CRIMINAL DEFENSE

  • A defendant must file a Notice with the Court that they will file a Petition for Post-conviction Relief
  • That notice must be filed within 90 days from the date of sentencing, or 30 days from the issuance of a mandate, for example, notice by the Court that the appeals process is final.
  • Following a conviction and sentencing for a criminal offense, a defendant may file a petition in the trial court under Rule 32 of the Arizona Supreme Court Rules of Criminal Procedure.
  • A Rule 32 Petition is NOT an appeal, and is typically filed after the appeal is final. It is also the only way a defendant can raise claims of ineffective assistance of counsel.
  • The conviction or sentence violates the US and/or Arizona constitutions
  • The defendant's lawyer did not provide effective assistance of counsel
  • The court did not have jurisdiction (authority) to determine the case or sentence the defendant
  • The sentence was more than what the law allows
  • The sentence has expired and, yet, the person is still in custody
  • After the trial, the defendant discovered new material evidence (important and relevant) that probably would have changed the verdict or sentence had the facts been known before the trial.
  • Rule 32.1 defines in detail the specific reasons why a person may file a petition for post-conviction relief. 
  • See the list below for several of the reasons why someone might file a Rule 32 petition.

Arizona Supreme Court Rule 32.1 describes each of these reasons in more detail. There is also a vast body of case law on each topic. Rule 32 petitions are a complex area of litigation. Having a lawyer with considerable expertise and experience offers the sort of guidance you need to decide whether to file and how to proceed if you do.

Questions?

  • If you would like to consult with Mr. Ellinwood about whether to file a petition for post-conviction relief, please call 520.413.2323, or use the contact form on this sit.

Why might someone file a Rule 32 Petition?

What is a Rule 32 Petition?

Ralph Ellinwood provides representation in Rule 32 petitions for post-conviction relief in Arizona. He has more than 30 years experience in representing clients in Rule 32 litigation and as an expert witness in Rule 32 petitions.
This extensive experience enables Mr. Ellinwood to evaluate a claim for post-conviction relief.

Are there deadlines to file a Rule 32 Petition?

Rule 32

Petitions for Post-conviction Relief