Wrongful convictions devastate the lives of individuals and their families, causing immense emotional and financial strain. The consequences of being unjustly imprisoned extend beyond the individual, affecting loved ones and entire communities. A Wrongful Conviction Attorney California at Pointer & Buelna, LLP: Lawyers For The People can work to ensure that justice is served and innocent people are freed.
Our experienced wrongful conviction attorneys in California are dedicated to righting judicial wrongs, providing experienced legal representation to those the courts have unjustly accused. With our comprehensive approach, we work tirelessly to uncover the truth and secure the freedom and justice our clients rightfully deserve.
Give us a call at (510) 929-5400 if you are a victims of wrongful conviction. We are ready to review your case. We are available 24/7.
Why Choose our firm to represent your case?
- Compassionate Support. We believe that every client deserves personalized and empathetic support. From our first meeting to the resolution of your case, we will be by your side, offering guidance and understanding during this difficult time. Our goal is to make you feel heard and supported every step of the way.
- Experienced Advocacy. With years of experience handling Wrongful Conviction cases, our firm has the knowledge and expertise needed to navigate the legal system effectively. We are dedicated to using our skills to advocate for your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Our experience in civil rights and criminal law allows us to approach your case with a comprehensive strategy.
- No Upfront Fees. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t have to worry about legal fees unless we win your case. This ensures that everyone has access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. You can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities.
- Free Consultation. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and understand your needs. This allows us to evaluate your situation and provide you with an honest assessment of your legal options without any financial obligation on your part. We believe in transparency and clear communication from the start.
- Thorough Investigation. Our firm conducts comprehensive investigations to gather all the necessary evidence to support your case. We work with experts and use cutting-edge technology to ensure that no stone is left unturned in our pursuit of justice for you. Our meticulous approach helps build a strong foundation for your case.
- Aggressive Representation. We are committed to fighting vigorously for your rights. Whether negotiating a settlement or representing you in court, we approach every case with determination and a relentless pursuit of justice. Our goal is to hold those responsible accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.
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What is a Wrongful Conviction?
A wrongful conviction occurs when the court convicts an innocent person for a crime they didn’t commit. This grave injustice can happen due to errors in the judicial process and for many other reasons.
Wrongful convictions include situations where there is insufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt or where investigators later uncover evidence proving the individual’s innocence. Other factors can involve procedural errors, unreliable testimony, or misconduct by law enforcement. All of them undermine the justice system’s integrity, emphasizing the critical need for accurate legal processes and the protection of individuals’ rights.
Causes of Wrongful Convictions
In the past three-plus decades, California courts have wrongfully convicted more than 200 people of serious crimes. Our state has the dubious distinction of leading the country in this category. Some of the reasons these miscarriages of justice happen include the following:
Eyewitness Misidentification
Eyewitness misidentification is a leading cause of wrongful convictions. It occurs when a witness incorrectly identifies an innocent person as having committed a crime. Misidentification often results from flawed memory, stressful circumstances during the crime, or suggestive police lineups.
This type of error can significantly undermine the accuracy of the judicial process, leading to the conviction of innocent individuals and highlighting the need for improved identification procedures and corroborative evidence.
False Confessions
False confessions occur when individuals admit to crimes they didn’t commit, often under intense pressure or coercion during interrogations. Reasons for false confessions include physical assaults, psychological stress, exhaustion, fear of harsher punishment, or a misunderstanding of the situation.
Vulnerable individuals, such as juveniles or those with mental impairments, are particularly susceptible. False confessions can lead to wrongful convictions, emphasizing the importance of proper interrogation techniques and legal protections during the questioning process.
Inadequate Legal Defense
Ineffective counsel may fail to investigate properly, present key evidence, or effectively challenge prosecution claims. This lack of competent representation can leave defendants vulnerable to unjust outcomes. Competent legal representation is essential to ensure a fair trial and protect defendants’ rights. A skilled defense attorney can identify flaws in the prosecution’s case and present a strong argument for the defendant’s innocence.
Misconduct by Officials
Misconduct by police or prosecutors includes fabricating evidence, coercing witnesses, suppressing exculpatory evidence, or engaging in unethical behavior to secure a conviction. Such misconduct can severely skew the judicial process, leading to wrongful convictions and undermining public trust in the legal system. Addressing and preventing official misconduct is critical to ensuring justice and maintaining the integrity of the criminal justice system.
Faulty Forensic Evidence
Faulty forensic evidence arises from improper techniques, misinterpretation, or unreliable methods. Issues such as contaminated samples, inaccurate lab results, or overstated forensic conclusions can lead to wrongful convictions. High-profile cases have shown how faulty forensics can convict innocent individuals, underscoring the need for rigorous standards, ongoing training, and independent review in forensic science to ensure accuracy and reliability in criminal investigations.
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Our Approach to Handling Wrongful Conviction Cases
Every Pointer & Buelna, LLP wrongful conviction attorney in California has extensive knowledge and skill. These are some of the ways we can help.
Performing a Thorough Investigation
A comprehensive case investigation is crucial for uncovering the truth and rectifying wrongful convictions. We meticulously re-examine all aspects of a case, including witness statements, forensic evidence, and trial records.
