Arizona Rule 32 Post-Conviction Relief Explained

After 2020, Arizona split PCR practice into two rules: Rule 32 covers plea convictions, Rule 33 covers trial convictions. Both share the same grounds for relief but apply different deadlines and preclusion rules.

Ineffective assistance of counsel, newly discovered material facts, a significant retroactive change in the law, an illegal sentence, or actual innocence by clear and convincing evidence.

Of-right Rule 32 must be initiated within 90 days of sentencing. Successive petitions must be filed promptly after the new claim becomes known. Miss the deadline without a Rule 32.4(b)(3) excuse and your petition is precluded.

Ineffective-assistance claims require both deficient performance and prejudice — that is, a reasonable probability of a different outcome but for counsel's errors.

See our post-conviction relief page or call 623-335-4014.