When a criminal conviction feels unjust, the appeals process offers a path to challenge the outcome and seek a fair resolution. At the Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd, our Puyallup-based attorneys understand how overwhelming it can be to face the aftermath of a trial that did not go your way. Appeals are complex, deadline-driven, and require a thorough review of trial transcripts, legal arguments, and procedural errors. We help clients across Washington State navigate this demanding process with clarity, diligence, and a steady commitment to protecting their rights throughout every stage of post-conviction review.
An appeal is often the last opportunity to correct legal errors that may have shaped the outcome of a criminal trial. The importance of filing a well-prepared appeal cannot be overstated, as it can lead to reduced sentences, overturned convictions, or new trials when serious mistakes are identified. Washington State appellate courts take a close look at procedural fairness, evidentiary rulings, and constitutional protections. Pursuing an appeal allows individuals to hold the legal system accountable and ensure that justice was applied correctly. The benefits extend beyond the individual, helping preserve fair trial standards for everyone navigating the criminal justice process.
A criminal appeal is a legal proceeding in which a higher court reviews the decisions made during a trial court case. Unlike a new trial, an appeal does not involve presenting fresh evidence or calling witnesses. Instead, appellate attorneys examine the trial record, looking for legal errors that may have influenced the verdict or sentence. In Washington State, most criminal appeals are filed with the Court of Appeals, and in certain cases, matters may be reviewed by the Washington Supreme Court. The process requires strict adherence to filing deadlines, formatting rules, and procedural requirements that can easily derail an appeal if handled incorrectly.
A formal document filed with the trial court to begin the appeals process. In Washington, it must generally be filed within 30 days of the judgment being entered.
A written legal argument submitted to the appellate court that identifies errors from the trial and explains why the conviction or sentence should be changed.
The level of scrutiny an appellate court applies when reviewing trial court decisions. Different issues, such as factual findings or legal rulings, are reviewed under different standards.
An appellate court’s order sending a case back to the trial court for further action, such as a new trial, resentencing, or reconsideration of a specific legal issue.
Washington law imposes strict deadlines for filing a notice of appeal, often as short as 30 days after judgment. Missing this window can permanently end your right to appeal. Contacting an attorney immediately after sentencing gives your legal team the time needed to review the record and prepare a strong case.
Your appeal depends on the written record from the trial court. Keep copies of motions, transcripts, evidence lists, and correspondence with prior counsel. These materials help your appellate attorney identify potential errors and build the strongest possible argument for review.
Appellate work differs significantly from trial advocacy and requires strong legal research and writing abilities. Selecting an attorney familiar with Washington’s appellate rules improves your chances of a favorable outcome. Ask about prior appellate experience and the attorney’s approach to brief writing and oral argument.
Felony convictions carry lasting consequences such as prison time, loss of civil rights, and significant social impact. A comprehensive appeal examines every aspect of the trial, from jury selection to sentencing. Full representation ensures that no potential error is overlooked in cases with so much at stake.
When trial errors involve constitutional rights such as the right to counsel, due process, or protection from unlawful searches, the stakes for appeal are especially high. These issues demand thorough legal research and briefing. Comprehensive representation gives these arguments the depth and precision they require for meaningful review.
Some appeals focus solely on sentencing errors, such as incorrect scoring of an offender’s criminal history. These matters can sometimes be resolved through a targeted appeal rather than a full review. Limited representation can be efficient when the legal issue is clearly defined and isolated.
Certain appeals involve straightforward procedural matters, such as clerical errors in judgment documents. These issues typically require less extensive briefing. A limited approach may be appropriate when the correction sought is narrow and the record clearly supports the requested relief.
Choosing the right attorney for your appeal can make a meaningful difference in the outcome. At the Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd, we bring focused attention to every case, combining thorough legal research with clear, persuasive writing. Our attorneys understand Washington’s appellate rules and the nuances of state and federal law that apply to criminal cases. From the moment you contact us, we work diligently to understand your goals, analyze the trial record, and craft a strategy aimed at achieving the best possible result. Our commitment to each client is grounded in responsiveness, transparency, and careful legal analysis.
We recognize that appeals can feel isolating, especially after the difficulty of a trial and sentencing. Our team strives to keep clients informed at every step, explaining complex legal concepts in clear terms and providing realistic expectations about the process. We handle appeals in a wide range of criminal matters, including DUI convictions, drug offenses, violent crimes, and white-collar cases. Whether your goal is a new trial, reduced sentence, or complete reversal, we apply the same level of dedication and diligence. Contact our Puyallup office at 253-544-5434 to discuss how we can assist with your appellate matter.
