Best Wrongful Conviction Lawyers in Kenmore, Washington

Start with the court and deadline for challenging a Kenmore-area conviction

A conviction challenge usually seeks post-conviction relief, such as a new trial, a vacated judgment, or dismissal of charges. The proper route depends on whether the case was heard in Washington state court or federal court, and on the evidence and procedural history.

Kenmore is in King County, but the place a person lives does not determine which court can review a conviction. A felony prosecuted in King County generally proceeds through King County Superior Court; a conviction from another county or federal court must be challenged through the procedures that apply to that court.

Deadlines can be strict. Washington generally imposes a one-year limit on collateral challenges to a final state judgment, subject to statutory exceptions, so prompt advice matters even when new evidence has only recently emerged.

When a lawyer may be important

Consider speaking with a post-conviction lawyer promptly in situations such as these:

• A person convicted in King County has newly discovered evidence, such as a witness recantation, forensic testing, or records that were not disclosed at trial.
• Evidence from a Kenmore Police Department investigation may have been mishandled, inadequately tested, or not preserved, and the case record needs to be examined.
• A witness or informant may have received undisclosed benefits, or investigators or prosecutors may have withheld information favorable to the defense.
• A person believes trial counsel failed to investigate an alibi, challenge unreliable identification evidence, or raise a significant constitutional issue.
• A conviction is being challenged after DNA testing or other forensic developments that may exclude the convicted person or undermine the prosecution’s evidence.
• A person has been released or had a conviction vacated and needs advice about pursuing a state compensation claim or addressing the remaining court proceedings.

These circumstances do not establish that a conviction was wrongful. A lawyer can assess the record, identify available procedures, and determine which claims have supporting evidence and remain timely.

Washington laws that may govern a conviction challenge

• RCW 10.73.090, “Judgment not to be disturbed after one year,” generally limits collateral attacks on a final Washington judgment to one year. The statute contains exceptions, including certain facially invalid judgments; a lawyer should assess whether an exception applies.
• RCW 10.73.100, “Exceptions to one-year time limit,” lists circumstances in which the one-year limit does not apply. These include qualifying newly discovered evidence and certain changes in the law, subject to the statute’s requirements.
• RCW 4.100, “Compensation for wrongful conviction and imprisonment,” provides a process for eligible people to seek compensation after meeting statutory requirements relating to a felony conviction, imprisonment, and subsequent exoneration. Washington enacted this compensation law in 2009; eligibility and filing requirements should be checked against the current statute.

These Washington statutes do not govern every case. Federal convictions and some claims require separate federal procedures, and a state-law compensation claim is distinct from asking a court to overturn a conviction.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a lawyer to challenge a conviction?

A person may file certain court papers without a lawyer, but post-conviction procedures involve complex rules and deadlines. Counsel can review the trial record, identify viable claims, and determine whether an investigation or expert review is needed.

Which court handles a conviction from a case prosecuted in King County?

King County Superior Court generally handles felony prosecutions in the county. The correct court for a later challenge depends on the original judgment, the type of filing, and whether the case has already been appealed.

How long do I have to challenge a Washington conviction?

Washington generally sets a one-year limit for collateral attacks after a judgment becomes final. Statutory exceptions may apply, and direct appeal deadlines are different, so have a lawyer check the dates promptly.

What evidence can support a post-conviction claim?

Potential evidence includes newly discovered witness information, previously undisclosed records, reliable forensic results, or proof that evidence was improperly obtained or presented. The evidence must support a legally recognized claim; disagreement with the verdict alone is not usually enough.

Can DNA testing be requested after conviction?

Washington law provides procedures for post-conviction DNA testing in qualifying cases. Whether testing is available depends on the evidence, its condition, the issues at trial, and statutory requirements.

Can a person challenge a conviction after pleading guilty?

Possibly. A challenge may depend on issues such as whether the plea was voluntary and informed, whether counsel provided constitutionally adequate assistance, or whether new evidence changes the legal basis for the conviction.

What if the conviction was in federal court?

Federal convictions use federal post-conviction procedures, not Washington’s one-year statute for state judgments. The proper filing and deadline depend on the case history, so a lawyer familiar with federal criminal litigation should review the judgment.

How much does a conviction-review lawyer cost?

Fees vary with the record’s size, investigation needs, expert costs, and court proceedings. Ask for a written explanation of billing, expected expenses, and what the lawyer will do before signing an agreement.

Is free or appointed legal help available?

Some organizations review applications for post-conviction assistance, but they may have eligibility limits and cannot accept every case. Appointment of counsel depends on the proceeding and applicable rules; ask the court or Washington’s Office of Public Defense about the options for the specific case.

How long does a conviction challenge take?

There is no standard timeline. Gathering records and investigating evidence may take months, while court litigation can take longer depending on hearings, appeals, and the complexity of the case.

Can someone seek compensation after a conviction is overturned?

Potentially, but having a conviction vacated does not automatically establish eligibility for compensation. RCW 4.100 sets additional requirements, so obtain advice about the facts, procedural outcome, and filing deadline before applying.

Official resources

• King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office Conviction Integrity Unit: The unit reviews qualifying requests concerning convictions prosecuted by its office. Its review is separate from a court filing and does not replace independent legal advice.
• Washington State Office of Public Defense: The office administers public defense programs and can provide information about its services and eligibility. It does not guarantee representation in every post-conviction matter.
• Washington Courts: The state court system provides court rules, forms, and information about Washington courts. Court staff cannot advise a person which legal claim to bring.

Steps to find and hire a lawyer

1. Record the key dates now. Write down the judgment date, appeal history, release date, and when any new evidence surfaced. Do this immediately because deadlines may depend on different events.
2. Collect the case records. Gather the judgment, charging documents, plea or trial transcripts, appellate decisions, and any forensic or police records already available. Request missing records from the relevant court or agency as soon as practical.
3. Prepare a short evidence summary. List what may be wrong, who can support the claim, and where relevant documents or physical evidence may be located. Keep original evidence safe and avoid contacting witnesses in a way that could affect their accounts.
4. Contact lawyers and appropriate review programs. Within days, seek counsel who handles Washington post-conviction cases and ask whether the King County Conviction Integrity Unit or another official review route fits the case.
5. Ask focused screening questions. Confirm the lawyer’s experience with the relevant court, deadlines, investigation, forensic evidence, and appeals. Ask who will handle the work, what further records are needed, and whether the lawyer sees an urgent filing issue.
6. Compare written fee terms and next steps. Before retaining counsel, review the billing method, anticipated costs, scope of work, and termination terms. Agree on an immediate deadline review and a plan for obtaining and assessing the full record.