{"id":352252,"date":"2023-09-23T17:03:52","date_gmt":"2023-09-23T22:03:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/criminal-appeals-overview.html"},"modified":"2023-09-23T17:03:52","modified_gmt":"2023-09-23T22:03:52","slug":"criminal-appeals-overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/criminal-appeals-overview.html","title":{"rendered":"Criminal Appeals Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Criminal Appeals Overview<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/sarah-williams-j-d\/\">Sarah Williams, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last reviewed\n        <time>\n                            September 23, 2023\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>In the criminal justice system, a person convicted of a crime may appeal their case or sentence. An appeal asks a higher court, such as the state court of appeals or supreme court, to review certain aspects of the case for legal error.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n<p>Typical reasons for an appeal include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ineffective assistance of counsel<\/li>\n<li>Admission or exclusion of evidence by the trial court<\/li>\n<li>Clear error or abuse of discretion by the trial judge<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This isn&#8217;t the same as asking for a new trial because the defendant didn&#8217;t like the outcome.&nbsp;Instead, an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/what-happens-when-you-appeal-a-sentence.html\">appeal<\/a> will determine whether the conviction or the sentence was in error. Therefore, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/appellant.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">appellant<\/a>&nbsp;(the party who&#8217;s appealing the verdict) must show a higher court the mistakes made by the trial court, not introduce new evidence.<\/p>\n<p>See how courts decide whether to grant an appeal and how the appellate procedure works in a criminal case. Or, if you want to appeal a conviction, discuss your options with a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">criminal appeals lawyer<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>How and When Can I Get a Criminal Appeal?<\/h2>\n<p>At the state and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscourts.gov\/about-federal-courts\/types-cases\/appeals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">federal court<\/a>&nbsp;levels, there are options for obtaining relief after a criminal conviction or sentence. States require an appellant to notify the courts and the government of the intent to appeal soon after a conviction or sentence. It can take several months for the appellate court to hear and decide whether to grant the appeal.<\/p>\n<p>For example,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/mncourts.libguides.com\/appeals\/criminal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Minnesota&#8217;s criminal procedure rules<\/a>&nbsp;distinguish the filing deadlines for different criminal cases. An appellant must file a notice of appeal after sentencing with the clerk of the appellate courts within the following deadlines:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>30 days for a misdemeanor or petty misdemeanor case<\/li>\n<li>60 days after an order denying a postconviction petition<\/li>\n<li>90 days after sentencing to appeal a felony or gross misdemeanor sentence or conviction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>While either side in a civil case can appeal following a verdict, only the defendant&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscourts.gov\/about-federal-courts\/types-cases\/appeals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">can appeal the guilty verdict<\/a>&nbsp;in criminal cases. The government cannot appeal a not-guilty jury verdict because the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/wex\/double_jeopardy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fifth Amendment<\/a>&nbsp;to the U.S. Constitution prohibits a second prosecution for the same crime. This is more frequently known as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/double-jeopardy.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">double jeopardy<\/a>. However, any party in a criminal case can appeal the sentence.<\/p>\n<h2>The Basic Criminal Appeal Process<\/h2>\n<p>As part of the defendant&#8217;s appeal, an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/appellate-brief.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">appellate brief<\/a>&nbsp;is required. This&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/rules\/frap\/rule_28\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">brief<\/a>&nbsp;describes the key legal issues (mistakes) the appellant believes affected the jury&#8217;s decision and\/or the sentence imposed and why it should be overturned.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, the appellant will include their request for relief, which commonly includes a request for the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Reversal of a conviction or dismissal of the criminal law case<\/li>\n<li>A request for the appellant to have a new trial<\/li>\n<li>A request for resentencing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>What Courts Consider in Appeal Cases<\/h3>\n<p>In&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/the-basis-for-a-criminal-appeal.html\">considering an appeal<\/a>, the reviewing court looks only at the lower court&#8217;s record and doesn&#8217;t consider any new evidence. The record consists of the court reporter&#8217;s transcripts of court proceedings, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Everything said by the judge, the attorneys, or witnesses<\/li>\n<li>Evidence admitted, including documents or objects<\/li>\n<li>The defendant&#8217;s guilty plea, if applicable, and waiver of constitutional rights<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When deciding on the appeal, the higher court looks to this record and the written&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/brief.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">briefs<\/a>&nbsp;filed by both sides. An appellant files an opening brief, arguing how and why the conviction or sentence is legally erroneous.<\/p>\n<p>In turn, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/appellee.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">appellee<\/a>&nbsp;(the government) may file its own brief highlighting the legal arguments why the district court (trial court) ruling should be upheld. The appellant can file a response known as the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/reply-brief.