Facing a wrongful conviction in Miami can feel overwhelming and isolating. The emotional toll, disruption to family life, and daunting legal process make every step seem uncertain. Yet, options exist for those who believe the justice system reached the wrong verdict. At Law Office of Armando J. Hernandez, P.A., we believe every defendant deserves a thorough review, open communication, and every safeguard afforded by law. 

If you or someone you love suspects a wrongful conviction, understanding the Miami appeals process is a crucial first step toward pursuing justice and protecting your future.

Wrongful Convictions in Miami: How Do They Happen & How Often?

Wrongful convictions in Miami often result from a mix of human error, systemic flaws, and high-pressure cases. An innocent person may find themselves convicted due to misidentification by witnesses, unreliable forensic evidence, false confessions, or misconduct by investigators. 

Studies by the Innocence Project and the National Registry of Exonerations confirm that such cases happen nationwide—including in Florida metros like Miami. Although exact local numbers remain unclear, publicized Miami cases and statewide exonerations, like the Clifford Williams Jr. case in Jacksonville, highlight that wrongful convictions are not rare exceptions.

Several unique factors make Miami residents vulnerable to wrongful convictions. Miami’s cultural and language diversity can cause misunderstandings during police interactions and legal proceedings. In high-profile cases, public and media pressure may push authorities to secure fast arrests, sometimes at the expense of accuracy and due process. Miami courts also see higher case volumes, increasing the odds that mistakes slip through without proper scrutiny.

What are Clear Signs That a Conviction May Be Wrongful?

Not every conviction is final or accurate—sometimes errors, misconduct, or overlooked evidence mean that justice was not served. Certain warning signs can indicate that a conviction may be wrongful and deserves a closer look. From unreliable witness testimony to investigative misconduct, these red flags often provide the foundation for an appeal or a new hearing.

Common indicators of a wrongful conviction include:

• Unreliable Eyewitness Testimony: Convictions based on one or two uncertain or conflicting eyewitness accounts raise the risk of mistaken identity.
• Lack of Physical Evidence: Cases without solid forensic evidence, or those relying on discredited methods (like bite mark analysis), are especially vulnerable.
• Coerced or Improper Confessions: Confessions obtained under pressure, duress, or without legal counsel present often signal injustice.
• Prosecutorial Misconduct: Withholding evidence, pressuring witnesses, or presenting unreliable testimony can undermine the fairness of a trial.
• Judicial Errors: Denying defense testimony, overruling valid objections, or giving misleading jury instructions can result in an unfair verdict.
• Post-Conviction Evidence: Newly discovered witnesses, updated DNA or scientific testing, or credible organizations questioning the verdict can expose overlooked facts.
• Persistent Doubts: If you or others close to the case consistently question the fairness of the trial, those doubts may warrant further review.

At Law Office of Armando J. Hernandez, P.A., we carefully evaluate each of these warning signs, ensuring no detail is overlooked when exploring post-conviction relief.

How Does the Miami Appeals Process for Wrongful Convictions Work?

Appealing a wrongful conviction in Miami means asking a higher court—typically the Florida Third District Court of Appeal—to review how the trial unfolded and decide if legal mistakes influenced the outcome. This process does not re-try the case with new facts or witnesses; the appellate judges review records from the original trial and consider legal arguments about errors that affected your rights.

Key steps in the Miami appeals process include:

• Filing a Notice of Appeal: Must be submitted within 30 days of the judgment; missing this deadline severely limits options.
• Collecting Trial Records: Trial transcripts, documents, and admitted evidence are assembled for review.
• Submitting Legal Briefs: Attorneys prepare written arguments identifying trial errors and citing Florida law to support reversal or modification.
• Oral Arguments (if scheduled): Lawyers may present the case directly to a panel of appellate judges and respond to questions.
• Court Decisions: Outcomes may include affirming the conviction, ordering a new trial, modifying the sentence, or overturning the conviction entirely (though this last result is rare).
• Strict Procedures: Miami appellate courts enforce detailed rules and formatting requirements, making skilled appellate counsel critical for compliance.

What are the Legal Grounds for Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief in Florida?

Florida law recognizes several valid reasons to challenge a conviction through an appeal or post-conviction relief. These grounds focus on errors that undermined the fairness of the trial, newly discovered evidence, or misconduct that compromised the outcome. Success depends on filing timely motions that link the legal or factual mistake to real harm suffered by the defendant.

Common grounds include:

• Judicial Errors: Improperly admitted evidence, incorrect jury instructions, or rulings that violated due process.
• Ineffective Assistance of Counsel: Serious attorney mistakes that deprived the defendant of a fair trial.
• New Evidence: Post-trial discoveries like DNA results, witness recantations, or confessions by another person that directly challenge the verdict.
• Rule 3.850 Motions: A legal mechanism under the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure to request a new trial or challenge a conviction based on new evidence or other qualifying issues.
• Prosecutorial Misconduct: Instances where prosecutors withheld exculpatory evidence (Brady violations) or engaged in improper tactics that tainted the case.

