After a Maryland conviction, certain options may still exist — depending on what the record shows, what the sentence was, and what has already been filed.
Most families who contact Finding Freedom are not sure what they are looking for. They know something feels wrong — about the trial, the sentence, the way the case was handled — but they do not know the legal name for it, and they do not know whether anything can still be done.
That is a reasonable place to start. The pages below describe the three main areas where Finding Freedom may be able to help after a Maryland conviction. Read through them and see which one fits the situation most closely. If you are still not sure, the intake form lets you describe the situation in your own words — we will help you figure out where it fits.
Three areas where we may be able to help
Reviewing the Record for Issues That May Deserve Closer Attention
If the concern is about what happened at trial, on appeal, or in prior post-conviction proceedings — ineffective assistance, Brady violations, newly discovered evidence, or other issues — this is the starting point. Finding Freedom reviews the record, organizes the case history, and identifies questions that may deserve further research or attorney attention.
Learn about post-conviction researchWhen the Sentence Itself May Be Illegal Under Maryland Law
A sentence can be illegal under Maryland Rule 4-345(a) regardless of whether the underlying conviction was proper. This includes sentences that exceed the statutory maximum, sentences imposed without authority, and certain other structural sentencing errors. A motion to correct an illegal sentence can be filed at any time — there is no deadline. Finding Freedom can help research whether the sentence may fall into this category.
Learn about illegal sentence researchAsking the Court to Reconsider a Legal Sentence
Maryland Rule 4-345(e) allows a court to modify a sentence that was legally imposed — but only within a narrow window of time and under specific conditions. This is different from an illegal sentence claim. Finding Freedom can help research whether a modification motion may be available and what the record would need to show.
Learn about sentence modification researchNot sure which one applies?
You do not need to know the legal category before reaching out. The intake form asks you to describe the situation in plain language — what happened, what concerns you, and what you have already tried. Finding Freedom will review the intake and let you know whether and how we may be able to help.
If the situation involves multiple concerns — for example, both a possible trial error and a question about the sentence — describe all of it. We will help you understand what may be worth pursuing and in what order.
What this is not
Finding Freedom is not a law firm. The work described on this page is research and drafting — not legal representation, not legal advice, and not a prediction of outcome. Finding Freedom does not file documents in court, appear on behalf of any party, or advise on legal strategy.
If you need an attorney to file a motion or represent someone in court, Finding Freedom can help you get organized before that conversation — but cannot serve as a substitute for it.
Read the full non-attorney disclaimerReady to describe the situation?
The first step is a free intake. There is no charge to describe the situation and ask questions. Finding Freedom reviews every intake and responds within 48–72 business hours.