Post Judgments, Appeals & Writs

Fresno County, California, Post-Conviction Attorney

Perhaps the first questions many people who are convicted of a crime ask is, "Can I get my conviction overturned?" Depending on your case, the appeals process can be an option for continuing the fight in a criminal defense concern. While you cannot appeal a conviction if you plead guilty and don't like the sentence you receive, you can still find some relief from certain criminal convictions.

If you have been convicted of drunk driving, domestic abuse, a juvenile offense or other criminal offenses, protect your rights and future. Contact me, criminal defense lawyer Marcus A. Torigian, Attorney at Law to discuss your post-judgment options.

With over 15 years of criminal law experience, including experience as a former prosecutor, I offer the background, resources and skills to effectively pursue post-sentencing actions involving convictions for:

• DUI/DWI
• Domestic violence
• Juvenile crimes
• Drug offenses
• Other serious crimes

The Appeals Process

In order to overturn a conviction by moving a case to a California appeals court, a criminal defense attorney must carefully and clearly identify a problem in the original trial, while referring to supporting legal examples that have either reversed a prior, similar conviction or allowed for obtaining a new trial.

From discovering new evidence or the illegal use of evidence that should have been suppressed, to failure to follow proper judicial procedures, my law practice offers experienced criminal defense representation that protects your rights, including the right to appeal a criminal conviction.

Pursuing a Writ

One type of appeal to a court ruling is called a writ, which can sometimes serve as a faster option for addressing a conviction or potential conviction. I will assist clients in exploring challenges to court's actions through the use of such writs as:

• Writ of Habeas Corpus: Disputes to unlawful imprisonment, confinement conditions and other restraints on you freedom, or allowing a skilled appeals lawyer to present additional evidence outside the trial record, such as in cases where a trial lawyer may have failed to provide competent representation
• Writ of Prohibition: Asks that a lower court avoid taking action beyond its authority
• Writ of Mandate: Requests that a lower court take appropriate action in a case
• Writ of Error Coram Nobis: Post-judgment remedy filed in the trial or an appeals court, demanding that the trial court resign from issuing judgment

Time restrictions exist during which time appeals and writs for criminal defense convictions may be made. Contact the Fresno County Law Offices of Marcus A. Torigian to discuss your case with a knowledgeable California appeals lawyer as soon as possible.