Criminal Appeals
If you or a loved one has been convicted of a crime in Arizona, you still have powerful options. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Schill Law Group have extensive experience in criminal appeals and post-conviction relief. We will aggressively fight to overturn convictions, secure new trials, reduce sentences, and protect your rights. If you have suffered from a verdict that you believe is unjust, or if you have accepted a plea deal that you think is unfair, contact us immediately so we can review and explain your appeal options.
Our attorneys will perform an exhaustive investigation of the details surrounding your case and seek opportunities to achieve the best possible result through an appeal or post-conviction relief. This includes sentence modifications, probation violation appeals, habeas corpus and comprehensive case review for overlooked issues.
– Criminal Appeals Attorney
What is a Criminal Appeal in Arizona?
A direct appeal (under Arizona Rule 31) lets you challenge errors made during your trial or sentencing in the Arizona Court of Appeals. It focuses on the official trial record and must generally be filed within 30 days of sentencing.
What is Post-Conviction Relief (PCR) in Arizona?
Post-conviction relief allows you to challenge your conviction or sentence after the direct appeal window or when new issues arise. If it is filed in the original trial court under Rule 32 (after trial or contested probation violation) or Rule 33 (after a guilty plea). Common claims include innefective assistance of counsel, new evidence, or constitutional violations.
What are the Deadlines for Filing a Criminal Appeal or Post-Conviction Petition in Arizona?
* Direct Appeal: Usually 30 days after sentencing or the final judgement.
* Post-Conviction Relief (Rule 32/33): Generally 90 days after sentencing for plea cases, or 30 days after the appellate mandate issues. Missing deadlines can sometimes be excused with good cause – act quickly and consult Schill Law Group by calling 480-525-8900 for a free consultation.
What are the Common Grounds for Criminal Appeals or Post-Conviction Relief in Arizona?
Common grounds include: legal errors at trial, improper jury instructions, prosecutorial misconduct, innefective assistance of counsel, newly discovered evidence, illegal sentence, or constitutional violations. At Schill Law Group, our attorneys have extensive experience and will review the full record and identify viable claims.
Can I Appeal or Seek Post-Conviction Relief if I Plead Guilty?
Yes. A guilty plea generally waives many direct appeal rights, but you can stile file for post-conviction relief (Rule 33) if the plea was involuntary, your lawyer gave bad advice, or there were other serious issues. Many successful PCR cases involve plea-related claims.
How Does Schill Law Group Handle Criminal Appeals and Post-Conviction Cases?
Our experienced team, including Nicole T. Countryman (nearly 30 years of experience with Arizona Court of Appeals cases), thoroughly review trial records, identify errors, and aggressively advocate for new trials, reduced sentences, or overturned convictions. We offer compassionate, 24/7 availabilty for clients across Maricopa County and Arizona.
What Happens After I File a Criminal Appeal or Post-Conviction Petition in Arizona?
The court reviews the petition and record. The state may respond. There may be oral argument or additional briefing. The Court of Appeals or trial court issues a decision. Further review (e.g., to the Arizona Supreme Court) may be possible in some cases. Timelines vary but can take several months.
How Long Does the Criminal Appeals or Post-Conviction Process Take in Arizona?
This varies by complexity and court backlog – often 6-18+ months from filing to final decision. At Schill Law Group, we keep clients informed throughout the legal process and work tirelessly to protect your rights.
What Should I Do if I Misssed the Deadline to Appeal My Arizona Criminal Conviction?
Contact Schill Law Group immediately for a free consultation and case review. In some cases, late filings or alternative relief (such as habeas corpus or other post-conviction options) may still be possible depending on the facts and timing. Do not assume it’s too late – every day matters.
Why Choose Schill Law Group For My Criminal Appeal in Maricopa County?
At Schill Law Group, we combine deep appellate experience with a client-first approach. Our team fights relentlessly for justice, just as we do in trial defense. We understand the high stakes and the Arizona court system, and we offer free consultations with 24/7 availability.
Top Criminal Appeals Attorneys
OUR SERVICES
Criminal Appeals
If you have been convicted at trial, we review trial records for legal errors, prosecutorial misconduct, improper evidence, jury instruction issues, and more. Our goal: reverse convictions, vacate sentences, or win new trials.
RULE 32 Post-Conviction Relief
If you have been convicted at trial, we review the transcripts of your case to potentially challenge constitutional violations, newly discovered evidence, ineffective counsel, and other grounds.
Rule 33 Post-Conviction Relief
If you have entered a guilty or no-contest plea, we can review court documents to potentially address claims available to “of-right” petitioners, including ineffective assistance and sentencing errors.
Need A Free Consultation?
If You or a Loved One Have been convicted at trial, or have entered into a plea agreement that you think is unjust, contact us today for a free, no risk consultation. Appeals and post-conviction relief cases are time-sensitive, so don’t delay in getting the experienced and aggressive representation you need and deserve.
Appeal & Rule 32 Criminal Attorneys
Arizona has strict deadlines for filing appeals and post-conviction relief petitions. Delaying can forfeit your rights forever. We file and litigate Rule 32 (for convictions after trial or contested probation violations) and Rule 33 for guilty/no-contest pleas) petitions, targeting issues like innefective assistance of counsel, newly discovered evidence, constitutional violations, and changes in the law.
We also provide additional support for:
* Sentence Modifications
* Probation Violation Appeals
* Habeas Corpus and Federal Relief Where Applicable
* Comprehensive Case Review for Overlooked Issues
Our Team
John Schill
David Yuhas
