If you were accused of criminal wrongdoing, fought the charges against you and lost your case, you’re likely overwhelmed by concern about what the future holds. Yet, if you have grounds upon which to appeal your case, hope need not be lost.
You can either opt to work with the attorney who first represented you as you navigate the appeals process, or you can work with a lawyer who focuses their practice on appellate-level representation. Whether or not you want to appeal a conviction and the decision of who you want to represent your interests in the event that you decide to appeal is entirely up to you.
The primary difference between lawyers who take initial criminal defense cases and lawyers who focus on appellate work is that general defense lawyers may or may not pursue appeals cases but attorneys who focus on appeals cases likely understand this aspect of criminal law in particular detail. That kind of focus can be beneficial for defendants who are interested in seeing whether an appeal is a viable option under their circumstances.
Weighing your options for an appeal
Understanding that you don’t necessarily need to remain a client of the lawyer who initially represented you may be freeing information. After all, the lawyer who initially represented you – as well-meaning and dedicated as they may have been – lost your case.
Pursuing an appeal, especially if you’re facing serious consequences in the event that your verdict remains the same, may be of utmost importance to your future. As a result, it is critical that you research your options and strongly consider working with a legal professional who has extensive experience representing individuals at the appellate level. That way, you can make informed decisions about all of your options.