Violent crimes have declined by 3% across the United States. In the first half of 2025, murders went down by 11.6% and rape by 9.4%, according to the FBI report.
Conviction of a crime does not always mean that the case is over. Sometimes, mistakes happen during a trial. It can be about the law’s application, evidence handling, or jury decision-making.
In these situations, a person may have the right to file a criminal appeal. With an appeal, you can request for a higher court to review your case to see if something went wrong with the first trial that affected the outcome of the case.
Here are the common reasons you can challenge a conviction and file an appeal.
Legal Errors During the Trial Process
When you’re going through the complexities of a criminal trial, the legal errors may really change the course of the case. They range from improper jury instructions to evidentiary matters prejudicial to the jurors’ view. In case you observe any procedural errors during the trial, then you should document them meticulously.
There are many others who also face challenges when dealing with the legal system. Knowing such errors equips you better to bargain for your rights and strengthens the community of those who are fighting for justice.
The acknowledgment of these legal errors shall be the first step on the road to seeking a just resolution. If you know these legal mistakes, you can have an edge to successfully appeal your case.
Violent crime attorney Tyler V. Gates says that it is highly recommended that you work with an experienced crime lawyer to ensure you have the strongest chance of securing a favorable outcome and potentially getting your charges reduced or dismissed.
Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
Ineffective counsel can deeply impair your defense in a criminal case. You need an attorney that will battle for your rights and understand the nuances of your individual case.
There are many ways in which ineffective assistance of counsel can achieve this: failing to investigate the case thoroughly, not bringing forth evidence in time, or failing to discuss the strategy with you. The worst part is that you may give away your one chance for a fair trial-against your lawyer’s advice.
The side effects of ineffective assistance of counsel can make you feel lost, confused, and even betrayed, which only isolates you further. Since these errors provide strong grounds for appeal, it is critical to acknowledge them. You are not alone. There are a great many people who have walked through the same path.
Spotlighting ineffective assistance from counsel is a major step toward reclaiming your voice and fighting for rightful justice. Stop hesitating and investigating your options.
Newly Discovered Evidence
Newly discovered evidence has all it takes to alter your criminal appeal, especially if proof of your innocence is demonstrated or a prosecution witness is removed from the case. Any new information, documents, or witnesses that come to your rescue after the trial will require you to rush.
It should carry such significant weight in the case that it has the potential to alter the case’s outcome. You must show that you could not have discovered such evidence sooner with reasonable diligence. The presenting of new evidence will not only serve to fortify your appeal but will also encourage an optimistic attitude and support from your community.
The community is waiting to support you in this fight for justice so you don’t feel alone.
Juror Misconduct
Another way you can question the trial’s integrity is with a juror’s misconduct. Jurors can discuss the case outside the courtroom. But if they are relying on outside information to make a decision, this can compromise their ultimate judgment.
Knowing this can make you feel frustrated if the jurors’ decision is not made solely upon the evidence presented in the courtroom. Some misconduct would include inappropriate contact with witnesses or any other undisclosed prejudices during selection. It is crucial to immediately address such suspected misconduct.
Your lawyers may file a motion to have an investigation conducted. This will lead to a retrial of the case. It is important to pay attention to every detail to ensure fairness.
Sentencing Errors
A sentencing error could really undermine the entire course of justice and may leave you feeling as if you have not had fair treatment. Errors may arise from errors in calculation, application of laws, or even the consideration of improper factors during sentencing.
If you feel your sentence is not a proper reflection on the offense or on your circumstances, you do have the right to appeal.
Be prepared to gather as much evidence as possible, documenting every bit that supports the claim about the mistake. Your appeal may assert that it involved an excessive sentence or was not consistent with comparable cases.
You can feel supported and empowered knowing that waves of people have already stood against unwarranted sentences and won their cases. Attorney advice will definitely bail you out of this complicated procedure and put you back on the side of justice.
