Newport Beach Wrongful Conviction Lawyer

Newport Beach Wrongful Conviction Attorney

A wrongful conviction can take your freedom, reputation, career, and years of life you can’t get back. While fighting a wrongful conviction is daunting, filing a claim can help you receive compensation, clear your name, and return to the life you deserve. Working with a Newport Beach wrongful conviction lawyer is essential to restoring your freedom and bringing the truth to light.

Wrongful Conviction

Call Greg Peacock Law today at
(949) 292-7478 for your Free Consultation!

Free Consultation!

Why Choose Us?

At Greg Peacock Law, we are 100% dedicated to cases that hold law enforcement and the justice system accountable. Protecting the wrongfully convicted is central to this mission. We are here to help you overturn unjust convictions and pursue compensation for the emotional and financial damages caused by a wrongful conviction.

Our team has helped many clients seek justice at the Orange County Superior Court. In one case, we recovered $5,800,000 for a man who was maliciously prosecuted and wrongfully convicted.

What Is a Wrongful Conviction?

Being tried and convicted for a crime you did not commit is an unjust and life-changing error. While over 3,000 wrongful convictions have been recorded in the United States, many are not appealed, and it is estimated that between 6% and 15.4% of convictions are wrongful. These convictions lead innocent people to serve long sentences, pay fines, or suffer other penalties they do not deserve.

Wrongful convictions can occur because of a variety of issues. Your lawyer can examine your case and the prior trial to find errors that resulted in an unfair conviction, known as reversible errors. These errors lead to an unfair trial or sentencing and could include:

• Prejudiced or discriminatory judge or jury
• Incorrect instructions given to the jury
• The use of illegal evidence that should have been excluded
• Inclusion of false or coerced confessions or testimonies
• Being pressured into accepting a pea deal

Why Appeal a Wrongful Conviction?

By appealing a wrongful conviction, you can seek financial compensation. This compensation could be from the State of California or officials whom you filed a claim against, as well as through California’s Victim Compensation Board. Your lawyer can evaluate your case and work to include various factors that can raise the compensation you receive. Some factors may include:

• Lost wages
• Damage to physical and mental health while in prison
• Damage to your reputation or relationships

Why Hire a Wrongful Conviction Lawyer?

Wrongful conviction cases require a thorough understanding of the law, as well as a passion for justice. An experienced lawyer can help you reach an optimal outcome while appealing a wrongful conviction due to their:

• Knowledge of wrongful conviction laws. Understanding California and federal laws is essential to building a case that challenges prior convictions. Your lawyer can identify the basis on which you are appealing your conviction, such as reversible errors or newly discovered evidence.
• Ability to examine evidence. Reviewing past evidence for weaknesses is often a key part of a wrongful conviction case. A lawyer has the ability to scrutinize evidence for flaws such as unreliable witnesses, errors in forensic evidence, or false accusations or testimonies. They could also gather new evidence that proves innocence, such as new DNA evidence, alibis, or witnesses that were not included in the original trial.
• Management of filing procedures. A lawyer understands the steps of appealing a wrongful conviction and can ensure you meet the requirements and deadlines you need to. They can help you file a notice of appeal after a conviction.
• Support and advocacy. It can be difficult to stand up against the justice system. Having a lawyer who ardently stands up for wrongfully convicted individuals gives you the confidence you need to file an appeal.
• Negotiation skills. A wrongful conviction attorney can use their knack for negotiation to maximize your compensation, limiting the financial and emotional setback of a wrongful conviction.

If you are unsure of whether you can appeal your conviction or are confused about the next steps, a Newport Beach wrongful conviction attorney can explain your options and help you navigate this process.

FAQs

Q: Will a Wrongful Conviction Affect My Criminal Record if It’s Overturned?

A: Yes, the arrest and conviction can still be seen on your criminal record if it’s overturned. If the charges were dismissed, you may be able to have it sealed under Penal Code § 851.8. If your charges were not dismissed, but a new trial was ordered, or your sentence was adjusted, your updated charges or sentence will be on your criminal record.

Q: What Agencies or Individuals Can Be Held Liable for a Wrongful Conviction?

A: A wrongful conviction can be caused by a myriad of errors within the justice system, so who you can file a claim against depends on the details of your case. Liability can lie with individuals, organizations, or government entities such as the police department, the prosecutors, defense attorneys, or even the State of California. Your lawyer can help you determine who is liable for your wrongful conviction in order to pursue compensation.

Q: What Are the Most Common Reasons for a Wrongful Conviction?

A: Common errors that lead to a wrongful conviction include faulty eye-witness testimonies or unreliable forensic evidence. These errors are due to corruption or coercion in the justice system or simply over-relying on weak evidence. Regardless of how such errors occurred, having a lawyer who can challenge a witness’s testimony and the efficacy of different forensic techniques can be important when appealing a wrongful conviction.

Q: How Soon Should I Contact a Wrongful Conviction Lawyer?

A: Contact a wrongful conviction lawyer as soon as possible. By acting early, your lawyer can have more time to examine evidence and build a case for a wrongful conviction before the filing deadline. They can also advise you on the next steps and guide you through the appeals process, ensuring you feel ready to appeal your conviction.

Learn How Greg Peacock Law Can Help You Appeal a Wrongful Conviction

With a sole focus on cases that involve police misconduct or errors within the justice system, Greg Peacock Law is passionate about bringing justice to wrongful conviction cases. In order to minimize the impact of a wrongful conviction on your life, hire a wrongful conviction lawyer to challenge wrongful convictions and pursue compensation. You don’t have to fight alone. Contact us today.