The criminal justice system is not perfect. In fact, many innocent people are convicted. If you have been wrongfully convicted of a crime, you deserve justice. There are several forms of relief that can help you get your life back on the right path.
Our firm provides counsel for several post-conviction relief options, including:
Clemency: This form of relief comes directly from the governor of Ohio in state cases, or the President of the United States in federal cases. There are two main types of clemency. The first is commutations, which reduce the penalties of a conviction. The second is pardons, which negate the conviction entirely and removes any further punishment.
Direct appeal: An individual who is convicted of a crime can exercise their right to challenge that conviction through a direct appeal. Filing an appeal is the process by which you can request that your case be reviewed by a higher court. You must be able to show that the outcome of your trial was affected by a legal error made in court. You must notify the court that you intend to appeal within 30 days of when the judgment was entered.
Habeas corpus: After a conviction, you may be able to challenge your imprisonment by filing a writ of habeas corpus. If successful, this form of post-conviction relief can result in changes in the conditions of your incarceration, a reduced sentence, or release from custody.
Judicial release: By filing a Motion for Judicial Release to the trial court where your sentencing took place, you may be able to obtain an early release from prison. The decision of whether to grant or deny the Motion is left entirely to the trial judge. Prior to filing the Motion, you must serve a certain percentage of your sentence. The specific amount depends on the length of the sentence imposed.