Appeals and Post-conviction Relief

After a conviction in court, the legal process doesn’t necessarily end. Appeals and post-conviction relief provide defendants and their attorneys opportunities to challenge convictions, correct legal errors, or seek alternative forms of relief. These processes are essential safeguards in the American justice system.

How the Appeals Process Works

When a defendant disagrees with a trial court decision, they can file an appeal with a higher court. In a federal criminal case, the defendant must file a notice of appeal within 14 days of judgment. The appellate court doesn’t retry the case—instead, it reviews whether the trial court made legal errors that affected the outcome. A panel of three judges examines written arguments called briefs and may hold oral arguments. The court can then affirm, reverse, or remand the decision depending on whether errors occurred and their severity.

Understanding Trial Errors and Their Impact

Not every mistake at trial leads to reversal. Appellate judges distinguish between errors that were inconsequential and those that fundamentally affected the fairness of the trial. This distinction is crucial because even well-documented mistakes don’t automatically overturn a conviction.

Beyond Traditional Appeals: Alternative Forms of Relief

Appeals aren’t the only avenue for post-conviction relief. Expungement, pardon, and commutation provide pathways to a second chance with different legal consequences. Convictions can also be affected by changes in law or jurisdiction.

The Path to the Supreme Court

For cases involving significant constitutional questions, the U.S. Supreme Court offers a final avenue. The Supreme Court is selective—it receives thousands of petitions annually but accepts fewer than 100 cases per year. A successful petition for writ of certiorari puts a case before the nation’s highest court, where a decision can affect law across the entire country.