Post-Conviction Relief Lawyers in Oklahoma City

Post-conviction relief is a legal process that allows individuals who have been convicted of a crime to challenge, modify, or eliminate the consequences of that conviction. Post-conviction relief includes options such as expungements, appeals, pardons, sentence modifications, and parole. A criminal defense attorney familiar with these post-conviction options can help determine which option is the best solution

What Are the Types of Post-Conviction Relief in Oklahoma?

The types of post-conviction relief in Oklahoma include expungements, appeals, pardons, sentence modifications, and parole. A criminal defense attorney should be consulted to determine which specific type is applicable to each case. The types of post-conviction relief available in the state of Oklahoma are listed below.

• Expungement
• Appeal
• Pardon
• Sentence Modification
• Parole

The appropriate type of relief should be chosen based upon the specifics of each case such as the type of crime, the sentence received, available evidence, any potential legal errors, eligibility for expungement or parole, and the desired outcome, such as record sealing, sentence reduction, or overturning a conviction. Consulting a post-conviction attorney can help determine the best legal option.

Expungement

Expungement is the process of sealing or clearing a criminal record making it invisible to potential employers, landlords, and the general public. An expungement lawyer can help those convicted of crimes wipe the slate clean. Expunging a criminal record should be pursued after the criminal appeal process has failed. Unlike a pardon, an expungement completely hides the record of conviction, rather than just restoring the rights lost due to the conviction.

Appeal

Pardon

Sentence Modification

Parole

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For these situations, the Oklahoma Legislature has enacted the Uniform Post-Conviction Procedure Act. This area of practice gives the criminal defendant, and his or her attorney, another avenue to collaterally attack a criminal conviction if you can claim in good-faith:

• that the conviction or the sentence was in violation of the Constitution of the United States or the Constitution or laws of this state;
• that the court was without jurisdiction to impose sentence;
• that the sentence exceeds the maximum authorized by law;
• that there exists evidence of material facts, not previously presented and heard, that requires vacation of the conviction or sentence in the interest of justice;
• that the sentence has expired, the suspended sentence, probation, parole, or conditional release was unlawfully revoked, or you are otherwise unlawfully held in custody or other restraint; or
• that the conviction or sentence is otherwise subject to collateral attack upon any ground of alleged error heretofore available under any common law, statutory or other writ, motion, petition, proceeding or remedy.

If a person convicted of a crime in Oklahoma can show any of the above circumstances, than he or she is entitled to challenge the previous conviction. One thing to consider, however, is what you CANNOT argue on post-conviction:

• you cannot reargue issue that were already raised in your direct appeal and
• you cannot argue, for the first time, issues that could have and should have been argued in your direct appeal.

Attempting to make the above-referenced arguments will normally get you nowhere, because the issues will either already have been decided, or will have been deemed previously waived.

Post-Conviction Application

Another point to be aware of when considering a post-conviction application is that you are not entitled to a court-appointed attorney during post-conviction. Even though you will be entitled to a court-appointed attorney for your direct appeal, you must retain private counsel for post-conviction or petition the court on your own behalf. It is never a good idea to undertake such a complex procedure without the guidance of al licensed attorney, as you will run the risk of waiving issues that may be relevant. Moreover, you need retained counsel to help assure your petition includes any and all federal claims that you may have in case you decide to pursue a Federal Habeas action.

Hiring an Attorney to Help

If you or a loved one has been convicted of a crime in Oklahoma, you don’t have to concede defeat. There are numerous options available to attack a conviction and regain your freedom. However, to put yourself in the best position for success, you need an aggressive Oklahoma post-conviction attorney. Call the Law Offices of Adam R. Banner, P.C., and retain an accomplished attorney ready to fight for your rights. Call us today at  (405) 778-4800 to speak to one of our experienced criminal lawyers today.