Appeals

Post-Conviction Relief in Mississippi: A Path to Correcting Wrongful Convictions

Published on: December 13, 2024 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

In Mississippi, as in other states, a conviction is not always the final word on an individual’s guilt or innocence. Post-conviction relief (PCR) can offer an essential legal remedy for those who have been wrongfully convicted or sentenced. This process allows individuals to challenge their convictions after their trial is over and the appeal process has been exhausted, providing an opportunity to correct errors or injustices that may have occurred during their trial.

What is Post-Conviction Relief in Mississippi?

Post-conviction relief (PCR) in Mississippi is a legal process that allows individuals who have been convicted of a crime to challenge their conviction after the trial is over and their initial appeal (if any) has been decided. PCR in Mississippi is governed by Mississippi Rule of Appellate Procedure 22, and it provides a mechanism for raising issues that were not available during the original trial or direct appeal.

The Death Penalty in Mississippi: A Closer Look at Capital Punishment

Published on: January 25, 2024 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

The death penalty is a highly debated topic in Mississippi. It raises important questions about whether it is a fair and effective way to administer justice. In this blog, we will explore the history, legal framework, controversies, and ongoing discussions surrounding the use of the death penalty in Mississippi.

The Historical Context

Mississippi has a long history of using different methods, such as hanging, electrocution, and lethal injection, for carrying out the death penalty. Over time, the state has made changes to its approach based on legal reforms and changing public opinions.

Beyond the Gavel: Fighting for Justice through Criminal Appeals

Published on: June 13, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

The appeals process can be a complex and lengthy legal process. It involves asking a higher court to review the lower court’s verdict and determine if there were any legal errors made during the initial trial that could have impacted the outcome of the case.

To start the appeals process, the defendant must file a notice of appeal within a specific timeframe (usually 30 days) of the lower court’s judgment. This notice secures the right to appeal and initiates the process of assembling the trial record, which includes all the relevant documents, transcripts, and exhibits from the initial trial. This record is important because it provides the appellate court with a complete understanding of the events that took place during the trial.

Once the trial record has been assembled, the defendant’s lawyer will review it and identify any potential errors that occurred during the trial that may have impacted the verdict. Common grounds for appeal may include: