Ellicott City, Maryland Post-Conviction Lawyer

Supportive Post-Conviction Attorneys for Residents of Ellicott City

A conviction of a crime can be shocking and traumatic. Whether you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony offense, the consequences can persist for a lifetime. However, you may have options for relief even after the judge has already given a final verdict. An Ellicott City post-conviction lawyer can inform you of your options and help you seek appropriate relief based on your unique situation.

When dealing with the ramifications of a conviction, it helps to have an attorney who is highly knowledgeable in criminal law. At Salvado Law Offices, we can discuss your case with you one-on-one and determine an optimal strategy to address your needs.

Filing a Writ of Habeas Corpus

If you believe that you are being unlawfully held in detention, you have a right to know the reason for your continued imprisonment. A writ of habeas corpus is a legal petition that allows you to request a hearing with a judge and request an explanation about your prison sentence.

Oftentimes, habeas corpus petitions are filed when someone has been given a disproportionate sentence that does not match their alleged crime. If the court finds that there is no legal basis to hold the petitioner, the petitioner could be released from confinement.

At Salvado Law Offices, we can help you file a writ of habeas corpus to be filed with the court. We can also represent you in court to make sure that your concerns are properly heard by a judge. Our attorneys can make a case for your right to protection against unlawful confinement.

Requesting an Appeal After a Conviction

If you do not agree with the outcome of your criminal case, you have a right to request an appeal in a higher court. Common reasons to file an appeal include:

• The prosecution did not meet the standards of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
• The evidence brought against you was not admissible in court
• The jury received improper instructions
• You did not fully understand the implications of a guilty plea
• Your defense attorney was ineffective
• Other errors in legal procedure that negatively impacted the result of your case

Our firm can represent you in a hearing for your appeal, arguing why the decision made at your original case was wrong. The court can then make another decision based on your appeal, possibly striking the original judgment, modifying the sentence, or upholding the initial sentence. In any case, appeals are time-sensitive, and must be filed within 30 days of the original judgment in your case.

Petitioning for a Reconsideration of Your Sentence

After a conviction, you have an opportunity to petition for a motion to reconsider your sentence. Once again, timing is important with this petition, as you only have 90 days from the date of your original sentence to request a reconsideration of your sentence. After you file your petition, the judge has five years to make a final decision on whether or not to modify your sentence.

Since the judge cannot increase your sentence in a motion for reconsideration, you have little to lose by filing a petition. However, it is important that you work with an attorney who can help you make a compelling case for modifying a sentence. At Salvado Law Offices, we can review your case to look for errors in sentencing or changes in circumstances that warrant a motion for reconsideration.

Meet With an Ellicott City, MD Post-Conviction Lawyer

If you have been convicted of a criminal offense, do not assume that you have no recourse. At Salvado Law Offices, our Ellicott City post-conviction relief attorneys can advocate for your best interests. Call us at 301-933-1814 or reach out to us online to set up a free consultation.