Appellate Law Services:

Criminal Appeals - Representation for clients seeking to overturn criminal convictions, focusing on identifying legal errors and advocating for a fair outcome.

Civil Appeals - Legal assistance for individuals and businesses pursuing or defending against appeals in civil cases, aiming to correct trial court errors and achieve a just resolution.

Administrative Appeals - Challenging decisions made by government agencies through administrative appeals, ensuring that your rights are upheld in regulatory and administrative matters.

Post-Conviction Relief - Filing petitions for post-conviction relief to address issues such as ineffective assistance of counsel, newly discovered evidence, or constitutional violations.

Appellate Brief Writing - Expert preparation of appellate briefs, presenting compelling legal arguments to higher courts in support of your appeal.

Oral Arguments - Skilled representation during oral arguments, effectively communicating your case to appellate judges and advocating for the reversal or modification of lower court decisions.

What is appellate law and how can it help me?

Appellate law focuses on the review of lower court decisions by higher courts. If you believe that a legal error occurred during your trial or that the outcome was unjust, appellate law provides an opportunity to challenge the decision. Appeals are not retrials, but rather a process where an appellate court reviews the trial court’s application of the law to determine if any legal mistakes were made that could have affected the outcome.

Appellate law can help correct errors, achieve justice, and potentially reverse or modify a lower court’s decision. Whether you’re seeking to overturn a criminal conviction, challenge a civil judgment, or address an administrative ruling, our experienced appellate attorneys can guide you through the complexities of the appellate process. The Law Offices of Sears and Sears P.C. is dedicated to providing thorough and effective appellate representation to ensure that your rights are protected and that justice is served.

How does the appeals process work?

The appeals process begins after a final decision has been made in a trial court. If you believe the decision was based on a legal error, you have the right to file an appeal. The first step is to file a notice of appeal within a specified time frame. The appellate court will then review the trial court’s record, including transcripts and evidence, to determine whether any legal errors occurred.

Both sides will submit written briefs outlining their arguments, and in some cases, oral arguments may be presented before the appellate judges. The appellate court will then issue a written decision, which could affirm, reverse, or modify the lower court’s decision, or remand the case back to the trial court for further proceedings. Our firm is experienced in navigating the appeals process and will work diligently to present a strong case on your behalf.

What are my chances of success on appeal?

The success of an appeal depends on various factors, including the strength of the legal arguments, the presence of significant errors in the trial court, and the standard of review applied by the appellate court. It’s important to understand that appeals are generally more difficult to win than trials, as appellate courts give deference to the original trial court’s findings.

However, with the right legal strategy and thorough preparation, an appeal can be successful. Our appellate attorneys will carefully evaluate the specifics of your case, identify potential grounds for appeal, and advise you on the likelihood of success. If you have a strong basis for an appeal, we will work tirelessly to advocate for your rights and pursue a favorable outcome.