Federal Appeals Defense
Fighting wrongful convictions • Challenging excessive sentences • Your second chance at justice in the Circuit Courts
Federal Appellate Defense
A federal conviction isn't the end. The appellate process offers a critical opportunity to challenge legal errors, constitutional violations, and excessive sentences. But appeals are complex, with strict deadlines and technical requirements. Success requires attorneys who understand appellate law and can craft persuasive legal arguments.
14-Day Deadline
Notice of appeal must be filed within 14 days of judgment
Legal Issues Only
Appeals focus on legal errors, not factual disputes
Preservation Required
Issues must have been raised at trial to be appealable
Why Appeals Require Specialized Attorneys
Appellate practice is fundamentally different from trial work. It requires exceptional legal research, persuasive writing, and oral advocacy skills. Our appellate attorneys have argued before Circuit Courts nationwide and know how to present complex legal issues effectively.
Federal Appeal Options
Multiple avenues to challenge convictions and sentences.
Direct Appeal
Challenging legal errors, evidentiary rulings, jury instructions, and constitutional violations from trial.
Sentencing Appeals
Challenging guideline calculations, enhancements, departures, and unreasonable sentences.
Ineffective Counsel
28 U.S.C. § 2255 motions for inadequate representation that prejudiced the outcome.
Habeas Corpus
28 U.S.C. § 2241 petitions challenging detention, jurisdiction, or constitutional violations.
Compassionate Release
18 U.S.C. § 3582(c) motions for sentence reduction based on extraordinary circumstances.
Supreme Court
Petitions for certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court for cases of national importance.
Common Grounds for Federal Appeals
Constitutional Violations
Fourth Amendment search and seizure violations, Fifth Amendment self-incrimination, Sixth Amendment right to counsel, and due process violations.
Evidentiary Errors
Improper admission or exclusion of evidence, hearsay violations, expert testimony issues, and prejudicial evidence.
Jury Instructions
Incorrect legal standards, missing elements, burden of proof errors, and confusing or misleading instructions.
Prosecutorial Misconduct
Brady violations, improper closing arguments, witness intimidation, and inflammatory statements.
Insufficient Evidence
Challenging whether evidence was sufficient for rational jury to convict beyond reasonable doubt.
Sentencing Errors
Guideline miscalculations, improper enhancements, failure to consider 3553(a) factors, and procedural errors.
The Federal Appeals Process
Understanding the critical steps and deadlines.
Notice of Appeal
File within 14 days of judgment or miss your chance forever
Briefing
Comprehensive legal arguments in appellant and reply briefs
Oral Argument
Present case to three-judge panel and answer questions
Decision
Affirmed, reversed, remanded, or partially reversed
Lost at Trial? The Fight Isn't Over
Federal appeals have strict deadlines - miss them and lose your rights forever. Our appellate attorneys have successfully overturned convictions and reduced sentences in Circuit Courts nationwide. Don't give up.
Available 24/7 • Free Consultation • Nationwide Appellate Practice