Federal 2255 Motion Attorney
Your federal criminal case is not over just because the judge has imposed a sentence. You may still have the opportunity to challenge your conviction, reduce your sentence, or be released from prison altogether. If you have been convicted of a crime in federal court, but believe that your sentence was imposed unfairly or that your constitutional rights were violated during the process, a 2255 motion offers a potential remedy. Under federal code 18 U.S.C. § 2255, an incarcerated person may claim that they have the right to be released either because of a Constitutional violation, the court did not have the authority to impose such a sentence, or the sentence was unlawfully excessive.
In such instances, you may file a 2255 motion to vacate, set aside, or correct the sentence. Essentially, it’s a chance to challenge the legality of your conviction or sentence after the fact. With the guidance of an experienced Federal 2255 Motion Lawyer, you can navigate this complex process and work towards achieving a fairer outcome.
The best way to appeal your verdict or sentence is to hire a lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us today to discuss how we can help your case.
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Testimonials from Our Clients
Maybel G.
Jess is known for his meticulous and strategic work style. At his firm, there is a culture of excellence and client focused dedication that is unmatched. He is very thorough during the entire legal process and always finds a way to solve client problems.
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Lyle Cartwright
Jess Johnson is the perfect attorney to overcome serious legal charges! He is very approachable & will use his expertise to give you the best criminal legal defense possible and I know this from personal experience. When you’re going through the scariest period in your life, you need the best lawyer on your side. I give him my highest recommendation!
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The Filing Process
The process for filing a 2255 motion can be complex. You need to present compelling legal arguments and evidence to support your claim. This is where having skilled legal representation, such as Johnson/Citronberg, becomes invaluable. Our attorneys specialize in navigating the intricacies of federal law. We know how to craft persuasive motions and present them effectively to the court. From conducting thorough legal research to building a compelling case strategy, we will represent you every step of the way.
An ineffective assistance of counsel motion is very difficult to win because in order to convince the court that your lawyer’s work led to a constitutional violation, you must prove both that their performance fell below an objective standard of reasonableness and that the case would have otherwise ended differently.With the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, you can carefully evaluate your case and determine if this motion is a viable path to challenge your conviction.
One of the most common 2255 motions is based on the claim that the defendant’s Sixth Amendment constitutional right to counsel was violated through “ineffective assistance of counsel.” If you feel like your trial lawyer did not fairly represent you, let you down, or forced you to plead guilty, you should look into moving to vacate your sentence or conviction.
Courts generally must grant defendants a hearing unless the evidence conclusively shows that they would not be entitled to relief. If your motion raises legitimate issues that warrant further review, the court may grant you a hearing to present your case. If the court finds in your favor, it could result in your sentence being vacated, a new trial being granted, or other remedies to correct the injustice.
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Federal 2255 Motion Case Results
Pilot Found Not Guilty in Major Federal Drug Conspiracy Case
Our client was a pilot and retired military officer. He was accused of knowingly transporting a large quantity of cocaine from southern Texas to Atlanta. If convicted, he likely would have died in prison. We were able to show a jury that our client had no knowledge of the drugs on board his aircraft. The jury returned a not guilty verdict in less than an hour of deliberating.
Federal Judge in Eastern District of Virginia Gives Lowest Possible Sentence to Autistic Client
Our client, a federal employee, was convicted of federal child pornography charges. Based on his autism diagnosis, we convinced a federal judge to give the lowest sentence possible.
Time-Served Sentence in Major Federal Drug Conspiracy Case in Atlanta
Our client was facing life in prison after being charged in a wide-sweeping drug conspiracy case in the Northern District of Georgia. We were able to show that our client was abused by her husband and forced to ingest drugs, which led her becoming addicted. The judge determined that her culpability was the least of the many who were charged and granted our request for a sentence of ‘time-served’ which means no additional jail time. Our client was able to go home to her children the same day that she was sentenced.
Dismissal of Child Pornography Charges in Richmond, Virginia for Autistic Client
Our client, a working professional, was charged with distribution of child pornography after law enforcement raided his home. We helped our autistic client and convinced the court to defer all charges for dismissal due to his disability.
Contact Our Lawyers Team to Get Help with 2255 Motion Child Pornography Cases
Time is of the essence when it comes to filing a 2255 motion. There is generally a strict one-year limitation period which begins from the moment your conviction becomes final. Act quickly and do not navigate the complexities of filing a 2255 motion alone.
Contact Johnson/Citronberg today to protect your rights and seek justice on your behalf. We will review your case, identify all possible ways to reduce your sentence, and represent you throughout the process.
Meet Our Attorneys
Jess Johnson
Jess B. Johnson is a Partner & Founder at Johnson/Citronberg, PLLC with more than 15 years of experience in criminal defense and civil litigation. He represents clients in federal courts across the country and is licensed in Georgia, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Jess has handled complex investigations, trials, and appeals for elected officials, business leaders, whistleblowers, and individuals. He has secured dismissals, acquittals, favorable sentences, and major whistleblower awards. A University of Georgia graduate, Jess was selected as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers Magazine every year since 2012.
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Cary Jacob Citronberg
Cary Jacob Citronberg is the Partner and Founder of Johnson/Citronberg, PLLC in Alexandria, Virginia, where he focuses on federal and state criminal defense matters. Licensed in Virginia since 2011, he brings more than 14 years of courtroom experience along with a strong record of advocacy. Cary received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2010 after earning his B.A. from Northwestern University in 2006. His work has been repeatedly recognized by Super Lawyers, with selections as a Rising Star from 2016 through 2021 and to the Super Lawyers list from 2022 through 2025.
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