When someone is convicted of a crime, the legal process doesn’t always end with the verdict. In many cases, post-conviction relief in Florida allows a person to challenge their conviction after the trial is over. It can be an important tool for seeking justice, especially whennew evidence or legal mistakes come to light.
Discover key reasons for Post-Conviction Relief in Florida and how they impact those seeking justice.
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1. Newly Discovered Evidence
One of the most common reasons people seek post-conviction relief is the discovery of new evidence. This evidence may not have been available during the original trial and could change the outcome of the case. NewDNA evidence, witness testimony, or physical evidence that was missed earlier can be key to seeking post-conviction relief (PCR). If the new evidence is strong enough to challenge the original conviction, it could lead to a new trial or even exoneration.
For example, DNA evidence that wasn’t available during the original investigation might show that someone was wrongfully convicted. In these cases, PCR is a crucial tool to right the wrong and give the accused a second chance.
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2. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
Everyone has the right to alawyer who does a good job, and if someone’s attorney didn’t provide effective help, it could be a reason to ask for post-conviction relief. It’s shown that the lawyer didn’t do their job right and that it affected the case, the defendant might be able to get PCR.
Examples of ineffective assistance of counsel can include:
- Not investigating important evidence
- Using poor defense strategies
- Not calling key witnesses
- Failing to communicate properly with the defendant
If the attorney’s mistakes led to a conviction that wouldn’t have happened otherwise, the court may allow post-conviction relief.
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3. Constitutional Violations
Sometimes, a conviction happens because the defendant’s constitutional rights were violated. This could include things likeimproper police actions, like illegal searches, or not giving the defendant a fair trial. Some common constitutional violations include:
- Unlawful search or seizure: If evidence was taken illegally and used against the defendant, that could be a reason for PCR.
- Right to remain silent: If the defendant’s Miranda rights were ignored, or they were forced into giving a confession, that could be grounds for post-conviction relief.
- Juror misconduct: If a juror acted unfairly or behaved improperly during the trial, it might be a violation of the defendant’s right to a fair trial.
If it is shown that the defendant’s rights were violated during the trial, post-conviction relief can be used to fix the mistake.
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4. Prosecutorial Misconduct
Prosecutorial misconduct is another reason someone might seek post-conviction relief. Prosecutors are supposed to seek justice, not just win cases, but sometimes they make mistakes, whether on purpose or by accident. Some examples of prosecutorial misconduct that could lead to PCR include:
- Hiding evidence that could prove the defendant’s innocence
- Using false or misleading evidence to get a conviction
- Making improper comments during closing arguments
- Not revealing conflicts of interest
When prosecutorial misconduct happens, it can affect the fairness of the trial and lead to an unfair conviction. In those cases, post-conviction relief might be needed to fix the situation.
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5. Sentencing Errors
Sometimes, a defendant might be convicted but get the wrong sentence. This can happen if there’s a mistake in calculating their criminal history, applying the wrong sentencing rules, or figuring out if they’re eligible for things like parole or sentence reductions. In Florida, if a sentencing mistake is found after the conviction, PCR can be used to try to change or reduce the sentence.
For example, if someone was sentenced based on a law that’s later found unconstitutional, or if the court made a mistake in applying extra penalties, they might be able to challenge their sentence through post-conviction relief
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Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you or a loved one is considering post-conviction relief, it’s crucial to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney. The legal process can be complex, and having a knowledgeable advocate who understands the ins and outs of PCR can make all the difference in obtaining a favorable outcome.
A post-conviction relief lawyer must have a strong understanding of the processes associated with post-conviction relief proceedings. Attorney Russell Spatz has experience on both sides of the aisle — as both prosecutor and now criminal defense attorney in Miami — and knows how to conduct effective investigations in the often short amount of time allotted for post-conviction relief proceedings. Contact him at 305-442-0200 to discuss your case and ensure you have the protection and vigorous representation you need.