Appeals are a complicated and highly technical legal process. Most trial lawyers never handle an appeal and know little about how to handle one.
A successful appeal depends on a strong and convincing argument. An Atlanta criminal appeals attorney analyzes everything that occurred during your original trial to determine if there are grounds for an appeal.
Experienced in the Appellate Courts of Georgia
An experienced Georgia appeals lawyer will be able to frame your case for an appellate judge in such a way that the court will review your conviction differently. This can include challenging the evidence introduced during the original trial, or arguing that there was procedural error.
In federal criminal cases, it’s even more important to have an attorney who has experience in the appellate courts. There are many complex technical rules and requirements involved in federal appeals, and a Georgia criminal attorney who doesn’t understand these can miss crucial deadlines or make other mistakes that can ruin your chances of winning an appeal.
If you’re not successful in the Georgia Court of Appeals, there’s still a chance that the next highest court, the United States Supreme Court, may grant permission to take your case on certiorari. However, this is an incredibly rare occurrence and should not be assumed. If your lawyer is not familiar with this process, they will likely have no experience with it at all.
Expertise in Criminal Appeals
The appeals process is complex and not a primary focus of many criminal defense lawyers. If you are convicted of a crime in Georgia and have an opportunity to appeal, you want a lawyer who knows what it takes to win an appeal. Your attorney will need to frame the case for your appellate judge and write a persuasive brief.
In the criminal case, an appeal is a request for justices of the state court of appeals to review your case. They are looking for legal errors that may have had a direct impact on your outcome in the original trial. This includes rulings made by your judge, prosecutors, and jurors. Other grounds for a criminal appeal include misconduct by the prosecutor or jury, and a failure to disclose exculpatory evidence like tainted documents or coerced testimony. If you lose your appeal at the state court of appeals, you can petition the Supreme Court to hear your case.
Expertise in Civil Appeals
A conviction in a civil case doesn’t mean your life is over, especially when you have grounds for an appeal. An experienced Georgia appellate attorney will know how to deconstruct your case to find a legal avenue through which you can challenge the original decision.
In most cases, an appeal is not a new trial, but rather a request for justices to review the original case and determine whether egregious errors occurred that substantially affected the outcome of your case. Your lawyer will submit a written argument, known as a brief, and may be called to present oral arguments in front of the justices.
Winning an appeal takes a lot of research and skills, but working with a non-appellate lawyer could lead to missed steps, mistakes, and errors that impact the final decision. Choose a law firm that specializes in appellate litigation to get the most out of your case. The attorneys at Stembridge Taylor have the experience and expertise you need to succeed on an appeal.
Expertise in Personal Injury Appeals
The expertise of a personal injury appeal lawyer is vital in ensuring that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. This includes covering immediate expenses such as medical bills, as well as long-term costs like rehabilitation and diminished earning capacity.
A successful appeal requires a strong legal strategy and a thorough knowledge of your state’s laws. Your attorney can help you identify any errors made during your trial and craft legal arguments that will increase your chances of overturning the verdict.
Remember, an appeal is not a do-over of your trial. When you file an appeal, your attorney will submit a written statement, known as a brief, to the higher court. The justices will then review the case and if necessary, may call you in for oral arguments. An experienced appeals attorney can ensure that the trial records are complete so that you have a strong chance of winning your appeal. Contact experienced Appeal Lawyers in Georgia today to discuss your case.