What Is Post-Conviction Relief - Who Is It For?
Post-conviction relief (PCR) is a legal process that helps people challenge old criminal convictions that are now threatening their immigration status.
You may benefit from PCR if:
👉 You are facing deportation or inadmissibility because of a criminal conviction
👉 You pled guilty without understanding how it would affect your immigration status
👉 Your previous lawyer didn’t advise you of immigration consequences (IAC: ineffective assistance of counsel)
👉 You have no other immigration options due to a past conviction.
PCR is especially important if you or your loved one is already in removal proceedings or detention.
Why It Matters
A criminal conviction can feel like a permanent barrier. But it doesn’t have to be.
Post-conviction relief can:
👉 Vacate a criminal conviction that is making you deportable
👉 Reopen a guilty plea that was entered without proper legal advice
👉 Make you eligible again for visas, green cards, or relief from removal
👉 Stop or delay deportation proceedings
👉 Protect your ability to stay with your family in the U.S.
Think You May Qualify? Here's What Matters
You may have a case for post-conviction relief if:
👉 Your conviction is causing immigration problems
👉 You weren’t told about immigration consequences before pleading guilty
👉 You believe your rights were violated during your criminal case
👉 You’ve already been detained or given a removal order because of the conviction
Every case is different. That’s why a qualified immigration and criminal defense team should review your case history carefully.
How It Works: The Legal Process
01
Review Your Case
We analyze your conviction, sentence, and court transcripts.
02
Identify Grounds for Relief
We look for legal or procedural errors in how your case was handled.
03
Prepare Legal Motion
We draft and file a motion in criminal court to vacate or modify the conviction.
04
Argue the Case in Court
We present evidence and advocate for a just outcome.
05
Update Immigration Status
Once your conviction is vacated or reduced, we pursue your immigration relief options.
06
Relief or Release
You may now qualify for termination of removal or release from detention.
What You’ll Need (Document Checklist)
Don’t have all your records? We can help request them from the courts.
👉 Certified copy of your conviction records
👉 Plea transcript (if available)
👉 Records from your immigration case
👉 Prior legal filings, if any
👉 Personal statement (we’ll help you draft this)
Common Challenges & How We Help
Facing obstacles is normal — here’s how we support you through the most common ones.
👉 What if the conviction was years ago?
We’ve helped clients vacate convictions decades after the fact.
👉 I don’t know if my lawyer warned me about immigration consequences.
That’s one of the most common grounds for relief. We know how to document it.
👉 I’m already in detention.
We coordinate with your immigration and criminal defense teams to act fast.
👉 I’ve already completed my sentence. Does this still matter?
Yes. Even old convictions can still trigger removal. Post-conviction relief can help erase those risks.
👉 I pled guilty just to avoid jail—now I’m facing deportation.
This is more common than you think. If your rights were violated or you weren’t fully informed, we may be able to undo that plea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay with my family while this is in process?
Yes—depending on your current case, many clients remain with their families during the process. We prioritize strategies that help maintain family unity while pursuing relief in court, so you can feel more secure.
Do I need to go back to criminal court?
Often yes, but don’t worry—we handle the filings and walk you through the process. From prep to representation, our team ensures you know what to expect and don’t face the court system alone.
What if I’ve already been ordered removed?
You may still have options. A successful post-conviction relief case can lead to reopening your immigration case and cancelling the removal order. We’ll assess whether your conviction can be vacated and how that affects your status.
How long does it take?
Timelines vary by jurisdiction and complexity, but we move fast—especially in urgent detention cases. While some take months, we push for results as quickly as your situation allows.
Maria Ramirez, Los Angeles
I thought I had no options after my conviction. Shan and his team got it vacated, and now I’m applying for a green card. I finally feel like I have a future again.
Miguel Sanchez, Long Beach
They didn’t just take my case—they fought for my future. Every step of the way, I felt seen and supported. I never felt like just another file on someone’s desk.
Monica Lopez, Riverside
My first lawyer told me to plead guilty without explaining what it meant for my status. Shan helped me fix that mistake and start over the right way.
Jose Torres, San Bernardino
I was in detention when we started. Now I’m back with my family, and my case is moving forward. I never thought I’d get that chance.
Book a FREE Consultation NOW!
If you’re trying to protect your future in the U.S., post-conviction relief could be your best next step. Our legal team guides you through every stage — from reviewing your case to fighting to reduce or vacate your conviction.
✅ Free, confidential consultation
✅ Clear guidance on your options
✅ Support in your language
Don’t wait. Get the help you need today.
Shan D Potts
Human Rights Attorney and Global Advocate for Justice
Shan Potts is instinctively oriented with an imaginative mind and an optimistic outlook. Shan has exemplified perseverance, determination, and a profound belief in the power of justice. While his journey boasts significant professional achievements, it's the undercurrent of his indomitable spirit and dedication to fairness that truly sets him apart.
Greg Barba
Immigration Strategist and Advocate for Immigrants
Mr. Barba is a seasoned immigration strategist with over a decade of experience and hundreds of consultations. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he served as a non-commissioned officer specializing in logistics and convoy operations. He leads the firm’s intake division and studied philosophy at UC Berkeley and ethics at Oxford’s Exeter College.
Why Choose Shan Potts Law Firm?
Post-Conviction Relief
We focus on helping immigrants and non-citizens navigate post-conviction relief with precision and confidence. From identifying the best legal strategy to preparing a strong petition, our personalized solutions are built to match your goals — and maximize your chance of success in the U.S.
Proven Track Record
With a Glendale-based practice and a track record of assisting over 3,000 clients, our attorneys have deep experience in post-conviction relief cases. We turn complex legal barriers into clear, actionable steps—so you can focus on staying in the U.S. and rebuilding your future.
23+ Years of Experience
We focus exclusively on post-conviction relief for immigrants and truly understand the unique challenges of fixing past convictions. Our personalized strategies carefully strengthen your petition and help you navigate the legal process quickly and effectively—so you can protect your future in the U.S.
Transparent Process
We offer unlimited, clear legal guidance throughout your post-conviction relief process—no surprise fees. You’ll receive proactive advice on strategy, documentation, and court filings, all with flat-fee pricing so your budget stays predictable and free of hidden costs.