Federal Habeas Corpus Petitions

Similar to the state “PCR” practice , federal challenges to a conviction based on a trial lawyer’s shortcomings are guided by rules distinct from a direct appeal . These so-called “collateral attacks” on a conviction have their own time constraints, typically demanding a habeas corpus petition be filed within one year of a final judgment. The process is defined by a federal statute, 28 U.S. Code, Section 2255, and often goes by its statutory tag as a “2255 action.”

If you believe you have received an illegal sentence, have been improperly detained after completion of a sentence or were so ill-served by your trial lawyer as to raise the issue of “ineffective assistance of counsel,” contact Furlong and Krasny at our offices in West Trenton, New Jersey to review your claim with a lawyer. Our attorneys have a wealth of experience handling these issues, can evaluate your case promptly and will offer you candid advice on how to proceed to vindicate your rights.