Fort Walton Beach Appeals Lawyer

Appeals Attorney in Fort Walton Beach, FL

When a trial ends with an undesirable outcome, you may be facing years in prison and the burden of a permanent criminal record. Thankfully, a trial verdict does not have to be the end of your case. Following a trial, you may find it possible to reclaim your freedom through an appeal. Whether you’ve been arrested for a DUI along U.S. Route 98 or trafficking drugs near the Preston Hood Athletic Complex, a Fort Walton Beach appeals lawyer can appeal your verdict.

Jay Patel Attorney at Law Can Win You a Second Chance

When it comes time to exercise your right to a second chance, Jay Patel Attorney at Law can represent you. As a former deputy sheriff and state prosecutor, Jay Patel understands the Okaloosa County legal system, and he can use this knowledge to appeal a ruling that didn’t go your way. We have fought for hundreds of clients in appeal cases since 2017, and we can now turn our time and attention to your case.

Legal Grounds for an Appeal in Fort Walton Beach

On average, there are around 40,000 appeal cases pending in any given year in the United States. It is important, however, to know what makes you eligible for an appeal.

You cannot simply file an appeal because you don’t agree with the outcome of your trial. In most situations, according to appeal laws, your Fort Walton Beach appeals attorney must demonstrate that an error was made during the original case and trial. Additionally, there must also be proof that the error impacted the decision made in the trial court.

In Fort Walton Beach, an individual may legally seek an appeal on several different grounds. These include:

• Improperly excluding a witness
• Improper instruction of the jury
• A violation of any Fifth Amendment rights, which protect against self-incrimination
• Improper ruling on any expert testimony
• Insufficient evidence for the guilty verdict, which accounts for around 15% of all appellate cases
• Ineffective assistance of counsel

At Jay Patel Attorney at Law, our experienced appeals lawyer knows how to thoroughly review all documentation involved in your original case and trial. We can discover the grounds on which you may argue an appeal. Then, we can work to make that argument before a judge in appellate court.

The Florida Appeals Process

If there was an error in your original case and trial that led to an unfair guilty verdict, it is important to be aware of the overall appeals process in Florida before getting started. For this reason, and many others, seeking the assistance of a Florida appellate lawyer is crucial. They can guide you through the many steps included in the process, such as the following:

• First, you will need to know which court your appellate case will go through. Your attorney can determine if your case will need to be processed through a state-level appellate court or a federal one.
• You will then need to obtain a record of your appeal. This must include all important documents that were filed with the court during your original trial.
• Your attorney can then determine whether any errors occurred during your case. If so, they can create a brief that details these errors, which can be submitted to the courts.
• Finally, once this brief is submitted, the opposing side will review the documentation and file their own reply. They might request an oral argument, or your attorney may request such an opportunity. They can then go before an appellate judge to argue why your case outcome deserves to be altered.

FAQs

What Criminal Charges Can You Seek an Appeal for in Florida?

Jay Patel Attorney at Law can help you appeal several different kinds of criminal charges in Florida. The most common cases include drug charges, assault, DUI, and situations involving self-defense. If your case may be eligible for the appeals process, you need to reach out to our firm right away.

Why Might I Want to Seek an Appeal in Florida?

There are several reasons why you might want to seek an appeal in Florida. When you are charged with a crime and assigned an official criminal record, it can harm various parts of your life. There is a 30% unemployment rate for individuals with a criminal record in the United States. With a successful appeal, finding employment would be much easier, as would securing future housing or educational opportunities.

What Evidence Does a Lawyer Review When Seeking an Appeal?

When you hire an appeals lawyer to guide you through your case and represent your interests in court, they typically review all aspects of your original trial. This means they may gather and look over all the evidence from that trial, including:

• Trial transcripts
• Statements from witnesses
• Any physical evidence that was used against you
• The testimony of individuals involved in the case
• Reasons for the verdict
• Any pretrial motions, if there were any

Do I Need to Have a Lawyer to Appeal a Court Ruling?

No, in Florida, you are not legally required to have an attorney in an appeals case. However, having an appellate lawyer on your side can be crucial for the outcome of your appeal. One of the worst decisions you can make is trying to defend yourself, especially in appeal cases. Your attorney can gather evidence, select witnesses, and ultimately argue for why the original court order should be overturned.

Hire an Appeals Lawyer Today at Jay Patel Attorney at Law

If you have been convicted of a crime in Fort Walton Beach, this doesn’t mean the fight has to be over. Instead, you have the right to seek an appeal, and Jay Patel Attorney at Law can represent you. When it comes time to fight for your legal rights, the right thing for you to do is hire an appeals lawyer. At Jay Patel Attorney at Law, we are passionate about restoring justice and protecting our clients’ rights to a second chance. Contact our offices today to schedule an initial consultation.