Department of Public Advocacy Post-Trial Division (Kentucky)

Kentucky's Department of Public Advocacy runs a Post-Trial Division that handles cases after trial. Its Appeals Branch represents adults and youthful offenders on direct appeal from a criminal conviction, in cases ranging from capital matters to minor felonies and occasionally misdemeanors where discretionary review was granted; the page explains that a direct appeal is limited to issues raised at trial or hearing and is decided on the pleadings and argument without new evidence, and directs people needing help with a direct appeal to call the Appeals Branch at (502) 564-8006. The Post-Conviction Branch represents indigent adults and youthful offenders across all 120 Kentucky counties who are collaterally attacking convictions, where the court can take new evidence; typical claims include ineffective assistance of trial counsel, denial of discovery and newly discovered evidence, and the branch also handles inmate discipline and sex offender treatment issues. The division also includes the Juvenile Post-Disposition Branch. Main office: 5 Mill Creek Park, Frankfort.