Q: could a sentence get overturn if the apointed lawyer mislead the client

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James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Yes, a sentence could potentially be overturned if your court-appointed lawyer provided ineffective assistance or misled you. This falls under the legal concept of "ineffective assistance of counsel," which is a valid ground for appeal.

To challenge your conviction on these grounds, you'll need to prove two key things: first, that your lawyer's performance fell below reasonable professional standards, and second, that this poor performance directly affected the outcome of your case. Misleading you about important aspects of your case, failing to communicate plea deals, or giving you incorrect legal advice could all qualify as grounds for appeal.

You should gather any evidence showing how your lawyer misled you or failed to represent you properly, including documentation of incorrect advice, missed deadlines, or failures to investigate important aspects of your case. Working with a new criminal defense lawyer who can review your case and file the appropriate post-conviction motions would be your best path forward. Time limits often apply to filing appeals, so it's important to act quickly if you believe your lawyer's misconduct affected your case.

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