A criminal conviction can often seem like a devastating result. It does not, however, need to be the end of the road. Even after a conviction, there is still a chance to fight for your innocence through criminal appeals. The process is complex, and the journey might take time, but it is worth taking your chance.
What is an appeal?
An appeal allows you to review and challenge the outcome of the case. However, it is not as simple as saying you did not like the result. The appeal must be based on legal grounds. It can be because the court made mistakes, or the evidence was insufficient. Violating the defendant’s constitutional right can also be grounds for an appeal.
Note that no new evidence is presented to the court in an appeal. It focuses on reviewing existing evidence that led to the current decision.
A person convicted of a crime is automatically entitled to file an appeal with the assistance of a lawyer. Your lawyer will organize the records available, evaluate them, and write a brief to convince the court that there were errors in the trial.
Winning the appeal
The appeal process is mostly conducted through paperwork. It involves presenting and submitting written briefs to the court, followed by a waiting game for the court decision. Sometimes, the court requests to hear oral arguments before finalizing their decision. This physical appearance usually takes 10-15 minutes.
When the judgment is reversed, it usually means that there will be a new trial or that there will be modifications to the initial decision.
Filing an appeal is like a light at the end of a tunnel. It is a beam of hope that could uplift your helpless feeling. Finding the right lawyer to fight for you is a valuable aspect of this long journey.