A Conviction Is Not Always the Final Word.

A guilty verdict or sentence may be followed by legal proceedings involving appellate review or post-conviction remedies. These procedures are not interchangeable, and the deadlines can be strict. Rier Jordan, P.A. evaluates criminal appeals and eligible post-conviction matters to identify which, if any, legal avenue may be available.

Request an Appeals Consultation · Call (305) 899-1212

Understanding the Available Paths

Direct appeal. An appellate court generally reviews claimed legal errors based on the record from the proceedings below. The issues and standard of review matter, and an appeal is not simply a new trial.

Post-conviction relief. Some claims may be raised through separate proceedings, including appropriate Florida rules for matters not resolved on direct appeal. Eligibility and timing depend on the claim and case history.

Sentence-related motions. Certain issues may concern whether a sentence was imposed lawfully or whether specific relief is available. The correct procedural vehicle varies.

Federal appeals. Federal cases follow their own appellate procedures and deadlines.

Probation and record-related relief. Modification of supervision and sealing or expungement are separate legal processes; they should not be described as criminal appeals.

Appeals Begin With the Record and the Calendar

A useful initial review identifies the court, judgment or order entered, date of rendition, notices already filed, prior appellate proceedings, and any current deadlines. Important deadlines may be very short. For example, many Florida criminal direct appeals require a notice of appeal within 30 days after rendition of the appealable order, subject to the applicable rules and circumstances. This is general information, not a calculation of your deadline.

What an Appellate Attorney Reviews

Counsel may examine orders, transcripts, motions, objections, trial rulings, sentencing records, and legal authorities. The potential issues depend on what occurred below and which arguments have been preserved or remain legally available. No attorney can determine the merits of an appeal from the result alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can new evidence be introduced on direct appeal? Generally, a direct appeal focuses on the record below; other procedures may be required for certain claims involving matters outside that record.

What if the deadline is close? Call promptly. A website inquiry does not preserve a deadline.

Does an appeal guarantee another trial? No. The available relief depends on the legal issues and appellate court's decision.

Can someone seek relief after an appeal is finished? Some post-conviction avenues may exist, but eligibility and timing depend on the case.

Request an Appeals Review

Have the court, case number, relevant orders, and dates ready when arranging a consultation. Avoid sharing confidential details through the general website form.

Call (305) 899-1212 · Request an Appeals Consultation

Deadlines vary. Submitting a form does not establish representation or preserve a filing deadline. No result is guaranteed.

Different Legal Problems Require Different Remedies.

An appeal is not a second trial. The appropriate approach depends on the order being challenged, the court record, preserved issues, and any applicable procedural restrictions.

01 / DIRECT REVIEW

Direct Criminal Appeals

Review of appealable judgments and orders for potentially reversible legal error. Includes evaluation of the record, preserved issues, and briefing.

02 / POST-CONVICTION

Rule 3.850 Motions

Evaluation of qualifying post-conviction claims, which may include ineffective assistance of counsel or other grounds available under Florida law.

03 / SENTENCING

Sentencing Challenges

Review of potentially unlawful sentences and appealable sentencing rulings, including the need to preserve and timely raise issues.

04 / APPELLATE ORDERS

Appeals from Denied Relief

Assessment of whether orders denying certain post-conviction motions or other relief may be reviewed by an appellate court.

05 / CASE ASSESSMENT

Appellate Case Review

Identify the stage of the case, what rulings may be reviewed, critical deadlines, and whether further examination of the record is warranted.

Time matters. Many Florida criminal direct appeals require a notice of appeal within 30 days of the applicable written sentencing order. Other proceedings have different rules or deadlines. Contact counsel promptly to assess yours.