Appellate Victory: Rier Jordan Secures Postconviction Relief, Reducing a 25-Year Prison Sentence to Time Served
At Rier Jordan, we believe that a conviction or lengthy prison sentence does not always mark the end of the legal process. When constitutional rights have been violated, Florida law provides avenues to correct those injustices—even years later.
We are proud to announce another significant postconviction victory in Broward County that resulted in our client walking out of prison after serving nearly a decade on a 25-year sentence.
The Background
Our client originally entered a negotiated plea in 2009 after being charged with several serious felony offenses, including kidnapping, aggravated battery, burglary, grand theft, and related charges. After later violating probation, he ultimately received a 25-year prison sentence while represented by other defense counsel, following a contested violation of probation hearing in 2016. His conviction and sentence were affirmed on direct appeal.
For many defendants, that would have been the end of the road.
It wasn't.
The Postconviction Challenge
Rier Jordan conducted an extensive review of the case and filed a motion for postconviction relief under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.850.
One of the principal claims asserted that prior counsel failed to communicate a 13-year plea offer before trial or sentencing—a fundamental constitutional issue under the Sixth Amendment right to effective assistance of counsel.
After reviewing the evidence, the State conceded that claim.
The Result
Following negotiations between the State and Rier Jordan, the Circuit Court:
Vacated our client's prior sentences on Counts One through Six.
Resentenced him to significantly reduced concurrent prison terms.
Awarded all previously earned jail and prison credit.
Ordered the Department of Corrections to immediately recalculate his release date.
Because of the substantial credit our client had accumulated over the years, the new sentence effectively became a time-served sentence, allowing him to be released from prison.
Why This Case Matters
This case highlights an important reality:
Not every sentencing error or constitutional violation is discovered immediately.
Florida's postconviction process exists to address situations where:
Trial counsel failed to communicate plea offers.
Important evidence was overlooked.
Constitutional rights were violated.
Ineffective assistance of counsel affected the outcome of a case.
Even when a conviction has already been affirmed on appeal, meaningful relief may still be available through postconviction litigation.
Experience Matters
Postconviction litigation is among the most technical and challenging areas of criminal law. Success requires a thorough understanding of constitutional law, procedural rules, appellate practice, and strategic negotiation.
At Rier Jordan, we carefully evaluate every case to determine whether legal errors occurred that may justify relief. While every case is different and no outcome can be guaranteed, this result demonstrates how diligent postconviction advocacy can dramatically change a client's future.
Facing a Conviction? There May Still Be Options.
If you or a loved one believes constitutional errors affected the outcome of a criminal case, don't assume every legal avenue has been exhausted.
Our attorneys regularly handle:
Rule 3.850 motions for postconviction relief
Rule 3.800 sentencing motions
Criminal appeals
Ineffective assistance of counsel claims
Wrongful sentencing challenges
Plea-related constitutional violations
If you would like an experienced criminal appellate and postconviction attorney to review your case, contact Rier Jordan P.A. to discuss your legal options.