Criminal Appeals Lawyers in Grand Rapids

If you’ve been convicted of a crime—either by a jury or through a guilty plea—the outcome of your case in circuit court doesn’t have to be the end of the story. An appeal is an opportunity to challenge your conviction and sentence and rewrite the story. Grabel & Associates have Grand Rapids’ premier criminal appeal attorneys, and we’ve helped numerous clients successfully appeal their cases.

Understanding Criminal Appeals

A criminal appeal is a legal proceeding in which a defendant seeks to overturn a conviction or reduce a sentence. Notably, an appeal is not a retrial of your case. Instead, an appeal reviews the legal process and decisions made at the circuit court level. An appellate court examines whether there were errors in the application of the law that could have affected the outcome of your case.

Common grounds for appeals include:

• Procedural errors: Mistakes in how the trial or plea proceeding was conducted.
• Errors of law: Incorrect application or interpretation of the law.
• Evidentiary issues: Improper admission or exclusion of evidence.
• Prosecutorial misconduct: Wrongdoing by the prosecutor.
• Ineffective assistance of counsel: Mistakes by your attorney.

The Importance of Expertise in Appeals

Criminal appeals are complex. They require extensive knowledge of criminal law as well as appellate procedure. The skill set needed to work out a plea deal or try a case to a jury differs entirely from the skill set required to litigate an appeal. In other words, the attorney who handled your case in circuit court probably isn’t the right fit for your appeal. This is where Grabel & Associates excels, providing clients with the expertise they need to navigate the appellate system successfully.

Grabel & Associates: A Trusted Name in Criminal Appeals in Grand Rapids

Grabel & Associates is recognized statewide for its dedication to aggressively defending the rights of people facing criminal charges in Grand Rapids. Founded by Scott Grabel— who began his career as a staff attorney with the Michigan Court of Appeals—the firm has built a reputation for excellence in criminal defense, particularly in criminal appeals.

Expertise and Experience

The attorneys at Grabel & Associates have decades of experience handling criminal appeals. They understand the nuances of appellate law and have a track record of securing favorable outcomes for their clients. Their expertise covers various criminal offenses, from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies.

Comprehensive Legal Support

Grabel & Associates offers comprehensive support throughout the appellate process. Their services include:

• Case Evaluation: An in-depth review of the trial court record to identify potential grounds for appeal.
• Brief Preparation: Crafting persuasive appellate briefs that effectively argue the legal issues.
• Oral Arguments: Cogently present the case to the judges who decide the appeal.
• Post-Conviction Relief: Exploring additional avenues for relief, such as motions for relief for judgment and sentence modifications.

The Appeals Process with Grabel & Associates

Navigating the appellate process can be daunting. It doesn’t have to be with Grabel & Associates at your side. Here’s a breakdown of the basic steps involved in an appeal:

Step 1: Filing the Claim of Appeal

The first step in most appeals is filing a “claim of appeal.” This pleading moves your case from the circuit court to the Court of Appeals. This document must be filed within 42 days after sentencing. Timeliness is crucial, and Grabel & Associates ensures all deadlines are met. As part of filing the claim of appeal, we must also order the transcripts of all court proceedings held in circuit court. In most cases, it can take up to 3 months for the transcripts to be prepared.

Step 2: Reviewing the Record

After the transcripts have been prepared, the attorneys from Grabel & Associates will review them in conjunction with the rest of the circuit court record. We will also investigate what’s not in the record, such as evidence not presented at trial. To that end, a crucial part of the review process is visiting the client and listening to their concerns about how the case was handled at the circuit court level. Finally, we conduct rigorous legal research to determine which issues and arguments have the best chance of success in your case.

Step 3: Preparing the Brief on Appeal

The “brief on appeal”—essentially an essay describing our legal claims—is the cornerstone of the appeal. It outlines the facts of the case and our arguments, citing relevant legal precedent. Grabel & Associates excels at preparing well-researched and persuasive briefs that clearly articulate our legal issues and why you should win your appeal.

Step 4: Oral Arguments

In some cases, the Court of Appeals may schedule an “oral argument,” a hearing in court before the three judges deciding your case. This is an opportunity for the attorneys to present the case directly to the judges and respond to any questions. The appellate attorneys at Grabel & Associates are adept at delivering compelling oral arguments that reinforce the points made in the brief.

Step 5: The Court’s Decision

The Court of Appeals will issue a written decision, usually one to four weeks after the oral argument. There are many potential outcomes to an appeal. The court can uphold your convictions and sentence, reverse and remand for a new trial, reverse and remand for resentencing, or remand for further proceedings. Regardless of the outcome, Grabel & Associates guides their clients through the next steps in the case, including further appeals if necessary.

Why Choose Grabel & Associates in Grand Rapids?

Choosing the right law firm for your appeal is crucial. Here are some reasons why our attorneys are the preferred choice for criminal appeals in Grand Rapids:

• Proven Track Record: Our firm has won numerous appeals at the Michigan Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court. We are willing to stack our appeal results against any other firm to prove that we’re Michigan’s leading criminal appeals firm.
• Specialized Knowledge: Appeals require skills different from those in trial court litigation. The appellate attorneys at Grabel & Associates specialize in appeals, where advanced knowledge of the law and procedure can differentiate between winning and losing an appeal.
• Client-Centered Approach: Our firm prioritizes client needs, providing personalized attention and clear communication.
• Comprehensive Services: Whether you took a plea deal or lost at trial, Grabel & Associates offers a full spectrum of appellate services tailored to the unique aspects of your case.

An appeal offers a second chance if you or a loved one has been convicted of a crime. Grabel & Associates is the go-to law firm in Grand Rapids for those seeking to challenge their convictions or sentences. With our expertise in appellate law, comprehensive support, and commitment to client success, we will do everything possible to secure your appeal’s best outcome.

Contact us now for a free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year. We are here for you.