Sex Crime Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief Lawyer in Cleveland, Ohio

A conviction for a sex crime can carry devastating consequences—long prison sentences, lifetime sex offender registration, and permanent damage to your reputation and future. But a conviction doesn’t always mean the end of your legal options. If your rights were violated during the investigation, trial, or sentencing process, you may be eligible to appeal the decision or pursue post-conviction relief. At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., we help clients in Cleveland and throughout Ohio fight unjust outcomes through strategic appeals and post-conviction litigation. With more than 30 years of experience in criminal defense, including complex sex crime cases, we understand how to spot legal errors and fight for justice when the system fails.

Understanding Sex Crime Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief

Ohio law allows individuals convicted of sex crimes to pursue various forms of legal relief:Direct Appeals – Challenge legal or procedural errors that occurred during the trial, such as improper jury instructions, ineffective counsel, or exclusion of key evidence.Post-Conviction Petitions – Raise constitutional violations not addressed in the original trial or appeal, such as newly discovered evidence or prosecutorial misconduct.Motion for New Trial – Seek a new trial based on errors, fraud, or new evidence.Sentence Modifications – Request a reduction or adjustment based on changes in law or rehabilitation.Expungement or Record Sealing – In limited cases, seek sealing of certain sex crime records (excluding most felonies and Tier III offenses).

Grounds for a Sex Crime Appeal or Post-Conviction Motion

Ineffective assistance of counselViolation of constitutional rights (e.g., unlawful search, Miranda violations)Prosecutorial misconduct or withheld exculpatory evidenceFalse testimony or tainted witness credibilityNew DNA or forensic evidence not available at trialImproper admission or exclusion of evidenceSentencing errors or excessive punishment

What Relief Can Be Achieved?

If your appeal or post-conviction motion is successful, possible outcomes may include:A new trial with fair proceduresA reduced or vacated sentenceOverturned convictionRemoval from the sex offender registry (in rare cases)A chance to clear your name and regain your freedom