Since 1977, California Penal Code section 1016.5 has required the trial courts before accepting a plea of guilty or "no contest", to advise a defendant in an appropriate case that the plea may have immigration consequences. If the court fails to give the advisement and if the defendant shows that his conviction may result in deportation, exclusion, or denial of naturalization, then the court must vacate the judgment and permit the defendant to withdraw the plea of guilty or "no contest", and enter a plea of not guilty.
If you are concerned about immigration consequences as a result of a criminal conviction, call our office at (951) 695-1400 for a free consultation. We can help! We represent individuals in the Temecula, Murrieta, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Wildomar, Perris, Banning, Corona, Winchester or Riverside, areas.