A criminal conviction does not always mark the end of your legal options. You may have the right to challenge a final judgment through the appellate process. Maryland imposes strict deadlines for filing an appeal and missing an applicable deadline can result in...
While prosecutors often present DNA evidence as the ultimate proof of guilt, it is far from infallible. Forensic science has distinct blind spots, and a simple genetic match never automatically equates to criminal culpability in a court of law. What DNA evidence can...
A criminal conviction does not always end the legal process. A direct appeal and post-conviction relief can both challenge a conviction, but they serve different purposes. Knowing the difference can help a person or family decide what options may still be available....
Yes. A Washington, D.C., appellate court can find a trial error harmless and uphold a criminal conviction. But not every mistake is harmless. The key question is whether the error affected the outcome. That determination can mean the difference between upholding the...
Trace DNA, sometimes called touch DNA, refers to tiny amounts of genetic material left behind through skin cells or brief contact with a person, object or surface. In post-conviction cases, that kind of evidence may deserve a second look when prosecutors treat it as...
A guilty verdict feels overwhelming, but a trial court decision is not always the final word. Appeals do not start a trial over or call new witnesses to testify. Instead, higher courts review official trial transcripts to determine if the judge or prosecutor made...
If you have been convicted of a crime, you have the right to competent legal representation. Most defense attorneys work hard to protect your rights. However, serious mistakes can happen. When those mistakes affect the outcome of your criminal case, your conviction...
Imagine if one day law enforcement knocks on your door to inform you that they discovered your DNA at a crime scene. The most shocking part? You have never even set foot in that location. Strange as it may sound, many individuals have experienced this and some are...
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is tightening the screws on immigrants who are accused of drug crimes. Even a minor drug offense may trigger deportation. Here is what you need to know. Who is at risk? If you are not a U.S. citizen, even a minor drug crime,...
When a loved one is convicted of a serious crime like a sex offense or homicide, it might feel hopeless. The weight of a long prison sentence can crush both the convicted individual and their family. In these desperate moments, families naturally question whether DNA...