Being wrongfully convicted of a crime can be one of the most devastating experiences a person can have. The loss of freedom, damage to your reputation, and emotional toll can leave you feeling powerless and unsure of where to turn or who to trust.
Our Columbus civil rights lawyers can help you challenge the verdict, fight for your release, and pursue justice. At Cooper Elliott, we use over 100–plus years of combined experience to help those wrongfully convicted in Columbus find the support and legal representation they deserve.
We care about our clients and have resolved legal matters for hundreds in Ohio for nearly 30 years. Our Columbus wrongful conviction lawyers will protect your rights and explain your options during a free consultation. Let us work to get justice for you.
What Is Wrongful Conviction?
A wrongful conviction occurs when someone is found guilty of a crime they did not commit. This can lead to years, or even decades, of unjust imprisonment and severe emotional, financial, and social consequences.
While wrongful convictions are rare, they can occur due to several factors, including:
- Mistaken identity: Eyewitnesses sometimes incorrectly identify someone as the perpetrator, leading to an innocent person being convicted.
- False confessions: Under pressure from law enforcement, some individuals may confess to a crime they didn’t commit, often out of fear or confusion.
- Police or prosecutorial misconduct: In some cases, law enforcement or prosecutors may mishandle evidence, coerce witnesses, or suppress information that could clear the defendant of wrongdoing.
- Inadequate legal defense: A poor defense can lead to wrongful convictions, especially when a lawyer does not investigate evidence or challenge false claims.
- Faulty forensic evidence: Improper or outdated forensic methods, such as unreliable DNA testing or exaggerated forensic testimony, can contribute to a wrongful conviction.
All these causes and others show why it is important to conduct a full legal review to correct the mistakes that led to the wrongful conviction.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful convictions lawyer serving Columbus, call 614-481-6000
Our Columbus Wrongful Conviction Attorneys Will Listen to You
When you come to us, you will find a supportive environment where we listen to your story with care and respect. We understand the seriousness of your situation and know that wrongful convictions can turn your life upside down.
We take the time to understand your case and invest our resources in uncovering the truth. We will work closely with you, seeking the best outcome and using every legal tool available to challenge the wrongful conviction and pursue justice.
When you come to us, our Columbus wrongful conviction defense lawyers will lead your entire case. We will:
- Review your case for errors and new evidence: We look for any mistakes or overlooked details that could help prove your innocence.
- File appeals to challenge the conviction: We take legal steps to appeal the court’s decision and fight for your release.
- Gather expert testimony to support your case: We can bring in experts to testify on your behalf and challenge faulty evidence.
- Investigate potential misconduct by law enforcement or prosecutors: We investigate actions from police and other authorities to confirm whether any legal misconduct affected your case.
- Work to have your conviction overturned: We strive to clear your name by seeking to overturn the conviction.
- Pursue compensation for wrongful imprisonment: We help you seek financial compensation for the harm caused by your wrongful conviction.
Facing a wrongful conviction can be emotionally difficult, but you don’t have to handle it alone. The experienced Columbus lawyers at Cooper Elliott who handle wrongful conviction cases will fight for your freedom and your future. Call us today for a free consultation.
Columbus Wrongful Convictions Lawyer Near Me 614-481-6000
Recovering Compensation in a Wrongful Conviction Case in Ohio
You might be able to get compensation for a wrongful conviction in Ohio, but it is not automatic. As the Ohio Court of Claims explains, you may have to complete a two-step process to recover compensation for wrongful imprisonment.
Below are some damages you might be able to recover:
- Lost income: Compensation for the time you were unable to work due to imprisonment.
- Loss of future income: If your wrongful conviction affects your ability to earn a living in the future, you could recover compensation for lost earning potential.
- Emotional distress: Damages for the psychological harm the wrongful conviction caused you.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, courts may award punitive damages to punish misconduct by officials. These damages are rare, but if they apply to your case, we can advise you further.
In recent years, Ohio has expanded legislation in wrongful convictions, leading to justice for some exonerees. In 2019, the state amended its Wrongful Conviction Compensation law, which allows people with overturned convictions to file claims.
We know you’re going through a difficult time right now, so at Cooper Elliott, we work on a contingency fee basis. We can review your losses and advise you on the process for recovering damages.
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We Will Explain Your Legal Options After a Wrongful Conviction
If you have been wrongfully convicted, our team can explain the legal options we can pursue to challenge the verdict:
- Appeals: We can appeal the conviction on your behalf by proving the legal errors that occurred during the trial that affected the outcome.
- Post-conviction relief: This can involve presenting new evidence, such as DNA testing, that was not available during the trial.
- Habeas corpus: This legal action challenges unlawful detention, arguing that your imprisonment is not justified under the law.
- Loss of reputation: Compensation for the damage to your personal and professional reputation caused by being wrongfully convicted.
- Loss of relationships: Damages for the strain or breakdown of personal relationships, including the impact on your family life, as a result of your wrongful imprisonment.
- Medical expenses: If you incurred physical or mental health treatment costs due to imprisonment, you may seek repayment for your medical bills, including therapy or counseling.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for the inability to enjoy day-to-day activities or pursue personal interests while wrongfully incarcerated.
- Seeking a pardon: In rare cases, a governor or the president may grant a pardon to correct a wrongful conviction.
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How Long does It Take to Overturn a Wrongful Conviction?
Each case involving a wrongful conviction differs, so the time it takes to resolve these cases can vary. The timeline for overturning a wrongful conviction can vary greatly depending on:
- The complexity of the case.
- The availability of new evidence.
- The legal process involved.
Appeals and post–conviction relief cases can take months or even years to resolve. Please do not let this discourage you from pursuing your case. We can handle your case during its entirety and keep you updated on all case developments.
We must act immediately when handling your case. Our experienced lawyers can expedite the process when possible.
Our Columbus Wrongful Conviction Lawyers Can Represent You
If you believe you have been wrongfully convicted, Cooper Elliott is ready to hear from you and lead your case. We can help you take the first step toward restoring your reputation while correcting the record. Our Columbus wrongful conviction lawyers will fight for your rights.
With a thorough approach and a passion for justice, we will explore every legal option to challenge the conviction and seek the best possible outcome for you and your family. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation.
Call or text 614-481-6000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