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reply brief<\/a>. This third brief may only respond to arguments raised by the appellee. The appellate court may hear oral arguments before deciding on the criminal appeal.<\/p>\n<h2>Other Options After Losing an Appeal<\/h2>\n<p>After jurors return a verdict, a criminal defendant&#8217;s journey in the system does not end. A convicted defendant who has exhausted all their appeals on a state level may file a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/writ-of-habeas-corpus.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">writ of habeas corpus<\/a>&nbsp;in the federal courts to show their constitutional rights were&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/writ-of-habeas-corpus.html\">violated<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The United States Supreme Court, Congress, and federal statutes have specified the conditions in which&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/wex\/habeas_corpus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">habeas corpus petitions<\/a>&nbsp;must be handled when defendants allege illegal state action or contest the legality of their detention.<\/p>\n<h2>Examples of State Criminal Appeals Processes<\/h2>\n<p>Keep in mind that your attorney will know the process for your particular court and jurisdiction. Some states grant an automatic appeal for&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/wex\/capital_offense\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">capital offenses<\/a>. These cases involve the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/death-penalty.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">death penalty<\/a>&nbsp;as a possible punishment even if the court&#8217;s decision in sentencing results in life in prison as the punishment.<\/p>\n<p>The following examples illustrate how the appeals process generally works in different states.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.courts.ca.gov\/2834.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">California<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>File a notice of appeal<\/li>\n<li>Prepare the record on appeal<\/li>\n<li>File superior court exhibits<\/li>\n<li>Correct or augment the record<\/li>\n<li>File the certificate of interested entities and persons<\/li>\n<li>Begin the briefing process<\/li>\n<li>File and\/or answer motions (where applicable)<\/li>\n<li>Conduct oral arguments<\/li>\n<li>Justices discuss the case and issue a ruling<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.txcourts.gov\/media\/1437631\/texas-rules-of-appellate-procedure-updated-with-amendments-effective-2117-with-appendices.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Texas<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>File a motion for a new trial<\/li>\n<li>File a notice of appeal<\/li>\n<li>Pay for the preparation and filing of the record (unless&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/indigent.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">indigent<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>File your appellate brief (followed by the respondent&#8217;s brief)<\/li>\n<li>Justices set the case for submission, discuss the case, and issue a ruling.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>Get Professional Legal Help With the Criminal Appeals Process<\/h2>\n<p>While you have the right to appeal your case, there are important requirements and deadlines to meet if you do not want your appeal waived. A lawyer can answer&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/the-basis-for-a-criminal-appeal.html\">frequently asked questions<\/a>&nbsp;(FAQs) about the appellate process and the likelihood of success for your appeal. Contact a qualified&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">criminal defense lawyer<\/a>&nbsp;to explore your options.<\/p>\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Defense attorneys can help protect your rights\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum\" title=\"Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">If you need an attorney, find one right now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/can-you-appeal-a-plea-bargain.html\">\n                        Can You Appeal a Plea Bargain?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/expungement.html\">\n                        Expunging Criminal Records\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/criminal-procedure-faq.html\">\n                        Criminal Procedure FAQ\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights.html\">\n                        Rights for Suspects\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Criminal Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/domestic-violence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Domestic Violence Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/drug-crime\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Drug Crime Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/dui-dwi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DUI\/DWI Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/sex-crime\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sex Offenses Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Litigation and Appeals Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/white-collar-crimes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">White Collar Crimes Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re convicted of a crime, you can appeal your sentence or conviction. Learn more about appeals in FindLaw&#8217;s Criminal Procedure section.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":352235,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2729],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-352252","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-criminal"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352252","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=352252"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352252\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352235"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=352252"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=352252"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=352252"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=352252"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=352252"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}