Los Angeles Criminal Appeals Lawyer

Introduction: Criminal Appeals by a Los Angeles Criminal Appeals Lawyer

A Second Chance After Conviction

A criminal conviction in Los Angeles can feel like the end of the road. But in truth, it can be the beginning of a powerful new chapter — one where you fight back, restore your name, and reclaim your future. The appellate process exists because mistakes happen — judges misapply the law, juries misunderstand evidence, and prosecutors overreach.

At Power Trial Lawyers, we believe one bad trial should never define a life. Our firm represents clients in every division of the Second District Court of Appeal and before the California Supreme Court, challenging wrongful convictions, unlawful sentences, and violations of constitutional rights that occurred in Los Angeles County criminal courts.

Whether your conviction came from Downtown Los Angeles (CCB), Long Beach, Van Nuys, Compton, Airport (LAX), East L.A., or anywhere across Los Angeles County, our team knows the appellate terrain — the judges, the process, the pressure, and the strategy it takes to win.

When everything is on the line, you need appellate lawyers who understand how to turn error into opportunity.

Call Power Trial Lawyers at (888) 808-2179 or request a confidential consultation online.
Time is critical — you have just 60 days to file a notice of appeal.

The Purpose of a Criminal Appeal

A criminal appeal is not a second trial; it’s a legal review to determine whether the court that convicted or sentenced you followed the law. Appellate judges do not re-evaluate witness credibility or new evidence. They examine the trial record— the transcripts, motions, and rulings — to identify errors that may have violated your rights or affected the outcome.

In Los Angeles, all criminal appeals are heard by the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, which oversees the largest trial court system in the United States. The appellate court’s role is to ensure that every verdict issued by the Los Angeles Superior Court — whether from a misdemeanor bench trial or a complex felony jury trial — complies with California law, constitutional principles, and due-process protections.

Power Trial Lawyers has extensive experience presenting cases before this court. We understand its divisions, judicial preferences, and procedural standards — knowledge that comes only from years of focused appellate practice.

The Los Angeles Court System and the Second District Court of Appeal

Where Appeals Begin

Every criminal case in Los Angeles starts in the Los Angeles Superior Court, which operates more than 30 courthouse locations across the county. Once judgment is entered and sentencing imposed, any appeal from that conviction or sentence is directed to the Second District Court of Appeal in downtown Los Angeles.

The Second District is divided into eight divisions, each with its own panel of justices. It reviews criminal, civil, and administrative appeals from Los Angeles County and several neighboring regions. For criminal defendants, this is often the first and only opportunity to have their conviction reviewed by a higher court.

Why This District Matters

Because Los Angeles County generates more criminal filings than any other county in California, the Second District shapes much of the state’s criminal appellate precedent. Its decisions influence not only local cases but also appellate practice across all six California districts.

Power Trial Lawyers regularly appears before this district and understands how to present appellate arguments that resonate with its justices — grounded in law, supported by record citations, and free from emotional exaggeration. We argue cases the way appellate judges expect them to be argued: logically, accurately, and persuasively.

Common Grounds for Criminal Appeals in Los Angeles

Not every trial error results in reversal, but certain categories of errors are both common and consequential. Our attorneys have successfully identified and litigated the following types of appellate issues throughout Los Angeles County:

Judicial Error

Judicial error occurs when a trial judge misinterprets or misapplies the law. This can include incorrect evidentiary rulings, improper limits on defense testimony, or sentencing outside statutory authority.

Example: A judge allows testimony that violates the hearsay rule or misstates the elements of an offense during jury instruction.
When such mistakes prejudice the outcome, the appellate court can reverse or remand for a new trial.

Prosecutorial Misconduct

The prosecutor’s duty is not to win, but to seek justice. When that duty is violated — through inflammatory argument, suppression of exculpatory evidence, or introduction of inadmissible material — it undermines due process.

Brady v. Maryland (1963) 373 U.S. 83 established that withholding favorable evidence violates constitutional rights.
Appellate courts take such violations seriously, often reversing convictions where prosecutorial overreach compromised fairness.

Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

Defendants have a constitutional right to effective representation. If trial counsel failed to investigate, present critical witnesses, or object to improper evidence, that failure may warrant reversal.

Strickland v. Washington (1984) 466 U.S. 668 created the two-part test: (1) deficient performance and (2) resulting prejudice.
Los Angeles appellate courts apply this standard regularly to ensure defendants receive competent advocacy at every stage.

Improper Jury Instructions

Jurors rely entirely on the instructions given by the judge. A single misstatement can misdirect their understanding of the law.

People v. Kobrin (1995) 11 Cal.4th 416 – incorrect instruction on the definition of “materiality” required reversal.
Because jury instruction errors strike at the heart of a fair trial, they remain one of the strongest appellate grounds.

Insufficient Evidence

The appellate court must ensure that every conviction rests on substantial evidence. If the record lacks proof beyond a reasonable doubt, the conviction cannot stand.

People v. Johnson (1980) 26 Cal.3d 557 confirms that evidence must be reasonable, credible, and of solid value.

Sentencing Errors

Los Angeles judges impose thousands of sentences yearly, and miscalculations occur frequently. Enhancements may be stacked incorrectly, credits overlooked, or discretion misused.

People v. Scott (1994) 9 Cal.4th 331 affirmed that appellate courts may correct unauthorized sentences even if no objection was raised below.
Correcting a sentencing error can dramatically reduce incarceration time.

Constitutional Violations

Illegal searches, coerced confessions, denial of counsel, or discriminatory prosecutions all trigger constitutional scrutiny.

Miranda v. Arizona (1966) 384 U.S. 436 ensures that custodial statements are voluntary and informed.
If the record shows a violation of fundamental rights, appellate relief may follow.

Cumulative Error

Sometimes, the combined effect of several smaller errors renders a trial fundamentally unfair.

People v. Hill (1998) 17 Cal.4th 800 – multiple prosecutorial and judicial errors warranted reversal under the cumulative-error doctrine.

Each of these grounds has led to overturned convictions in the Second District Court of Appeal. The key is identifying them early and framing them correctly.

The California Criminal Appeal Process — Step by Step

1. Filing the Notice of Appeal

The appeal begins when a Notice of Appeal is filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court within 60 days of sentencing. This one-page document transfers jurisdiction to the appellate court. Missing this deadline almost always ends the right to appeal.

People v. Mendez (1999) 19 Cal.4th 1084 – strict jurisdictional enforcement.

2. Record Preparation

The trial record is compiled — including the Clerk’s Transcript (motions, pleadings, verdicts) and Reporter’s Transcript (testimony and oral rulings). This record is the foundation of the entire appeal.

3. Appellant’s Opening Brief (AOB)

Your appellate attorney files a detailed written argument identifying legal errors and explaining how they affected the outcome. The AOB is the single most important document in the case.

4. Respondent’s Brief

The California Attorney General’s Office defends the conviction, arguing that the trial was fair and any errors were harmless beyond a reasonable doubt.

5. Reply Brief

Your counsel may then file a reply, clarifying points and rebutting the prosecution’s reasoning.

6. Oral Argument

The attorneys appear before a three-justice panel for oral argument. Each side presents focused points of law and answers questions from the justices.

7. The Decision

The court issues a written opinion — published or unpublished — affirming, reversing, modifying, or remanding the case.

People v. Watson (1956) 46 Cal.2d 818 sets the standard for evaluating whether an error was prejudicial or harmless.

8. Petition for Review

Either party may petition the California Supreme Court for review of significant legal issues. Though granted in a small percentage of cases, Supreme Court review can establish precedent affecting the entire state.

Timelines and What to Expect

The appellate process is deliberate and document-driven. In Los Angeles, most criminal appeals take between 12 and 18 months, though complex cases may take longer. There is no definitive time, as every case varies. The time reference here is an approximation of typical times, though your case may be different.

