Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Its never a waste of money to try to help another human being IF YOU KNOW ALL THE FACTS. Attempting to modify a sentence from 15 years ago is very difficult work and is RARELY WON. If you have been advised as to the statistics being VERY LOW of success of such an attempt, and your friend REALLY has some facts that lend themselves to that SMALL CHANCE AT SUCCESS, then any attempt is worthwhile. I would, however, have AT LEAST, 3 attorney consultations, before I retain anyone. I wish you well....David Wallin.

I wouldn't give money to a lawyer under these circumstances unless the lawyer had a proven track record in successfully prosecuting habeas petitions for persons who were convicted and sentenced to prison.

Both of the previous answers offer you insight to some extent. As Mr. Stone points out, all that can be done now is a habeas corpus petition. As Mr. Wallin points out, this depends on the facts. That raises the question of whether there is new evidence that points to this person's evidence, and how good that evidence is.