1252(a)(2)(D).
Petition DENIED.
This disposition is not appropriate for publication and is not precedent except as provided by 9 th Cir. R. 36-3.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.