Trusted Post-Conviction Relief Lawyer

Through post-conviction motions, an individual may seek to:

• Vacate or set aside a conviction
• Correct an illegal sentence
• Seek a new trial based on new evidence or constitutional violations
• Challenge a plea agreement
• Request a reduction in sentence
• Reverse a conviction due to ineffective assistance of counsel or other legal errors

Some common grounds for post-conviction relief include:

• Ineffective assistance of counsel
• Newly discovered evidence
• Juror misconduct
• Constitutional violations (e.g., unlawful search and seizure, violations of due process)
• Involuntary plea agreements
• False testimony or prosecutorial misconduct

While an appeal reviews the trial court’s decisions for errors of law, the post-conviction process provides an opportunity to challenge a conviction or sentence based on issues that could not have been raised in the initial trial or appeal (such as ineffective assistance of counsel or new evidence). Post-conviction proceedings usually involve a deeper review of the facts and circumstances surrounding the case.

State habeas corpus is a legal petition filed in state court challenging the lawfulness of an individual’s detention or imprisonment. While federal habeas corpus is used to challenge federal convictions, state habeas corpus is used to challenge state convictions or sentences.

State habeas corpus can be used to challenge the length or legality of a sentence. For example, if a defendant believes their sentence is unlawful, disproportionate, or imposed in violation of state or federal law, they can file a habeas petition requesting a reduction. Possible arguments include:

• Excessive sentencing in violation of constitutional rights
• Improper application of sentencing guidelines
• New laws or rulings that affect the sentence
  State habeas can also be used to challenge a parole denial or to request sentence modification based on rehabilitative efforts.

Yes, state habeas corpus can be used to vacate a plea if there are valid grounds to challenge the plea’s legality. Common reasons include:

• Involuntary plea (e.g., the defendant did not fully understand the consequences of the plea)
• Ineffective assistance of counsel during plea negotiations
• Coercion or duress during the plea process
• Misrepresentation or fraud by the prosecution or defense.

Yes, a state habeas petition can be used to set aside a conviction if the conviction was obtained in violation of the defendant’s rights. This includes situations where there was:

• Ineffective assistance of counsel
• Newly discovered evidence that proves innocence
• Juror misconduct
• False testimony or prosecutorial misconduct
• Violation of constitutional rights during trial

State habeas corpus can be used to challenge a conviction if the defendant was denied effective assistance of counsel. To succeed, the petitioner must show that their attorney's performance was deficient and that the deficiency resulted in prejudice—meaning that the outcome of the trial would likely have been different if the attorney had performed adequately.

To prove ineffective assistance of counsel, the petitioner must satisfy the Strickland v. Washington test, which requires demonstrating:

• The attorney’s performance was deficient (i.e., the lawyer made significant errors or failed to act in a reasonable manner).
• The deficient performance prejudiced the defendant (i.e., there is a reasonable probability that the outcome of the trial would have been different if the attorney had performed competently).

The time limits for filing a state habeas petition vary by state but are generally set at one year from the final judgment or from the date a legal error is discovered. In some cases, the time limit can be extended if new evidence comes to light.

To file a state habeas petition, you must:

1. Determine the appropriate court: Petition in the court where you were convicted or another court that has jurisdiction.
2. Prepare the petition: Clearly outline the grounds for challenging your conviction or sentence, and provide supporting evidence such as affidavits, documents, or witness testimony.
3. File the petition: Submit the completed petition to the court and pay any required filing fees.
4. Wait for a ruling: The court will review your petition and may schedule an evidentiary hearing if necessary. The judge may grant, deny, or request further action.

Yes, if the state habeas petition is denied, the petitioner can generally appeal the decision to a higher state court, such as the state court of appeals or state supreme court.