The Process For Appealing A Criminal Conviction In Florida

After your criminal case was tried in Florida, you may be unhappy with the outcome. Indeed, if the outcome was a guilty verdict, this was likely not the desired result and would not make you or anyone else, for that matter, happy. But, an objectionable verdict is not always something that can or will be overturned. Still, that doesn’t mean that you are without your rights, and in certain instances, you may have a solid case to make an appeal to the court’s decision.

Figuring out if an appeal would be the right approach is something your attorney can advise you about. And, considering that there is a deadline for appealing, going over things sooner than later is in your best interest. For individuals in Florida who need help with a criminal case or that are considering appealing a court’s decision, the Orlando post-conviction relief attorneys at Joshi Law Firm, PA, can help.

What Happens When You Appeal a Criminal Conviction in Florida?

Understanding what to expect and what the steps are to appeal a criminal conviction in Florida can help you prepare for what is to come. Detailed below are the different stages for appealing a court’s decision in Florida:

1. File a Notice of Appeal and pay the fees. You will do this with the District Court of Appeals, and you usually only have 30 days from your judgment to take action.
2. The Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure has information on what type of documentation is necessary for the appeals court to have. You must send that information with guidance on how to prepare the trial court record.
3. Have a legal briefing written and submitted to the appeals court. The briefing process allows you to explain the inconsistencies of your case and why the verdict was incorrect. After this, you will receive a response to your arguments refuting them. You will have another opportunity to answer this response and indicate where it is wrong.
4. A request to the appellate court must be made if oral arguments are desired. Should you be approved for oral arguments, you will have a limited amount of time to speak in front of a panel made up of three judges.
5. The appeals court will make a determination based on everything that has been presented to them. You will get that decision in writing. Maybe you will be issued a new finding, or potentially, a new trial may be deemed necessary.
6. There may be further action you can take if the appeals court’s decision is unsatisfactory, including petitioning the Florida Supreme Court.

Speak with a Florida Post-Conviction Relief Attorney Today

The appeals process is detailed, meticulous, and time-sensitive, with many deadlines throughout each step of the process. Getting started with the process quickly and doing things right in accordance with the established rules is important.

For help appealing a Florida court’s decision, please call the seasoned and aggressive Orlando criminal appeals lawyers at Joshi Law Firm, PA, at (407) 661-1109. For your convenience, initial consultations are free.