What is the test for a defendant to argue that a prior conviction was unconstitutionally obtained?

MultiRegion, United States of America

The following excerpt is from U.S. v. Bocage, 15 F.3d 1090 (9th Cir. 1994):

"[T]he Constitution requires that defendants be given the opportunity to collaterally attack prior convictions which will be used against them at sentencing." United States v. Vea-Gonzales, 999 F.2d 1326, 1333 (9th Cir.1993). The government bears the burden of showing the fact of a prior conviction, and then the burden shifts to the defendant to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the prior conviction was unconstitutionally obtained. United States v. Newman, 912 F.2d 1119, 1122 (9th Cir.1990).

Other Questions


Does a defendant have a burden of establishing that his prior convictions are unconstitutional? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Are there any cases where the Supreme Court has found that criminal convictions for common law crimes against individuals who have not been convicted of criminal convictions are sufficient grounds for criminal convictions? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Under what circumstances will a defendant not yet convicted, under the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause, not to be punished prior to conviction? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Can a sentencing court enhance the sentence of a defendant convicted of a drug offence under section 841(a) on the basis of a prior felony drug conviction? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Is a defendant convicted for violating Section 2252A of the Criminal Code subject to an enhanced sentence if he has a prior sexual abuse conviction? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Does a defendant's right to a jury trial extend to the factual determination of whether that defendant has suffered a prior conviction? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the burden of proof when a defendant neither affirms nor denies an alleged prior conviction? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Is a Minister's delegate erred by misapplying the so-called "two-part test" in determining that a convicted criminal must be convicted of certain crimes and that the convicted person is or will be a danger to the public? (Canada (Federal), Canada)
Can a defendant challenge his conviction for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice by challenging the sufficiency of evidence to support his conviction? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Does a defendant have a prior conviction for sexual assault under section 13.1650 of the California Criminal Code? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.