Los Angeles Criminal Appeals Attorney

Were you wrongfully convicted? You have options.

If you were convicted of a crime that you did not commit, or you believe that you are the victim of a miscarriage of justice, it is important to understand that you have options. With the help of a Los Angeles criminal lawyer from Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners, you can seek to have your conviction overturned or your sentence lessened.

Contact our office today to discuss your case in detail.
Our Los Angeles appeals lawyer is ready to put 70+ years of experience to work for you!

The Purpose of Filing a Criminal Appeal

Criminal appeals are essentially a request made to a higher court to review the decision of a lower court. In criminal cases, this is usually done if the defendant or their defense lawyer feels that a mistake affected the outcome of the trial. Mistakes can be made by attorneys, jurors and judges alike, which is why a court's ruling is not necessarily final. An appeal would give the defendant a chance to rectify any such situation.

Some of the mistakes that may be evaluated in appellate court include:

  • Inadmissible evidence being used against the defendant
  • Crucial evidence was wrongfully kept out of the trial
  • The wrong law was applied to the defendant's case
  • An attorney made an inappropriate argument during trial
  • Jurors were confused by the instructions they were given
  • The sentence that was handed down did not fit the crime.

By pursuing a criminal appeal, a convicted individual would have the chance to seek justice—even after damaging mistakes were made during the original trial. If it is discovered that an error has in fact been made, the appellate court may decide to overturn or overrule the lower court's previous decision. If the conviction is reversed, the defendant may have their sentence reduced, or a new trial may be initiated.

How long do I have to file an appeal in California?

In California, you would have 60 days from the time of your conviction to file an appeal. The process would be initiated once a notice of appeal has been filed in the court where you were convicted. After that, a copy of all criminal trial papers and testimony must be gathered and filed with the appropriate court of appeals. If you are interested in filing an appeal, it is highly recommended that you speak with a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles as soon as possible. Time may be running out!

Turn to Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners for Help

The process of filing a criminal appeal in California is complicated and very specialized. It demands appellate expertise on the part of your lawyer, which is why you shouldn't settle for anything less than the experienced legal representation that you need and deserve. When you work with the team at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners, you can trust that your case will be in capable hands. Our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers know that criminal appeals involve extensive research and that these cases often take a year or more.

We are prepared to take all necessary steps on your behalf, including:

  • Filing the notice of appeal in the court where you were convicted
  • Ensuring the transcripts are filed by the court clerk and reporter
  • Preparing the "opening brief," which explains the reason for the appeal
  • Filing a "reply brief" in response to the prosecutor's arguments
  • Arguing your case before three judges in the Court of Appeals.

If your appeal is unsuccessful in the California Court of Appeals, you have the option to take it to the California Supreme Court; however, these cases are rarely accepted (about 125 per year). For this reason, it is advisable that you hire a Los Angeles appeals attorney who can handle your case right the first time. The team at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners can put 70 years of experience to work for you as soon as you give us a call.

Speak with an Appellate Lawyer in Los Angeles, CA

When you come to Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners for help with your appeal, your case will be handled by Kenneth H. Lewis—a respected appellate attorney with more than three decades of experience. Mr. Lewis focuses exclusively on appellate law, and has successfully argued numerous cases before the California Court of Appeals and the California Supreme Court. Find out how he and the rest of the team at our firm can assist you by setting up a free initial consultation today. Your time to file is limited!

Ready to get started? Move quickly to discuss your case with a Los Angeles appeals attorney at our firm. Your initial consultation is free!