November 22, 2010 - Post-Conviction Relief Motion Vacates Plea and Conviction in Florida Fifth Judicial Circuit

November 22, 2010, Circuit Court for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, Lake County, Florida, granted Mr. Kent's state post-conviction relief motion (3.850 motion), to vacate the plea and conviction of Mr. Kent's client M.L., which was based on a Padilla v. Kentucky claim, i.e., that his trial attorney had not sufficiently advised him of the deportation consequences of his plea to a felony drug offense.  Ronald E. Fox, Esq. of Umatilla, Florida, was local counsel who appeared at the hearing for M.L.  The Circuit Court summarily granted relief over the objection of the state.