Appeals

Orlando Criminal Appeals Lawyer

Serving Orange County and Polk County

A criminal trial may have ended in a guilty verdict, but that doesn’t have to mean the loss of hope for the defendant and their family. Mistakes are made at trial, and the appeals process exists as a way to rectify that. Our Orlando appeals lawyer has the knowledge, experience, and persuasive skills to dissect what happened at trial, develop an appeal, and vigorously make the case for the defendant. 

Call Attorney Mills at (321) 475-0928 or contact us online today. We offer free consultations and can meet virtually for your convenience.

How an Appeal Is Different From a Trial

Appeals and trials represent distinct stages in the legal process, each with its own set of rules, procedures, and objectives. While trials focus on determining facts and reaching a verdict based on evidence presented in court, appeals serve a different purpose altogether. 

When a case is appealed, the appellate court does not retry it or reconsider the facts. Instead, it reviews the legal decisions made during the trial to ensure they were applied correctly under the law. This means that appeals primarily deal with questions of law and procedure rather than questions of fact, making the process more focused on analyzing legal arguments and interpreting statutes and precedents.

Moreover, the dynamics of an appeal differ significantly from those of a trial in terms of presentation and procedure. In a trial, both parties present evidence, call witnesses, and make arguments before a judge or jury to establish the facts of the case. In contrast, appeals involve written briefs, legal arguments, and oral hearings where attorneys advocate their positions before a panel of judges. 

The emphasis shifts from proving or disproving facts to persuading the appellate court on matters of law, precedent, and statutory interpretation. This shift in focus underscores the key distinction between the adversarial nature of trials and the more analytical nature of appeals-and why it’s important to work with an attorney who has specific experience in the appellate courts. Attorney Mills does.  

Common Legal Errors to Appeal

If a defendant can no longer dispute the facts of the case, what is left to dispute? Actually, there are several errors that, if left unchallenged, may have contributed to an unfair guilty verdict. 

Here are several common examples: 

  • Evidentiary errors: Errors related to the admission or exclusion of evidence can taint a trial’s fairness. Appellate courts assess whether these evidentiary rulings substantially affected the case’s outcome.
  • Jury instruction errors: Incorrect jury instructions can confuse jurors or misstate the law, compromising the fairness of the trial.
  • Conflict of interest: Instances where attorneys or judges have conflicts of interest can undermine the impartiality of the proceedings. Appellate review of such conflicts is meant to ensure that legal proceedings remain free from bias or undue influence.
  • Ineffective defense counsel: Did your defense attorney’s performance fall below professional standards of effective representation? This can be grounds for an appeal. You have the right to a competent attorney. 
  • Sentencing errors: Miscalculations or deviations from sentencing guidelines can result in unjust outcomes. The appeals process may seek to correct sentencing errors to reach proportionate and lawful punishments.

Attorney Mills has over 14 years of experience and that includes working as a prosecutor. He knows from firsthand experience that the system isn’t always perfect. Mistakes can be made in the application of the law, and those mistakes may have impacted the outcome of your trial. We’re here to do what we can to make things right.  

Call today at (321) 475-0928 for a free consultation.

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Call Our Orlando Appeals Lawyer Today

If you find yourself facing the complexities of an appellate case, don’t try and go it alone. Even if we weren’t your lawyer in the original trial, Attorney Mills can take the lead on your appeal. You’ll be able to count on us to do a diligent review of your case, perform a thoughtful analysis of the legal issues involved, create a strong argument, and then tenaciously represent your interests in the appellate courts. 

Check out the reviews from some of our previous clients.

  • “If you need an amazing lawyer, look no further.”
    “Jonathan was able to get my case dismissed and ALSO had the case sealed and my record expunged. All in all, Jonathan Mills did a remarkable job and I couldn’t have asked for better representation.”
    - Frank R.
  • “I highly recommend him to anyone facing severe criminal charges.”
    “Mills made sure to handle this case as if it was his own family going through this tragic ordeal. With that said I cannot express how thankful our family is for his dedication.”
    - Angela V.
  • “He is efficient, professional and reliable.”
    “We’re very happy that we went with him as our lawyer. Thank you attorney Mills for the time you put in this case and producing a better than expected outcome!”
    - Hannah B.
  • “Jonathan was an amazing lawyer and went far beyond what was expected.”
    “He understood the challenges that she was facing and stuck with us well beyond the length of time that was reasonable. The end result was better than we ever could have hoped for.”
    - John C.
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What You Can Expect Working With Us

When you choose Attorney Mills, you receive unwavering support and transparent communication throughout your legal journey. Learn why clients choose us by scheduling a free consultation.

  • Boutique Firm
    As a boutique firm, we offer the resources and expertise of a larger practice while maintaining the personalized service and attention to detail that sets us apart
  • Proven Track Record
    We have a history of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients through strategic negotiation and aggressive courtroom advocacy.
  • Strategic Advantage
    Our team brings a unique perspective to the table with a combination of former prosecution and extensive trial experience.
  • Free Consultations
    During your free consultation, we will review your case details, answer your questions, and provide an initial assessment to help you understand your legal options and next steps.
  • Comprehensive Legal Support
    We offer clear communication, unwavering support, and tireless representation from start to finish.
  • 24/7 Help Available
    Legal issues can arise at any time, and we understand the urgency and stress that come with facing criminal charges.

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