This case held that: If the trial court fails to advise a defendant of immigration consequences, the defendant may seek to withdraw his plea pursuant to Penal Code section 1016.5, subdivision (b). In 1988, appellant, a non-citizen, was convicted of felony drug offenses and granted probation with a condition requiring him to serve a jail sentence. In 1995, he was deported but returned illegally in 1987, and in 2008, he filed a motion pursuant to section 1016.5, subdivision (b) to vacate judgment and withdraw his guilty pleas. The trial court denied the motion. The denial was affirmed. To prevail on a section 1016.5, subdivision (b) motion, a defendant must establish that he was not properly advised of immigration consequences as provided by statute. Because the trial court properly advised appellant of immigration consequences when it accepted his pleas, appellant’s statutory claim was found to be without merit.
People v. Limon , District: 5 DCA , Case #: F056907
Opinion Date: 12/11/2009 , DAR #: 17333