Appeal and Post-Conviction Remedies: Why a Guilty Verdict is Not the End

justice

justiceMost people often hold on to the common misconception that a guilty verdict is final.

While it does signify the end of a trial, by no means is it the end for the persons involved in the proceedings. There are appeals that you can make and there is always the possibility of being able to gather up new facts relating to the case.

This falls under post-conviction.The post-conviction processes were set in place to defend innocent individuals under a trial from errors within the criminal justice system.

New Evidence

Law firms such as David A. Nachtigall, Attorney at Law, attest that just because the court hands down a verdict does not mean it is the end of the world. Certain matters in the proceedings can be subject to further review even after a decision. For instance, there may be cases when new evidence can surface after the conclusion of a trial.

Motions for New Trial

The surfacing of new evidence, depending on its weight and how significant it is, has the potential to sway a judge to overturn a previously handed verdict. At the very least, it can cause the opening of a previously concluded trial or it can lead to its declaration as null, thereby effectively reopening a new case. There are also times when mere technicalities can cause such reversals of fortune on the defendant’s part.

The Appeal Process

In order for an appeal to be successful for the change of decision in the court of law, there must be a substantial reason for the higher courts to believe that there is a clear legal error made in the decision.

If you are worried about the finality of the verdict regarding your case, talk to your legal counsel. There may be other courses of action that you can take—such as appeals and post-conviction remedies.

About Eleanor Sharp
Eleanor Sharp is the author of AGSE Law. As a paralegal, she has worked with attorneys in many fields to ensure their clients get the best advice and representation. She is passionate about helping people understand the complexities of the legal system so they can make better decisions for themselves. Eleanor loves reading, travel, and spending time with her family. She hopes her articles will help others navigate life’s legal intricacies with confidence.

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