Posted by Juan C Matheu, jcmatheu@bellsouth.net, on 6/14/03

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Dear Reader,
I am seeking legal advice. Hopefully you can help me...
I pleaded "NOLO CONTENDERE" to a $5.00 possession of
cocaine charge in Miami on August 2000. At the time I was
here as a tourist from Guatemala & chose this plea due to
the expiration of my visa/stay. I should have pleaded NOT
GUILTY but that meant that I would have had to stay for 3-4
more months in the US waiting for trial which would have
cost about 4-$5K in visa extension, hotel etc., most
important I needed to go back to Guatemala due to
work/business.
A public defender assisted me in the court. After I
explained my situation he suggested that I plea "NOLO
CONTEDERE" and said "this will end the case & you will be
dismissed". Now, the Judge did advise me that by taking
this plea I COULD BE SUBJECT TO DEPORTATION. But due to the
circumstances, unfortunately, I accepted ...and returned to
Guatemala. Now I feel afraid, so angry, ignorant and
mislead.
This is a very serious matter because INS will not grant me
Residency due to this Felony charge in 2000, unless the
GUILTY CHARGE is removed.
I was raised in the US, been educated & lived here for
about half of my life. This is home to me. I have been
married to an American Citizen for over a year, 2 children
(9&10), have a very decent, stable job and never been in
fault with the Law, not even back in 2000, which I was in
the wrong place at the wrong time.
I would appreciate any advice as to whom to approach for a
request to a re-trial to fight for my rights and freedom.
Your advice or help will be a great blessing to my family
and I.
Sincerely,

Juan Carlos Matheu
Cell (954) 650-5877
jcmatheu@bellsouth.net

MISLEAD COCAINE POSSESSION CHARGE, 6/14/03, by Juan C Matheu.

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