Colorado Federal Criminal Appeals Attorneys Answer the Call for Justice
Our boutique law firm is experienced in protecting individual and corporate clients in complex federal criminal appeals and post-conviction relief. We serve Colorado Springs, Denver, and Durango and any other cities in Colorado where Federal crimes and issues originate. We are admitted in the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, as well as the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, D.C. Therefore, we can represent you in appealing your federal criminal conviction originating in Colorado all the way to the highest court in the United States, if necessary.
Our federal criminal appeals lawyers have experience in a wide-range of federal criminal appeals including the following:
- Violations of the Major Crimes Act and Assimilative Crimes Act;
- Drug trafficking;
- Firearms violations;
- Corporate and financial institution fraud;
- Banking fraud;
- Mail fraud;
- Healthcare fraud;
- Computer fraud;
- Agricultural program fraud;
- Public corruption;
- Environmental crimes;
- Civil rights violations; and
- Federal wildlife violations.
Contact our Colorado federal criminal appeals lawyers for a free consultation at 1-800-APPEALS.
Colorado Federal Criminal Appeals Lawyers Create Options on Appeal
What is post-conviction relief? It is a general term used to describe a request that a court review your conviction, sentence or both. Often referred to as an appeal, your request can be submitted to the trial court or a court of appeals, depending on the nature of your request.
What are some of the available post-conviction options? There are a variety of options available to challenge your conviction, sentence or both. However, each case is different, and every appeal requires a strategy to achieve the client’s goal. The federal criminal appeals attorneys at our boutique firm have helped many people seek some of the following relief:
- A motion for reconsideration seeking an acquittal, a new trial, an arrest of judgment or a sentence modification;
- A direct appeal of your conviction, sentence or both, which is based entirely upon the trial court record;
- A collateral appeal, which is based upon issues outside of the trial court record such as new evidence, claims of ineffective assistance of counsel or Writs of Habeas Corpus;
What is the difference between a trial and an appeal? A trial is about discovering and proving facts with documentary evidence, witness testimony and sometimes even expert testimony. A judge regulates the trial court process, and the jury decides the ultimate question of guilt or innocence. By contrast, an appeal is a request to review your conviction, sentence or both. There is no jury. There are no witnesses. And, you do not personally appear in court. You must make a formal, written argument often referred to as an appellate brief.
Are there any formalities for making a direct appeal? Yes, there are many technicalities underlying all post-conviction relief. There are time limits to preserve your right to make a request and then time limits by which your written brief is due. All forms of post-conviction relief require you to prepare and submit a written appellate brief. It is in this document that you must present evidence that legal errors were made during the trial court proceedings, arguments supported by law as to why they were prejudicial and in violation of your constitutional rights and what must be done to correct the mistake. For convictions originating in Colorado, you must submit your appellate brief to the panel of judges sitting on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.
What happens if an appeal is successful? A favorable decision can result in the reversal of your conviction, the modification of your sentence or a new trial or sentencing hearing. In rare cases, a decision might persuade the government to drop the charges.
What happens if an appeal is unsuccessful? If appeal is unsuccessful, you can seek a review of the decision by a higher court of law.
Why is it important to work with an experienced appellate attorney? Appeals are your first and last chance to protect your life, liberty and property from an illegal conviction or unlawful sentence. Therefore, you should work with someone that understands the appeals process, has knowledge of criminal law, evidential law and constitutional law and has experience spotting issues and writing clear, concise and persuasive appellate briefs.
How do I start the appellate process? Contact our fimr immediately. We must review your conviction and sentence, as well as the trial court record. It takes time to find legal errors. It takes time to outline and implement a strategy. And, it takes time to produce work capable of success.
We believe that justice is not blind, and illegal convictions and unlawful sentences must not stand in the eyes of the law.