What occurs if a defendant attacks their conviction through a habeas corpus proceeding?

In a habeas corpus proceeding, the primary focus is on reviewing the legality of the defendant's detention. This legal action allows individuals in custody to challenge the lawfulness of their imprisonment, typically arguing that their detention violates constitutional rights. The court examines whether the individual is being held in accordance with the law, and if not, it may order their release.

While the other choices present relevant concepts about criminal proceedings and appeals, they do not accurately capture the specific purpose and outcome of a habeas corpus proceeding. For example, retrials and immediate reversals of convictions are distinct legal processes that do not pertain directly to the intent or typical outcomes of a habeas corpus challenge. Instead, the essence of habeas corpus is to evaluate the validity of the detention itself, making it a crucial tool in protecting against unlawful confinement.