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Paris Morton, formerly known as Lakeisha Holloway, will not be allowed to withdraw her guilty plea for a 2015 crash on the Las Vegas Strip, where she intentionally drove her car onto a crowded sidewalk, killing one person and injuring dozens more.
The victim, Jessica Valenzuela, 32, died in the incident, while multiple pedestrians were seriously hurt.
Morton, now 35, previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and battery with a deadly weapon. She agreed to a sentence of 18 years to life in prison.
District Judge Tierra Jones ruled that the plea was knowingly and voluntarily entered and that there was no valid reason to take it back. Sentencing is scheduled for April 30.
Morton’s attorney, Ashley Sisolak, argued that her client was pressured into accepting the plea deal. According to the defense, Morton’s long history in the court system, combined with time spent in state mental hospitals, created unusual stress that influenced her decision.
The prosecutors rejected these claims, affirming that Morton was treated fairly throughout the process. They pointed out that after entering the plea, she even expressed relief and appreciation toward those involved in the case.
Court Rejects Self-Representation
During the proceedings, Morton also asked to have her attorney dismissed and to represent herself. The judge denied the request.
Although Morton is currently competent to stand trial, the court ruled that she lacks the deeper understanding required to handle her own defense. This includes strategizing legally and filing motions correctly.
This case shows how serious the intersection of prime criminal charges, plea agreements, and mental competency can be. The complexity is that once a guilty plea is accepted, withdrawing it is extremely difficult unless there is clear evidence it was not made voluntarily.
If you are accused of a serious crime, the decisions you make can impact the rest of your life. Therefore, having the right legal strategy can be life-saving.
At LV Criminal Defense, our experienced attorneys are always ready to guide you through every step of the legal process and fight to protect your future. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you or your loved one is facing criminal charges in Las Vegas.
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