During this time, your Power Trial Lawyers team will provide:

• Monthly status updates on filings and deadlines
• Copies of all briefs and court notices
• Strategic discussions regarding oral argument and next steps

We also evaluate bail pending appeal where appropriate under Penal Code § 1272.1 — allowing qualified defendants to remain free while their appeal is pending.

Cost and Transparency

The cost of a criminal appeal varies depending on record length and issue complexity. Factors include:

• Transcript fees charged by court reporters (set by statute)
• Filing fees (typically modest for criminal appeals)
• Attorney time for record review, legal research, and brief drafting

At Power Trial Lawyers, transparency is non-negotiable. Every client receives a written fee agreement outlining estimated costs and deliverables. We never over-promise; we focus on value and results.

Appeals are an investment in your freedom and your future. With our team, you’ll know exactly where every dollar goes and what each phase of your appeal entails.

What Makes Power Trial Lawyers Different

1. Focused Appellate Experience

Unlike general criminal defense firms, we maintain a dedicated appellate practice. Our attorneys brief and argue cases exclusively before California appellate courts, honing specialized experience.

2. Statewide Reach, Local Insight

We handle appeals across all 58 counties but maintain deep familiarity with Los Angeles judges, prosecutors, and court culture. This combination allows us to contextualize every argument strategically.

3. Ethical and Realistic Guidance

We provide clear assessments — never false hope. If an appeal has limited potential, we say so honestly. Our integrity defines our reputation.

4. Strategic Legal Writing

Our appellate briefs are known for their precision, authority, and readability. Each argument is supported by statute, precedent, and meticulous record citation.

5. Proven Track Record

From reversals to sentence reductions and remands for new trials, our results speak for themselves. While no outcome is guaranteed, our history demonstrates consistent success through skill, diligence, and advocacy.

The Human Impact of Appeals

Behind every appellate brief is a human story — a family waiting for news, a client seeking redemption, a life on hold. The appellate process is technical, but its purpose is profoundly human: to ensure that justice was not lost to error or haste.

At Power Trial Lawyers, we approach every case with empathy balanced by realism. We know that appellate law is about correction, not emotion, but we never forget that people’s lives hang in the balance. Our mission is to combine legal precision with human understanding — fighting for justice while guiding families with clarity and compassion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I contact an appellate lawyer after conviction?
Immediately. You have only 60 days to file a notice of appeal from the date of judgment.

Can you handle my case if I had a public defender?
Yes. We frequently handle appeals for clients originally represented by public defenders or trial counsel of record.

Can I introduce new evidence on appeal?
No. Direct appeals are limited to the existing record. If new evidence arises, post-conviction petitions (such as a habeas corpus petition) may be appropriate.

Can you appeal a guilty or no-contest plea?
Certain legal issues — such as constitutional violations prior to the plea — remain appealable. We evaluate each case individually.

How long does an appeal take in Los Angeles?
Typically 12–18 months, depending on the size of the record and the court’s docket.

Can I get released on bail during my appeal?
In some cases. Bail pending appeal is discretionary and requires strong legal grounds.

What outcomes are possible?
Affirmation, reversal, remand, sentence modification, or in rare cases, complete dismissal.

Your Los Angeles Appeal, Your Future

A conviction does not have to define your life. California law provides a structured and fair path to challenge errors and restore justice — but only if you act within the deadlines and with skilled appellate counsel.

Power Trial Lawyers represents clients in every Los Angeles County courthouse and before every division of the Second District Court of Appeal. We combine legal scholarship with unwavering dedication to give your case the strongest possible voice on appeal.

Call a Los Angeles Criminal Appeals Lawyer for Immediate Consultation

The appellate clock is running. If your conviction or sentence was entered in Los Angeles County, you have 60 days to act. Once that window closes, your right to appeal is gone.

Call Power Trial Lawyers at (888) 808-2179 or request a confidential consultation online.

Our firm represents clients throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Sacramento, and every county in California before the Second District Court of Appeal and the California Supreme Court.

When your freedom, reputation, and family are at stake, choose the appellate team trusted across California for accuracy, integrity, and results — Power Trial Lawyers.