Appeals & Post-Conviction
Criminal Appeals in Missouri
A direct appeal asks a higher court to correct the legal errors from your trial. It is a different kind of fight, won on the record and the law, and the clock to start it is short.
What a direct appeal is
An appeal is a review, not a retrial.
A direct appeal does not put your case in front of a new jury. It asks an appellate court to read the record of what already happened and decide whether legal errors affected the outcome. There are no new witnesses and no new evidence. What was said and done at trial, and how it was preserved, is the case.
Do not wait
The deadline to appeal is short and strict
The window to file a notice of appeal after a judgment is brief, often only a matter of days. Miss it, and the right to a direct appeal can be lost entirely. If you or someone you love is thinking about an appeal, the time to call is now, not later.
What an appeal can raise
The kinds of errors that matter on appeal
Not every disappointment is an appealable error, and not every error changes an outcome. We read the record for the issues that a court can act on, including:
- Wrongly admitted or excluded evidence that affected the trial.
- Improper jury instructions that misstated the law.
- Insufficient evidence to support the verdict.
- Errors in the conduct of the trial that denied a fair proceeding.
- Sentencing errors in how the punishment was imposed.
How a direct appeal works
From the record to the ruling
Notice and record
We file the notice of appeal on time, then assemble the record: the transcripts, rulings, and exhibits that the appellate court will review.
Briefing
The heart of an appeal is the written brief. We identify the strongest issues and argue them with precision and the law behind them.
Oral argument
Where it is held, oral argument is a chance to answer the court’s questions directly. Credibility and preparation carry the day.
The decision
The court may affirm, reverse, or send the case back. A win can mean a new trial, a new sentencing, or dismissal, depending on the error.
Answers
Appeal questions we hear often
How long do I have to file an appeal?
Not long. The deadline to file a notice of appeal after a judgment is short and strict. Because it can pass in a matter of days, it is important to talk to an appellate lawyer as soon as possible.
Can I present new evidence on appeal?
No. A direct appeal is decided on the existing record. New evidence and issues outside the record are handled through a separate process called post-conviction relief.
Can I use a different lawyer for my appeal?
Yes. Appellate work is a distinct skill, and many people bring in a lawyer focused on appeals. We regularly step in to handle an appeal after another attorney tried the case.
What happens if I win?
It depends on the error. A successful appeal can lead to a new trial, a new sentencing hearing, or dismissal of a charge. We explain the realistic outcomes for your specific case.
Talk to us about your appeal
The appeal deadline will not wait.
If you are considering an appeal, reach out today so we can protect your options. You can reach us by phone 24/7.
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