POSTVERDICTS LAW LIBRARY
What Records Should You Gather for a Post-Conviction Case?
A reliable post-conviction review begins with the record. The most useful collection usually includes documents showing what happened, what claims were raised, what courts decided, and when each event occurred.
General educational information only. Not legal advice.
Important terms
The docket sheet lists filings, hearings, orders, and judgment entries in chronological order.
Transcripts are written records of hearings, trial, plea proceedings, and sentencing.
Discovery is evidence and information exchanged or disclosed before trial; it is not always filed on the public court docket.
Why it can matter
Start with the charging instrument, plea or trial materials, verdict, judgment, sentencing documents, appellate briefs and opinions, mandates, prior post-conviction filings, and every order deciding them.
Depending on the issues, also gather counsel correspondence and files, investigator notes, expert reports, police reports, laboratory records, exhibits, witness statements, plea offers, prison mail logs, and proof of filing dates. Preserve originals and work from copies when possible.
Limits to keep in mind
Not every record will be available from the same source. Court clerks, former counsel, appellate counsel, records agencies, and family files may hold different parts.
Public-record laws, confidentiality rules, protective orders, retention schedules, and copying fees vary. A records request does not pause a legal deadline.