How You Can Help Fight for Justice for Your Loved One After Sentencing

Conviction for a criminal offense is life-changing for the individual being sentenced, but it is also incredibly difficult for their family members and other loved ones. When you have seen a loved one sentenced for a crime, you can feel adrift and uncertain. It can be especially hard if your loved one was harshly sentenced or wrongfully convicted.

It’s important to know what you can do to help with your loved one’s post-conviction case and what you can do to support them in the meantime. Advocacy in public, post-conviction research, communication with your loved one, and pushing for reform are some essential ways you can help.

These steps not only help your loved one but can also help give you purpose and actionable steps at a time when you might feel helpless.

Collecting Information and Evidence

When your loved one is wrongfully convicted, you may be able to help them by preparing to file an appeal. While an appeal is not the right step for every criminal case, it can be an incredibly useful way for many individuals to overturn a conviction and secure a new criminal trial.

You may have grounds for a legal appeal of the conviction if there was an error in the trial. This error must have affected the outcome of the trial. Possible errors used as a basis for an appeal could include:

• Poor legal representation and misconduct
• Improper calculation of a sentence
• Improper suppression or admission of evidence or testimony
• Conflicting witness statements
• Illegal actions by the prosecution or law enforcement

Reviewing trial records and other information can be helpful to determine if there are grounds for an appeal for your loved one’s case. The support of an attorney and an independent advocacy organization can also help with this review.

Gathering new evidence can also be helpful, although this won’t be looked at during a criminal appeal. Instead, this evidence can be used if the appellate court determines that a new criminal trial will take place. New forensic evidence or new evidence-testing techniques can be used during a retrial, or in other post-conviction relief procedures. There is hope, and you can help your loved one in overturning wrongful convictions.

Writing Letters and Keeping in Contact

Imprisonment is often a very isolating situation for loved ones to be in. Remaining in frequent contact with someone who is in prison can be instrumental in helping them stay connected to their family and the world outside. There are several methods you can use to stay in touch:

1. Writing letters. Sending letters to someone in prison can be an important way to communicate with them. Your letter can include news about the family, day-to-day life, and photos of the family. Know that your letter will be reviewed by facility staff, so do not write anything you aren’t okay with others reading.

   Before writing a letter, it’s important to understand the requirements of letters sent to the prison. Otherwise, you may receive your letter back, and your loved one will not see it. Some important considerations include what writing utensil the letter can be written with and whether drawings are allowed. Certain things, like staples or paper clips, cannot be included. You can call the facility or visit their website to understand the specific guidelines you need to follow.

2. Accepting calls. While you are not able to make calls to a prison, you can receive calls from your loved one who is incarcerated. These calls cost money, but they can be an essential way to directly connect with someone you love and update them on changes in your life. It can be helpful to be able to hear each other’s voices.
3. Visiting. You can also schedule visitations as a way to see and talk with your loved one in person. In some cases, multiple family members may be able to visit, although use your discretion on what is appropriate for children. Check the visitation policies of the specific facility and ensure you understand the guidelines and process of visitation.

These methods of connection provide you, your loved one, and your family with essential emotional support during this difficult time.

Remain Aware of Legal Updates

After conviction and sentencing, it’s important to continue to remain aware of the case and the laws that affect it. Legal changes at the state and federal levels can potentially affect the conviction and sentencing of your loved one, even after the case seems complete.

This is especially true when their conviction is the result of systematic issues in the justice system that impact hundreds or thousands of Americans. Victories against systemic injustices can greatly affect the post-conviction case for your loved one.

It can also help to keep in contact with a criminal defense attorney, a criminal appellate attorney, and an advocacy organization. These parties can help you be aware of changes to the law, conduct research, and understand recent policies and how they can affect your loved one’s case.

Engaging in Advocacy for Reforms

Prison reforms and other criminal justice reforms are essential in offering daily support for individuals who are in prison, and for fighting for changes that can prevent future wrongful convictions or overly harsh sentencing.

You can make your voice heard in support of reforms by attending rallies, joining relevant reform organizations, hosting community events, and reaching out to your representatives by letter, email, or phone call. Reform organizations help by providing legal aid, researching resources, education, and prisoner re-entry support. You can join in events, volunteer, or donate monetarily.

Advocate against harsh sentencing and policies that make it difficult to navigate the post-conviction process. Fight to increase accountability and transparency in the legal system. Those who are incarcerated have a hard time getting their voices heard, regardless of whether they were wrongfully convicted. Loved ones outside of prison can take actions to change things.

Fighting For Justice With NLPA

It’s important to be kind to yourself during this process. This is not easy for you or your family, so be sure you take care of your own health. It can help to talk with others who are dealing with the wrongful incarceration of a loved one, who can understand the complicated emotions you are dealing with.

At NLPA, we can provide you with post-conviction assistance after a loved one’s harsh sentencing or wrongful convictions. Reach out to our team today.