When you have been convicted of a crime, it is important to work with an experienced attorney who understands appeals. A good appeal lawyer can help you resolve your case faster and better than trying to do it on your own.
Georgia criminal appeal attorneys can review your trial court documents and determine whether you should have a new trial or resentencing hearing. They can also identify egregious errors in trial procedures that may have led to an unfair conviction or sentence.
Experience
Appeals of convictions are a key part of the criminal defense process. These appeals involve a written brief submitted by the defendant’s attorney, which argues that a mistake was made during the trial that resulted in their conviction.
A successful appeal depends on the lawyer’s ability to frame the case in a way that convinces the judge that it should be overturned. Identifying errors and framing them into a compelling case is an art that requires experience.
For this reason, it is critical to work with a lawyer who has extensive appellate experience. Unfortunately, most attorneys do not have this expertise. Appellate practice is a very technical and challenging area of law.
Knowledge
Appeals lawyers in Georgia must have a deep understanding of the criminal justice system and the laws that govern them. They must also be skilled in presenting your case to the appellate court through effective evidence and convincing arguments.
An appeal is an opportunity for you to challenge a ruling by a trial court that may have negatively affected the outcome of your case. This may be on the grounds of a legal mistake committed by the trial court, or it could be the result of evidence that did not support the verdict in your case.
In Georgia, the process of appealing a criminal conviction usually involves sending a document known as a notice of appeal to the appellate court. This notice must be filed within 30 days of the court’s decision on your case.
Expertise
When you are facing a criminal conviction, it’s vital to work with an attorney who understands the appeals process. Having an appeal lawyer who is not experienced in this area of law could mean missing important steps or making mistakes that would impact your freedom.
Appellate attorneys have specialized skills that are essential for winning an appeal, and they often spend considerable time crafting an argument that will be persuasive to the Court of Appeals. They have an extensive knowledge of Georgia laws and how the lower court came to its decision in your case.
Appellate lawyers are also capable of filing relief from judgment, also known as “relief not withstanding verdict” (JNOV), in cases where the trial court made an error that led to the conviction. This is especially useful when a defendant discovers new evidence that may have changed the outcome of the trial, such as DNA evidence or other significant findings.
Reputation
An appeal is the next step in a criminal case after a conviction or sentencing. It involves asking an appeals court to review your trial record and decide if there were any legal errors that caused the lower court to make a wrong decision.
An experienced Georgia appeals lawyer from Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson can help you identify the right grounds for your case. They can also help you craft a compelling argument and win an appealing decision in your favor.
When it comes to appellate law, the most important part of any appeal is thoroughly preparing the case. An attorney can’t just show up at the court and file a paper; he or she must be prepared to deliver the goods in written briefs and oral arguments.
