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We help attorneys, clients, or individuals file criminal appeals quickly and accurately, saving time and money.

Understanding Criminal Appeals

Losing at the trial level in criminal court can be devastating. Filing an appeal is a chance to correct significant errors, whether they be procedural or substantive.

It is important to understand that an appeal is not a new trial. An appeal simply affords the losing party in the trial court an opportunity for a higher court to review, reverse, and/or remand any “reversible” error made by a lower court.

We understand the profound grief and disappointment that strikes when a criminal defendant is found guilty and faces incarceration, fines or both. As appellate attorneys, we offer sound advice as to the legal rights of the defendant and the steps that must be taken to appeal the adverse decision.

We know the rules of appellate procedure. We will work closely with you to formulate and submit a persuasive opening brief to the higher court.

The Criminal Appeals Process

Contact us today to begin appealing a wrongful conviction or unjust civil court ruling.

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Our Process

1

Notice of Appeals

Once a judgment has been entered, and the decision to appeal has been made, we prepare the formal notice of appeal and ensure that all of the required fees are paid.

2

Record on Appeal

The court of appeals will ask the appellant to designate the paperwork that is necessary to support the legal arguments for the appeal. Failure to file this timely and accurately will cause delays or, worse, a dismissal. We take care that every document is filed on time and with all the necessary information.

3

Motions and Oral Arguments

If there are problems with the appeal or an oral argument needs to be presented, Mr. Parker can handle these items for you. Once the final decision is rendered by the court of appeal, we can assess whether there are any further remedies to pursue, such as reconsideration in the appeal court or petition for review to the supreme court.

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The Appellate Law Firm is committed to helping clients seek justice.

Below are some noteworthy appeals that the attorneys of The Appellate Law firm have drafted. Every case is unique and these prior results do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

Noteable Cases

In The Matter Of The Personal Restraint Of Ali, PUBLISHED CASE, No. 95578-6, Washington Supreme Court (September 17, 2020): The Washington Supreme Court Held That Houston-Sconiers Constitutes A Significant And Material Change In The Law That Requires Retroactive Application. The Court Determined That Petitioner Established Actual And Substantial Prejudice And Remanded The Case Back To Superior Court For Resentencing. This Case Established A Time Bar Exception For Incarcerated Defendants Who Were Under 18 At The Time Of Their Alleged Crime To Petition For Resentencing If They Can Establish That Youth Was Not Considered At Sentencing.

State V. Faghihi, No. B296826, California Court Of Appeal, 2nd District, Division 1 (August 21, 2020): Successfully Defended Respondent Against An Appeal Of A Restraining Order Imposed Against Appellant. The Court Of Appeal Concluded That The Record Overwhelmingly Supported Granting Respondent’s Request For A Permanent Restraining Order.

State V. Loughbom, PUBLISHED CASE, No. 97443-8, Washington Supreme Court (August 20, 2020): The Washington Supreme Court Reversed The Court Of Appeals And Remanded For The Petitioner To Have A New Trial. The Washington Supreme Court Held That The State’s Framing Of Petitioner’s Prosecution As Representative Of The War On Drugs Denied Petitioner A Fair Trial And Constitutes Reversible Error.

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Washington State Court Criminal Appeals

The Washington Court of Appeals has three divisions: in Seattle (Division I), Tacoma (Division II), and Spokane (Division III). Similar to California courts, you are able to file an appeal in Washington after a case judgment has been officially entered by the court judge and county clerk. If you plan to appeal a case, the notice must be filed within 30 days of the entry of judgment.

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You have the following appeal deadlines in Washington courts:

Generally a notice of appeal must be filed in the trial court within the longer of 30 days after the entry of the decision of the trial court that the party filing the notice wants reviewed or the time provided in section 5.2 (e). In some circumstances, the statute specifically governs the time period to file and in those circumstances, the notice of appeal must be filed within the statutory time period.
discretionary review must be filed within a time period other than 30 days after entry of the decision to which the motion is directed, the number of days after the entry of the order deciding the motion established by the statute for initiating review. The motions to which this rule applies are a motion for arrest of judgment under CrR 7.4, a motion for new trial under CrR 7.5, a motion for judgment as a matter of law under CR 50(b), a motion to amend findings under CR 52(b), a motion for reconsideration or new trial under CR 59, and a motion for amendment of judgment under CR 59.
discretionary review must be filed within a time period other than 30 days after entry of the decision, the notice required by these rules must be filed within the time period established by the statute.

California State Court Criminal Appeals

In California, you are able to file a Notice of Appeal when the judgment has been signed and deemed “Filed” by the superior court judge and court clerk. This is the official entry of judgment. (You can also file an appeal from certain interim orders that are deemed immediately appealable or a petition for writ of mandate from those orders that are not appealable.)

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You have the following appeal deadlines in California courts:

  • 60 days after you receive a mailed notice that your judgment has been filed
  • 180 days after the formal entry of judgment

You cannot ask for more time to file an appeal; if your notice to appeal is not within deadline, it will be dismissed.

discretionary review must be filed within a time period other than 30 days after entry of the decision, the notice required by these rules must be filed within the time period established by the statute.

Contact us today and begin the process of appealing a wrongful conviction or unjust civil court ruling.

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Hire an Attorney Focused on Appeals

Appeals are time-sensitive, complicated, and take a significant amount of legal research, time, and money. A mistake in procedure or failing to meet the proper deadlines will very likely lead to the dismissal of your appeal. Contact the Appellate Law Firm to work with an attorney focused on appeals. We take into account your version of the events and will diligently review the transcript of the proceeding to determine what issues will provide the best chance of a favorable outcome from the higher courts.

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