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Ohio Criminal Appeals Attorney

Fortress Law Group represents clients who need a comprehensive strategy to appeal convictions of juvenile crimes, misdemeanors, and felonies.
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Criminal Appeals Attorney in Cleveland and Throughout Ohio

Whether you were found guilty of DUI, a misdemeanor, or a felony, the prospect of going to jail has frightening implications for your future. However, if you strongly feel that your case deserves a second look due to an unfair trial or inappropriate sentencing, you can choose to appeal the decision.

At Fortress Law Group, we provide criminal appeals clients with assertive legal representation, presenting arguments to a higher court in an effort to secure another trial due to defects of procedure or evidence.

Even if a different lawyer represented you during the trial, our criminal appeals attorney can take on your case and discuss steps to pursue a second chance by filing a Notice of Appeal before the 30-day deadline.

With a dedicated defense attorney at your side through the appeals process, you can regain confidence and your trust in the fairness of the criminal justice system. For a case evaluation, call the team at Fortress Law Group today.

Reliable Legal Representation for Various Charges

Whether you are appealing a state or federal charge, you can count on Fortress Law Group to review your case based on the latest case law and procedural rules.

Our Willoughby criminal appeals attorney helps clients file appeals for the following convictions:

  • DUI / OVI
  • Juvenile crimes
  • Theft, fraud, and burglary
  • Violent crimes and gun crimes
  • Drug crimes
  • Sex offenses

At Fortress Law Group, we defend good people accused of bad things. Schedule a consultation today.

Appeals And Expungement

Our Willoughby criminal appeals attorney can handle processes and remedies post-trial. If you’re found guilty, that’s not the end of the line for you. The team at Fortress Law Group can file an appeal on your behalf to make sure your case gets reviewed and all aspects are covered to secure a fair decision.

Additionally, we can assist if you want your record expunged or removed. This is highly possible if you were once involved with juvenile crimes. After all, everyone deserves a second chance in life. The expungement of your juvenile record allows you to restart your life with a clean slate. Call us today so our Willoughby criminal appeals attorney can start evaluating your case.

Basis For Filing Appeals

Appealing the decision of your case is well within your rights. There are instances wherein your case may deserve to be reviewed. The law requires criminal charges to be proven with the highest standard of proof -- and that is proof beyond reasonable doubt. Thus, if there is any irregularity in the arrest, discovery, or even the handling and admission of evidence, that’s a good reason to appeal the decision.

Whether you’re sentenced for a misdemeanor or a felony, you need an experienced lawyer to file your appeal. You don’t need just any appellate lawyer; you need someone who is experienced in criminal defense and is adept at navigating the complexities of court procedures and the preparation of an effective appellate brief.

When you call Fortress Law Group, your case will be evaluated and reviewed thoroughly. Once we take on your case, you can expect our team’s complete focus and attention. We understand the psychological toll a criminal conviction carries. Depending on the circumstances, we will apply relevant case laws and file for other remedies that can give you relief.

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Why Choose Fortress Law Group?

Extensive Experience – Established in 2009, our firm has represented thousands of clients in various kinds of criminal cases. Our criminal defense attorneys make sure each client is diligently represented and protected throughout the trial.

 

Professional and Reliable – We value the trust and confidence each client gives us. The criminal justice system is complex, but we are dedicated to guiding you throughout the process to ensure your rights are protected.

 

Comprehensive Criminal Defense – Our team of attorneys is knowledgeable and up to date with all the relevant case laws and procedural rules in court and will ensure all your bases are covered.

 

Flexible Consultation Times – Facing a criminal charge is a serious matter. You must communicate with a lawyer as soon as possible. That’s why our communication lines – online and via phone – are available for clients to reach out to us at any time.

Would I Go To Jail While My Case Is Pending Appeal?

Not necessarily. After a conviction from the trial court, the sentence does not always have to be served immediately. If you intend to appeal the conviction, you may file for an appellate bond to remain free while your case is still being reviewed on appeal.

