Post Conviction Litigation Matters (Video)

When people think of criminal defense, the first thought is usually about trial work. When a person is accused of a crime, he or she has a right to a trial. The right to a trial, and the right to representation at the trial, is generally well known.

But what happens if the defendant is convicted? And what happens if, after the conviction at trial, the defendant’s appeal is denied? Most people are not aware of the next step: the right to seek postconviction relief.

Patrick Mulligan is one of the few lawyers in the country to focus his practice on post-conviction (Rule 35c) litigation. This area of law is complex, difficult, and demanding. The effort to overturn an unjust conviction is never easy. But when the process works, and an unjust conviction or sentence is overturned, the result is rewarding.

Like most criminal defense attorneys, Patrick Mulligan began his career as a trial lawyer. He has tried every type of criminal case, from DUI through First Degree Murder, throughout the state of Colorado. After gaining experience as an appellate lawyer, however, Patrick became intensely interested in the process of testing the validity of criminal convictions. That interest led naturally to post-conviction or “Rule 35(c)” litigation.

Every aspect of a criminal case is important. The right to effective assistance of counsel applies to each stage of the proceeding. Over the course of his 33 year career, Patrick Mulligan has developed substantial experience and expertise at all 3 phases: trial, appeal, and post-conviction. It is the final phase, Rule 35(c) litigation, that currently fuels his passion. If an unjust conviction or sentence is overturned, the entire criminal justice system benefits.

Patrick Mulligan has handled, and won, dozens of post-conviction cases. If you or someone you know has suffered an unjust conviction or sentence, call us at 303-295-1500. We can help.