It can be a huge blow to hear the news that you are guilty of a criminal charge. You may wonder if you have any other legal options.
After a ruling is handed down, you may be able to appeal the decision. However, filing an appeal can be complex, and several possible outcomes exist. Learning if you can file for an appeal is the best way to start this process.
When is it possible to appeal a court’s decision?
Not all criminal cases can be appealed. However, there are situations where you will have grounds to appeal a criminal conviction. For example, did the investigators handling your case make a mistake? Did the judge make a mistake that should be rectified? Did the prosecutor rely on fabricated stories from witnesses or insufficient evidence?
In these situations, you will likely have the reasoning necessary to appeal the criminal conviction.
Potential outcomes when you appeal a criminal conviction
When you appeal a criminal conviction, it does not mean that the only outcome is for the initial decision to be reversed or “thrown out.” The conviction may be altered, or a new trial could be ordered. There are situations where the original conviction will be reversed, but this requires strong evidence showing why this should happen.
It’s your future that is at stake
There is a lot at stake during the appeal process. The main issue is related to your future. It is important to know your rights in these situations and what you need to prove to have a desirable outcome. While the process can be complex and time-consuming, if authorities, investigators or the judge violated your constitutionally given rights, you should move forward with an appeal.