A conviction should never be treated as the end of the road for any person. For those guilty of a crime, it merely seeks to rehabilitate an individual and make them understand the gravity of their offense. However, if someone is wrongfully convicted, measures are in...
In Your Corner
Post-Conviction Relief
Legal grounds for post-conviction relief: Understanding your options
Post-conviction relief is a legal process that allows a convicted individual to challenge their conviction after all their direct appeals have been exhausted. Facing something complex like post-conviction relief can be stressful, especially when your future hangs in...
Will a court grant your petition for post-conviction relief?
Imagine being stuck behind bars for a crime you didn't commit or one that you feel you didn't deserve to be punished so harshly for. If you're facing this problem, you're probably wondering if there's any way to get a second chance. In this blog, we'll explain why a...
Post-conviction relief can help non-citizens facing deportation
Post-conviction relief (PCR) is a legal process that lets people challenge their convictions or sentences. This process helps fix mistakes or constitutional violations that the trial or appeal did not address. For noncitizens facing deportation because of a...
What are some common defense attorney mistakes?
It is fair to say that attorneys who are defending Oregonians against criminal charges have a constitutional obligation to do a good job when doing so. This does not mean that a defense attorney must get a not guilty verdict in every case. As with the case with other...
Avoid these mistakes when seeking post-conviction relief
A wrongful conviction can leave you and your loved one devastated. The thought of years of freedom being stripped away can be crushing, and it may feel like there’s little hope righting the wrong that’s occurred. Yet, post-conviction relief may be a very real...
Post-conviction relief is possible after a guilty plea
Most criminal cases in Oregon end with a defendant entering a guilty plea, often after agreeing with prosecutors to a plea bargain that will determine the person’s punishment. The fact a person pled guilty does not mean that they have no further options after they...
The role of victims in post-conviction relief attempts
Some post-conviction relief attempts argue that a defendant was not adequately represented in the criminal case that led to a conviction. Mostly, these efforts are about fairness – they argue that the defendant was not treated fairly during trial or that a plea...
Understanding Oregon’s law on post-conviction relief
Virtually all criminal trials end with a verdict of either “guilty” or “not guilty.” Apart from post-trial motions concerning the events of the trial or an appeal, little or nothing happens in the court room after the jury announces its verdict and the court enters...
What issues warrant seeking post-conviction relief?
The criminal justice system is supposed to be fair, protecting your rights throughout the investigatory and prosecutorial processes. Yet, egregious errors may not come to light until after your conviction. When that happens, you may be warranted in seeking...
