Potential Federal and State Post-Conviction Remedies

Convicted defendants can take a number of steps to challenge guilty verdicts and/or to correct violations of constitutional rights, including motions, appeals, and writs. The following list illustrates these steps.

Motion for acquittal. Request that the judge decide that there is not enough evidence to convict the defendant.
Motion for a new trial. Request that trial judge declare a mistrial and grant a new trial.
Appeal to federal or state appellate court. Contends that trial judge made some legal error.
Petition for rehearing to federal or state appeals court. Requests that appeals court judges change their own decision.
State supreme court appeal. Requests that highest court in the state review and overturn the decision of the mid-level appeals court.
U.S. Supreme Court appeal. Requests that highest court in the nation intervene to correct an error on the part of the state courts that violated the U.S. Constitution.
Federal habeas corpus petition. Requests the federal trial court to order the jail or prison holding the defendant to release the defendant because the defendant is being held in violation of the U.S. Constitution
State court habeas corpus petitions. Requests that the state appeals courts order the jail or prison holding the defendant to release the defendant upon a showing that the defendant is being held in violation of some state law or constitutional right.

For more information about:

Federal Habeas Corpus click here.
State Habeas Corpus click here.
Federal Criminal Appeals click here.
State Criminal Appeals click here.

We specialize in each of these matters. If you are unsure what avenue best suites you please contact us for assistance.

Post Conviction Specialists

201 Oak Grove Drive

Nashville, Tennessee 37217
(615) 306-7626 / email: postconviction@bellsouth.net