Q: I was initially charged with aggravated assault with a firearm. I was in jail waiting for a court hearing for eight.
My Public Defender advised me to take to plea no contest to the lesser charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon resulting in a probationary sentence. I was never advised there would be immigration consequences. I started my probation without any problems and then Homeland Security Investigations – ICE, detained me. My Public Defender never told me that I would now have problems with immigration. What should I do?
Answer: You are going to have to consult with an immigration attorney and a criminal defense attorney. The immigration attorney will handle your bond hearing with ICE. The criminal defense attorney will ascertain whether your plea can be withdrawn. You basically have two problems with your immigrations status. First you pled to a violent crime classified as a felony. Second, you are under supervision with the Florida Department of Corrections. Both of those issues can present huge problems with your immigration status.
A substantial amount of my practice is dedicated to postconviction relief. Postconviction relief is the area of criminal law which deals with everything from wrongful convictions and illegal sentences to having a conviction set aside due to misadvice from your trial counsel. Or in this case no advice as to the immigration consequences you know are facing. Postconviction relief constitutes a substantial part of my criminal practice. I would be glad to arrange a free consultation to discuss this matter with you.
The issues you face are not only whether your attorney misadvised you or did not advise you as to the immigration consequences, but whether the Court failed to advise you also. It is my experience that the plea agreement that you signed (if your charge was in the First Judicial Circuit (Escambia through Walton)) had information concerning the possibility of immigration consequences. The Court usually goes on record about immigration consequences also. We may have to find another way to get your judgement and sentence vacated.
There are also time issues to consider. If your sentence was entered more than two years ago it could be very difficult to have your case considered by the Court. This time limitation could result in the Postconviction Motion never being considered on its merits. It’s important to get started today. You certainly want a criminal defense attorney to research the time limitation issue as soon as possible.
How to hire a criminal lawyer
If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges in Destin, Ft Walton Beach, Crestview, Shalimar, 30A, or other areas of NW Florida, your highest priority should be to select an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Glenn Swiatek has the trial experience to handle your criminal charges effectively and is qualified to handle criminal appeals and post conviction relief cases in these areas of the Florida Panhandle: Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Shalimar, Crestview, Niceville, Valparaiso, 30-A, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Freeport, DeFuniak Springs, Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Milton, and Pensacola.
Don’t delay, call us now (850) 609-0940 or contact us online for a free consultation.