Arizona Post-Conviction Relief Attorney (Rule 32 & Rule 33)

A post conviction relief arizona petition under Rule 32 (guilty-plea convictions) or Rule 33 (trial convictions) of the Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure is the legal mechanism for challenging a conviction or sentence after direct appeals are finished. Your Phoenix Attorney represents Arizonans in arizona rule 32 post conviction relief and arizona rule 33 post conviction relief matters statewide — including post conviction relief scottsdale petitions in Maricopa County.

PCR has hard deadlines (typically 90 days from sentencing or 30 days from the appellate mandate). If you are within that window — or if you have newly discovered evidence at any time — call 623-335-4014 immediately.

Arizona's PCR rules underwent major restructuring in 2020. Rule 32 now governs of-right and successive PCR proceedings for defendants who pled guilty or no contest. Rule 33 governs PCR for defendants convicted at trial. Both rules permit relief on grounds including:

• Ineffective assistance of trial or appellate counsel.
• Newly discovered material facts that probably would have changed the verdict or sentence.
• A significant change in the law that applies retroactively.
• The sentence imposed is not in accordance with the sentence authorized by law.
• Actual innocence based on clear and convincing evidence.

Successful PCR can result in vacated convictions, new trials, new sentencing hearings, or outright dismissal. It is the post conviction attorney's equivalent of habeas corpus — and a critical safety valve in the criminal justice system.

• Full record review — trial transcripts, plea colloquies, sentencing memoranda.
• Interview prior counsel for the ineffective-assistance Strickland analysis.
• Investigate newly discovered evidence — witnesses, forensics, recantations.
• Draft and file the PCR petition with supporting affidavits.
• Litigate evidentiary hearings — including putting the defendant on the stand.
• Pursue appellate review (Petition for Review) if the PCR is denied.

Learn more about our approach on the About page, or start a free consultation now via the Contact page. For additional Arizona-specific statutes, see azleg.gov and the Arizona Judicial Branch.