When your court case ends in an unexpected and negative outcome, the penalties, court orders, or long-term consequences may leave you unsure about what comes next. Speaking with a criminal defense attorney here at Ashwell & Ashwell can help you understand the legal process of challenging the decision. A Richmond appeals lawyer from our legal team can review what happened at your trial, identify possible errors, and help you plan your next steps.
Appeals proceed quickly and require careful attention to the court record. At Ashwell & Ashwell, we understand how appellate courts evaluate legal issues and what you must preserve to raise an argument on appeal. Our team provides clear guidance at each stage so you can proceed with clarity.
Appellate courts do not hear new evidence or revisit the facts. Instead, they review the court record for legal errors, such as improper rulings, incorrect statutory interpretation, or improper admission of evidence. One of our appeals lawyers can help determine whether a court error justifies a request for reversal or a change to the judgment.
Criminal and civil appeals are subject to strict rules and deadlines. Criminal appeals may involve constitutional concerns, sentencing issues, or questions about how the trial court applied the law. Civil appeals often involve evidentiary rulings, contract interpretation, or significant procedural decisions. Our Richmond appeals team will review transcripts, exhibits, and court orders to identify the strongest arguments to justify a reconsideration of your case. Appellate judges rely solely on the court record, so thorough preparation is essential.
A criminal conviction carries serious consequences that can affect every part of your life. The Court of Appeals of Virginia reviews criminal convictions, which often involves analyzing search and seizure processes, the sufficiency of the evidence, or a trial judge’s interpretation of a statute.
When our experienced attorneys evaluate potential opportunities to legally challenge a criminal case, we review how the trial court handled motions, whether it observed constitutional protections, and whether the sentence complied with the law. We will determine and explain the deadlines for filing your appeal. Missing a deadline may prevent appellate review, making early action extremely important.
Civil appeals arise from matters such as contracts, property rights, personal injury, or domestic relations. When a judgment conflicts with state law or the rules of evidence, appellate review may be the next step. Under Virginia Code § 8.01-670, the appellate courts may review certain civil judgments depending on the specific issue involved.
Our Richmond appellate legal advocates review key motions, rulings, and trial procedures to determine whether your case meets the requirements for appeal. This detailed evaluation helps determine whether the trial court correctly applied the law and whether the record supports further review.
Appeals require a different strategy than trials. Instead of presenting new facts, the focus of the appeal is on identifying legal issues, determining whether the trial court made a mistake, and ensuring that you maintain your right to appellate review. This process involves identifying the key points to challenge from the record and presenting arguments in a clear and organized way.
Strict deadlines apply to every appeal. Throughout your case, we will stay attentive to your goals, explain your options, and offer a realistic view of what an appeal may achieve.
Trial errors can shape your future. When you speak with a Richmond appeals lawyer from Ashwell & Ashwell, you will learn whether the record supports an appeal and which issues may be worth raising. Our team carefully reviews transcripts, rulings, and the key moments in your case with careful attention.
If you believe a mistake affected the outcome of your trial, we can guide you through the appeals process with steady support and clear communication. Contact us today to discuss your next steps and begin planning a focused appellate strategy.
