Many people know that you can appeal a trial court decision to the appellate court, but very few understand the differences between the two levels of courts. The appellate court is not another opportunity to retry your case, and failure to comprehend the significant differences between trial and appellate court can be devastating for your appeal. At The Appellate Law Firm, our office specializes in the appellate process, and our team of dedicated professionals understands the intricate differences between the trial and appellate courts. For a free consultation of your case, call or contact our office today.
Court Organization
At the trial court level, the court is organized with a single judge and oftentimes a jury. The judge rules on all pretrial motions prior to the trial and adjudicates issues during the trial. The judge or jury listens as the evidence is presented, witnesses testify, and then render a decision for the court. At the appellate level, a tribunal of three appellate justices preside over the case. There is no jury and once the issues are argued, the justices will render their opinion.
Trial Preparation
For the trial level, an attorney will collect all relevant evidence and testimony for the case. Depending on the type of case, this can include police reports, accident reports, medical records, financial records, witness testimony, victim testimony, and any other evidence relevant to proving your case. Each side has an opportunity to argue about whether some evidence should be included or excluded prior to the start of trial. At the appellate level, all of the trial evidence is submitted as part of the record of the court and no new evidence can be collected or submitted for the appeal. All written and oral arguments are derived from what has already happened at the trial level.
Presentation to the Court
During trial, each side has an opportunity to present an opening argument, examine and cross examine witnesses, submit evidence for the judge and jury to consider in the case, and end with a closing argument. For an appeal, each side is given an opportunity to submit a written brief with all of the arguments. Then, each side is provided a brief opportunity for oral arguments before the appellate justices, which is often littered with questions throughout by the tribunal.
Court Decisions
At the trial, the judge or jury renders a verdict in favor of one side or the other in a civil case and either guilty or not guilty in a criminal case. On appeal, the appellate justices have other options. The appeals court can either affirm the decision of the trial court, reverse the decision, or rule on a specific aspect of the law and remand the case back to the trial court.
Talk to Our Office Now
For more information on the differences between trial and appellate court as well as why you should hire an experienced appellate law attorney for your case, call or contact The Appellate Law Firm today.