In September 2014, Maryland criminal defense attorney Rand Lucey convinced a prosecutor to vacate his client’s 1995 possession conviction and dismiss the drug charge. Mr. Lucey’s client had lived in the United States for almost 30 years but had been unable to obtain citizenship and was at risk for deportation due to the conviction. Mr. Lucey filed a Coram Nobis Petition in Queen Anne’s County, arguing that defects in his client’s guilty plea entitled him to a new trial. Prior to arguing before the judge, the State’s Attorney elected to dismiss the charge. The result cleared the way for the client to immediately apply for citizenship.
