Legal Question in Criminal Law in Massachusetts
i was wrongly convicted in (Dec.1983) for a felony. I am indigent now and was then too. Is there a chance that I can get that case overturned or suite the state even though I served the the entire sentence. What recourse do I have as this has taken a lot out of my life mentally and physically. Facing discrimination triple fold because of it. housing,employment and then the stereotype from family . Can I be compensated for this if I can get the matter straightened out some how.
1 Answer from Attorneys
You may have an opportunity to have counsel appointed. The fact that it was so long ago and you served the sentence may affect whether or not the claim has merit, but they are not the deciding factors. If you have a good case, counsel may agree to represent you.
If you have a case of actual innocence (that is, you can prove that you were innocent through testing procedures not available at the time of your trial such as DNA), you should contact the Innocence Program at CPCS at 617 623-0591. If you feel that you were wrongly convicted for other reasons such as ineffective assistance of counsel, then you may be eligible to have your case screened by a qualified attorney for free who will determine if you would benefit materially from appointed counsel. If you fall into that category, contact CPCS at 617 482-6212.
There are a lot of collateral consequences to criminal convictions as you are experiencing. Unfortunately, these do not form the basis for a civil claim for damages.
Good luck!
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