Indiana Appeals Attorney

Taking on Criminal, Family, & Civil Law Cases

If you believe that you or a loved one has been wrongfully found guilty of a crime, then get in touch with the experienced attorneys at Massillamany Jeter & Carson to get help fighting for your future! Major crimes, like murder, rape, robbery, and child molestation carry serious consequences and years in jail. If you or a loved one is sitting in jail and need to appeal the conviction, our team of seasoned appellate lawyers can provide the assistance and legal guidance that you need to build a strong appeal case.

Dedicated Legal Guidance from Experienced Appellate Lawyers

You don’t have to just accept a guilty verdict if you believe you are innocent or there was an error in your trial or sentencing. In a criminal case, you have a right to appeal if you were found guilty by a judge or a jury at trial. A Notice of Appeal must be filed within 30 days of the final order, so time is of the essence. The Notice of Appeal puts the trial court on notice and requests court documents to be prepared and transcripts to be commenced.

Contact us today at (317) 434-1490 so we can take a look at your case and discuss all of your legal options.

What Are the Different Grounds for Appeal in Indiana?

There are many potential grounds for appeal. Possibilities include:

• Juror misconduct
• Ineffective assistance of counsel
• Legal error

A conviction may be appealed if the defendant believes that the jury conducted itself improperly during the trial or in deliberations. This includes improper communication between the jurors and attorneys or witnesses. Legal issues that can be appealed include:

• Improperly admitted evidence
• Incorrect jury instructions
• Lack of sufficient evidence to support the conviction

How Does the Appeal Process Work?

Once the notice of appeal is filed, the clerk of the trial court begins preparing the court’s record and the transcripts of the trial proceedings. This can take 30 to 45 days, or longer if the clerk needs an extension. Once all of the documents are produced, our lawyers will review all of the evidence, determine what issues should be appealed, and prepare an appellant’s brief to file with the Indiana Court of Appeals.

The State responds with the Appellee’s brief, and then we get to file a short brief in response. Then the Court of Appeals reviews all briefs and evidence submitted and issues a written decision. The Appellate court can also request an oral argument from counsel in order to expand on and clarify arguments made in written briefs.

Discuss Your Appeal Options with a Skilled Lawyer Today

If you pled guilty with a plea agreement, one of the rights you give up is the right to appeal. However, if you believe you did not enter into the plea knowingly or voluntarily, or because you were threatened into taking the plea, then you need to consult with an experienced lawyer to determine if you are eligible for appeal.

Call (317) 434-1490 to contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout Indiana.