Our firm also uses advanced forensic tools and techniques to uncover new information or expose flaws in the original investigation. By leaving no stone unturned, we identify critical evidence that can exonerate our clients and demonstrate their innocence. Our thorough approach ensures your wrongful conviction attorney in California will explore all avenues, significantly increasing the chances of a successful appeal or retrial.
Building a Strong Defense
Constructing a compelling defense is essential for overturning wrongful convictions. Our firm develops effective defense strategies by critically analyzing the prosecution’s case, identifying weaknesses, and presenting alternative theories.
We collaborate with expert witnesses and forensic analysts to challenge the validity of the evidence used in the original trial. These experts provide authoritative testimony on various aspects, such as forensic science, psychological factors, and procedural errors. We integrate expert insights and employ strategic legal arguments to build a persuasive defense highlighting the original conviction’s inaccuracies and injustices.
Client Support and Communication
Providing emotional and legal support is a cornerstone of our practice. We understand the profound impact a wrongful conviction has on individuals and their families, and we’re committed to offering compassionate support throughout the legal process.
Your wrongful conviction attorney in California with Pointer & Buelna, LLP, will communicate transparently and regularly. We’ll always keep you informed about the progress of your case and any new developments. We’re always available to answer questions, address concerns, and provide reassurance.
Contact Our California Wrongful Conviction Attorneys to Get Started
The first consultation is crucial in addressing a wrongful conviction. During this initial meeting, your wrongful conviction attorney in California will thoroughly review your case, discuss the circumstances leading to the conviction, and identify potential avenues for appeal or post-conviction relief. This consultation allows us to understand your situation’s unique aspects and develop a tailored strategy to seek justice.
You can expect a compassionate and detailed discussion when you contact us for a free consultation. We’ll explain the legal process, answer any questions, and provide clear guidance on the next steps.
Please fill out our online contact form to get in touch and learn more. Taking the first step toward justice can be daunting, but our experienced team is here to support and guide you through every stage of the process. Don’t hesitate to reach out—let us help you fight for your freedom and restore your life.
“Law interested me because I always saw it as being a tool to equalize society so that the West Oaklands of the world could have the resources like the Piedmonts or Beverly Hills of the world.”
Adanté Pointer. Founder at Lawyers for the People
Frequently Ask Questions
How much compensation can you seek for a wrongful conviction in California?
Compensation for wrongful conviction in California can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. In general, the state provides compensation to those who have been wrongfully incarcerated, including monetary compensation for the time spent in prison, as well as other benefits such as healthcare and counseling services.
The amount of compensation can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on factors such as the length of time served, the severity of the injustice, and the impact it had on the individual’s life.
What is the most common reason for wrongful conviction?
The most common reason for wrongful conviction in California, as in many other states, is mistaken eyewitness identification. Studies have shown that human memory is fallible, and eyewitnesses can make errors when identifying suspects in a lineup or during a trial.
Other factors that can contribute to wrongful convictions include:
- False confessions
- Unreliable forensic evidence
- Prosecutorial misconduct
- Ineffective assistance of counsel
A skilled wrongful conviction attorney can thoroughly investigate the case and present a strong claim on your behalf to prove your erroneous conviction.
What kind of evidence has reversed many wrongful convictions?
Advances in DNA testing have played a crucial role in reversing many wrongful convictions. DNA evidence can definitively prove innocence or guilt, and in cases where DNA evidence was not available at the time of the trial, advancements in technology have allowed for the re-examination of old evidence using new techniques.
Other types of evidence that have led to the reversal of wrongful convictions include recanted testimony, the discovery of new witnesses or evidence, and the exposure of police misconduct or prosecutorial errors. Having a dedicated attorney who is willing to review all aspects of your case and uncover any potential avenues for exoneration is essential in securing a favorable outcome.
Can you sue for wrongful conviction in California?
Yes, you have the right to file a lawsuit for wrongful conviction in California. If you can prove that you were wrongfully convicted and that your civil rights were violated, you may be able to seek compensation for the damages you suffered. Always consult with an experienced wrongful conviction attorney. Wrongful conviction lawsuits can be difficult, and having a knowledgeable attorney by your side can greatly increase your chances of success.
What are the consequences of wrongful convictions?
Wrongful convictions can have devastating consequences for the individuals who are wrongly accused and convicted. They can result in the:
- Loss of freedom
- Damage to personal relationships
- Mental and emotional trauma
- Loss of job opportunities
- Reputational harm
Additionally, wrongful convictions erode public trust in the criminal justice system and can lead to further injustices when resources are misallocated, and the true perpetrators remain free.
Other areas we serve:
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Adanté Pointer
Pointer has received numerous awards and honors. He has been selected as the “Nations Best Advocate” by the National Bar Association, a “Superlawyer” in 2021 by Superlawyers Magazine and was recently featured as being “the Best Civil Rights Lawyer You May Not Have Heard Of” by the East Bay Express.
Years of Experience: 16+ years
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What our clients are saying about us
“Patrick is a fantastic lawyer. He worked hard for over a year to secure me a fair settlement and hold those who harmed me accountable. I would recommend highly recommend him and would use him again if the need ever arises. Thanks Patrick and Lawyers for the People”
Ryland Stamey
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