Are you seeking options for post-conviction relief in Colorado? The team at Koziel & Lehr Law LLC wants you to know that you have the right to seek legal assistance even if a conviction has been handed down in court. Colorado post-conviction lawyers can be of assistance for both prison sentences and probation. However, it’s important to work with a criminal defense law firm to help you understand your rights.
Understanding Post-Conviction Relief in Colorado
A conviction is not necessarily the end in Colorado. While specifics vary by case, you may be able to challenge your conviction. In some cases, post-conviction legal guidance can result in a reversal of a criminal conviction. Your legal options may include:
- Bringing an effective assistance claim
- Requesting expungement of your records to have your criminal record erased
- Requesting a motion for reconsideration of a decision
- Bringing forward a motion for a new trial that vacates a conviction due to trial errors
- Filing an appeal due to errors of law
Very specific factors must be in play in order for post-conviction motions and efforts to be effective in your case. It can be difficult for defendants to try to identify avenues for appeals and motions if they don’t have extensive legal experience. That’s why working with skilled, experienced criminal defense attorneys with experience with providing post-conviction counsel can be essential.
You Can Get a New Lawyer for Post-Conviction Support in Colorado
There is no requirement to continue your relationship with your previous legal counsel if you’ve recently been convicted in Colorado. In fact, you may suspect that you have grounds to file a claim related to ineffective assistance if you’ve been convicted of your charges. Don’t waste a minute before seeking legal representation if you believe that you have a case for making a post-conviction motion or appeal. If you’ve been given a criminal conviction, you only have a short window from the date of entry of the judgment to file your appeal.
How Do I Get Help After a Conviction in Colorado?
Koziel & Lehr Law LLC is a Denver law firm offering post-conviction assistance for clients throughout Colorado Springs, Denver, and the Denver Metro. We assist our clients with all of the post-conviction resources that are available to them under state and federal law. This may include:
- Post-conviction reviews
- Appeals of legal rulings
- Malpractice cases over ineffective counsel
- Motions to reduce sentencing
- Sealing of court records
- Expungements of convictions
While you may assume that too much time has passed for post-conviction relief to be relevant for your case, the truth is that a conviction that lingers on your record can continue to harm your quality of life after a sentence has been completed. Most criminal records can be sealed after a waiting period. In some cases, it may be possible to expedite the waiting period by having the documents sealed in court.
Expungement periods for most felonies in Colorado are between three and five years. Most Class 4, Class 5, and Class 6 felonies are all sealable in Colorado. In addition, Colorado makes Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 drug felonies sealable. § 24-72-706.
How Can a Post-Conviction Lawyer Help With Probation?
It can also be useful to consult with a post-conviction lawyer even if you don’t believe you have grounds for challenging your conviction. If you’ve been given a probation sentence, working with a post-conviction lawyer for ongoing sentencing support can help you to navigate your sentence with greater clarity. Koziel & Lehr Law LLC can assist you with interfacing with your probation officer. We can also facilitate communication and interactions with any other court-appointed supervisors you need to interact with in order to comply with your sentencing requirements. Post-conviction lawyers are also important if you violate the terms of your probation. When proper actions are taken following a probation violation, it’s often possible to remain on probation by satisfying certain requirements.
Talk to a Post-Conviction Attorney in Denver Now
The most critical portion of your legal journey may just be starting if you’ve been given a conviction. Post-conviction criminal defense can be a complex, time-sensitive process that requires the time and attention of experienced attorneys. We’re committed to helping our clients explore all possible legal channels for having convictions reviewed, overturned, or expunged in Colorado.
Koziel & Lehr Law LLC was formed by two former public defenders who are deeply passionate about advocating for our clients. Our office understands the jurisdictional issues our clients are up against after a conviction. That’s why we focus on a collaborative approach that uses all of the resources available to us to help each client obtain the most favorable outcome possible based on their specific circumstances. A conversation with a lawyer may be enough to introduce you to new options for protecting your rights after a conviction has left you feeling like you’re out of options.
Are you wondering if there are more legal options to explore after a conviction in Colorado? Your options may not be exhausted just yet! Please reach out to Koziel & Lehr Law LLC at (720) 314-8750 for a consultation today.