Sources of Wrongful Conviction
Some common causes for these injustices include:
- Official misconduct, which occurs when police officers, prosecutors, or judges abuse their power by illegally obtaining/withholding evidence, coercing defendants into giving false confessions, etc.
- Witness misidentification, which accounts for around 69% of wrongful convictions. Humans are imperfect beings that may make mistakes in providing witness testimony to authorities. Other times, witnesses are pressured into falsely identifying an individual.
- Misleading forensic evidence, which may occur because of a testing error or because unproven methods were used to obtain the evidence.
- Perjury, which occurs when a defendant makes a false statement under oath that is used as incriminating evidence in their conviction.
Effects of Wrongful Conviction
Nothing can make up for the years wasted spent in jail or the missed opportunities, relationships, and life experiences that come with a wrongful conviction. While nothing can change the events of the past, there are post-conviction remedies that can help individuals regain control of their future.
In the search for justice, experienced attorneys approach each case with proper diligence and determination to uncover the facts of the case and assess damages, all in an effort to help compensate for the irreversible hardships suffered.
Get the Legal Help You Need
Experienced wrongful conviction attorneys can help you find relief after being wronged by the New York criminal justice system. Because prosecutors and judges are reluctant to admit to doing anything wrong, appellate law is oftentimes tricky to navigate. You need a team that is ready to devote time and energy to your defense and has the legal expertise to handle its difficulty.
To learn about post-conviction relief options for your case, contact SPCRC's Recommended New York Lawyers for a consultation.