" Hope is necessary in every condition."

- William Samuel Johnson

Post-Conviction Remedies

Appeals

There is a proper place and time for most claims.

Whether your case is “closed” – you just lost a trial or entered a plea - you may still have several opportunities to seek and obtain relief from a conviction and sentence. However, not all options are available to everyone. It all depends on what did or did not happen already in your case. Consequently, it is important to understand your rights and the procedural history of your case as well as its significance to future opportunities to regain your freedom.

There is a concrete deadline for most court actions.
Nearly all court proceedings have jurisdictional deadlines – some as short as 30 days. Not knowing about a deadline or how to calculate a deadline is rarely a good excuse for missing it. The failure to file on time could cause you to lose a valid claim on grounds that the court is without jurisdiction to grant relief. The absence of a merits determination could also result in a waiver of your claims and the loss of your opportunity to continue to challenge errors in your case.

There is a serious risk that comes with self-representation.
You are not entitled to appointed counsel at every stage of your case. Generally, you are on your own once your conviction and sentence become “final”. But relying on the advice of non-lawyers such as other inmates and representing yourself when your freedom is at stake is risky. As Abraham Lincoln once said, “He who represents himself has a fool for a client.” You may not get a second chance if you decide to go pro se the first time around and lose. Not every lawyer can correct every mistake, and some mistakes cannot be corrected by any lawyer.

There is still hope.

Once you have been convicted, your case is “closed” unless you find a way to reopen it. It is your burden to prove to the court that you are entitled to relief. When you stop trying, you lose hope. If you are interested in retaining legal counsel to fight for you for a new trial or a shorter sentence, I may be able to help. Do not wait until it is too late.

Attorney and Counsellor at Law

Criminal Defense

"It always seems impossible

until it's done."

- Nelson Mandela

Have you found yourself on

the wrong side of the law?

There may be a path to

redemption and freedom.

1419 E. Robinson St.

Orlando, Florida 32801

(By Appointment Only)

Ph. 407.856.1925

1419 E. Robinson St.

Orlando, Florida 32801

Law Office of Paula C. Coffman

There is no charge for a complimentary 15-minute telephone consultation.

P.O. Box 561229

Orlando, Florida 32856

Fax 407.856.1926

"Injustice anywhere

is a threat to

justice everywhere."