State Criminal Appeals
Most criminal defendants are simply concerned with obtaining a positive outcome for their case at the trial level, and seldom consider the possibility of an appeal before they receive an adverse ruling from the trial court. Nevertheless, it is important that a criminal defense lawyer who represents a defendant in a trial court think constantly about the possibility of an appeal and represent the client accordingly.
Handling state appeals resulting from rulings by Trial courts
At the Newark, New Jersey, and New York City law firm of James S. Friedman, LLC, Mr. Friedman handles appeals arising from criminal convictions by courts such as:
- New Jersey Superior Court
- New York State Supreme Court
- New Jersey Municipal Courts
- State and federal trial courts throughout the United States
Trial issues that lead to an appeal
Many issues can arise at the trial court level that can be the basis for an appeal in a criminal case, including:
- Denial of a motion to suppress evidence
- Denial of a motion to suppress a defendant's statement to law enforcement
- Denial of a motion to dismiss the charges
- Evidence disappeared or was tampered with prior to trial
- New evidence materialized but was not disclosed to the defense attorney or used at trial
- The trial court's jury charge was wrong
- The sentence imposed was illegal
- Improper comments by the prosecutor to the jury
Thorough research and careful analysis
Appeals are usually based on legal errors that took place while the case was before the trial court. A successful appeal rests on careful analysis of the trial court proceedings. Attorney James Friedman identifies and skillfully explains all possible reasons for appeal. Further, he is sensitive to the costly and protracted nature of appellate practice. He always seeks to advance appeals as efficiently as possible.
When serving as a trial counsel, Mr. Friedman begins to prepare for the possibility of appeal at the earliest stages of a case. He constantly seeks to include issues in the trial record that are likely to provide the basis for an appeal. When he is retained to handle an appeal for a client previously represented by another lawyer, Mr. Friedman undertakes a thorough analysis of the trial record. He then honestly advises the client and the client's family about the likelihood of success on appeal.
James Friedman's appellate practice is not limited to the courts of New Jersey and New York. He has been admitted in jurisdictions other than New Jersey and New York on a case-by-case basis to represent clients in criminal appeals. In such matters, he affiliates with local counsel and, as with all other appeals, strives to achieve the best possible results for his client.
If you have received an adverse ruling in a New Jersey or New York criminal trial, contact Mr. Friedman at 866-484-1906 (toll free) to schedule a consultation about an appeal.
