Yes. There are many possible reasons to appeal a verdict in a criminal case, although only a minority of appeals actually succeeds. There are important deadlines that you should discuss with a lawyer, including the first requirement that a form entitled "notice of appeal" be filed within 30 days of the jury having found a defendant guilty.
Be aware that an appeal is not a new trial. If your appeal is successful, the appellate court may grant you a new trial, send the case back to the trial court for a hearing or, in unusual circumstances, dismiss your case. The appellate court can review the evidence (testimony and exhibits) presented at your trial to see if there was a legal error. The appellate court does not decide the facts of the case as the judge or the jury in a trial does.
Part 3: Pre-Trial, Trial and Verdict
- What is a pre-trial conference date?
- What occurs at a pre-trial conference?
- How soon must a trial take place?
- How are cases decided at a trial?
- What happens at trial?
- What is a verdict?
- Can I appeal a guilty verdict?
- Can I appeal from a guilty plea?
- What happens if I do not go to court?
- What should I do if I miss a probation appointment?
- How can I get help if I am a victim of a crime?
- Where can I get help if I am a criminal defendant?
- More information on the criminal process