Working with a team like Law Office of Armando J. Hernandez, P.A., which brings years of relevant prosecutorial perspective, helps clients identify and pursue the best route for their situation.

What Are the Filing Requirements for Miami Appeals?

Appeals & post-conviction motions in Miami are subject to unforgiving deadlines. For most criminal convictions, defendants have just 30 days from sentencing to file a notice of appeal. Failing to do so may permanently block appellate review, meaning the conviction stands regardless of error. Deadlines for other relief—like filings under Rule 3.850—are usually two years, unless new evidence comes to light later. Courts may allow extensions only in very rare and exceptional circumstances.

The appeals process involves more than submitting a simple form. Filings must comply with detailed rules governing length, formatting, and how arguments are presented. Legal briefs must include precise citations, follow strict organization, and attach all necessary records—omitting evidence or violating formatting rules can get an appeal dismissed or ignored by the court. Additionally, each filing must be properly served to the State Attorney’s Office and entered in both the lower & appellate courts.

For post-conviction motions based on new evidence, special affidavits and certifications are required to prove the facts were undiscoverable earlier and likely would have changed the verdict. Pursuing the process without legal counsel greatly increases the risk of missing key requirements. Our team at Law Office of Armando J. Hernandez, P.A. remains available 24/7 to respond quickly to new convictions and ensure every deadline is met. We leverage our boutique firm’s resources to handle urgent timelines, providing peace of mind as you navigate a stressful time.

How Can New Evidence Overturn a Wrongful Conviction in Miami?

New evidence can be a powerful tool for correcting injustice. Florida courts will consider new evidence that could reasonably have changed the original outcome, provided it was not available at the time of trial. This includes new forensic analysis (like DNA testing), physical evidence discovered post-trial, or credible witness recantation. However, courts demand strict proof that this evidence truly is new and not simply overlooked by the defense during the original proceedings.

To successfully present new evidence, defense teams must act quickly and follow specific procedures. The new evidence must be supported by credible documentation, such as updated laboratory reports, sworn witness affidavits, or expert analysis. The law in Miami & throughout Florida requires a clear explanation for why this evidence was not discovered earlier—and why it matters enough to potentially alter the verdict. Our firm works with investigative specialists and forensics labs to gather this material as part of a thorough appellate effort.

Successfully introducing new evidence often persuades the court to order a new trial or, in rare situations, reverse the conviction. However, the appellate court expects strong, well-organized arguments—simply submitting documents is rarely enough. Lawyers must connect new evidence directly to the errors or doubts raised during the original case. At Law Office of Armando J. Hernandez, P.A., we leave no detail unexamined and make sure every piece of new information is presented for maximum impact.

What Can Happen When Miami Appeals Succeed?

Successful appeals in Miami can lead to several positive outcomes, depending on the court’s decision and case facts. The appellate court might:

• Reverse the conviction entirely, resulting in release and clearing of criminal records.
• Order a new trial, allowing the defense another chance to present the case and address errors.
• Reduce or modify the sentence if only some charges are overturned or evidence is limited.

Each outcome brings practical next steps for the client and family, such as court appearances, securing release paperwork, or preparing for retrial discussions with prosecutors. Some individuals may qualify for compensation under Florida law if a court determines actual innocence and all legal criteria are met.

Transitioning after a successful appeal requires planning and support. Many clients must secure housing, find work, and reconnect with their communities after release. Our team is familiar with transitional resources in South Florida, helping those wrongfully convicted resume productive, stable lives as soon as possible. We continue to support our clients beyond the courtroom as they navigate the challenges of reintegration.

Understanding the range of possible outcomes prepares families for what lies ahead. Whether facing retrial, seeking expungement, or starting over, our legal team works closely with clients to chart the smoothest possible path forward after a wrongful conviction is overturned.

Support Services & Advocacy for Miami’s Wrongfully Convicted

Ongoing support is essential for individuals rebuilding their lives after a wrongful conviction in Miami. Several organizations focus on helping exonerees, including the Florida Innocence Project and other criminal justice advocacy groups. These resources can assist with everything from legal paperwork and job placement to counseling and community reintegration.

Families often benefit from joining local support groups, which offer a network of peers and experienced guides who have faced similar challenges. The Florida Bar referral service provides contact with reputable attorneys for further legal needs, and Miami-area nonprofits help with short-term housing, healthcare, and access to basic necessities after release.

If you have questions about appeals, resources, or the steps to take after a wrongful conviction, connect with our office at (305) 400-0074 or fill out our online form for personal, dedicated guidance every step of the way.