A significant new post-conviction relief petition has been filed to challenge Derek Chauvin’s murder conviction. The petition, submitted by attorney Greg Joseph, departs from previous procedural appeals by focusing on substantive legal issues, including alleged prosecutorial misconduct and false testimony during the trial. This legal action highlights claims regarding the initial medical examiner’s assessment and, if successful, could potentially vacate Chauvin’s conviction, securing a new trial and impacting the cases of the other officers involved.
Story Highlights
- Attorney Greg Joseph files a significant post-conviction relief petition challenging Derek Chauvin’s conviction.
- The petition highlights alleged false testimony and prosecutorial misconduct during Chauvin’s trial.
- This case marks a shift from previous appeals, focusing on substantial legal issues rather than procedural arguments.
- The petition could potentially reopen the case, affecting the convictions of other involved officers.
Legal Grounds for Petition
In November 2025, attorney Greg Joseph filed a post-conviction relief petition in Minnesota appellate courts, challenging Derek Chauvin’s conviction. This petition focuses on alleged prosecutorial misconduct and false testimony, marking a substantive challenge distinct from previous appeals. Legal observers note this petition is well-constructed, building on prior work by attorney Chris Madel, who exposed alleged false testimony regarding restraint techniques used on George Floyd.
The petition specifically challenges the credibility of testimony and prosecutorial conduct, rather than procedural or venue-based arguments. Central to the allegations is the conduct of Medical Examiner Andrew Baker, whose early assessment reportedly showed no evidence of homicide or lethal injuries. These claims, if proven, could undermine public confidence in the trial’s integrity and reopen the case.
Implications of the Petition
Should the petition succeed, it could establish precedent regarding prosecutorial misconduct in high-profile cases, influencing how courts evaluate such claims. Additionally, a successful petition could also affect the convictions of the other three officers involved in Floyd’s death. The broader implications include potential shifts in public trust in the criminal justice system and ongoing discussions about police accountability and reform.
The case remains pivotal in national conversations about police conduct and accountability. Developments in this petition could have significant ramifications not only for Chauvin but also for broader standards evaluating prosecutorial misconduct in high-profile cases.
Next Steps and Reactions
Currently, the petition is under review by the Minnesota appellate courts. The outcome will depend on whether the courts find merit in Joseph’s allegations of judicial and prosecutorial abuses, as well as violations of the officers’ civil rights. If the petition is successful, it could result in vacating Chauvin’s conviction and obtaining a new trial.
While the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Chauvin’s appeal in November 2023, this latest legal action has reignited debates over the original trial’s integrity. The petition’s focus on prosecutorial misconduct and false testimony represents a shift from earlier appeals, which primarily emphasized venue and pre-trial publicity issues.
Watch the report: Derek Chauvin Sentenced For Murder In Death Of George Floyd | NBC News
Sources:
Police1 – Derek Chauvin Update
Wikipedia – Trial of Derek Chauvin
American Thinker – Serious Challenge to Derek Chauvin’s Conviction
Hogan Lovells – Minnesota Court of Appeals Upholds Murder Conviction