Some courts have recognized that ineffective assistance also can be raised on direct appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Claiming ineffective assistance of counsel (IAC) is a way to get your guilty plea, guilty verdict or sentence reversed in Nevada.This advisory provides initial guidance on the duty of criminal defense counsel representing an immigrant defendant after Padilla. The Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility makes available advisory opinions on the ethical considerations of the practice of law. Ineffective assistance of counsel, which means that the defense attorney's incompetence prejudiced the defendant's case. 110 North City Parkway, Suite 400 Las Vegas, NV 89106 Hours Phone 702-458-0227 The immigration court does not accept faxes or other electronic submissions. "The need for effective assistance of counsel applies in immigration law just as it does in criminal law. 1988)(requiring an appellant to meet certain criteria when filing an appeal based on ineffective assistance of counsel). Ineffective assistance of counsel in the immigration context.