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Several felony cases set plea deadlines; judges warn of immigration consequences and set timelines for Padilla advice
Summary
The 187th District Court set plea-deadline dates across multiple felony dockets and repeatedly advised noncitizen defendants to consult immigration counsel before pleading; several defendants were given 30–60 day deadlines and reminders about deportation risks if convicted of aggravated offenses.
During the April 22, 2025 docket in the 187th District Court, Judge Stephanie Boyd and court staff set plea-deadline dates in multiple felony matters and repeatedly notified noncitizen defendants of immigration consequences.
The court scheduled plea-deadline dates and interim settings for cases including those of Alex Avila and another aggravated-robbery defendant who identified as a noncitizen. The judge and prosecutors warned defendants that pleading guilty to aggravated robbery or certain violent felonies carries near-certain immigration consequences, including deportation, and advised defendants to secure Padilla or immigration counsel before accepting plea offers. The court set deadlines ranging from 30 to 60 days for immigration evaluations and Padilla advisals in relevant cases, with specific plea-deadline dates such as May 29 and May 12 cited on the record.
Several cases were continued to specific plea-deadline dates so defense counsel could consult with public defenders' immigration units or private immigration attorneys. In one matter the court instructed the public defender's office to arrange a Padilla advisal and told prosecutors and defense to be prepared for the deadlines; in other cases the court said it would not accept plea agreements without good cause after the scheduled deadline.
The court also reminded defense counsel to confirm whether discovery was complete and to advise clients about collateral consequences in writing where appropriate. The dockets included other routine continuances and resets for discovery review, PSI completion and competency or mental-health evaluations.
