Tennessee appellate panel hears bid by Canadian man to withdraw guilty plea over immigration impact

A Tennessee appellate panel heard arguments on whether Kenneth Street, a Canadian national, may withdraw a guilty plea he entered in Hamilton County after reaching a plea agreement to leave custody, defense attorney Mr. McDougall said during oral argument.

The panel heard competing arguments over whether Street’s plea was knowing and voluntary and whether the appeal should be dismissed for inadequate briefing. Abigail Hornsby, arguing for the state, urged dismissal for waiver and said the record shows Street and his attorney were warned that the plea could have immigration or travel consequences.

Mr. McDougall told the panel that Street, described in the record as a 67‑year‑old quadriplegic who had five asthma attacks while detained, pleaded to obtain release from jail and access to medication. "He pleaded. Three days later, after his plea, he went to the judge that had originally had him plead guilty and…