Kings County Post-Conviction Relief Lawyer

Kings County Post-Conviction Relief Attorney

When convicted of a crime in California, you can face penalties such as jail or prison time, substantial fines, probation, and other consequences. However, many people are unaware that they may have options to pursue post-conviction relief. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to seek a new trial, reduce your sentence, modify probation terms, clear your record, or obtain other forms of relief. A knowledgeable Kings County post-conviction relief lawyer can evaluate your eligibility and explain your legal options. As an experienced criminal defense lawyer, Carlos Navarrete is committed to helping clients pursue every available avenue to protect their rights and future.

Types of Post-Conviction Relief Options We Handle

In 2024, 59.7 percent of adult felony arrest dispositions in California resulted in a conviction, with probation with jail continuing to be the most frequently given sentence. That same year, 20.3 percent of convictions resulted in incarceration in a state institution.

If you have been convicted of a crime in California, you still retain certain rights and have potential access to post-conviction relief. Post-conviction relief includes legal pathways aimed at vacating, reducing, or modifying a person’s criminal convictions and sentencing. Some post-conviction relief options include:

• Motion to withdraw a plea. A request to allow the defendant to take back their guilty plea or no contest plea.
• Motion for a new trial. In rare instances, it may be possible to petition for an entirely new trial, typically on the basis that there was prosecutorial misconduct in the original trial.
• Resentencing. When successful, a resentencing motion allows the defendant to modify their prison sentence, such as being released from custody or relieved of probationary terms. In some cases, you may also be able to request that the charges be reduced to secure a lesser sentence.
• Expungement. This process dismisses a conviction from a person’s record once probation is completed, relieving many penalties.
• Writ of habeas corpus. A petition that claims imprisonment is unlawful, often based on newly submitted evidence, claims of constitutional violations, or ineffective previous legal counsel.
• Commutation. For eligible defendants, they may be able to have their sentence commuted, meaning it gets reduced or lifted altogether.

Why You Should Hire a Post-Conviction Relief Lawyer

You should hire a post-conviction relief lawyer to understand the extent of your legal options given the circumstances. You may not have to simply accept the situation you’ve found yourself in. That’s why it’s beneficial to consult a legal professional who has a deep understanding of California post-conviction relief laws. An experienced post-conviction relief lawyer understands how to effectively advocate on your behalf, protecting your rights and representing you through every step of the process.

When in search of a skilled Kings County post-conviction relief attorney, look no further than the team at Carlos Navarrete Law Firm. We are more than willing to review the details of your conviction case to determine what relief options you may be eligible for. We have successfully assisted countless convicted individuals in petitioning for relief, and we are prepared to negotiate to help you reach your goals.

Where Are Post-Conviction Relief Matters Handled?

Most post-conviction relief cases are handled by the same trial court that entered the original judgment. Post-conviction matters in Kings County would most likely be processed at the Hanford Courthouse, located at 1640 Kings County Drive, Hanford, CA 93230.

However, legal venues can vary depending on the type of relief you’re seeking or are eligible for, among other factors. Be sure to verify with your post-conviction relief attorney the address of any locations you should expect to interact with over the course of your case.

FAQs About Post-Conviction Relief Law

What Is Post-Conviction Relief in California?

In California, the term post-conviction relief refers to various legal pathways or channels by which a convicted defendant can seek to have their sentences modified, convictions overturned, records expunged, or their civil rights restored.

In most cases, you have a limited amount of time to pursue post-conviction relief, so it’s advised that you consult an attorney as soon as possible following your conviction. Examples of relief options include expungement, motion for a new trial, resentencing, or reduced charges, and more.

Am I Eligible for Post-Conviction Relief in CA?

It’s challenging to know whether you may be eligible for post-conviction relief in California without reviewing the specific details of your situation. You generally need a strong reason when petitioning a claim for post-conviction relief; you cannot receive relief simply because you aren’t happy with the outcome of your case.

In addition to the crime itself being eligible, you must show that there’s new evidence, your previous legal counsel was ineffective, or that the court, judge, or prosecutor displayed misconduct.

What Felonies Cannot Be Expunged in CA?

In California, certain felony crimes are not eligible to be expunged, the legal process of removing an offense from your criminal record. Examples of felonies that cannot be expunged include murder, capital offenses, serious sex crimes that require lifetime registration, and specific vehicle-related crimes, such as gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Additionally, certain case factors may also disqualify you from expungement. Be sure to consult your defense attorney about whether your case may qualify for expungement or other post-conviction relief.

How Long Does Post-Conviction Relief Take?

In California, the process of petitioning for post-conviction relief may take anywhere from a couple of months to a year or longer to complete. Depending on the type of relief you are requesting, in addition to other case factors, the time needed for the legal proceedings can vary quite a bit.

Since some relief options are time-sensitive, it is highly recommended that you consult qualified legal counsel to avoid passing deadlines. Your lawyer can also streamline the process where possible.

Get Support With Post-Conviction Relief in CA

At Carlos Navarrete Law Firm, our criminal defense professionals are ready to stand by you and help you navigate the overwhelming post-conviction process. We can assist you with filing the proper paperwork, building a strong case with compelling evidence, and representing you in hearings. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable and competent post-conviction relief attorney, where we can go over your case and discuss your options.