Being wrongfully convicted leads to an overwhelming sense of injustice. However, you don’t have to face this difficult period alone; work with an experienced wrongful conviction lawyer in Cleveland to set things right.
The legal team at Cooper Elliott has over 100 years of combined legal experience fighting for justice alongside Ohio residents. We will investigate your case and use the available evidence to make your voice heard. You can trust our civil rights lawyers in Cleveland to always represent your best interests. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
Cleveland Wrongful Conviction Attorneys Offer Strong Legal Support
At our personal injury law firm, we treat clients like family. We understand that legal challenges can be overwhelming, so we will compassionately guide you through the entire process. Our Cleveland personal injury lawyers can help correct the wrongs you’ve experienced and work toward regaining your freedom.
We know this journey can be difficult, and we want you to feel empowered and informed at every stage. From the initial consultation to the resolution of your case, we will stand by your side, advocating on your behalf.
Your story matters to us, and we are fully committed to fighting for justice. You need a civil rights lawyer who believes in you. Together, we’ll build a brighter future for you and your loved ones.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful convictions lawyer serving Cleveland, call 614-481-6000
Common Reasons for Wrongful Convictions
Wrongful convictions happen for a variety of reasons, often due to errors in the legal process. An experienced wrongful convictions attorney in Cleveland will examine your case to identify these mistakes.
Common factors that can lead to a wrongful conviction include:
- Mistaken eyewitness identification: Eyewitnesses can be influenced by suggestive questioning or information from media coverage, which can distort their memories. Even confident identifications can be unreliable, leading to wrongful arrests.
- False confessions: Police interrogations can be highly stressful and lengthy, leading some people to confess in hopes of ending the situation, even if they are innocent. Factors such as fear, exhaustion, or mental health issues can further contribute to a false confession.
- Police or prosecutorial misconduct: This can include actions such as hiding evidence, coercing witnesses, or using improper interrogation techniques. When law enforcement fails to follow proper procedures or ignores exculpatory evidence, it can lead to unjust convictions.
- Faulty forensic evidence: Forensic techniques, such as fingerprint analysis, hair comparison, or bite mark analysis, may not always be reliable, and errors in these assessments can result in incorrect conclusions. Additionally, some forensic evidence may be based on outdated or unvalidated methods that lack scientific support.
- Misleading expert testimony: Jurors often trust expert witnesses to provide clear explanations and insights, but if the testimony is misleading, it can influence their perceptions of the evidence. When juries believe false or exaggerated claims made by experts, they may be more likely to convict an innocent person.
- Rushed investigations: In their eagerness to solve a case quickly, investigators may overlook important evidence, fail to interview key witnesses, or make hasty conclusions. This pressure to close cases can result in mistakes, such as wrongful arrests or misidentifications.
As experienced attorneys, we have seen people wrongfully convicted for many reasons. Over the years, we have witnessed the devastating impact these errors can have on lives and families. We will treat your case with respect and fight to uncover the truth.
Cleveland Wrongful Convictions Lawyer Near Me 614-481-6000
How We Can Help With Your Wrongful Conviction
The emotional toll of being accused of a crime you didn’t commit can affect every aspect of your life, from relationships to employment opportunities. Our wrongful conviction lawyers in Cleveland are here to provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time. You don’t have to face this battle alone; we are here to fight for your rights.
Gather New Evidence
Our team can help with your wrongful conviction by gathering new evidence that may have been overlooked during the original investigation. This involves reviewing all available documents, such as police reports and court records, to identify gaps or inconsistencies. We will also interview potential witnesses who can provide new insights about the case.
Identify Flaws in the Original Investigation
We review the case to spot any mistakes made by law enforcement, such as mishandling evidence or not following proper procedures. We look for inconsistencies in witness statements and examine how the investigation was conducted to find any bias or misconduct. By pinpointing these flaws, we can challenge the validity of the evidence used against you.
Prepare and File Appeals
We begin by reviewing the trial records and identifying any legal errors that occurred during your case. This may include issues like improper jury instructions, ineffective legal representation, or the exclusion of relevant evidence.
Once we have identified these errors, we will draft a detailed appeal that clearly outlines the reasons for challenging your conviction. Our team will then file the appeal within the required time limits and represent you in court to argue for your exoneration.
Develop an Effective Legal Strategy
Based on our investigation, we identify the strongest arguments to challenge the conviction and focus on gathering new evidence or finding witnesses who can support your claim of innocence. We create a step–by–step plan that outlines the actions we will take, including filing appeals, challenging evidence, and presenting your case in court.
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Can You Get Compensation?
Unfortunately, wrongful convictions do not automatically lead to compensation. For many years, it was rare for states to acknowledge civil claims related to wrongful convictions. While this has changed in many places, some states still do not allow such claims.
Fortunately, Ohio has a wrongful conviction law that permits exonerees to seek compensation. However, this process is not automatic; you must file a claim and go through court proceedings to receive any compensation.
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Call a Wrongful Conviction Lawyer in Cleveland Today
If you or someone you care about has been wrongfully convicted, Cooper Elliott can help. Over the years, we have helped hundreds of clients rebuild their lives. We offer personalized legal representation based on the details of your case.
Call today to schedule a consultation with our team. The initial case review is free. This is a great opportunity to discuss the more pressing issues of your case with an attorney and identify your next steps.
Call or text 614-481-6000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
