SECOND CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS ATTORNEY

Second Circuit Court of Appeals

This is particularly significant in federal criminal cases where convicted individuals can appeal their convictions and sentences.  The appeals court reviews the case to identify any legal errors that could have impacted the trial outcome.

If such errors are found, the appeals court may reverse the conviction and return the case to the district court for retrial.

If you or someone you love is serving time for an unjust conviction or sentence, don’t try to handle it alone. You need a federal appeals lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the Court of Appeals and will work tirelessly to defend your rights and freedom.

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals hears appeals from federal district courts in Connecticut, Vermont, and New York. Its primary responsibility is to review district court decisions and ensure they align with the law.

If you have been convicted of a federal crime after trial, or you pleaded guilty but received a sentence that was too high – you may need to appeal your case to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. There are many reasons to consider an appeal, including:

  • Inadequate representation by your trial lawyer;

  • Improper admission of evidence at trial;

  • Incorrect or illegal application of the law by the judge;

  • Unfair conduct in the courtroom;

  • Prosecutorial misconduct;

  • Juror misconduct.

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Established in 1891, The Second Circuit Court of Appeals is located in New York City and houses 13 active circuit judges who hear various appellate cases. The court resides inside the Thurgood Marshall U.S. Courthouse in lower Manhattan.

About the Second Circuit Court of Appeals

    • Debra Ann Livingston

    • Jon O. Newman

    • Amalya L. Kearse

    • John M. Walker, Jr.

    • Dennis Jacobs

    • Pierre N. Leval

    • Guido Calabresi

    • José A. Cabranes

    • Chester J. Straub

    • Rosemary S. Pooler

    • Robert D. Sack

    • Barrington D. Parker

    • Reena Raggi

    • Richard C. Wesley

    • Gerard E. Lynch

    • Denny Chin

    • Raymond J. Lohier, Jr.

    • Susan L. Carney

    • Richard J. Sullivan

    • Joseph F. Bianco

    • Michael H. Park

    • William J. Nardini

    • Steven J. Menashi

    • Eunice C. Lee

    • Beth Robinson

    • Myrna Pérez

    • Alison J. Nathan

    • Sarah A. L. Merriam

    • Maria Araújo Kahn

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There are strict deadlines for filing federal criminal appeals. Contact us immediately.

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FEDERAL CRIMINAL APPEALS

Federal Criminal Appeals in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals hears various cases, including criminal appeals for federal offenses such as:

  • Bank & mortgage fraud

  • Drug trafficking

  • Firearm convictions

  • Healthcare fraud

  • Hobbs Act & public bribery corruption

  • Mail & wire fraud

  • RICO & conspiracy

  • Securities fraud

  • Tax fraud

  • White-collar crime

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals is an important institution in the federal judiciary system, particularly in the states it covers. If you or a loved one has been convicted of a federal crime, it is essential to seek the help of a seasoned federal appellate attorney with experience arguing cases before this court.

The attorneys at Elizabeth Franklin-Best can help you navigate the complex appeals process and provide the guidance and support you need to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

CRIMINAL APPEALS PROCESS

Criminal Appeals Process in the Second Circuit

Once a person has been convicted in the federal district court, an individual or their family can appeal that conviction and sentence to the appropriate appellate court, such as the Second Circuit Appeals Court.

The appeals process typically involves the following:


If an individual or their family wants to appeal the conviction, they must file a notice of appeal with the appropriate appellate court, such as the Second Circuit Appeals Court.

Notice of appeal


Once the notice of appeal has been filed, the lower court will assemble the “record on appeal,” which includes all relevant legal documents and transcripts from the trial.

Record on appeal


The individual or their family, through their attorney, will submit a written brief to the appellate court outlining the legal arguments for why the conviction should be overturned.

Briefing


The appellate court may schedule an oral argument, where the individual’s attorney will present their arguments before a panel of judges.

Oral argument


The appellate court will review the lower court’s decision and arguments presented by both sides to determine whether any legal errors or constitutional violations occurred during the trial.

  • If the appellate court finds in favor of the individual, it may overturn the conviction and remand the case for a new trial or sentencing.

  • If the appellate court upholds the lower court’s decision, the individual or their family may appeal further to the Supreme Court.

Appellate court decision


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EXPERIENCED APPELLATE ATTORNEY

Why You Need a Second Circuit Federal Appellate Attorney

Appealing to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals can be beneficial in many ways. It is an opportunity to have the conviction or sentence reviewed and potentially overturned, which can positively impact the individual’s life.

However, successfully challenging a conviction or sentence is not an easy feat. Federal criminal appeals are a highly specialized area of law, and navigating the complex rules and procedures of the appellate process can be challenging for those without legal training.

Appellate courts have strict rules and procedures that you must follow, and even a small mistake in legal filings or arguments can lead to a case being dismissed or an appeal being denied.

By working with Elizabeth Franklin-Best, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have an experienced appellate attorney on your side. Our team has years of experience representing clients in federal criminal appeals cases and deeply understands the complex legal issues involved.

We will work tirelessly to protect your rights, navigate the complex appellate process, and present compelling legal arguments to the Second Circuit Appeals Court.

SECOND CIRCUIT CRIMINAL APPEALS

COMMON FAQs

  • A federal criminal conviction can be a difficult and stressful experience for both the individual who has been convicted and their loved ones. It’s important to seek support and guidance from professionals who can help navigate the legal and emotional challenges of the situation. Elizabeth Franklin-Best is committed to providing compassionate and understanding legal representation for individuals and their loved ones facing federal criminal appeals cases.

  • To initiate an appeal, you must file a Notice of Appeal with the clerk of the district court that handled your case. The notice must be filed within a specific timeframe, usually 14 days after the entry of the judgment or order you wish to appeal.

  • If your appeal is unsuccessful, you may have the option to seek further review by petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court. However, the Supreme Court has discretion over which cases it accepts, so there is no guarantee that it will hear your appeal.

  • Generally, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals only considers issues that were properly preserved and raised at the trial court level. Exceptions may exist for certain constitutional claims or if there are exceptional circumstances justifying the consideration of new issues.

  • Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible for release on bail or on your own recognizance while your appeal is pending. This decision is typically made by the district court, and you should consult with your attorney regarding your options.


WHY US?

Elizabeth Franklin-Best should be your top choice for your Second Court of Appeals case

  • Knowledge — We deeply understand the law and legal procedures related to various appeals. We stay up-to-date on the latest developments in this area of the law and can use that knowledge to effectively advocate for you.

  • Experience — We have helped many clients with a variety of federal criminal appeals. We know the correct procedures, understand the court expectations, and have countless hours delivering oral arguments.

  • Commitment — We are committed to fighting for your rights and pursuing the best possible outcome in your case. We will work tirelessly on your behalf and will not rest until we have achieved a successful result.

  • Communication — We believe that communication is key to a successful attorney-client relationship. We will be available to answer any questions and take pride in explaining the legal process to you and your loved ones.

Choosing the right law firm for your appeal can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Our team is dedicated to providing our clients with the highest level of legal representation and advocacy.

James J.

“Amazing and I can't recommend enough. Thank you so much.”

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READY TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION?

Time is of the essence in filing an appeal, so it is important to act quickly. We invite you to schedule a consultation to see if we’re the right fit for your case. To ensure every client receives the attention they deserve, we carefully choose the cases we take on as this gives us the ability to give each case the time, focus, and dedication it deserves.

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