Criminal Appeals
State & Federal Criminal Appeals
A careful, thorough second look at a criminal conviction or sentence in Kentucky, federal, and Sixth Circuit courts.
Appeal deadlines are strict. If you or a loved one was recently convicted, call right away.
When the Trial Is Not the End
A criminal appeal is not a new trial. Instead, an appellate court reviews the record of what happened in the trial court to decide whether legal errors affected the outcome. Those errors might involve evidence that should not have been admitted, incorrect jury instructions, constitutional violations, or a sentence that was not imposed correctly. Not every mistake leads to relief, so a careful assessment of which issues are worth raising is essential.
Appellate work is different from trial work. It requires reading every page of the record, researching the law closely, and writing clear, persuasive briefs. We handle direct appeals in Kentucky state courts, appeals in federal court, and appeals to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, which hears cases from Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, and Tennessee.
We also handle post-conviction matters, where issues outside the trial record — such as ineffective assistance of counsel or newly discovered evidence — may be raised. No appeal can promise a particular result, but every person deserves to have their case examined carefully. We also keep families informed, explaining each stage of the process in plain language so they understand what to expect.
What We Handle
- Kentucky Direct AppealsAppeals from criminal convictions and sentences in Kentucky state courts.
- Federal Criminal AppealsAppeals from convictions and sentences in federal district court.
- Sixth Circuit AppealsBriefing and argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
- Post-Conviction ReviewChallenges based on issues outside the trial record, such as ineffective assistance of counsel.
- Sentencing IssuesReviewing whether a sentence was lawfully calculated and imposed.
- Wrongful Conviction Case ReviewsA careful review of cases where the person may be innocent.
Important deadline notice
Appeal deadlines are strict. In criminal cases, the time to file a notice of appeal or seek post-conviction relief can be very short, and missing it can forfeit important rights. If you or a loved one has been convicted, please call right away.
(859) 653-4465A Second Look
Wrongful Conviction Case Reviews
A wrongful conviction case review is a structured, in-depth examination of a closed case. It is not a promise to file anything; it is an honest assessment of whether credible legal grounds exist to challenge the conviction.
A candid note: A case review does not guarantee any outcome. Many reviews conclude that there are no viable legal options remaining. When that is the case, we will tell you so plainly and explain why.
What the review involves
- The trial recordTranscripts, exhibits, motions, and rulings from the original case.
- Prior appeals and filingsWhat has already been raised, decided, or left out.
- The evidenceWhether forensic, scientific, or eyewitness evidence holds up under current understanding.
- New informationWitnesses, documents, or evidence that were not available at trial.
- Defense representationWhether trial or appellate counsel missed significant issues.
- Procedural optionsWhich courts and procedures, if any, remain available.
Common Situations
A recent conviction
A family member was just convicted at trial and the family wants to understand whether an appeal is possible.
Concerns about trial counsel
Someone believes their trial lawyer missed important evidence or failed to raise key issues.
A federal sentence
A person sentenced in federal court wants to know whether their sentence was calculated correctly.
New information surfaces
Evidence or a witness has come to light that was not available at trial.
A plea that may have been flawed
Someone pleaded guilty and now has questions about whether the plea was properly entered.
How It Works
- 1
Act Quickly
Contact us as soon as possible after a conviction or sentence so important deadlines can be identified and protected.
- 2
Review the Record
We obtain and study the trial record, transcripts, and filings to identify issues worth raising.
- 3
Brief & Argue
We prepare written briefs and, when allowed, present oral argument to the appellate court.
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Time limits for criminal appeals are short and strictly enforced, and they differ between state and federal court and between types of relief. Please call right away so deadlines can be identified.
No. An appeal is a review of the existing record for legal errors. New witnesses and evidence are generally not presented on direct appeal, though some post-conviction proceedings may allow new evidence.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit is the federal appellate court that hears appeals from federal district courts in Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, and Tennessee.
It is a way to challenge a conviction or sentence based on issues that could not be raised on direct appeal, such as ineffective assistance of counsel. The procedures and time limits differ between state and federal court.
Options after a guilty plea are more limited, but some issues may still be raised depending on the circumstances and any plea agreement. A review of the case can help identify what is possible.
No. No attorney can guarantee the outcome of an appeal or a case review. What we offer is a careful, honest assessment and diligent work on any issues we raise.
Appeal Deadlines Are Strict — Call Today
If you or someone you love has been convicted, do not wait. Call to talk about the case and the time limits that may apply.
