You may feel overwhelmed after a loved one receives what appears to be a wrongful conviction. At such a time, the legal system can easily seem confusing and unfair.
However, there are steps you can take that may make a difference in your loved one’s fight for justice. In Maryland and Washington, D.C., the appeals process provides an avenue for challenging criminal trial outcomes.
Review the trial records
Trial records include transcripts, evidence, and witness statements. These documents are important because they can reveal errors that the court or prosecution made during the trial. For example, you might find that the state did not present certain evidence properly or that a witness gave conflicting statements. Identifying these mistakes can help build a strong case for appeal.
Gather new evidence
If you believe new evidence could clear your loved one’s name, try to gather it or copies of it immediately. This might include DNA evidence, which has become a powerful tool in overturning wrongful convictions. Advances in technology can now test old evidence in ways that weren’t possible years before. Collecting and presenting these new facts can be helpful in overturning the conviction.
File an appeal
At this point, you can file an appeal. This legal process allows the court to review the case and consider any mistakes or new evidence. Remember that the process varies slightly between Maryland and D.C., so check the statutes of the correct jurisdiction to follow the correct rules.
Also, you have specific deadlines for filing, so you need to act quickly. Missing these deadlines could result in losing the chance to appeal.
Stay informed and supportive
Throughout the process, stay informed about your loved one’s case. Attend court hearings, follow up on any new developments, and offer emotional support. The appeals process can be long and stressful, so your encouragement and involvement can make a big difference.
Helping a loved one with a wrongful conviction is not easy, but by taking these steps, you can play a beneficial role in their fight for justice.