However, the approval of the bond is not automatic. The higher court will also consider several factors, such as the severity of the crime and the length of the sentence, before approving an appellate bond. Talk to our Willoughby criminal appeals attorney to know more.

Can I Hire A New Lawyer When I File An Appeal?

Yes, it is within your right to get a new lawyer during the appeal. Whether you were dissatisfied with your previous counsel or you have simply lost your trust and confidence in them, you can choose to hire a new attorney for your appeal.

A guilty verdict can still be overturned, especially if there are discrepancies in the course of the trial. Violations of due process, which can occur from the time of your arrest, can also overturn a guilty verdict.

Even if our lawyers did not originally handle your case, you can count on us to work on your appeal. You only have 30 days to file notice that you will appeal. Contact the team at Fortress Law Group today for a case evaluation.

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Related FAQs

Appeals

What is the appeals process in Ohio?

After the conclusion of your case, your criminal appeals attorney must file your appeal or request an extension within 30 days. Most appeal lawyers in Ohio file an extension to have more time with the case notes for an appeal. Once the court receives the appeal, the prosecuting attorney reviews the petition and the court transcripts to draft a counterargument.
When the prosecuting attorney finishes their brief, three appellate judges will read the defendant’s and prosecutor’s brief and hear oral arguments from both attorneys. They will vote on whether to uphold or overturn the original court’s decision.

What reasons can I use to file an appeal?

You can’t file an appeal just to seek a “not guilty” decision. Courts usually uphold a jury’s decision unless the evidence in the court transcripts suggests the original trial procedures were incorrect or unfair. An appeal is a way to potentially rectify an error in the court procedure in your case.

Some issues in successful appeal cases include evidence that shouldn’t have been permissible, an error in the court procedure, or allowing damaging testimony from an unreliable witness. Our criminal appeals attorney, Matthew C. Bangerter at Fortress Law Group, will advise you on the best approach.

What happens if the appellate judges reverse the original court decision?

An appeal does not turn a guilty verdict into a not-guilty verdict. Instead, an appeal determines whether the original trial followed the appropriate procedures. Winning your appeal usually results in remanding the case to the lower court for a new trial.

Be aware that the appeals process typically takes over a year. Both sides and the judges need to review your trial procedures to determine an appeal decision.

Do I need an Ohio criminal defense attorney to file my appeal?

If you represented yourself in your original case or weren’t happy with your defense attorney’s performance during your trial, you should call an experienced appeals attorney, such as Matthew C. Bangerter of Willoughby, OH, to represent you. The legal briefs and forms you need to file for an appeal require extensive knowledge of Ohio court procedures.

Bangerter, a criminal appeals attorney from Fortress Law Group, can review your case from arrest, discovery, and trial procedures to determine what arguments exist for your appeal. We have represented people in criminal trials and appeals since 2009 across Northeast Ohio, and we’re ready to take on your case, too! Call for a case review at (440) 340-1740

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Matthew C. Bangerter, Esq.

As a former Assistant Prosecutor in Lake County Ohio, Cleveland criminal defense attorney Matthew C. Bangerter, ESQ. has experience with the strategies used by prosecutors to pursue their cases. As a member of the Ohio Bar Association, Lake County Bar Association, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Cuyahoga Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the Board of Directors of the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, he takes his profession as a Cleveland criminal defense attorney seriously and ensures that he is up to date with the latest case law and trial strategies.

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Whether you’re charged with a DUI, misdemeanor, or felony, the prospect of facing trial is stressful. Worse, there’s also the possibility of jail time if things don’t go well for you in court. To help you face these legal adversities, you need an attorney who can work on an effective defense strategy and make sure your civil rights are upheld throughout the process. A Willoughby criminal appeals attorney at Fortress Law Group, LLC provides clients with comprehensive legal representation from trial to appeal, if needed.
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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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