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,...
Year: 2022
What is habeas corpus, and how could it help free you?
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...
What do government authorities look at when considering clemency?
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...
Does your criminal record qualify for expungement in New Mexico?
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...
Should you have an appellate attorney at your trial?
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...
You can appeal a conviction if you did not get a fair trial
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...
Voir dire and the Scott Peterson trial: What’s going on?
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...
Potential reasons to appeal a drug conviction
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...
Does everyone just appeal every ruling?
There are those who believe that every single person who is convicted in court will then turn around and appeal that decision. They think of it as just part of the process, as if cases are always appealed, regardless of all other facts. If the person doesn't win and...
Can your defense attorney be the reason you appeal a conviction?
When New Mexico charges you with a criminal offense, your defense attorney is the only thing standing between you and potential incarceration. The lawyer who assists with your defense could help prove your innocence and secure your freedom, or they could make massive...