People v. Sood CA2/7

INTRODUCTION

Vikram Sood pleaded guilty under a negotiated plea agreement, reducing his sentencing exposure from life to 21 years in prison. Before his plea, he was told his conviction would result in deportation. Nineteen years later, he moved to vacate his conviction under Penal Code section 1473.7, subdivision (a)(1), arguing he did not understand the adverse immigration consequences of his plea.1 The trial court denied his motion. We affirm.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Sood’s Negotiated Plea and Sentencing In February 2000, Sood was charged in an amended information with first degree residential robbery, two counts of first degree residential burglary, possession of a firearm by a felon, and kidnapping to commit robbery. It was alleged that Sood used a firearm and had previously committed a serious or violent felony. Sood faced a maximum sentence of 29 years to life, plus 17 years in prison. In March 2000, Sood entered a negotiated plea. Under the plea deal, Sood pleaded guilty to a new count of kidnapping and admitted enhancements in exchange for a 21-year prison sentence and dismissal of the remaining counts. During the plea hearing, the prosecutor explained the…