Post-conviction relief in Maryland is an option if you are currently in jail or prison or serving probation or parole. The state distinguishes this from the type of relief you may seek to clear your record if you are not actively serving a sentence. The Officer of the...
“The Defense Never Rests.”
Post-Conviction Relief
Are confessions always admissible?
The American legal system can be confusing. Because police detectives have extensive experience interviewing witnesses, the criminal justice process also can be intimidating. If you are not careful, you may say something prosecutors can use against you at trial....
What to know in regard to appealing a conviction
If you are facing a criminal conviction, and you think that there was an error during your original trial, you have a right to appeal the decision. Because a conviction results in a major change of life circumstances, it may be worth examining the options for appeal....
Can I expunge a federal criminal conviction?
Expungement is the process of sealing a criminal record so the information no longer shows through most types of background checks. It is not available to everyone and does not apply to all situations. According to the Congressional Research Service, states typically...
How do collateral consequences affect people?
A felony conviction can have a deep impact on people. Even after people fulfill a prison sentence, they may experience additional consequences. A criminal conviction is often accompanied by collateral consequences. The State of Maryland defines collateral consequences...
Can I get back my gun rights after a felony conviction?
One of the consequences of a felony conviction is the potential to lose your rights to own or possess a firearm. Whether you can get these rights back depends on where you live. Each state manages its own laws concerning felony consequences and the ability to restore...
What are the challenges of finding a job after prison?
In preparation for your release from prison, you may have already started to organize personal documentation so you can prepare to find a job. Even though you may experience challenges along the way, finding a job after your release can accelerate your effort to...
Prove Ineffective Counsel To Overturn Your Conviction
Defendants in federal prosecutions have the right to counsel under the Sixth Amendment. That privilege includes the right to effective assistance of counsel. If your lawyer did not advise you properly or made legal mistakes during your trial resulting in a negative...
Grounds for postconviction relief
After a conviction, it may seem as if the only option remaining is to serve the sentence that the judge orders. However, the judge's orders are not always the final word in the case. The American Bar Association explains that the law allows the defendant to challenge...
Can you provide emotional support to someone in prison?
Having a loved one behind bars creates difficult challenges in your effort to maintain a relationship. Your devotion to providing continuous emotional support may prove instrumental in encouraging healing, happiness and survival. Understanding how to love and support...