Skip to main content

Federal Appeals

Appealing to a Federal Court of Appeals or the United States Supreme Court

Carrying On The Fight

If you’ve landed on this page, chances are, you or someone you love has been convicted of a serious crime in federal court and is facing or has received a harsh sentence. Now is not the time to give up. There’s plenty of fighting left to do. We believe in carrying on the fight, and we’re here to help.

The appeal process is complex and can feel intimidating to navigate on your own. We’ll break it all down, step by step, making sure you know what to expect at every stage.

Your Fight Isn’t Over

When faced with a federal criminal conviction, you may feel like your options are limited. You have the right to appeal your conviction and/or sentence to a United States Court of Appeals to argue for a new trial or a lower sentence. We investigate and research all avenues that might get you relief.

In federal appeals, you have the right to argue that you were sentenced too harshly and that your sentence was “unreasonable.” A sentencing court must consider several important factors during sentencing, including the nature of the offense, the defendant’s history, the seriousness of the crime, and the need for just punishment. If the court didn’t do those things or weighed them in an unfair manner, we may be able to get you a new sentencing proceeding.

The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals

Our practice is located within the Eleventh Circuit, which covers Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. All federal criminal cases from Alabama’s three federal districts – Northern (Birmingham and Huntsville), Middle (Montgomery, Dothan, Auburn), and Southern (Mobile) – are appealed to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, headquartered in Atlanta. We are well-versed in the workings of this circuit and are prepared to argue your case skillfully before the appellate judges.

Our Approach to Federal Appeals

  • Starting Your Appeal: We handle all of the necessary paperwork to begin the appeal process, which includes securing transcripts, gathering records, and notifying the correct courts.
  • Review and Analysis: Once we have all of the case documents, we complete a thorough review of your trial proceedings. We will look for potential issues for appeal and carefully consider their chances of success.
  • Writing and Submitting the Appeal: We craft a strong appeal letter, taking the time to discuss it with you and make any necessary changes before we present it to the court.
  • Responding to Opposition: We’ll address any counter arguments from the prosecution with a comprehensive, well-reasoned response to ensure your voice is heard and that you understand each step of the process.
  • Processing the Verdict: When the court announces it’s ruling, we’re by your side to help you determine what to do next. We’ll guide you through the possible outcomes and develop a strategy that is in your best interest, regardless of the verdict.