Criminal Appeal Attorney

Criminal Appeal and Post-Conviction Relief Services

We offer two key services as part of our comprehensive criminal defense practice:

• Direct appeal: This appellate process focuses on legal errors during your trial, such as incorrect application of the law, evidentiary mistakes or improper jury instructions. This asks a higher court to review the trial record for outcome-affecting errors.
• Post-conviction relief: This procedure addresses issues outside of the trial record, such as newly discovered evidence or ineffective assistance of counsel. It allows you to raise concerns that a direct appeal cannot address.

Understanding the Pennsylvania Criminal Appeal Process

Pennsylvania’s appeal process follows a structured path:

1. Filing the notice of appeal: Your criminal appeal attorney in Central PA files a formal notice with the court, typically within 30 days of sentencing.
2. Preparing the official record: The trial court compiles all transcripts, exhibits and documents from your case.
3. Writing and filing the legal brief: Your lawyer prepares a detailed written argument explaining why the conviction should be overturned.
4. Presenting oral arguments: Your advocate may present arguments directly to the appellate judges, answering questions and clarifying key points.

Serving Communities Across Central PA

Johnson Duffie provides various legal services to individuals, businesses and more. We proudly represent clients throughout the region, including:

• Cumberland County
• Dauphin County
• Franklin County 
• Lancaster County
• Juniata County
• Mifflin County
• Snyder County
• Perry County

FAQs About Criminal Appeals

Here are answers to some of the most common questions our attorneys receive regarding Pennsylvania’s criminal appeals process.

How Long Do You Have to File an Appeal in Pennsylvania?

You typically have 30 days from sentencing to file a notice of appeal. Missing this deadline can permanently close your opportunity to appeal.

Can New Evidence Help Your Appeal?

New evidence typically cannot be introduced in a direct appeal but may support a post-conviction relief petition. If you discover evidence that was unavailable during your trial, discuss it with your post-conviction relief attorney immediately.

What Happens if Your Appeal Is Successful?

A successful appeal may result in the appellate court overturning your conviction, reducing your total sentence, or sending your case back for a new trial. The specific outcome depends on the errors involved in your case and the appellate court’s decision.