Facing criminal charges in the federal court system is complex. Defendants must understand their rights and options at each stage of the process. For some individuals, a conviction and sentence come as a shock. In some cases, there are points in the case that may...
Federal Appeals
Is an appeal just a retrial?
People sometimes make the mistake of thinking of an appeal as a request for another trial. Maybe they already went through the criminal case, but they just didn’t get the result they were hoping for. They would like to start another trial to see if it’s more...
Crypto trial illustrates the complexities of white collar cases
The sun has not yet set on the case against Sam Bankman-Fried, the former cryptocurrency whiz kid convicted of seven conspiracy and fraud charges on Oct. 26. His attorneys are sure to appeal the convictions and possible decades-long sentence that is likely to follow....
Why seeking post-conviction relief and social media don’t mix
Navigating the legal process can be a complex and sensitive undertaking, especially when seeking post-conviction relief. One important piece of advice that often gets overlooked is the necessity of staying off social media during this critical time. Whether you’re...
What are examples of Brady violations?
A Brady violation occurs when the prosecution fails to disclose evidence that is favorable to the defendant's case. This evidence can include information that might help prove the defendant's innocence, impeach the credibility of a witness or reduce the severity of...
Why do federal appeals happen?
People sometimes view an appeal as a way to overturn a conviction. For instance, someone may have been indicted on federal fraud charges or drug charges. They were then convicted in court and sentenced to jail. They want to appeal that conviction because they feel...
Should you appeal your RICO conviction?
The law is harsh regarding violations of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, and a conviction is life-changing. Understanding the potential outcomes of an appeal is essential to helping you decide if it's in your best interests. The...
How much time do you have to appeal a federal conviction?
If you are convicted of a federal crime like drug trafficking or a white-collar crime like fraud, you may have the right to appeal the verdict. To boost your odds of a successful appeal, however, it helps to understand how the process works. For some reason, however,...
Does a lawyer’s mistake open the door to a criminal appeal?
Whether someone faces state or federal charges, a conviction is likely the last thing they expect to endure if they choose to invest their time, energy and resources to fighting those charges at trial. However, even when there seems to be a straightforward defense...
4 false beliefs about the federal criminal appeals process
To those who have fought against a federal conviction and lost, the possibility of a successful appeal shines like a beacon of hope. Unfortunately, many who have hung their hopes on appealing a conviction lack a proper understanding of the process. For example, not...