Minnesota Law | PFA

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Front view of a United States Court building.

Front view of a United States Court building.

Favorable decisions for prisoners from the August 2026 U.S. Courts of Appeals

Here is the latest report of favorable decisions from the US Courts of Appeals for August 2026.

Sep 1

A Grecian style statue of the scales of justice surrounded by a winding path and trees.

A Grecian style statue of the scales of justice surrounded by a winding path and trees.

Understand the meaning of appeal waivers and how they affect direct appeals and postconviction cases

What does an appeal waiver actually mean, and what happens if you decide you want to appeal a conviction after your sentence?

Understanding the Law

Aug 24

Peter Felix Armstrong, Criminal Appellate and Federal Appeals Attorney for Alabama, Minnesota and the Fifth through Eleventh Circuits of the U.S. Courts of Appeals.

Peter Felix Armstrong, Criminal Appellate and Federal Appeals Attorney for Alabama, Minnesota and the Fifth through Eleventh Circuits of the U.S. Courts of Appeals.

What is a certificate of appealability and what are the requirements after a 2254 or 2255 denial?

Before making an appeal, some federal and state prisoners must obtain a certificate of appealability. In this article, we explain what a COA is and the steps to obtain it.

Aug 7

Male inmate is released from prison and has walked outside the gates to meet his wife, daughter and son.

Male inmate is released from prison and has walked outside the gates to meet his wife, daughter and son.

Need to know timelines for appealing a criminal conviction - Requirements for Alabama, Minnesota, and Federal prisoners

Once a person is convicted and sentenced, there is still an option to appeal. This article explains the process and varying time frames depending on where you were sentenced.

Post-Conviction

Jul 4

Outside view of a U.S. state prison.

Outside view of a U.S. state prison.

Can ineffective assistance of counsel be raised on direct appeal?

What claims can be made for an ineffective assistance of counsel appeal?

Post-Conviction

Jun 3

Plea deals, rules of criminal procedure, Ineffective Assistance of Counsel, Appellate Law, Criminal Appeals, Peter Armstrong Law, Alabama Law, Minnesota Law, Federal Appeals, Postconviction

Plea deals, rules of criminal procedure, Ineffective Assistance of Counsel, Appellate Law, Criminal Appeals, Peter Armstrong Law, Alabama Law, Minnesota Law, Federal Appeals, Postconviction

“I took a plea. Can I appeal? Can I file for ineffective assistance of counsel?”

Can you file for ineffective assistance of counsel if you took a plea?

Mar 2

Appellate Law, Criminal Appeals, US Supreme Court, Alabama Law, Minnesota Law, Court of Criminal Appeals, certiorari, Peter Armstrong Law

Appellate Law, Criminal Appeals, US Supreme Court, Alabama Law, Minnesota Law, Court of Criminal Appeals, certiorari, Peter Armstrong Law

I just lost my appeal! Can I appeal to the Supreme Court?

Can you appeal to the Supreme Court if your initial appeal was denied?

Post-Conviction

Feb 28

Appeal, Alabama Law, Minnesota Law, Postconviction Relief, Rule 32, 2244 Petition, 2255 Petition, Habeas Corpus, Peter Armstrong Law, Appellate Law

Appeal, Alabama Law, Minnesota Law, Postconviction Relief, Rule 32, 2244 Petition, 2255 Petition, Habeas Corpus, Peter Armstrong Law, Appellate Law

“I need an appeal!” But what kind of appeal?

How to understand the appeals process if you or your loved one has been convicted.

Feb 24

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