Criminal Appeals Lawyer in State College, PA
A criminal conviction is not the end of your legal battle. Pennsylvania’s appellate system provides opportunities to challenge legal errors, improper verdicts, and unjust outcomes that occurred during your trial. If you have been convicted of a crime or believe errors affected your case, experienced appellate representation is essential to protect your rights and pursue a better outcome. The attorneys at Decker Bradburn provide skilled advocacy for clients pursuing criminal appeals in Pennsylvania courts.
Discuss your case with knowledgeable State College criminal appeals lawyers who understand the complexities of appellate litigation.
Understanding Criminal Appeals in Pennsylvania
Criminal appeals allow defendants to challenge convictions and sentences based on legal errors that occurred during trial or pre-trial proceedings. The Pennsylvania appellate system includes:
- The Superior Court of Pennsylvania, which handles most criminal appeals
- The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, which reviews selected cases of significant legal importance
Appeals are not new trials where you present evidence again or call witnesses. Instead, appellate courts review the trial court record to determine whether legal errors occurred that affected the outcome of your case.
Common Grounds for Criminal Appeals
Successful criminal appeals require identifying specific legal errors that prejudiced your case. Our criminal appeals attorneys thoroughly review trial transcripts, evidence, and legal proceedings to identify issues that are appealable.
Common grounds for criminal appeals include:
- Insufficient evidence to support the conviction
- Improper admission or exclusion of evidence, especially exclusion of exculpatory evidence
- Prosecutorial misconduct
- Jury instruction errors
- Ineffective assistance of counsel
- Violations of constitutional rights
Our criminal lawyers identify legal errors in your case and draft briefs explaining why your conviction should not stand.
The Pennsylvania Criminal Appeals Process
Criminal appeals in Pennsylvania are subject to strict procedural rules and tight deadlines. You must file a notice of appeal within 30 days of the judgment or sentence. Failure to file on time eliminates your right to appeal. Once you contact us, our criminal appeals attorneys ensure notices of appeal are filed promptly to preserve all appellate rights.
After filing the notice of appeal, we prepare appellate briefs presenting your strongest arguments for reversal. The Superior Court may schedule oral arguments, where we present your case. After review, the court issues its decision.
Post-Conviction Relief Act Petitions
The Post-Conviction Relief Act (PCRA) provides another avenue for challenging criminal convictions after direct appeals are exhausted. PCRA petitions address issues typically not raised on direct appeal, particularly ineffective assistance of counsel claims. Our criminal appeals lawyers evaluate whether PCRA relief may be available and pursue all viable claims.
Why Choose Decker Bradburn for Your Criminal Appeal?
Appellate practice requires skills distinct from trial work. Our State College attorneys have extensive experience with Pennsylvania criminal appeals. We know appellate procedure, excel at legal research and writing, and provide strategic representation to achieve the best outcomes. Criminal appeals are often your last chance to challenge a conviction or sentence, and we approach each case with dedication.
Contact Our State College Criminal Appeals Lawyers Today
If you have been convicted, contact Decker Bradburn at 814-308-8895 to discuss your appellate options. Filing deadlines for criminal appeals are strict, so acting promptly is essential. Our experienced State College lawyers will evaluate your case and offer skilled representation to pursue justice through Pennsylvania’s appellate courts.