How I Can Help You In Post-Conviction Relief Process

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Experienced Appeals Attorney

The legal appeals system allows persons convicted of criminal offenses the opportunity to challenge decisions handed down by the courts. Rather than live with a guilty verdict, one can pursue the chance to change an unfavorable decision. Direct appeals are limited to reviewing cases tried in the circuit courts for legal errors that harm a case and affect the outcome. Not all cases are eligible for the consideration by the District Court of Appeal. A person convicted of a crime does have other options through the post-conviction relief process where the courts review all aspects of a case for certain legal issues. My firm, T. Charles Shafer, Attorney at Law PLLC., has over 29 years of legal experience and defends all types of criminal cases from misdemeanors to major felonies. I am rated by Martindale-Hubbell® as AV® Preeminent, the highest rating among attorneys. I work hard for my clients with the goal of achieving the best possible case results, which often includes reduced charges and sentencing or entire case dismissal. If you are an inmate or convicted of a criminal offense, you need an experienced attorney to appeal your case and achieve a change in the jury verdict or judgment against you.

About Post-Conviction Relief

The post-conviction relief process allows the courts to review issues that can include:

• Effectiveness of counsel
• Newly discovered evidence
• Excessive or illegal judgments and sentencing
• Involuntary pleas
• Constitutionality of conviction and sentencing

My firm has helped many clients with reversal of convictions and removal of criminal records. Through post-conviction relief, convicted criminals have a chance for a new trial, release from incarceration, modifications to sentencing, and more. Filing for relief must occur within the time allowed by law of the conviction or within the time allowed by law of the date one learned about new evidentiary facts in the case. Those significant facts must have been unavailable at the time of the conviction. The prosecution relies on forensics evidence when building their cases but new DNA evidence can sway the courts as to reversing a decision against one wrongly convicted of a crime at the time there was no DNA evidence available. The courts can review whether a conviction or sentencing was within the law and whether it was correct or valid.

Immigrants to the United States are often exposed to deportation due to some type of criminal conviction. They can benefit from appealing cases and utilizing post-conviction relief. In some instances, immigrants are not informed that a plea would result in deportation or in other errors in defending or prosecuting immigrants facing the criminal court system.

Challenging a Criminal Conviction

If you received a criminal conviction, you have the opportunity to challenge the legality and constitutionality of the adverse decision. For those convicted of a crime they did not commit or given excessive sentencing beyond the legal limit or in proportion to the crime, it is important to have an attorney fight for your rights and present your side of the case. The attorney you chose to represent you can make a difference in the outcome of your case. I understand the difficulties that people experience when they face criminal allegations and/or convictions. A conviction can affect many areas of life such as employment, finances, relationships, reputations, schooling, and more. I work hard to protect the constitutional rights and best interests of my clients.

My firm is knowledgeable in the exact procedural and technical requirements of the appellant court and the post-conviction relief processes. It is vital that you have a Fort Pierce criminal defense attorney by your side at each step through the criminal courts and appeals process.