Direct Criminal Appeals in Florida State Courts

Miami Criminal Appeal Attorneys — Direct Appeals in Florida

A criminal conviction doesn’t have to be the end of your case.
If you believe your trial was unfair, your sentence excessive, or your constitutional rights violated, you have the right to appeal.

At Rier Jordan P.A., our Miami appellate attorneys represent clients in direct appeals throughout Florida’s state courts, including the Third District Court of Appeal and the Florida Supreme Court. We focus on correcting errors that occurred at trial, overturning wrongful convictions, and reducing unjust sentences.

What Is a Direct Appeal?

A direct appeal is your first opportunity to challenge a criminal conviction or sentence after judgment is entered.
It asks a higher court to review what happened in the trial court to determine whether legal or procedural errors occurred.

A direct appeal is not a new trial.
No new evidence or testimony is introduced — the appellate court reviews only the record, motions, and transcripts from your original case.

Common grounds for appeal include:

• Improper admission or exclusion of evidence

• Prosecutorial misconduct or discovery violations

• Ineffective rulings on pretrial motions

• Judicial bias or jury instruction errors

• Sentencing errors or constitutional violations

The Florida Appeals Process

Florida’s appellate system is highly structured and time-sensitive. Missing a single deadline can permanently bar your appeal.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Notice of Appeal

   • Must be filed within 30 days of the final judgment or sentence.

2. Preparation of the Record

   • Trial transcripts, exhibits, and motions are compiled for appellate review.

3. Briefing

   • Your appellate attorney files an initial brief outlining legal errors and arguments.

   • The State files an answer brief.

   • You may file a reply brief to respond.

4. Oral Argument (if granted)

   • In some cases, the appellate court holds a hearing where attorneys argue the case before a panel of judges.

5. Decision

   • The appellate court may affirm, reverse, remand, or modify the judgment.

Our firm handles every step of this process, ensuring that your appeal is meticulously researched, written, and argued for the strongest possible result.

Courts We Handle Appeals In

Rier Jordan P.A. represents clients in all levels of Florida’s appellate system:

• District Courts of Appeal (DCA) — including the 3rd, 4th Circuits

• Florida Supreme Court (in limited cases)

What Can Happen After an Appeal?

If your appeal succeeds, several outcomes are possible:

• Reversal of conviction (charges dismissed)

• New trial ordered

• New sentencing hearing

• Modification or reduction of sentence

• Remand for further proceedings

Even if your appeal is denied, you may still pursue post-conviction relief (Rule 3.850 motions) or federal habeas corpus petitions.

Our firm evaluates every option to continue fighting for your freedom.

How Rier Jordan P.A. Handles Criminal Appeals

Appellate work is complex and detail-oriented — it requires deep legal analysis, strategic writing, and familiarity with Florida’s appellate rules.

Our appellate defense strategy includes:

• Comprehensive review of trial transcripts, exhibits, and motions

• Identification of preserved and fundamental errors

• Thorough legal research and citation to case law

• Persuasive written briefs that tell your story effectively

• Oral argument before appellate panels when appropriate

We combine trial insight with appellate precision — ensuring your appeal is backed by both factual understanding and legal mastery.

Common Direct Appeal Issues in Florida

Our appellate attorneys frequently handle cases involving:

• Evidentiary Errors: Illegally obtained evidence or improper expert testimony.

• Jury Instruction Mistakes: Misleading or incomplete instructions affecting the verdict.

• Prosecutorial Misconduct: Improper arguments or discovery violations.

• Sentencing Errors: Incorrect guideline scores, minimum mandatories, or restitution issues.

• Ineffective Assistance of Counsel: (for collateral review after appeal).

Each appeal is unique — and small procedural details can make the difference between freedom and finality.

Why Choose Rier Jordan P.A.

• Focused on Appellate & Post-Conviction Litigation

• Decades of Combined Appellate Experience in Florida courts

• Comprehensive Trial-to-Appeal Representation

• Proven Record in High-Stakes Felony Appeals

• Meticulous Legal Research and Brief Writing

• Personalized Guidance Through Every Stage of the Appeal

We are trusted by clients and other attorneys to handle Florida’s most complex and serious criminal appeals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a direct appeal in Florida?
You must file a Notice of Appeal within 30 days of sentencing. Missing this deadline usually forfeits your right to appeal.

Can I introduce new evidence on appeal?
No. A direct appeal reviews only the record from the trial court. New evidence must be raised later in a post-conviction motion.

Will filing an appeal stop my sentence?
Not automatically. You may need to request a stay of sentence while your appeal is pending.

What if my trial lawyer made mistakes?
Those issues may form part of your direct appeal if properly preserved. Otherwise, they can be raised in a Rule 3.850 motion for ineffective assistance.

How long does the appeal process take?
Typically 6–18 months, depending on the complexity of the case and the appellate court’s schedule.

If you or a loved one has been convicted in Florida, don’t wait — the clock on your appeal is running.
Our experienced appellate attorneys at Rier Jordan P.A. will evaluate your case, identify trial errors, and file your appeal before the deadline.