Understand what may be open—and what may already be closed.

A detailed educational analysis of plea consequences, appeal posture, collateral review, successive-petition limits, sentence remedies, executive relief, prison conditions, and post-release record options.

This navigator does not calculate a deadline or decide eligibility.It identifies the next legal questions and explains why a path may be open, restricted, or generally unavailable.

01Which court entered the conviction?

Federal courtState court

02How was the conviction obtained?

Trial and verdictGuilty or no-contest pleaNot sure

04Does the plea agreement contain an appeal or collateral-review waiver?

YesNoNot sure or no agreement availableNo plea agreement

05Approximately how long ago was judgment entered?

Within about 30 daysMore than 30 days but under one yearMore than one yearNot sure

06What happened with the direct appeal?

No appeal filedAppeal pendingAppeal completedAppeal dismissed or withdrawnNot sure

08Has a federal § 2254 habeas petition been filed?

Never filedPending nowFiled and completedMultiple or successive filing attemptedNot sure

09Is the person incarcerated, on supervision, or otherwise in custody under this judgment?

In prison or jailOn probation, parole, or supervised releaseSentence completely finishedNot sure

10What is the principal issue?

Error shown in the trial or sentencing recordIneffective assistance or facts outside the recordNew evidence, innocence, DNA, or disclosure issuePlea was involuntary, uninformed, or misunderstoodCourt lacked authority or sentence may be unlawfulLater change in law or sentencing policyRehabilitation, disparity, mercy, or release planningUnsafe prison conditions or inadequate carePardon, sealing, expungement, or civil rights after release

Post Conviction
Relief Associates

Focused post-conviction case review, research, investigation, and advocacy for individuals and families nationwide.

© 2026 Post Conviction Relief AssociatesThis website provides general educational information—not legal advice. Contacting PCRA does not create representation. Deadlines may apply, and results are never guaranteed.