CRIMINAL Appeals

FIGHTING FOR A SECOND CHANCE

A criminal conviction can feel final, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your story. At Glenn M. Swiatek, Criminal Defense Attorney, P.A., we specialize in criminal appeals, offering hope and skilled advocacy for individuals who believe they’ve been wrongfully convicted or received an unfair trial. Whether you’re in Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, or anywhere in Florida, we’re here to help you take the next step toward justice.

What Is a Criminal Appeal?

An appeal is not a new trial. Instead, it’s a legal process where a higher court reviews the proceedings of your trial to determine whether errors occurred that affected the outcome. These errors could include improper jury instructions, incorrect application of the law, or evidence that was improperly admitted or excluded.

When we take on your case, we meticulously review every aspect of your trial from the initial proceedings to the final judgment to identify potential grounds for appeal. Our goal is to present a compelling argument to the appellate court, aiming to overturn your conviction, secure a new trial, or obtain a reduced sentence.



Common Grounds for Criminal Appeals

Appeals can be based on various legal errors or misconduct that occurred during your trial. Common grounds include:



• Ineffective Assistance of Counsel: If your defense attorney failed to provide competent representation, this could be grounds for appeal.
• Evidentiary Errors: Improper admission or exclusion of evidence can significantly impact the fairness of a trial.
• Prosecutorial Misconduct: Unethical actions by the prosecution, such as withholding evidence, may justify an appeal.
• Jury Misconduct: Instances where jurors acted inappropriately or were influenced by outside factors can compromise a verdict.
• Legal Errors: Misapplication of the law or procedural violations during the trial can warrant appellate review.

Filing an appeal is a complex and time-sensitive process. Here’s what you can expect:

• Notice of Appeal: The first step is filing a notice of appeal within the deadline, which is typically 30 days after sentencing.
• Appellate Briefs: We prepare detailed written arguments (briefs) explaining the errors made during your trial and how they impacted the outcome.
• Oral Arguments: In some cases, we may present oral arguments before the appellate judges to further advocate for your case.
• Decision: The appellate court will review the briefs and arguments, then issue a decision to affirm, reverse, or remand the case for further proceedings.

Throughout this process, we maintain clear communication with you, ensuring you understand every step and your options moving forward.

Why Choose Glenn M. Swiatek, Criminal Defense Attorney, P.A. for Your Appeal?

Handling an appeal requires a different set of skills and knowledge compared to trial defense. At Glenn M. Swiatek, Criminal Defense Attorney, P.A., we bring nearly Three Decades of Experience. Our in-depth understanding of criminal law and appellate procedures allows us to craft strong arguments that resonate with appellate judges. We meticulously review transcripts, motions, and rulings to uncover errors that may have gone unnoticed.  We are passionate about fighting for clients who have been wrongfully convicted or received unfair trials.

Our firm serves a diverse clientele, including military members, tourists, and local residents charged with serious crimes. Whether your case involves state or federal charges, we’re equipped to handle appeals at all levels of the court system.



Protecting Your Rights from Day One

We understand that being accused of a crime can be a life-altering experience. From the moment you hire us, we’ll work tirelessly to protect your rights and fight for your future. Our goal is to minimize the impact of these charges on your life, whether that means securing a dismissal, negotiating a favorable plea, or achieving an acquittal at trial.



Time Is Critical Contact Us Today

Appeals are time-sensitive, and missing deadlines can jeopardize your chances for relief. Don’t wait to take action. Contact Glenn M. Swiatek, Criminal Defense Attorney, P.A. today for a consultation. Use our online form to connect with us, and let us evaluate your case. Together, we can work toward correcting the errors of the past and securing a brighter future.