People facing post-conviction often struggle with mental health issues. Addressing these challenges can make a big difference in their recovery and treatment options. This blog explores ways mental health can be handled after a conviction. Mental health assessments...
Post-Conviction Relief
Is AI the future of post-conviction relief in DC?
As artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities expand, so does its influence on legal processes and outcomes. In Washington, D.C., AI is making waves in post-conviction cases, offering new possibilities for those seeking justice after a conviction. This technology is...
What you need to know about the Post-Conviction Procedure Act (PCPA)
The Post-Conviction Procedure Act (PCPA) in Maryland offers a legal process for people convicted in a state court to challenge their conviction or sentence. It can address unconstitutional convictions, procedural mistakes or new evidence that could lead to acquittal....
Under what circumstances can you file for post-conviction relief?
A criminal conviction can be devastating and life-altering. Your final sentence must comply with applicable laws and regulations, but when your sentence feels unjust, you have the option to file for relief. What is post-conviction relief? Post-conviction relief is the...
The pros and cons of DNA testing for post-conviction relief
Suffering from a wrongful criminal conviction is hurtful and damaging. However, a convict may still seek post-conviction relief by requesting a DNA analysis. Through DNA technology, it would be possible to identify the offender and present new evidence about the...
Can DNA evidence overturn a sex offense?
Sex offenses are heinous crimes that leave lasting scars on victims. However, in cases with limited evidence, the pursuit of justice can lead to wrongful convictions. In Maryland, DNA testing has emerged as a powerful tool for exonerating the wrongly accused in sex...
Can I expunge criminal offenses from my record?
The state of Maryland generally has measures shielding certain offenses on one’s record from public view, but these may not be enough to protect you from the social stigma and lasting negative effects of a criminal conviction. If you qualify, you may seek to clear or...
How DNA proof overrules witness misidentification during post-conviction
Shortly after its development in 1985, DNA testing became a powerful defense tool. It enabled offenders to challenge criminal convictions by presenting new evidence connected to their own unique DNA. According to the National Registry of Exonerations, DNA evidence...
The importance of post-conviction relief
When a verdict comes down, and it is not in your favor, it could feel like the end of the world. However, the legal system acknowledges that the path to justice does not end with a guilty verdict. Post-conviction relief represents an opportunity to challenge the...
Can DNA evidence help overturn criminal convictions?
DNA evidence can be instrumental in exonerating individuals who have suffered wrongful convictions, especially in cases where such evidence and testing were not available at the time of the original trial. Each person has a unique DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) profile...