Owings Mills Post-Conviction Lawyer

Experienced Attorneys for Post-Conviction Relief in Owings Mills, Maryland

Life after a criminal conviction comes with many challenges. Between fines, a prison sentence, and other collateral consequences, people convicted of crimes often struggle to find a place in society. What many convicted individuals do not know is that there are many avenues to seek relief after a judge gives their final verdict. If you have been convicted of a criminal offense, an Owings Mills post-conviction lawyer can help you explore your options to protect your future.

At Salvado Law Offices, we know just how intimidating it can be to navigate the criminal justice system on your own. We are here to provide you with informed counsel and strong representation after a conviction, taking your needs into consideration.

Appealing a Case Based on Ineffective Counsel

The U.S. Constitution endows criminal defendants with many rights, among them, the right to effective legal counsel. This means that you can appeal a judge's verdict if you believe that your lawyer did not meet the standards expected of a professional.

To file an appeal based on ineffective counsel, you must prove that the incompetence of your defense counsel impacted the result of your case. For instance, if your attorney had a conflict of interest due to a personal relationship, you could argue that your defense was compromised from the beginning. In another example, if your attorney failed to inform you of the possible consequences of a guilty plea, such as the threat of deportation, you might have grounds to claim that your counsel was ineffective.

At Salvado Law Offices, we can review your original case and highlight any errors by your defense counsel that could have impacted the final judgment. In your petition for an appeal, our lawyers can advocate for a review of the original verdict.

Other Grounds for Appeal in Maryland

After a conviction, you can only file an appeal on specific grounds. These grounds include, but are not limited to:

• The jury was given incorrect instructions
• A mistake was made during sentencing
• Inadmissible evidence was brought forward against you
• Exculpatory evidence was wrongfully withheld

Keep in mind that the appeals process operates on a strict time limit. You have 30 days from the day of the original sentence to file an appeal. At Salvado Law Offices, we can work within the deadline to file your appeal. At your court appearance, we will argue for your rights, petitioning for a new trial or sentence based on the specifics of your case.

Can I Have a Sentence Modified?

Aside from filing an appeal, if you disagree with your sentence, you could consider filing a petition to have your sentence modified. When you request to modify your sentence, you are not disputing the underlying facts of your case, but requesting a review of the judgment. There are different reasons as to why a judge might allow a modification of a sentence, such as:

• You exhibited good behavior in prison and/or made an effort toward rehabilitation
• You suffered an unexpected health complication
• The sentence against you did not match the severity of the crime

Sentence modifications might be flexible. For instance, you could request an earlier release or a sentence of probation instead of incarceration. If you want to modify a sentence, you must file a petition within 90 days of the judge's sentence. At Salvado Law Offices, we can meet with you to discuss your strategy for pursuing a modification of a sentence.

Contact an Owings Mills, MD Post-Conviction Lawyer

You have a right to seek relief after a criminal conviction in Maryland. At Salvado Law Offices, our Owings Mills, Maryland post-conviction attorneys can represent you in appeals and help you seek a modification of your sentence. To set up a no-cost consultation, contact our offices online or call us at 301-933-1814.