When and Why to Hire an Appeals Attorney After a Trial

The US Courts say that filings in the US courts of appeals fell by 3% over the 12 months ending March 31, 2024. If you don't like the conclusion of a case or think it isn't fair, you can appeal to get another chance to fight for a better result.

An appeal attorney can help guide you throughout the process. Keep in mind that these lawyers don’t re-argue your case from the beginning. According to Orange County appeals attorney Edwin B. Brown, lawyers will constantly communicate with you since the appeals process is heavy in research and writing.

Let’s discuss the potential scenarios and reasons for hiring an appeals attorney after receiving unsatisfactory case results.

Understanding the Appeals Process

If you have to challenge a decision in some situation, you should be able to fully understand the appeals process. This process allows you to dispute a court decision and seek review by a court of higher rank.

You will need to file a notice of appeal to inform the court and the opposing party of your intent to appeal. You will then compile the trial's record, which includes all of the presented testimony and evidence.

After this, you draft your brief in support of the appeal, stating the grounds on which you assert legal error. The opposing party will be allowed to respond to it, and oral argument may be permitted by the court upon request. 

The appellate court's decision may be to sustain the original decision, reverse it, or modify it. Knowledge of what can happen during an appeal may make a difference for you.

Key Reasons to Hire an Appeals Attorney

Hiring an appellate court attorney increases the chance of a reversal of the court judgment. This category of lawyers deals with appellate laws and can spot errors at trial.

To win an appeal, lawyers will make strong legal arguments that expose the flaws of the opposition. They will evaluate the applicable laws and look at precedents that can support the client in making their case.

They will keep you abreast of deadlines and procedural hurdles so that technicalities will not be to your detriment. They will serve as your strategic partners who will be helping you maximize your chances of success in appellate courts.

Signs That You Should Consider an Appeal

Once you've made the decision to hire an appeals attorney, it's important to identify the signs that could suggest an appeal. 

You should think about appealing your case if you think that the trial court committed major legal errors that affected the outcome. 

Another sign would be if you found some new evidence that might make a difference in the case. You should also ask for an appeal if your conviction or judgment feels too harsh in far less serious circumstances. 

If you believe that the jury's finding is inconsistent with the weight of the evidence, that serves as another reason for appealing. Consult an appeals attorney if your trial lawyer did not adequately defend you in court.

The Importance of Expertise in Appeals

The high stakes and long list of requirements involved in appealing a case require a clear understanding of the process.

The expertise of an appeals attorney matters greatly in your case. These attorneys know appellate courts and can persuasively argue trial court errors.

They will find significant issues, prepare a persuasive brief, and counter procedural barriers you might miss. Your appeal could be prejudiced without their skill in handling appeal cases.

A competent attorney raises your case from the depths and puts the burden on them rather than on you. It might be better to place your trust in a legal expert.

The Potential Impact of an Appeal on Your Case

Appeals are difficult, with an appeal possibly being the last hope of remedying a legal error.

Appealing will prolong your case, which may impose emotional and financial burdens on your family. If the verdict is bad, don't be startled. Appeal courts look at legal problems instead of facts.

An appeal can change the way a case goes and maybe even get you a new trial or a good settlement. Before you make a decision, think about the potential consequences of seeking an appeal. See an experienced appeals lawyer for help with these details.