Criminal Appeal Attorney Los Angeles
Criminal appeals in Los Angeles are time-sensitive and often involve focused legal issues. Make sure you have the right attorney to represent your case.
What Are Los Angeles Criminal Law Appeals?
In California, the court of appeals is the second level of appellate review. Appeals are an opportunity for those convicted in the lower courts to have their cases reviewed by a higher court. The appeals process reviews a criminal court decision to determine whether the lower court made any errors. Therefore, the appeals process is a fundamental part of the American justice system.
To discuss getting your criminal case appealed, or your court records expunged, contact the Law Office of Christopher Chaney.
What Is a Criminal Appeals Lawyer?
A criminal appeals lawyer assists in the appeals process for defendants convicted of criminal offenses. The appeals process is the second phase of litigation following the trial. The appeals process is not just about defending one’s client’s innocence but also about challenging errors made by the lower court on procedural grounds.
Appealing criminal cases in Los Angeles can be complicated, and many considerations and steps need to be taken before the case is appealed. A skilled appellate attorney will ultimately work within the following parameters to fight for their client.
Qualities of a Good Criminal Appeal Attorney
In general, a good criminal appeal attorney should have the following characteristics:
-
Compassionate
-
Competent
-
Ethical
-
Experienced
-
Meticulous
-
Persistent
Role of a Criminal Appeal Lawyer
Criminal appeal lawyers have the knowledge and experience to represent clients in all levels of state and federal courts. A criminal appeal lawyer’s job is to argue a client’s innocence or for a reduced sentence. They do this by reviewing the trial record, investigating any possible errors that may have occurred during the trial process, and examining any new evidence that might be helpful to their client’s case.
The Law Office of Christopher Chaney handles appeals for the following:
- Assault and battery
- Burglary
- Domestic violence
- Drug offenses
- Homicide
- Misdemeanor offenses
- Probation violations
- Sex crimes
- Theft
If you believe you had ineffective assistance from your initial trial attorney, that may be sufficient reason for your legal team to begin the appeals process.
An experienced criminal defense firm in Los Angeles understands the legal system and how to circumvent the appeals process. The Law Office of Christopher Chaney will do whatever it takes to present your appeal and give you a fighting chance.
How a Los Angeles Appellate Lawyer Can Help You
A criminal appeals attorney can help a convicted defendant weigh their options. A skilled lawyer may provide the following services.
- Look for mistakes made in the pretrial hearings and the trial, such as errors made by the trial lawyer, the former prosecutor, and the judge that may have violated their clients’ rights.
- Assess United States constitutional law and California “case law,” looking for discrepancies that may be useful in an appeal.
- Provide an oral argument that the client is completely or partially innocent of the charges for which they were convicted.
- Seek to get the client released on bail for the duration of the appeal.
Since the details of a case are unique, the appeals process will be, as well. Contact the Law Office of Christopher Chaney for a free consultation.
Best Time to Hire a Criminal Appeal Lawyer
The law is a complicated subject. Legal problems, such as being wrongfully convicted of a crime, might require the assistance of seasoned criminal defense attorneys with appeals experience. The right criminal defense attorney might be able to help you overturn a criminal conviction in Los Angeles, CA.
A criminal law attorney can help you prepare for your hearing and appeal the judgment.
Cost of Hiring a Criminal Appeal Attorney
The cost of hiring a criminal appeal attorney may vary depending on the type of case being appealed, its complexity, and the law firm’s location. Even though hiring a criminal appeal lawyer may seem costly, appeals are complicated. You might only have one chance to appeal your case, which is why it is vital to get it right.
Contact the Law Office of Christopher Chaney to discuss the expense and payment options available to you.
Smart Criminal Appeals Lawyer in Los Angeles
If you have been convicted of a crime and want to appeal your case, a criminal appeals lawyer can help you with the process of appealing your conviction. Convictions can be appealed for many reasons, such as if an accused was not informed of their rights during the trial or new evidence has emerged that exonerates them.
If you need help with this potentially difficult process, talk to an appeals lawyer in Los Angeles. The Law Office of Christopher Chaney can help you determine what type of appeal is right for your case and how it should be structured.
Los Angeles Criminal Appeals Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Up the California Court System?
The California Court of Appeals is one of five state courts collectively called “appellate courts.” These are courts that hear appeals from other courts. In California, the five appellate courts are:
- California Supreme Court (the state’s highest court)
- Courts of Appeal
- Superior Courts
- Municipal Courts
- Juvenile Courts
The appeals process is the last step in the criminal justice system. This means that an appeal is the defendant’s final chance to have their conviction overturned or sentence reduced.
Is Your Appeal Likely to Be Successful?
An appeal in a criminal case usually depends on the charge brought against the person and the evidence against them. For example, if someone is charged with homicide and there is DNA evidence linking them to the crime scene, they may not be able to get off in appeals court.
Therefore, defendants must understand their charges and the evidence against them to decide what course of action to take. Consulting with a criminal appeals lawyer is an excellent initial step.