Criminal Appeals
If you’re reading this, it probably means you or a loved one have been convicted of a crime. Now you want to appeal. You came to the right place. We’ve handled hundreds of appeals, from first degree murder convictions (M1) to simple misdemeanors.
In a “direct appeal,” a defendant is showing an appellate court that he or she did not receive a fair trial. When we appeal a case, we look for every possible legal issue. We argue mistakes made by the judge, the prosecutor, and even your own trial lawyer.
Our Process
- We review your trial attorney’s file, the court file, the transcripts, and perform an investigation as needed.
- We research the latest developments in the law on the appellate issues we discovered.
- We meet with you and jointly develop a strategy for the appeal.
- Finally, we write a convincing legal argument (called a “brief”), explaining why you were wrongfully convicted or why you are entitled to other relief. The client always has final say on what is filed in court.
- After the Commonwealth files its brief we then “argue” your appeal to a panel of appellate court judges in Boston.
Get Help
With Your Criminal Appeal.
What’s a Post-Conviction Motion?
A post-conviction motion is typically a Rule 30 Motion for New Trial, or a Rule 29 Motion to Revise and Revoke. In a motion for new trial, a defendant is going back to the trial judge to ask for a new trial (or to withdraw a guilty plea) in the interests of justice. In a Motion to Revise and Revoke, a defendant is just asking the judge to change the sentence. If either of these motions is denied, a defendant can appeal to an appellate court. A Superior Court sentence can also be challenged in a sentencing appeal to the Appellate Division of the Superior Court.
Client's Testimonial
I just want to say thank you; my family and I really appreciate the time and dedication you’re putting into my case; I am grateful beyond words and can’t emphasize enough how much I am in debt to you. My last lawyer seemed to give up towards the end of my trial, but you seem like a whole other caliber in comparison. – Jose