Appellate & Post-Conviction Law
Practical guidance on criminal appeals, federal habeas corpus, post-conviction relief, and wrongful conviction law — written by your appellate specialists.
Wrongful Conviction in Michigan: Understanding Your Legal Options
If you or a loved one was wrongfully convicted in Michigan, multiple legal pathways exist — from post-conviction motions to the Michigan Innocence Clinic. Here's a comprehensive roadmap.
Can You Appeal a Guilty Plea?
Guilty pleas can be challenged on appeal or in post-conviction proceedings. Learn the limited grounds available — including involuntariness, ineffective counsel, and unknowing waivers.
What Happens at a Parole Revocation Hearing?
Parole revocation is not a criminal trial, but you still have due process rights. Learn what happens at a revocation hearing, what rights you have, and how to mount a defense.
Compassionate Release: How Federal Prisoners Can Seek Early Release
Federal prisoners can petition for early release under compassionate release provisions when extraordinary circumstances — including serious illness or changes in law — make their continued imprisonment inequitable.
Civil Rights Lawsuits Under § 1983: Suing Police and Government Officials
42 U.S.C. § 1983 allows individuals to sue government officials — including police — who violate their constitutional rights. Learn how these claims work and what damages are available.
DNA Evidence and Wrongful Convictions: What You Need to Know
DNA evidence has exonerated hundreds of innocent people. Learn how DNA testing can be obtained post-conviction, how courts handle DNA claims, and what happens when testing proves innocence.
Strickland Claims: Challenging Your Attorney's Ineffective Representation
A Strickland claim is the constitutional vehicle for challenging ineffective assistance of counsel. Learn what it takes to prove one and how courts evaluate attorney performance.
Sentence Modification: Can Your Sentence Be Reduced After Conviction?
Even after a sentence is imposed, legal mechanisms exist to reduce it — including resentencing motions, compassionate release, sentence credit disputes, and changes in sentencing law.
AEDPA's One-Year Deadline: What Federal Habeas Petitioners Must Know
AEDPA's one-year statute of limitations for federal habeas corpus is the single most important deadline in post-conviction law. Missing it usually ends your federal options permanently.
North Carolina Criminal Appeals: A Step-by-Step Guide
Challenging a criminal conviction in North Carolina involves direct appeals to the Court of Appeals, discretionary review by the Supreme Court, and Motions for Appropriate Relief.
How to Appeal a Criminal Conviction in Arizona
Arizona provides several avenues to challenge a criminal conviction, including direct appeals, Rule 32 petitions, and federal habeas corpus. Here's what Arizona defendants need to know.
Direct Appeal vs. Post-Conviction: What's the Difference?
Understanding the difference between a direct appeal and post-conviction relief is critical to protecting your rights. Each has different deadlines, rules, and available remedies.
Michigan's Clean Slate Act: Who Qualifies for Expungement?
Michigan's Clean Slate Act dramatically expanded who can have criminal records expunged. Learn the new eligibility rules, waiting periods, and how to start the process.
Ineffective Assistance of Counsel: When Bad Lawyering Is Grounds to Appeal
The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to competent counsel. When a trial attorney's errors fall below constitutional standards, an ineffective assistance claim can overturn a conviction.
Brady Violations: When the Prosecution Hides Evidence
A Brady violation occurs when the prosecution withholds evidence that is favorable to the defense and material to guilt or punishment. Learn how to identify and challenge these violations.
Federal Habeas Corpus: What It Is and How to File
Federal habeas corpus under 28 U.S.C. § 2254 allows state prisoners to challenge unconstitutional convictions in federal court after exhausting state remedies.
What Is Post-Conviction Relief? A Complete Guide
Post-conviction relief covers every legal remedy available after a conviction becomes final — from state habeas petitions to motions for new trial based on newly discovered evidence.
How to Appeal a Criminal Conviction in Michigan
A step-by-step guide to Michigan's criminal appeals process, including deadlines, grounds for appeal, and what to expect at each stage.
Questions About Your Case?
These articles are for general educational purposes only. Every case is different. Schedule a consultation with Attorney Allan Sharp Jr. to discuss your specific situation.
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