Appeals

Appeal Attorneys in Georgetown

Pursuing Justice After a Conviction

A criminal conviction can have profound and lasting effects on your life, but it doesn't have to be the final word. If you believe that errors were made during your trial, an appeal offers a chance to seek justice.

At Winters & Chidester, our seasoned Georgetown appeals attorneys are dedicated to helping you understand your rights and guiding you through the appellate process with skill. With a deep understanding of appellate law and procedures, as well as our background as former prosecutors, we have valuable perspective on how to approach criminal appeals. We recognize the gravity of your situation and are prepared to dedicate the necessary resources to your appeal.

To discuss your options, call (512) 961-4555 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with an experienced Georgetown appeals lawyer.

The Texas Appeals Process

An appeal is not a new trial but a legal proceeding where a higher court reviews the decisions made by the trial court to determine if legal errors affected the outcome. The appellate court examines the trial record, including transcripts and evidence, to assess whether the law was applied correctly.

In Texas, the appeals process generally involves the following steps:

Filing a Notice of Appeal: This must be done promptly after the conviction, usually within 30 days.
Preparing the Appellate Brief: A written argument that outlines the legal errors that occurred during the trial.
Oral Arguments: In some cases, attorneys may present their arguments in person before the appellate judges.
The Appellate Court's Decision: The court may affirm the conviction, reverse it, or remand the case for further proceedings.

Navigating this complex process requires a knowledgeable Georgetown appeals attorney who can advocate effectively on your behalf.

Common Grounds for Appeal

Not every unfavorable outcome is grounds for an appeal. Valid reasons to appeal a conviction may include:

Legal Errors: Mistakes in applying the law, such as incorrect jury instructions or improperly admitted evidence.
Insufficient Evidence: Arguing that the evidence presented at trial was not enough to support a guilty verdict.
Ineffective Assistance of Counsel: Demonstrating that your trial attorney did not provide adequate representation.
Juror Misconduct: Instances where a juror behaved inappropriately, potentially affecting the verdict.
Prosecutorial Misconduct: Actions by the prosecution that violated your rights, such as withholding exculpatory evidence.

The Importance of Timeliness

Time is of the essence in the appeals process. Missing filing deadlines can forfeit your right to appeal. It's crucial to act quickly by consulting a Georgetown appeals attorney who can ensure that all necessary documents are filed promptly and correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions: Appeals

Can new evidence be introduced during an appeal?

Typically, appeals are limited to the trial record, and new evidence is not considered. However, there are exceptions in certain circumstances, such as when new evidence emerges that could not have been discovered earlier with reasonable diligence.

What are the possible outcomes of an appeal?

The appellate court may:

Affirm the Conviction: Agree with the trial court's decision.
Reverse the Conviction: Overturn the verdict due to significant legal errors.
Remand the Case: Send the case back to the lower court for a new trial or sentencing.

Does filing an appeal stay my sentence?

Filing an appeal does not automatically halt the execution of your sentence. A separate request must be made to stay the sentence pending the outcome of the appeal.

To learn how we can assist with your criminal appeal, call (512) 961-4555 or contact us online.

a Georgetown Appeals Lawyer Can Help

At Winters & Chidester, we bring a wealth of experience to the appellate process. Our team is committed to examining every aspect of the trial to uncover errors and legal issues, crafting compelling appellate briefs that persuasively argue the case, and presenting clear and convincing arguments to the appellate judges. If we take on your appeal, we will keep you informed at every stage and tailor our approach to your specific needs.

A conviction doesn't have to be the end of your story. Let us help you pursue justice through the appeals process. Contact our team today!

Real People. Real Wins.

Review Some of Our Results to See for Yourself What We’ve Worked to Achieve

As Georgetown criminal attorneys, we recognize the importance of what we do. Our goal is to help our clients face brighter futures, all while protecting their constitutional rights to the fullest. We couldn't be more proud of the people we've helped and the lives we've changed.

View All Results

Case dismissed Assault Family Violence
We represented a woman accused of assault family violence. We were able to show the prosecutor that she was the true victim, securing a dismissal on her behalf.
Deferred Probation; No Prison Time Drug Dealing & Possession of Firearms
We represented a client charged with manufacture/delivery, facing allegations of continued drug dealing and possession of firearms. After a contested sentencing, we secured a deferred adjudication probation, allowing the client to avoid prison time.
Case dismissed Juvenile Charged with Sexual Assault
We represented a minor charged with sexual assault. Working with our client and his family, we were able to get the case dismissed.
Probation terminated early Extended Adjudication Probation
We represented a client who wanted to terminate their probation early. We gathered compelling evidence on their behalf and were able to have their probation terminated several years before the scheduled end date.
Case Rejected Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
We represented a client charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child. By acting early, reviewing the evidence thoroughly, and providing key information to the prosecutor, we built a strong defense that led to the case being no-billed and rejected.