09/22/2026
6 COURTROOM ERRORS THAT COULD CHANGE A CRIMINAL CASE
By Noah Sanders | Noah Sanders Advocacy
A conviction doesn’t mean every issue in the case has been properly examined.
Here are 6 courtroom errors that deserve closer legal review:
1️⃣ YOUR LAWYER FAILED TO OBJECT
Some errors may still be reviewable under applicable plain-error rules. Others may support an ineffective-assistance claim.
2️⃣ THE JURY RECEIVED AN INCORRECT INSTRUCTION
An inaccurate or incomplete jury instruction can become significant when it affects the jury’s understanding of the law.
3️⃣ IMPORTANT EVIDENCE WAS WITHHELD
When the prosecution fails to disclose material favorable evidence, constitutional issues may arise under Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963).
4️⃣ YOUR LAWYER FAILED TO INVESTIGATE
Failure to investigate witnesses, evidence, defenses, or other critical information can raise questions under the Sixth Amendment.
Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984).
5️⃣ YOUR ATTORNEY FAILED TO PROPERLY ADVISE YOU ABOUT A PLEA
Plea decisions are constitutionally significant. In certain circumstances, inadequate advice or investigation can support a claim of ineffective assistance.
Hill v. Lockhart, 474 U.S. 52 (1985).
6️⃣ THE RECORD CONTAINS SOMETHING EVERYONE MISSED
Transcripts, exhibits, discovery, motions, jury instructions, sentencing records, and appellate opinions can sometimes reveal issues that weren’t obvious during the original proceedings.
THE IMPORTANT QUESTION:
Was there an error—and is there still a legal remedy available?
Don’t assume that because a case is old, an appeal was unsuccessful, or a deadline passed that there is nothing left to examine.
Have the record reviewed.
NOAH SANDERS ADVOCACY
Post-Conviction • Criminal Justice Advocacy • Legal Documentation
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Educational information only—not legal advice. No outcome is guaranteed. Laws, deadlines, preservation rules, and available remedies vary by jurisdiction.