Melbourne Appeals Lawyer

When the litigation process falters in a civil or criminal case, you may be frustrated, disappointed, or downright angry about the result. In the US, our system of law is designed to address errors through the appellate process. However, if you thought trial proceedings were tough, you face an entirely new set of challenges with filing an appeal in Florida.

Our Melbourne appeals lawyers at de Beaubien, Simmons, Knight, Mantzaris & Neal, LLP have spent many years in appellate practice. We have appeared in appellate courts at the federal and state level, in both criminal and civil cases. Our appeals lawyers are well-prepared to take on the challenges that come with appellate practice in Florida. Please contact our Melbourne office to schedule a consultation regarding your matter, and read on for more information about our appeals practice group.

Representing Your Interests in Various Florida Appeals Cases

Regardless of whether you were the plaintiff or defendant at the trial level, you may have the right to get appellate court review of the findings at the trial level. Plus, it is not just the verdict that you can dispute on appeal. You can raise almost any issue that arose throughout the proceedings. Our appeals lawyers can help with:

• Civil Appeals: If you were disappointed with any aspect of a civil case during the trial process, you may seek an appeal to address the proceedings. Florida trial courts can overlook errors or make mistakes in deciding on breach of contract actions, personal injury cases, collection cases, and other matters
• Appeals from Criminal Courts: You have the right to appeal your conviction from the moment a judge or jury finds you guilty, and there are multiple areas to contest through a criminal appeal. If your rights were violated at your arrest, during questioning, or at any other state of the process, it may be necessary to take your case to the next level. Note that government officials cannot appeal a not guilty verdict due to the 5^th Amendment protection against double jeopardy.

Overview of the Appeals Process

Taking your case to an appellate court is entirely different from a trial. The process starts with filing a Notice of Appeal that outlines the reasons you want the matter reviewed. However, you cannot present new evidence or witness testimony, as the judges are focused on the transcript of the underlying proceedings.

Depending on what happened below and the issues you want to address on appeal, there may be a different standard of review. An appeal involves back-and-forth with documents and briefs. The process concludes with oral arguments, in a hearing where both sides are most likely limited to 20 minutes. Therefore, appellate practice involves an entirely different set of skills than litigation, whether your case is civil or criminal in nature. 

Contact a Melbourne Appeals Lawyer for Legal Help with Your Case

For more information about civil or criminal appeals in Florida, please contact a Melbourne appeals lawyer at de Beaubien, Simmons, Knight, Mantzaris & Neal, LLP today. You can reach our office and schedule a consultation by calling 321-421-5529. Our attorneys are licensed to handle appeals in state or federal court, and we will fight to obtain the best possible outcome in your case.