In a decision published yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court held that criminal defense counsel must inform a client whether a plea carries a risk of deportation. Padilla v. Kentucky, 559 U.S. __, No. 08-651, slip op. (March 31, 2010). Justice Stevens delivered the majority opinion, which Kennedy, Ginsburg, Breyer, and Sotomayor joined. Justice Alito concurred in the judgment, with whom Chief Justice Roberts joined. Justice Scalia dissented, joined by Thomas. José Padilla, a 40-year lawful permanent resident, pled guilty to transporting a large amount of marijuana in Kentucky. Padilla, No. [...]