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How a Criminal Appeals Attorney Can Help You Fight a Conviction

May 7, 2025

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Facing a criminal conviction can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that a conviction does not always mean the end of your legal fight. In many cases, mistakes made during a trial, sentencing errors, or violations of your rights may provide grounds for appeal. That’s where an experienced criminal appeals attorney becomes essential.

At Nave Team, our criminal appeal lawyers specialize in reviewing convictions and pursuing justice for clients who deserve another chance.

What Is a Criminal Appeal?

A criminal appeal is a legal process where a higher court reviews the decision of a lower court to determine if legal errors affected the outcome of a case. Unlike a trial, an appeal does not involve new evidence or witnesses—it’s focused on legal mistakes made during the original proceedings.

The goal of a criminal appeal is to:

  • Reverse a wrongful conviction
  • Reduce an unfair sentence
  • Secure a new trial

What Does a Criminal Appeals Attorney Do?

A criminal appeals lawyer plays a crucial role in navigating this complex process. They will:

  • Analyze trial records and transcripts for errors
  • Research case law and legal precedents
  • Draft detailed appellate briefs and arguments
  • Present oral arguments before appellate judges
  • Advocate for reduced sentences, retrials, or dismissed charges

Appealing a criminal conviction requires a different skill set than trial lawyering, making it critical to hire a lawyer who specializes in criminal appeals.

When Should You Hire a Criminal Appeals Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a criminal appeals attorney immediately after a conviction or sentencing. Appeals are time-sensitive, and strict deadlines (often within 30 days) apply for filing a notice of appeal.

The sooner you engage an attorney, the better your chances of preserving your rights.

Federal Criminal Appeals

If you were convicted in a federal court, the stakes are even higher. A federal criminal appeal involves complex procedures and strict standards. You will need a federal criminal appeal lawyer who understands how to navigate federal appellate courts and has experience handling serious criminal matters at that level.

The Criminal Appeal Process

Here’s a basic outline of the criminal appeal process:

  1. File a Notice of Appeal:
    • Initiates the appeals process; must be filed within a strict time frame.
  2. Review the Trial Record:
    • The attorney reviews transcripts and evidence from the trial for legal errors.
  3. Draft and File the Appellate Brief:
    • A detailed written argument outlining the errors and legal reasons for overturning the conviction.
  4. Oral Arguments:
    • Attorneys for both sides present arguments before the appellate court.
  5. Appellate Court Decision:
    • The court may affirm, reverse, modify, or remand the case for a new trial.

Working with a skilled criminal defense appeal attorney significantly improves the odds of a favorable outcome.

Why Choose the Nave Team for Your Criminal Appeal?

At Nave Team, we offer:

  • Extensive Appellate Experience: Our criminal appeals attorneys have a strong track record of successfully challenging wrongful convictions and excessive sentences.
  • Focused Legal Strategy: Every case is carefully analyzed to identify the strongest grounds for appeal.
  • Passionate Advocacy: We are committed to protecting your rights and pursuing every available legal option on your behalf.

If you’re searching for criminal appeal attorneys or appeal lawyers for criminal cases, we are ready to fight for you.

FAQs About Criminal Appeals

Q: What is a criminal appeal?
A: A criminal appeal asks a higher court to review a lower court’s decision for legal mistakes that may have affected the outcome.

Q: How long do I have to file a criminal appeal?
A: Deadlines vary by jurisdiction, but typically you must file a notice of appeal within 30 days of the conviction or sentencing.

Q: What is the difference between a criminal defense lawyer and a criminal appeals lawyer?
A: A criminal defense lawyer handles trials; a criminal appeals lawyer focuses on challenging convictions through legal arguments in appellate courts.

Q: Can I appeal a federal criminal conviction?
A: Yes. If convicted in federal court, you have the right to appeal, but you’ll need a skilled federal criminal appeal lawyer experienced in federal procedures.

Q: Can an appeal result in a new trial?
A: Yes. If the appellate court finds significant errors, it may order a new trial, modify the sentence, or dismiss the charges entirely.

Conclusion

If you’ve been convicted of a crime, don’t lose hope. The appeals process offers a critical opportunity to correct legal mistakes and seek justice. At Nave Team, our experienced criminal appeals attorneys are ready to review your case and fight tirelessly for your future.

Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our trusted criminal appeal lawyers—your second chance starts now.

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