Federal habeas corpus and state post-conviction relief are not interchangeable. Learn which path moves faster, which comes first, and why.

Most ineffective assistance of counsel claims fail, but the few that win usually involve one of six specific trial errors. Here is what actually moves a court, what to document, and how the Strickland standard separates a winning claim from a losing one.

Between November and December 2025, the rules for post-conviction relief changed across federal court, North Carolina, and Tennessee. New deadlines now bar claims that once could be filed years later, while other long-closed doors have finally opened. This update explains what changed, when it changed, and why 2026 is the year timing matters most for anyone considering post-conviction relief.

When two lawyers said nothing could be done, Adam Rodrigues found a way. Discover how one attorney’s bold post-conviction strategy challenged federal sentencing conventions — freeing his client nearly 40 months early and redefining what justice can look like. Plus full video testimonial.

Guilty or not guilty? Really isn’t the question. Even after conviction, fairness matters. At Adam Rodrigues Law, we review cases for constitutional errors, ineffective counsel, and sentencing issues to ensure justice was done lawfully. Our post-conviction team fights for second chances and helps clients rebuild their lives with dignity and due process.

Think you can’t appeal a guilty plea? Or that innocence alone wins? Adam Rodrigues debunks the top 5 most common myths about post-conviction relief. Read for a fast, factual, and actionable insights.

There's still one powerful tool left in your legal arsenal: habeas corpus. While it may sound like complicated legal jargon, this essential safeguard provides you with the opportunity to challenge the legality of your imprisonment. Knowing how habeas corpus works could be the turning point in your battle for freedom.

Post-conviction relief can be the key to freedom after appeals have ended. In this guide, we break down how the rules, deadlines, and requirements differ in Tennessee, North Carolina, and federal court.