The Appeals Process in Orlando

Receiving an unfair conviction or unusually harsh sentence can be one of the most shocking and simultaneously frightening experiences of your life. You may have been aware of the potential penalties for the charges you faced, but you figured that the judge wouldn’t have a reason to punish you to the full extent of the law. Contrary to your beliefs, the judge has made his or her decision and slammed the gavel to solidify it, but that doesn’t mean the case ends there.

There are numerous post-trial motions and direct appeals to higher courts that you can pursue, but first, it’s important to know if your case qualifies for an appeal. The type of cases that merit an appeal include:

  • Circuit Court Appeals: County Court cases like misdemeanors and traffic infractions.
  • District Court Appeals: Circuit Court cases like felonies, juvenile, probate, and circuit civil cases.
  • Florida Supreme Court Appeals: Death penalty cases and cases that have been lost at the District Court of Appeals.

An experienced appellate attorney with The Umansky Law Firm can analyze your case thoroughly and help explain the appeals process in Orlando. Learn more about the following appeals-related information:

Reasons to Appeal a Decision

The reasons to appeal a decision made in a criminal case can vary from person-to-person, but what remains true is that the individual firmly believes that he or she was wrongfully convicted or sentenced. The top reasons to file an appeal are:

Unfair Sentencing

An unfair sentence can result from a judge’s improper review of the pre-sentence report, biases that can be proven by past actions, and much more. Your attorney can help identify and prove what may have led to the sentencing.

New Evidence

The appeals process is not for presenting new evidence, but your lawyer can appeal for a new trial upon learning of new evidence that could have possibly led to your exoneration.

Court Error

The court system, like anything else, is prone to mistakes, and while a majority of them have no effect on your case directly, some do. Your lawyer can request an appeal if he or she believes that a court error played a role in your conviction or sentencing.

Illegal Imprisonment

If your conviction resulted from negligence, error, misconduct, or any other issues and other forms of appeals were unsuccessful, your attorney can argue the legality of you being imprisoned by filing a petition for habeas corpus.

Florida Guidelines for Appealing a Decision

Once you and your lawyer have determined if your case qualifies for an appeal and settled on a reason to appeal, you must pursue the appropriate guidelines to appealing a decision which is as follows:

  • Gather records of filed documents
  • File a notice of appeal with the proper court
  • Decide whether an appeal bond must be filed as well
  • Write briefs and file memorandum
  • Appellees can file a counter-memorandum
  • Appellate court makes a decision following optional oral arguments
  • Court issues final mandate

Talk to a Lawyer for More on the Appeals Process in Orlando

If you are looking to appeal an unjust court decision, trust the lawyers at The Umansky Law Firm to be by your side every step of the way of the appeals process in Orlando. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

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