Criminal Appeals Attorneys in Austin
Ensuring You Received a Fair Trial
Being convicted of an offense might not be the final decision in your case. You have the right to challenge the judgment and potentially have it reversed or a new trial ordered. The process is called an appeal, and it requires presenting an argument that states an error occurred during the initial proceedings that resulted in a guilty verdict. At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, our attorneys are here to guide you through the complexities involved in getting the court’s judgment overturned. Backed by extensive legal experience, we know how to develop compelling briefs to present to the appellate court reviewing your case.
Schedule a free consultation today by calling us at (512) 359-3743 or contacting us online.
The Grounds for an Appeal
When you appeal a decision, you might not be requesting a new trial[JT1]. Instead, you are asking a higher court to review a lower court’s judgment in light of an issue that occurred. Because an appeal is not the same thing as a trial, you cannot present any new evidence or witnesses to support your assertions. The appellate court’s determination is based on the testimony and evidence admitted at trial and on a brief you submit that states your claims, includes legal arguments, and refers to relevant case law.
An appeal must be based on legal or procedural errors, such as:
- Constitutional violations
- Misinterpreting or misapplying the law
- Improperly instructing jurors
- Permitting inadmissible evidence
- Providing ineffective defense counsel
- Allowing prosecutor misconduct
- Wrongdoing committed by jurors
Our attorneys are skilled at crafting persuasive briefs, accurately showing that your Constitutional rights were violated or that something occurred during trial that should not have.
Reach Out to Us for a Free Consultation
At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we are committed to protecting the rights of individuals convicted of an offense. If you were found guilty, contact us as soon as possible so we can get started on your appeals case. Our Austin attorneys will answer your questions about the process and help you understand what to expect. When you hire us, we will thoroughly review the trial court’s transcript and relevant case law to develop a cogent brief to challenge the judgment or sentencing you received.
For dedicated and fierce representation, call us at (512) 359-3743 or contact us online.
[JT1]This is not quite right. A new trial is among the most common remedies requested on appeal.
