Post-Conviction Relief
If you are serving a sentence as a result of a violation of your constitutional rights during the trial process, you may be entitled to post conviction relief. Pennsylvania provides this remedy under the Post -Conviction Relief Act (“PCRA”). A PCRA appeal is a little different than a direct appeal and a petition must generally be filed within one year of your sentence.
The grounds for a PCRA include:
- Constitutional violations that undermined the truth-determining process
- Ineffective assistance of counsel
- Newly discovered evidence
- An unlawfully induced guilty plea
- Obstruction of appeal rights by the government
You may be entitled to relief such as a new trial or a new sentencing hearing.