In Washington State, a notice of appeal generally must be filed within 30 days of the entry of the final judgment or sentence. This deadline is strict, and missing it can result in the loss of your right to appeal. Because the window is so short, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after sentencing. Once the notice of appeal is filed, additional deadlines apply for designating the record, preparing transcripts, and filing briefs. Our firm works promptly to ensure every procedural step is handled correctly, giving your appeal the strongest foundation from the very beginning.
The criminal appeals process begins with filing a notice of appeal, followed by obtaining the trial record and transcripts. Your appellate attorney reviews these documents carefully to identify legal errors that may have affected the outcome. A written brief is then prepared and submitted to the appellate court, outlining the issues and supporting arguments. After briefing is complete, the court may schedule oral arguments, where attorneys present their positions and answer judges’ questions. The court then issues a written decision, which may affirm, reverse, modify, or remand the case. Throughout the process, communication with your attorney is key to understanding each development.
Generally, new evidence cannot be introduced during a direct appeal because appellate courts review only the existing trial record. The goal of an appeal is to determine whether legal errors occurred during the original proceedings, not to reevaluate the facts with additional information. However, if significant new evidence is discovered after trial, it may form the basis for a separate proceeding known as a personal restraint petition or motion for a new trial. Our attorneys can help you determine which path is appropriate based on the nature of the evidence and the circumstances of your case.
An appeal can result in several possible outcomes. The appellate court may affirm the conviction, meaning the trial court’s decision stands. Alternatively, the court may reverse the conviction entirely or remand the case for further proceedings such as a new trial or resentencing. In some cases, the court may modify the sentence without overturning the underlying conviction. The specific outcome depends on the errors identified, the strength of the legal arguments presented, and the applicable standards of review. Our attorneys work to pursue the most favorable result based on the facts of your case.
Many defendants choose a different attorney for their appeal because appellate work involves distinct skills from trial advocacy. Appellate attorneys focus on legal research, written briefs, and oral arguments before higher courts. A fresh perspective can also help identify errors that a trial attorney might overlook. At the Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd, we frequently handle appeals for clients who had different counsel at trial. We review the record with a critical eye and develop arguments tailored to the appellate court’s standards, giving your case renewed attention and a focused strategy.
The cost of a criminal appeal varies based on the complexity of the case, the length of the trial record, and the number of legal issues involved. Appeals typically require significant time for reviewing transcripts, conducting research, and preparing briefs, which can affect the overall fee structure. During your initial consultation, we provide a clear explanation of anticipated costs and discuss fee arrangements that fit your situation. Transparency in pricing is important to us, and we work to ensure clients understand the financial aspects before moving forward with representation.
Appealing a guilty plea in Washington is generally more limited than appealing a conviction after trial. In most cases, entering a guilty plea waives many appellate rights. However, appeals may still be possible on specific grounds, such as challenges to the sentence or claims that the plea was not entered knowingly and voluntarily. If you believe your plea was the result of ineffective counsel, coercion, or a misunderstanding of the consequences, you may have options through a personal restraint petition. Our attorneys can evaluate your situation and advise on the best path forward.
A direct appeal challenges legal errors made during the trial and is based on the existing court record. It focuses on whether the trial court correctly applied the law and followed proper procedures. Direct appeals must be filed within strict deadlines after sentencing. A post-conviction petition, known as a personal restraint petition in Washington, addresses issues outside the trial record, such as newly discovered evidence or claims of ineffective assistance of counsel. These petitions have different filing requirements and can be pursued after the direct appeal concludes, depending on the circumstances.
The length of a criminal appeal in Washington varies, but most appeals take between nine months and two years to resolve. Factors affecting the timeline include the complexity of the case, the length of the trial transcripts, and the appellate court’s schedule. Delays can occur during the record preparation phase or while waiting for oral arguments and the final written decision. Our attorneys keep clients informed throughout the process, explaining what to expect at each stage and providing updates as the case progresses through the appellate system.
In most cases, defendants remain in custody during the appeals process unless they are granted release pending appeal. Release is not automatic and typically requires filing a motion demonstrating that the individual is not a flight risk and does not pose a danger to the community. Whether release is granted depends on the nature of the conviction, the strength of the appellate issues, and other factors considered by the court. Our attorneys can evaluate your eligibility for release and pursue the appropriate motions to seek your freedom while the appeal is pending.
