The Court’s holding in Padilla requires defense counsel to have a basic understanding of immigration law – an area in which they “may not be well versed” – in order to effectively advise their clients. Padilla, 130 S. Ct. at 1483. The decision is also of obvious importance, however, to federal and state prosecutors and judges, among other interested parties. This guide – to which many OIL attorneys have contributed – presents a brief, cogent, and clear introduction that identifies and summarizes the relevant statutes.
REVISED Padilla v. Kentucky Reference Guide 11-8-10
