{"id":286671,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:08","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/dui\/cases\/dui-appeals.html"},"modified":"2026-05-12T10:08:40","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T15:08:40","slug":"dui-appeals","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/dui\/cases\/dui-appeals.html","title":{"rendered":"DUI Appeals"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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DUI Appeals<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A DUI conviction<\/span> will leave a mark on your criminal record<\/span>. You\u2019ll also face penalties like jail time<\/span> and license suspension. But if an unfair legal error<\/span> damaged your case, you can file an appeal. Winning an appeal could result in a new trial<\/span>, a reduction of the penalties, or an overturned conviction.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve been convicted of driving under the influence<\/span> (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI<\/span>), you might be able to appeal your case. In a DUI appeal<\/span>, you ask a higher court<\/span> to review aspects of your trial court<\/span> case for\u00a0legal error<\/span>. The claimed error can relate to either the conviction or the sentence imposed.<\/p>\n

This article discusses common grounds for appealing a DUI conviction<\/span>. It also addresses the\u00a0appeal process<\/span><\/a>, including briefs, the record, and how and when to appeal a DUI.<\/p>\n

Appeals typically involve complex legal technicalities. These issues can be hard to navigate on your own. An experienced DUI appeal<\/span> attorney<\/span><\/a> can offer an in-depth explanation specific to your circumstances. They can give you more insight if you aren\u2019t sure whether you have grounds to appeal.<\/p>\n

Can I Appeal a DUI Conviction<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

You have the right to appeal a conviction or sentence, but your success will depend on the argument you present to the court. Getting a second chance<\/span> may be possible if you have legitimate grounds to seek an appeal.<\/p>\n

An appeal<\/a> asks the court to consider whether a serious legal mistake means the outcome of the original DUI case<\/span> is invalid. If your rights were violated, the conviction would be unlawful. Alternatively, you might not seek to appeal the conviction itself but rather the specific sentence<\/a> you received.<\/p>\n

At the\u00a0state and federal court levels<\/a>, various options exist after a criminal conviction or sentence on a DUI charge<\/span>. If an appeal isn\u2019t the best option, you might also consider:<\/p>\n