The appeal process allows individuals to challenge the decision of the trial court and seek a review of the case by a higher court. The option to appeal a conviction is available in almost every case. However, individuals need to make sure they have proper grounds for...
Appeals
Is it over now? What to do next after a criminal conviction
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...
Why you should not give up after a wrongful conviction
The criminal justice system has sent innocent people behind bars. One man in particular, John Huffington, received two convictions for two murders he did not commit. The prosecutors of his case relied on expert testimony based on a scientifically unreliable analysis....
4 essential components of a criminal conviction appeal
When an individual faces a criminal conviction, the legal battle is far from over. The process of appealing a criminal conviction is complex and demanding, requiring careful consideration of several key elements. 1. Grounds for appeal The foundation of any criminal...
Can I appeal my parental rights termination?
Having your child was likely life changing, and losing your kids was equally as impactful. And, if your parental rights were terminated in Maryland, you likely want to know whether you can appeal that decision. Generally, the answer is yes, but you must do so within...
The Right to Fair and Impartial Judges on Appeal: Belton
Last week, the Supreme Court of Maryland issued the much-anticipated decision concerning appellate impartiality in Belton v. State, No. 8, September Term 2022. Who knew that, when this case was appealed to the Appellate Court of Maryland on a single, straightforward...
Boundless at the Trial Level, Toothless on Appeal: Maryland’s Law on Sentencing.
A few weeks ago, our Editor-in-Chief, Steve Klepper, wrote a piece entitled “Mental Illness and Maryland’s Toothless Review of Criminal Sentences” regarding the unreported decision, Robbins v. State. In Robbins (Nazarian, J.), the Court lamented, in dicta, about the...
Reasons to pursue an appeal after your criminal conviction
After receiving a criminal conviction in Maryland, you may have the option to pursue an appeal. An appeal provides an opportunity to challenge the outcome of your case based on legal grounds. This article examines various reasons why individuals may choose to seek an...
Police, prosecutors and custodial informants
If you have a basic familiarity with the criminal justice system, you are probably aware that police and prosecutors both tend to represent the interests of the state. Their jobs are essentially to be the enforcers of the law and the adversaries of those who would...
How does the federal appeals process work?
Most of the time, when a defendant loses a federal criminal case, that person can appeal the decision to the Federal Court of Appeals. Cases then proceed through the appeals process until the court reaches a final decision. How does the federal appeals process work?...