Wrongful Conviction Lawyer in Ann Arbor, MI
The criminal justice system is built on defending the rights of the accused. Unfortunately, it does not always guarantee that the innocent will be set free. A wrongful conviction may prevent you from spending time with your family, attending graduations, and participating in other important life events. At Mueller Law Firm, our Ann Arbor wrongful conviction attorney will investigate to determine if there is any new evidence that could be used to fight an unjust conviction.
A Wrongful Conviction Violates Your Civil Rights
Spending time in custody for a crime that you did not commit is a violation of your civil rights. The justice system seeks to offer a fair resolution, uphold state and federal laws, and to protect the general public. If you have served a sentence for a crime that you are innocent of, the perpetrator is still out there. Therefore, the court has done nothing to protect public welfare. A wrongful conviction serves no one.
Why Do Wrongful Convictions Occur?
A wrongful conviction may occur due to any of the following reasons:
- Eyewitness misidentification
- Perjury and false testimony
- Misapplication of forensic science
- Inaccurate DNA evidence
- Misleading evidence
- False confession
- Illegal search and seizure, evidence tampering, lack of probable cause at the time of arrest, and other acts of police misconduct
- Presenting fabricated evidence, jury discrimination, withholding exculpatory evidence from the defense (Brady rule violation), and other acts of prosecutorial misconduct
Racial Profiling Resulting in Eyewitness Misidentification
A wrong ID by an eyewitness is a leading cause of wrongful convictions. Although numerous studies have shown that witnesses have an easier time identifying a person of the same race, that is not the sole reason that wrong IDs occur. A more prominent factor is the racial profiling performed by law enforcement. This racial disparity can be seen during Terry stops, traffic stops, and any encounters with police. The disproportionate number of Blacks and Hispanics being brought into custody as compared to Whites/Caucasians highlights a need for change.
Righting Errors in the Criminal Justice System
Since 1989, there have been over 3,800 exonerations, resulting in over 35,700 years lost due to wrongful convictions. A wrongful conviction does not just impact the individual but also their loved ones. At Mueller Law Firm, our Ann Arbor wrongful conviction lawyer is prepared to right the criminal justice system’s wrongs. This may be done through re-ordering DNA tests and other forensic samples. As a former engineer, Attorney Wolfgang Mueller is prepared to evaluate forensic evidence to determine if it was properly analyzed. If there is evidence of a wrongful conviction, you may be able to obtain compensation once your conviction is vacated.
Speak with Our Ann Arbor Wrongful Conviction Lawyer
Unfortunately, there is no way to get back the time spent behind bars for a wrongful conviction. Still, it is important that you hold the police and prosecution accountable for their wrongdoing. At Mueller Law Firm, we work for individuals who have been unfairly treated by the justice system. To arrange your free consultation with our Ann Arbor wrongful conviction lawyer, contact us online or by phone.
