If you’ve been convicted of a crime, you can ask a Massachusetts attorney to help you file for a criminal appeal. An appeal involves bringing your case to a higher court to review what happened at trial.
If you have been convicted or if your probation has been revoked, you can appeal to the Massachusetts Appeals Court. You will have to begin by filing a notice of appeal as soon as possible to preserve your rights. An appeal reviews whether the judge made any legal errors, and it is not a retrial of the facts of your case.
Not only can you appeal a conviction, but a criminal appeal in Massachusetts can also review your sentence. If the sentence is illegal, unconstitutional, or unreasonably excessive, you can appeal your sentence to the appeals court.
What are Some Reasons to File a Conviction Appeal After Trial?
- legal error
- insufficient evidence
- juror misconduct
- ineffective assistance of counsel
What are Some Reasons You Could File a Sentencing Appeal?
- the sentence includes multiple counts in a single sentence
- you’re sentenced in a manner that is disproportionate to the crime
- your sentence is above the maximum for a certain crime
Possible Outcomes of a Criminal Appeal in Massachusetts
There are three possible outcomes when you file for an appeal:
- the appellate court judge can overturn your conviction
- your appeal could be denied (in which case the verdict that the lower court made will stand)
- the appellate judge can order a new trial for the case
If you think there was a legal error in your trial and you’d like to appeal your conviction or sentence, I am here to help. I am an experienced appeals attorney who will fight to get justice for you. Call or text me at 617-295-7500 and let’s get started on your case today!