Can a new criminal statute that contains a defense that the old one didn’t be used now for post conviction relief or appeal?

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Can a new criminal statute that contains a defense that the old one didn’t be used now for post conviction relief or appeal?

At the time of the first conviction, the state’s first degree murder statute had no self defense clause. However, the new law has several self defense subsections that allow for a self defense claim. Can I now, based on an Ex Post Facto Application, appeal my conviction 37 years later? I have been on parole for 20 years and will be until I die unless this new info will help me.

Asked on January 15, 2012 under Criminal Law, Wisconsin

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

At common law there has always been the ability of an accused in a criminal matter involving a first degree murder charge to assert the defense of "self defense".

In your matter that is being written about, you can appeal your conviction of the felony that you are writing about. However, based upon my experience, the ground that you wish to appeal the conviction on most likely will not help you since the defense of "self defense" has been around for over two centuries in this country for criminal matters. I suggest that you consult further with a criminal defense appellate attorney.


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