Padilla Assistance for Court Appointed Attorneys

February 7, 2026

Support for Noncitizen Clients: Free Padilla Advisals in Dallas County

The Dallas County Public Defender’s Office Immigration Division is available to assist Court Appointed Attorneys on cases pending in Dallas County with Padilla Advisals at no charge to the attorney or client!

What is a Padilla Advisal?

A Padilla Advisal is a written memo provided to criminal defense attorneys representing noncitizen clients so that the clients are informed of the immigration consequences they face due to the criminal charges pending against them. The Padilla Advisal will inform on whether the client:

  • Can become deportable or inadmissible.
  • Is eligible for relief from deportation or other forms of immigration relief (e.g., family-based or crime victim-based visas).
  • Is eligible for an immigration bond.
  • Is able to travel abroad.
  • Is eligible to naturalize in the future.

The memo may also suggest plea options to protect the client’s immigration status and forms of relief.

How the Immigration Division Can Help

If a court-appointed attorney is assigned to represent a noncitizen client, they can submit a referral to the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office Immigration Division. Our team is staffed by two experienced immigration attorneys and a Specialized Group Chief. We will review the referral, draft a written Padilla Advisal Memo, and send it to the attorney via email.

How to Make a Referral

The court-appointed attorney should complete the Noncitizen Worksheet & Referral Form with their client, providing details regarding the client’s immigration and criminal history.

Referral Link: Access the Referral Form Here

Note on Attachments: The form does not allow attachments of additional documents like the PC Affidavit and Indictment. If there are documents you would like the Immigration Division to review, please email them to Aglae.Eufracio@dallascounty.org.

Timeline

Please allow at least two business days for completion of the immigration advisal. The timeline can change depending on availability and capacity. Attorneys should submit the advisal as soon as practical to avoid delays or resets on the case.

The Immigration Division DOES NOT:

  • Represent the client in criminal or immigration proceedings.
  • Complete the referral with the client.
  • Review the advisal with the client.
  • Provide verbal advisals.
  • Provide same-day advisals.
  • Appear in court with the court-appointed attorney or the client.
  • Speak to the judge or prosecutor on the case.

Contact Information

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please reach out to:

Aglae Eufracio
Immigration Division Supervisor
Email: Aglae.Eufracio@dallascounty.org

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