We Can Make It Right

Why Hire an Independent Attorney for Your Appeal?

Most criminal appeals are handled by your trial attorney or through a referral to an appellate attorney they work with. That's standard practice and often works well. But an independent appellate attorney brings something different to the table: a completely fresh perspective and the ability to give you a thorough evaluation of your entire case without any limitations.

When I review your trial transcript, I'm seeing it for the first time. I have no preconceptions about what the strategy was supposed to be, no memory of what happened outside the courtroom, no assumptions about why certain decisions were made. I'm just reading what's on the page—the same way the appellate judges will. That fresh look sometimes reveals issues that weren't apparent during trial. And because I specialize exclusively in criminal appeals, I'm bringing focused expertise in appellate research, brief writing, and procedure that comes from doing this work day in and day out.

There's another aspect to my review that matters: I look at the entire record, including how the trial itself was handled. Were objections made when they should have been? Were issues preserved properly? I'm evaluating everything, and if I spot potential problems with how the trial was conducted—issues that might not be eligible for review on direct appeal but could matter for future post-conviction relief—I can identify those for you as part of my comprehensive case review. That kind of complete analysis helps you understand not just your immediate appellate options, but the full landscape of your case going forward.

You get one direct appeal, and what gets raised now matters. You need someone with the time, expertise, and independence to give your case the thorough attention it deserves. That's what I provide.