After a felony conviction on charges involving racketeering or drug trafficking, most defendants begin planning to appeal immediately. You have the right to appeal a court decision if your trial involved legal errors, jury misconduct or ineffective defense...
Judges are supposed to be impartial scholars of the law who interpret existing statutes and prior court precedent to decide what is fair and reasonable. Federal judges have the authority to send someone to federal prison or exonerate them based on their interpretation...
When appealing a conviction on fraud charges (or narcotics and RICO convictions, etc.), you need an advocate willing to fight for you. However, many lawyers are prepared to fight on behalf of their clientele. How do you know which law professional you need? First,...
Many long-term prisoners take up studying law, hoping to find out something that can help them get out. If you are also stuck inside for a federal crime, you might hear someone talking about habeas corpus and wonder if you could use it to get free. Habeas corpus is a...
Executive clemency is an umbrella term that covers pardons (Presidential or Gubernatorial) and the commutation of federal sentences. We believe that not enough U.S. citizens understand that they may qualify for executive clemency. If you are interested in clemency or...
A criminal record doesn't just mean that you must check a certain box when filling out employment applications. It can also limit everything from your housing opportunities to what higher education scholarships you can receive. For many offenses in New Mexico, the...
When you’re charged with a serious crime that carries some stiff penalties, it’s only natural to be anxious about the outcome of your trial. You know you want the best possible defense team on your side. Should that defense team include an appellate attorney? It may...
The phrase “fair trial” is embedded in our judicial system. It’s a basic and respected cornerstone of it. But what particulars and protections does it actually involve? Can you appeal a conviction if your right to a fair trial was compromised in some way? Early in...
Back in 2005, Scott Peterson was convicted of the Christmas Eve murder of his pregnant wife, Laci, and their unborn son. Initially sentenced to death, an appellate court reduced the sentence to life in prison. Now, a very public exploration of the voir dire process...
You're arrested on drug charges, and you do plead not guilty. However, you are convicted in court. You don't believe that the conviction is valid, of course, so you want to appeal. One part of the appeals process is that you have to have a valid reason to do so. You...